Equestrian 2024
Huge congratulations to 15 year old Molly Smith who took out the NZ Pony of the Year title at the prestigious Land Rover Horse of the Year Show in Hastings on Sunday.
The highly anticipated and coveted Somerset Fair Trophy was decided in a captivating three-way jump-off. First competitor out, Molly laid down the challenge to the class of 25 riders, with a beautiful clear round, stopping the clock in 46.02 seconds on her gorgeous grey pony, Kabo Fortune Cookie. No one was able to match her, and she claimed victory. Molly was offered the ride on Cookie after her own pony, Vapour Trail NZPH, the current national points series leader and South Island Pony Grand Prix winner, unfortunately went lame. She showed what a super talented young rider she is by winning the Pony of the Year title on a relatively unfamiliar ride. We wish her the very best of luck with her future equestrian pursuits."
Geraldine rider Molly Smith was first out aboard her new ride Kabo Fortune Cookie and knew she had to go clear and fast to put the pressure on Emily Oliver (Kapiti Coast ) aboard Doctor Jones, and Jade Miller (Canterbury) aboard Eleanor Rigby.
She posted the perfect result, going clear in 46.02 seconds. Next out was Jade who had two down in her 45.25 second round, followed by Emily Oliver who dropped the first fence to finish on four faults in a speedy 43.73.
In winning the Pony of the Year, she has her name added to a very special list of riders on the Sommerset Fair Cup.