It’s been a great year so far for Cambridge rider Kate Welten. The student teacher won the National Young Rider title for the second consecutive year and so far Horse of the Year has gone her way too. After decisively winning yesterday’s warm-up test, her streak continued today when she narrowly edged out her closest rival Kelly Van Dyk, to win the CDI-Y FEI Young Rider individual test.

Welten and Van Dyk are now in their third season of going head to head. Often less than a fraction of a percent separates the pair; both of whom have international experience and are regulars at the top of the Young Rider leaderboard. Today the win went to Kate riding Amajah, on 65.68%, with Kelly and Wolhkahn just a whisper behind on 64.31%. Both showed lovely quality work and Van Dyk rode well to keep her horse relaxed after he reacted to the HOY atmosphere yesterday.

Rebecca Goldsbury rode beautifully on Avante Garde but unfortunately the atmosphere got the better of him again, to finish down the field on 58.92%. Caitlin Benzie rode a nice clear round on Greendowns Laredo to take third spot on 62.05%, then Anya Noble on Microchip on 60.71%.

Tomorrow the riders perform their final test - the musical freestyle test, always hotly contested.

CDIY FEI Young Rider Individual Test:

1: Kate Welten (Cambridge), Amajah, 65.68%; 2: Kelly Van Dyk (Putaruru), Wolhkahn, 64.31%; 3. Caitlin Benzie (Drury), Greendowns Laredo, 62.05%; 4. Anya Noble (Hamilton), Microchip, 60.71%; 5. Rebecca Goldsbury (Waipukurau), Avante Garde, 58.92%