On the 3/4/5th May 2002 the Championship CD was held at Taupo for the second year running. As the ridden three day event was to be held the next week, there was a little concern initially that we may get in each other's way but as it turned out, apart from a few confusing flags, all seemed to go smoothly. The National Equestrian Centre was looking a picture having had a major spruce up and with newly mown arenas, our dressage and cones area was gorgeous. Also, it was very kind of the other organizing committee to put up an awning over the front of the Charisma lounge for our prizegiving!!

There were a few changes from last year, with a static presentation competition that was voluntary and judged independently from the main event, and five dressage judges for the dressage competition, a new experience for them as well as the competitors!

There were 17 competitors, which considering the long gap in competitions this year, I felt was a reasonable number.

The social centre of the weekend was in the marquee kindly loaned by the Egmont/Wanganui Hunt Club, and although it nearly self destructed in the winds during the marathon, it was resurrected by a few strong men, supervised by Snow Bennett, and was the scene of a very enjoyable after dinner event on Saturday night. The weather was basically kind and though cold and very windy at times, there was no real rain and mostly ideal conditions for driving.

With the very generous sponsorship we had, most competitors went home with some sort of prize. The overall class winners also received a dress rug and the grooms were not forgotten.

Overall, the impressions I got of the weekend were that everyone had had an enjoyable weekend and were talking already of next year!!!

Isabel Cochran
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Zoe Wilson from Hawkes Bay, one of two Junior drivers, with Kiwi, ex Karen Coe's.

Rosemary Smith with groom Di Thompson, driving Deep Secret; overall winners in large pony class.

Sno Bennett with Michelle Barsony grooming, driving Captain Morgan and his new young one Shenandoah, known as Shandy.

Robert Loizell, daughter Emma grooming, from the Manawatu; driving Flynn. First in their class in the marathon.