Special Olympian hopefuls’ equestrian excellence
Marlborough RDA held a two-day event at their Blenheim arena where the local team, left, were joined by riders from Wellington, right. Photo: Supplied.
Five local equestrians have been impressing judges to earn the chance to compete in the 2025 Special Olympic Games.
Marlborough Riding for the Disabled Association (MRDA) hosted a two-day Special Olympics Equestrian competition in Blenheim over the weekend.
And the home team of Hannah Dickens, Emma McQuinn, Jarrod Te Maro, Isaiah Hei Hei and Zoe Tate all won top places.
The team were joined by four competitors from Wellington and competed in three classes: dressage judged by Sue Lucas, equitation judged by Angela Fergusson and working trail judged by Barbara Grinter.
It was the culmination of months of training under the expert guidance of coach Samara Lloyd.
The Special Olympics team uses the facilities and horses from MRDA to train and compete, however, as per the Special Olympic rules, each rider must ride an unfamiliar horse to make it fair for the visiting team.
Marlborough RDA Manager Jo Ross says the event could not have happened without the wonderful support of the community.
“Several MRDA volunteers worked with the horses, prepared the arena and supported individual riders throughout the competition.
“MRDA was also able to fundraise by holding a bake sale with baking supplied by more willing volunteers, and a sausage sizzle, sponsored by Mike from Meaters.”
The results were: Group 1 – Independent Walk Dressage: 1st Emma McQuinn riding Sundance, 2nd Fletch Gallagher riding Sonny, 3rd Isaiah Hei Hei riding Rusty.
Equitation : 1st Emma McQuinn riding Sundance, 2nd Fletch Gallagher riding Sonny, 3rd Equal – Isaiah Hei Hei riding Forest and Jarrod Te Maro riding Bloom.
Working Trail: 1st Jarrod Te Maro riding Bloom, 2nd Isaiah Hei Hei riding Rusty, 3rd Emma McQuinn riding Sundance.
Group 2 – Independent Trot Dressage: 1st Thomas Hyland riding Jinxy, 2nd Anthony Hailwood riding Forest, 3rd Hannah Dickens riding Mary.
Equitation: 1st Thomas Hyland riding Jinxy, 2nd Anthony Hailwood riding Forest, 3rd Maddicyn Willingham riding Levi.
Working Trail: 1st Thomas Hyland riding Jinxy, 2nd Hannah Dickens riding Mary, 3rd Maddicyn Willingham riding Levi.
Group 3 – Leaded Walk Dressage: 1st Zoe Tate riding Casper
Equitation: 1st Zoe Tate riding Casper.
Working Trail: 1st Zoe Tate riding Casper.