The first day of the Para Equestrian competition got underway at Hastings today, included for the first time as part of the iconic Horse of the Year Show.

Kelly Gabott and Double Espresso pipped the uber-consistent Rachel Stock and Donnergrollen, winning the Grade 3 Championship test on 61%, ahead of Stock’s 59.66%. Grade 2 win went to Frances Dick and Oxford Belle, continuing their domination of this level, with an outstanding 69.04%.

This pair has also won the South Island and National Grade 2 titles this season, with a clean sweep at all major shows. Cementing a strong start with her new mount, Larado, Ilona Lawrence notched up the highest score of the day in the para classes, with 69.50%, to win the Grade 1a Championship test. The Para Equestrian classes continue tomorrow.