It was a dream come true to win a title at the country’s most prestigious equestrian event for one 22-year-old rider from Karaka.
Charlotte Penny was crowned Eventer of the Year at the Defender Horse of the Year in Hastings in March.
“It was pretty exciting. It is a really big deal to me (to win) and means a lot to me,” she said.
Charlotte and her mare Festival led the dressage on 30.4, falling frustratingly just short of a personal best of 30.1, added nothing in the showjumping and just 5.2 time in the Chris Ross designed cross country to finish on 35.6. Her nearest competition was runner-up Donna Edwards-Smith aboard MSE Mendoza on 50.6, with Bridie Quigley and Oranoa Greyson third on 61.9.
Winning the 4* Eventer of the Year crown also earned her the Sir Mark Todd Trophy.
“I was hoping to head to Melbourne in early June, but I actually broke my leg two days ago,” she told Franklin Times on March 22.
So, at this stage, competing in the Melbourne 4* seems more hope than reality.
“I’m wobbling around on a cast … I’m not really allowed to do anything, which, as you can imagine, isn’t easy when you’re quite active.”
On the bright side, the broken leg gives Charlotte more time to focus on her studies as she rides full-time. Charlotte is studying supply chain management and economics at the University of Waikato.
Charlotte bought Festival – or Sparky as she’s known at home – from Paris Olympic Games reserve Monica Spencer with whom she was based after completing school. Monica competed Festival to 3*, and the mare brought Charlotte through from 95cm to 4*.
“Sparky is a very sensitive mare so if you do something she gets grumpy, but she really has been incredibly patient with me as I have learnt,” said Charlotte.
She has four other mares on her competing team. Carousel is nearly at 4* level, while Actress is at 2* level, and two other mares who are just starting out, Charlotte said.
One of the best things about equestrian is the bond between horse and rider.
“With riding, the connection you have to have with your horse is special, especially when you get up the levels to the bigger heights of 4*, the trust they have to have in you and you in them is amazing. That feeling that they would do anything for you is just really special.”
Monica was her coach for the past four years.
“Monica has had a huge influence on my riding, and having that constant training when I based with her really helped progress me. Her moving to the United States was a big adjustment for me.”
She now trains with Wendi Williamson on the flat, Jeff McVean for showjumping and Heelan Tompkins for cross country and at shows.
Charlotte said she was very grateful for the support of her parents, Kellie and John, her groom Jade Urbhan and her coaches.
Whether or not she makes it to Melbourne, Charlotte’s next big focus will be planning a move to the UK in April 2026 to experience as many world-class tracks as she can with an eye to making future World Champs and Olympic teams.
