Equestrian events popular at show

With nearly 1800 entries over three days of events at the Dannevirke A&P Show, equestrian competition was very strong.

The events were Show Jumping and Show Hunter on Friday and Saturday with Showing on Sunday.

The standard in all classes was very high, the three days allowing beginners to compete with the most experienced in New Zealand, three rings in the oval and the back ring in continuous use.

With strong winds blowing the jumps over on Friday morning, injuring one steward, competition was postponed for several hours but as the wind diminished jumping resumed, putting the organisers under pressure to reschedule and competition did not finish on Friday until late.

The Horse Grand Prix had some top New Zealand riders who handled the course with ease, eight going clear and qualifying for the jump off. Unfortunately, last year’s winner Logan Massie dropped an early rail but two others from Dannevirke — Maurice Beatson on Central Park and Mandalay Cove and Robert Steele on LT Holst Bernadette also went clear.

In the jump-off Robert was one of two to drop a rail, Maurice Beatson going clear and the placings were decided on time with Brooke Edgecombe winning, Maurice gaining two ribbons for fifth and sixth.

There were lots of local riders competing in the junior to intermediate events, young Samantha Carrington, formerly of Dannevirke and now of Takapau winning both the Junior Rider on Friday and following it up by winning the Pony Grand Prix on Saturday.

Local riders included Sally Peffers, Jenna Lee Rose, Matthew Steele, Pippa Smyth, Bayly Castles, Kasey McKenna, Adele Rycroft and Erin Trent Marcus Rose.

They all entered multiple events and came away with ribbons and experience.

The style that brought Brooke Edgecombe the win in the Horse Grand Prix.

Samantha Carrington from Takapau, winner of both The Young Rider and Pony Grand Prix.

The Six Top Placings in the Horse Grand Prix from left: 1 Brook Edgecombe, 2 Simon Wilson, 3 Julie Davey, 4 Melody Matheson, 5 and 6 Maurice Beatson.

Maurice Beatson on Mandalay Cove jumps clear.

Starting at the beginning, experienced rider Kasey McKenna introduces a new horse, Master Genie, to show jumping in the 70cm Horse/Pony Introductory event.

Pippa Smyth on Liberty KL of Dannevirke sails over a jump in the Round the Ring Horse event.