Mid Canterbury riders and their horses made the top 10 at the 2025 Mitavite South Island Showjumping Championships held over two days at the Ashburton Showgrounds last week.
Methven Pony Club red team placed third, behind winners West Melton Weedons and second-placed Eyreton Navy. It was Methven’s highest ever finish in the annual champs, and a great result considering about 30 teams altogether took part. Tinwald placed eighth, and Methven white 10th.
Event committee member Mary Stewart of Mid Canterbury said the committee was proud of how this year’s championships came together.
Ashburton Pony Club hosted the 25th anniversary event, as it did quarter of a century earlier for the original event.
‘‘After heavy rain the night before day one, we were nervous about receiving more rain. But the weather gods smiled and we were treated to two full days of little to no rain. Competition was fierce and fun,’’ Stewart said. ‘‘It’s safe to say pony club showjumping is in good heart in the south.’’ Teams consisted of two riders in senior, intermediate and junior levels. Alongside teams from Methven and Tinwald at the 2025 Mitavite South Island Showjumping championships last week, Mid Canterbury was represented by individual riders from Rakaia and Mill Creek clubs.
A team from Methven scored third place in the Agri Magic Horseless Show Jump Champs, which involved riders dressing up and jumping six small fences together as a team. Points were awarded for costume, style and team synchronicity.
