Twin sisters in remarkable feat

Twin sisters Anna and Jessica Poole, of Edendale, are about to write themselves into the New Zealand pony club championship history books after being selected for the Otago-Southland team.

The year 12 Menzies College students are believed to be the only twins to be selected in the same year, and in the same team, for the three-day horse trial. However, their feat is even more remarkable because they will be riding half- sisters China Arrow and Country Arrow. The two mares, which are the same height but vastly different in terms of experience, were by Lone Arrow out of thoroughbred mares.

For Jessica this would be her first trip to champs and she rides the more experienced China Arrow, which has competed at the event twice before with Anna on board.

Anna rides the relatively inexperienced Country Arrow which, until two years ago, was in the broodmare paddock. It had been particularly satisfying bringing the 15-year-old mare through the grades, Anna said.

Horses have been a big part of the twins' life since they could pick up the reins. Members of the Wyndham Pony Club, they have competed in various disciplines and only latterly focused on eventing.

To make it into the Otago-Southland team the 16-year-olds performed well at the three qualifying events – Wakatipu, Aparima and Tapanui – finishing second equal overall in the DC grade.

The pony club championships will be held next month at Hawera. The only other Southlander in the team is Jade McRae, of Invercargill.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Newest First

Oldest First