GREAT SUCCESS FOR PONY GRAND PRIX RIDER

Sixteen year old New Zealand rider Katie Bridgeman is making waves as she excels on the showjumping circuit this season. After three consecutive wins on her pony Tallyho Scoundrel at Pony Grand Prix level, the pair were looking to be unbeatable. They placed first at Fielding Spring Show, Equidays and at the Royal A&P Show in Hawkes Bay. They have remained in the top placings at their following two events, placing fourth in the PGP at both the Wairarapa Premier Show and Manawatu A & P. The pair are currently first equal on the leader board in the ESNZ Jumping Annual Series 2019-20 Country TV Pony Grand Prix.

Katie is absolutely rapt with her recent success, her most memorable show so far being Equidays. “The atmosphere was great and the competition was the most I’ve had this season,” Katie stated. “It was a really good competitive class with a big course.  Just a great show.”   Katie and Tallyho Scoundrel, otherwise known as Gus, were the only ones to jump clear in the challenging first round, then after a clear second round were named the winners of the class.

Katie is coached by John Cottle and studies at Nga Tawa Diocesan School which has the largest on-site school equestrian centre in New Zealand.  Katie has kept Gus onsite at the school since she bought him in April last year through iSpyHorses. “My room is only a five minute walk from my paddock.  I can get up early to feed and ride in the morning, or after school we can always jump, do some cross country or school on the canter track.”   We asked Katie to tell us about Gus and his personality.  “He is really friendly on the ground and quite quirky, it takes a bit to get used to him but he’s a lot of fun.”

Katie’s hopes for the rest of the season were “To keep Gus going consistently and I’d like to keep my first place in the Pony Grand Prix series.” Katie and Gus will definitely be a combination to continue to watch this season as they chase more points in the Pony Grand Prix series.

WORDS The Team at iSpyHorses

Photo Credit & Copyright Cornege Photography
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