Teka Triumphs in TWOTH

IRT The Way of The Horse more than delivered at EQUITANA Auckland with Coastie Tui Teka reigning supreme after four inspiring days of competition.

TWOTH featured Kiwis Tui Teka and Emily Weibel and Australians Sharna Little and Brett Davey spending just four hours over the entire event, taking unhandled three-year-old horses from wild to willing over the four days.

It proved a huge hit with the audience, with numbers growing by the day. All of the work was done under the watchful eyes of judges Jonny Hilberath, Andrew Nicholson and John Lyons.

As the competition progressed, the crowd chose their favourites and weren’t backward in cheering them on. Teka quickly became the firm favourite of many, but everyone celebrated the small gains made by each rider.

At the heart of everything done by the four was the horse. Each of them at various times of the competition spoke about the importance of not pushing the horse outside comfort zone. The horses themselves are closely monitored throughout the event.

As well as individual honours, there were trans Tasman bragging rights on the line – the trophy for which the Aussies proudly hoisted high.

However, the individual crown was a little more complicated. With each of the judges coming from very different backgrounds, their focus was on quite varied talents and skills.

And while the riders also had quite different philosophies there were definite crossovers in methodology.

Today’s finale was 15 minutes in a much larger arena for each competitor. It was clear the horses were wary of the far more open surrounds, and with each competitor wearing a microphone, the audience had a real insight into what was unfolding before them.

First out was Kiwi Emily Weibel who had a challenging horse to work with but made some solid progress.

“He is going to make a great horse for someone one day,” she said. “Some horses can be pushed (further) but not this type of horse. I was really happy with him though and have thoroughly enjoyed being part of TWOTH.”

Teka was really happy with his steel grey.

“I couldn’t have asked for much more. I am very happy with this little filly,” he said. “I knew from the beginning this mare had a little fight in her and I pushed her through it. It has been absolutely amazing to work with her – she is a pleasure. She makes me smile.”

For him, it was about building the trust, desensitising her to all the obstacles in the arena.

“If I force her, then I lose her trust.”

Just as the clock ticked down for Teka he stood up on the back of the horse and cracked a stock whip – much to the delight of the crowd.

Australian Sharna Little had a lovely quiet way with her bay horse, achieving much in the 15 short minutes.

Australian competitor Brett Davey was full of praise for his lovely grey.

“I love this little horse,” he said. “To have something that trusts you so much after just a couple of hours is so special.”

Where the others had opted for stock saddles, Davey bravely chose a jumping saddle.

“This is either very brave or very silly,” he said. “He really is a super little horse though.”

Teka was a humble winner.

“I am a bit speechless,” he said. “This has been an amazing journey for me. I have really enjoyed this week, and to my horse, a big thank you.”