Pitt and Moore Winter Dressage kicks off in the sun

Charlotte Baxter

There was a strong turnout for the first of four in Nelson Dressage’s Pitt and Moore-sponsored winter series, with the sunny weather providing perfect riding conditions. Many new faces graced the stage alongside regular local riders and a number of Blenheim riders who travelled over for the day.

Several younger riders moved up a grade, with Oliver Shattock and Buddy Brilliant achieving a personal best in level 2. Scarlett Rodd and Almost Legal moved up to level 3 with two solid tests for 2nd and 3rd places in a strong class, while McKenzie Burrell and Pine Eyre Dash placed second in both level 2 classes. weeks of training preparation for the upcoming Global Games, Finn says it’s been hard, but fun, work.

There were many multi-generational families competing too – seven mother and child combinations, one grandmother and granddaughter, an aunty and her two nieces and as well as two sets of siblings. The second winter series is at Rough Island Equestrian Park on Sunday, 28 May.

Despite all the hours in the pool, he says it’s always worth it when he gets in the water and puts on his cap and goggles.

“I enjoy just all of swimming. There’s heaps of times I just get through it, but it’s all quite enjoyable at different times.”

For Finn, it will be the first time he’s gone on a big overseas trip, saying he’d had previous holidays overseas but a lot closer to home. The quadrennial Virtus Global Games is the biggest event of its kind, designed as an elite competition for athletes with an intellectual disability.

Of the approximately dozen New Zealand athletes expected to compete at the Games, the Top of the South region has three athletes. Nelson’s Alfie Linn will represent the country in table tennis, while Blenheim Swim Club’s Jack Bulger has also been selected alongside Finn.