‘Amazing’: Deli dashes to victory

Sophie Fountain and My Tirohanga Delight "Deli’’ won the Speed Pony Champ 1.20m at the Land Rover...
Sophie Fountain and My Tirohanga Delight "Deli’’ won the Speed Pony Champ 1.20m at the Land Rover Horse of the Year in Hastings earlier this month. PHOTO: KAMPIC / JAIMEE WHITTAKER
Wānaka equestrian Sophie Fountain, 15,  blitzed the Horse of the Year competition to win the Speed Pony of the Year on My Tirohanga Delight, known as Deli, earlier this month.
Her  one goal for Deli at their first Land Rover Horse of the Year Show  was to win the Speed Pony of the Year crown.

“We came here just for this class and it is so cool.

"To walk away with the win is just amazing. 

“The plan was to give it my best shot and see how fast I could go." 

Fountain finished more than six seconds faster than  runner-up Sally Peffers on All That Jazz.

This is Fountain’s first full season showjumping with Deli. They have been together for just under a year. 

She also became the inaugural winner of the Bizzy Canoodling Cup. 

Her stellar performance was one of two South Island wins at the competition.

Johanna Wylaars, 17, of Christchurch, won her first Young Rider of the Year crown on Campari.

Wylaars is  leading the FMG Young Rider Series.

She was "pretty stoked" with the efforts of the horse she’s ridden for just five months.

It is her first ever Horse of the Year title.

“It’s pretty special to win on him. 

"He’s very cheeky but fun to have around. 

"I am very grateful to have the ride."

 

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