Makenzie Causer has made her Horse of the Year debut one to remember, this evening winning the much coveted UltraMox Lady Rider of the Year crown.

The 22-year-old from Christchurch and her imported mare Dolce Del Colle were one of 11 from the original 29 starters to come back for the second round where once again there was some superb riding. Francesca Corich van der Bas aboard Bannockburn ECPH was the first to go clear, coming home in 44.03 seconds. Next out came youngster Kim Carrington on her stallion Double J Typhoon who were just a smidgen slower with their clear 44.92 second round. Julie Davey and LT Holst Freda were all clean in 46.99, followed by Emma Gillies on Benrose Black Jack who left everything in tact in her 43.82 second round for third. Katie Meredith and ES Quincy went one better with their 43.29 second round for second place, but then came Makenzie who left them in her dust. Speed queen Emma Gaze and Kowhai Bug were well on track to steal the title until the second to last and had to settle for four faults in 40.95 second effort that saw them finish in seventh place.

Makenzie’s plan was always to just give it her all, especially given she’s had a shortened season due to illness.

She’s had 11-year-old Dolce Del Colle for two years and loves that she is so brave, fast and scopey. She didn’t watch the others go in the second round but knew there were some speedsters in the mix.

“I made a plan with my coaches Toni and Collin (McIntosh) and stuck to it. Collin told me to push past my comfort zone, which I did. This just means so much,” said Makenzie. “To have South Island one, two and three is great! We have some really good horses and riders there.”

Much of her success was thanks to those supporting her.

“I have some amazing people behind me, including my parents, siblings, sponsors, groom and mates. I couldn’t be more thrilled. It is nice that all that patience and hard work is paying off.”