April 7, 2005 - An encounter with a hive of wild bees was the inspiration John Nicholson was looking for when designing his latest cross country course for New Zealand’s FEI Eventing World Cup to be held this weekend at the Kihikihi Domain (Waipa District).

John stumbled upon the hive by chance, and it has become the catalyst for his creative new themed jumps to be showcased this weekend. John is fast developing a reputation for providing unique and interesting obstacles, with last years cross-country course reflecting the wide range of sporting codes undertaken at the Kihikihi Domain. Jumps included a cricket pitch, polo sticks, a football and even a stock-car.

This year John says that he has been reacquainted with the classic children’s story Winnie the Pooh after his encounter with the wild bees. “I was having sleepless nights trying to come up with a new theme until those bees came along” said John. The detail of the course includes sculptured Roo, Piglet and Tiger figures, each with their own stump houses. “We have had a lot of fun transforming the Kihikihi Domain into Christopher Robin’s 100 Acre Wood” said John.

Other obstacles of interest include a 100 year old original restored wagon, and as well as a carved Maori Waka (traditional canoe).

The New Zealand Qualifier for the FEI Eventing World Cup commences Friday with Dressage, Cross Country on Saturday and finishes with the Show Jumping on Sunday.

Further information available from www.teawamutu.net.nz/eventing