Two local horse riders competed in the annual Pacific Horse Challenge in New Caledonia’s Noumea last month.
Madeline Woods and Eloise Beattie were members of the New Zealand team who were up against riders from Vanuatu, Australia, Tahiti and New Caledonia.
Mounts were allocated to each rider and they spent the first two days of the three-day event competing individually in show jumping.
Madeline achieved two double clear rounds which resulted in her taking first place.
The girls then took part in the teams event, joining two North Island riders, Sarah West and Sophie Littlewood.
The foursome had impressive results and scooped the silver medal.
“I was absolutely stoked. It was incredible to get placed where we did. We had such a good time over there,” says Madeline.
The result was the highest-ever placing for a New Zealand team at the event.
Madeline and Eloise are now focussed on local competitions and have their sights firmly set on New Zealand’s premier equestrian event, the Horse of the Year competition, in Hawkes Bay next year.