The Mount Aspiring College (MAC) show jumping team has won the Secondary Schools’ Showjumping Championship for Otago/Southland, which took place on Sunday (December 6).

MAC’s equestrian teams have usually performed well at the event, which is held in Gore each year, but their team win came as a surprise nonetheless.

Despite knowing they had ridden well individually, the red sash for the overall team winners wasn’t a given, and the whole team was “ecstatic” when the riders learned of their victory, MAC team coordinator Bernie Hewson said. 

The team from Blue Mountain College, in Tapanui, was placed second overall.

The annual event attracted 12 teams from throughout Otago and Southland for the one day championship which comprised three rounds each for senior riders (jumping at 95cm), intermediate riders (75cm-85cm), and junior riders (65cm).

Each round required slightly different approaches; Two phase (where the rider jumps one round smoothly and, if it’s a clear round with no faults, immediately jumps a second round against the clock); Instant jumpoff (the rider clears the fences in the first part of the round then carries on to jump the remaining fences against the clock); and Speed (fastest ride, sometimes taking tighter turns, or a different track to optimise their time). 

MAC’s team of six riders, all from years 7 to 11, and seven ponies had all scored individual placings in the three rounds of jumping, some even being placed on all three rounds, Bernie said.

Team captain Carter Hewson, riding Blockbuster, scored the most points over three rounds in the 95cm class and his twin sister Montana, riding Que, was awarded second highest points in the same class. 

Bernie attributed the riders’ success to their solid equestrian skills.

“We’ve got a really skilled bunch of kids,” she said. Montana, for example, won placings on a horse she had borrowed only 10 days before the champs.

“It takes a lot of skill to ride well when you haven’t had the time to build a relationship yet with your horse,” Bernie said. 

The team comprised Carter Hewson (16), Montana Hewson (16), Bella Edwards (13), Aryn Henderson (13), Sophie Fountain (12) and Lily Cousins (12). 

The team’s red sash as overall winners will go on display at MAC.

MAC physical education teacher and equestrian team manager Nikki Cameron-Small said the team’s win was a fantastic achievement, but the manner in which the students conducted themselves was outstanding. 

Montana was given recognition for kindness towards her horse and supporting her fellow riders.

“I was very proud of the students and how they supported each other,” Nikki said. 

“The equestrian team has had an impressive year and we are looking forward to building on this momentum in the future.”  

MAC’s equestrian team also forms part of the Hāwea-Wanaka Pony Club, which offers coaching and a fun learning environment for all abilities. 

PHOTO: Supplied