Whakatāne District Pony Club made a successful return to the North Island Show Jumping Championships, sending a team to represent the district for the first time in six years – and the comeback was well worth it with the team finishing second overall.

Club spokeswoman Michelle Rust said they were incredibly proud of the talented and up-and-coming riders from Whakatāne Pony Club and Kawerau Pony Club.

“It was a pleasure to see all of our riders placed in their individual classes, highlighting the level of talent within our district.

“We congratulate all our riders on their outstanding performances and well-earned results.

“In addition to our team, we were also able to send two riders to compete in the ‘Taste of Champs’ class.

“This is a fantastic opportunity that allows developing riders to gain valuable championship experience and continue growing their confidence and skills for the future.”

Rust said huge thanks must go to June Berrington, who managed the team and went above and beyond in her support of the riders.

“We are very lucky to have June sharing her knowledge, experience, and dedication with our clubs.

Team members:

n 1.05m: Kyra Purcell riding Minqua, Aleriya Domino riding Cardinal H

n 1.00m: Maddie Paling riding Velluto Rosso, Liv Brownlee riding Renard en Chaussettes

n 90cm: Lauren Craill riding Weiti Bugatti, Sophia Hall riding Saltire Solar Flare

Taste of champs

n 80cm: Bailey Paling riding Versailles Premier

n 80cm Bonnie Brownlee riding Pigs Can Fly.

Day one results:

AM5 Class: Bonnie Brownlee 80cm 5th; Sophia Hall,  90cm, 3rd; Lauren Craill, 90cm, 7th; Kyra Purcell, 1.05cm, 4th.

Accumulator Class: Bonnie Brownlee, 80cm, 2nd; Bailey Paling, 80cm, 8th; Kyra Purcell, 1.05cm, 1st;  Maddie Paling, 1.00m, 6th.

Day two results:

Two-Phase Class: Bonnie Brownlee, 80cm, 2nd; Bailey Paling, 80cm, 6th; Lauren Craill, 90cm, 1st; Liv Brownlee, 1.00m, 8th; Maddie Paling, 1.00m, 9th.

Jigsaw Class: Lauren Craill and Sophia Hall, 90cm, 2nd; Maddie Paling and Liv Brownlee, 1.00m, 3rd; Kyra Purcell and Aleriya Domino, 1.05m, 1st.