The New Zealand endurance horse riding team which includes Timaru's Linda Pullar has taken a win in Christiana, South Africa.Pullar, riding a loaned 10-year-old grey South African mare, was the second kiwi rider home and a strong contributor to New Zealand's success.
Pullar was selected among the four-strong kiwi team to compete against South Africa at last year's Horse of the Year Show in Hastings.
During the 122km event Pullar said her loaned horse was well behaved, especially as there were a number of animals in the wildlife park.
She was delighted with how scenic the event was, taking in sights of eland, springbok, a rhino and giraffe.
"Some riders saw monkeys and zebras but there was no time to lose concentration on the ride as the stones under the soft red soil posed a continuous hazard."
As the ride was on flat terrain and Pullar was used to the rolling New Zealand hills she said she found herself getting quite sore from riding in the same position and in an unfamiliar saddle.
The kiwis managed to finish the day with the fitter horses however, several of their opponents failing the required veterinary testing.
"When our final rider came in we were jumping for joy and hugging each other.
"It's a day that we will never forget."
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