NZ Mounted Games
New Zealand's hopes at the 2013 NRM Mounted Games World Team Championships are looking golden, according to coach and selector Scott Borland.
The 40-year-old Scottish Kiwi had a tough time culling from the 13 world-class riders he had in his squad to name the final team of five riders and two reserves.
"It's got to be a good omen," he said. "This team is good... really good. They have plenty of experience and a lot of exposure at top international level. I am confident they'll win the gold."
The New Zealand team is spear-headed by the hugely adept Dee Cherrington (Northland/UK) who has won individual, pairs and team world titles, and is currently based in the UK.
Also part of the team is Julie Borland (Auckland), who has won national open titles in individuals, pairs and teams, and also brings plenty of talent to the side.
Steven Hooker (Waikato/Germany) is another who has been triumphant in many a New Zealand team. Rounding out the starting line-up are Nancy Te Whata (Northland) who was part of the New Zealand team to win the world teams championship in 2008, and Amie Bentall (Hawke's Bay) who has also ridden for New Zealand numerous times.
New Zealand is hosting the champs at the Horse of the Year Show in Hastings in March, where at least 10 countries are expected to compete.
Just the Kiwis and Australians will be riding their own horses, with the rest aboard borrowed mounts. That in itself brings huge challenges for the organisers, who are in the throes of training around 100 ponies from all over the country in readiness for foreign riders.
It's unheard of for any country to win the champs on borrowed horses, but New Zealand created history when they did just that in Australia in 2008. Coach Borland, Cherrington and Te Whata were riders in that team, with Bentall a reserve.
But for coach Borland, who has also ridden for Scotland and Great Britain, the Kiwis standout from the crowd when it comes to mounted games.
"New Zealand is without doubt one of the most professional teams in the world," he says. "I believe that will give us a huge edge come March. This is as good as it gets."
The team is -
Dee Cherrington (Northland/United Kingdom), Julie Borland (Auckland), Steven Hooker (Waikato/Germany), Amie Bentall (Hawke's Bay), Nancy Te Whata (Northland). Reserves: Amy Wiltshire (Hawke's Bay), Josh Dewar (Hawke's Bay). Coach: Scott Borland (Waikato). Team manager: Louise Egging (Waikato).
For more information head to www.wtc2013.co.nz or on facebook Mounted Games World Champs NZ 2013.
If you would like to know more on the sport, please head to Mounted Games.
