Equestrian: Kiwi rider Caroline Powell savours remarkable win at prestigious Badminton horse trials

New Zealand equestrian rider Caroline Powell has produced a timely reminder of her undoubted quality with a big win in the UK to catapult back into contention for the Paris Olympics.

Powell's become just the second Kiwi woman to win the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials aboard her mount Greenacres Special Cavalier.

She joins iconic Kiwi equestrian names like Todd, Tait, Nicholson and Price in winning the event.

Powell's win couldn't have come at a better time, with the New Zealand Olympic equestrian team due to be named next month.

Placed 33rd after dressage before surging up to sixth through cross country, Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier needed a to be perfect in Monday's show jumping, and they delivered a remarkable penalty-free run.

"[Cavalier] was absolutely amazing in the showjumping," Powell told RNZ. 

"She's only 11 years old so she's a true professional and she jumped very very well.

"She's just always been a bit special in her own way and today she proved that she's extremely special," Powell said.

Powell admits the result blew her expectations out of the water.

"I thought third place would be great, but to win – wow," she said.  

"It's awesome and it means so much - I'm not in my youth and just to get a horse to this stage is difficult enough, but to win - I can't believe it.

"We came in to the week sort of hoping that we were going to jump a double clearance and have a good week but to win has been a major added bonus ...very exciting."

The 51-year-old's effort may have paved the way for another appearance at the Olympics.

New Zealand equestrian rider Caroline Powell has produced a timely reminder of her undoubted quality with a big win in the UK to catapult back into contention for the Paris Olympics.

Powell's become just the second Kiwi woman to win the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials aboard her mount Greenacres Special Cavalier.

She joins iconic Kiwi equestrian names like Todd, Tait, Nicholson and Price in winning the event.

Powell's win couldn't have come at a better time, with the New Zealand Olympic equestrian team due to be named next month.

Placed 33rd after dressage before surging up to sixth through cross country, Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier needed a to be perfect in Monday's show jumping, and they delivered a remarkable penalty-free run.

"[Cavalier] was absolutely amazing in the showjumping," Powell told RNZ. 

"She's only 11 years old so she's a true professional and she jumped very very well.

"She's just always been a bit special in her own way and today she proved that she's extremely special," Powell said.

Powell admits the result blew her expectations out of the water.

"I thought third place would be great, but to win – wow," she said.  

"It's awesome and it means so much - I'm not in my youth and just to get a horse to this stage is difficult enough, but to win - I can't believe it.

"We came in to the week sort of hoping that we were going to jump a double clearance and have a good week but to win has been a major added bonus ...very exciting."

The 51-year-old's effort may have paved the way for another appearance at the Olympics.

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