Animals in spotlight as judges deliberate
Whangamomona, said she was already looking forward to the next event.
“It’s been fun, a really good experience.”
Someone who has plenty of experience in sheep dog trials, and the Stratford A&P Show itself is Murray Austin.
Stratford A&P Show society president Paul Vanner said Murray has spent 50 years supporting the society.
“He’s been running the sheep here on the showgrounds and doing all the general stock management and husbandry. He’s been our sole agent for selling and buying our sheep here, and he and his wife are invaluable helpers.”
To recognise this, Paul arranged a surprise presentation on Saturday during the sheep dog trials, presenting Murray with a clock, some flowers and a medal for excellence from the Royal Agricultural Society.
The Beledene Premier Dairy Cow competition attracted a large number of entries on Sunday, all hoping to win the $2000 prize money and the Beledene Shield.
The winner was Cory Ferguson from O¯ torohanga and his cow Ferdon Tbone Veener. Cory said he was “stoked” to win.
“It’s a pretty good achievement and the prize is really good as well. This wouldn’t have been possible without the help of all the workers.”
The shield wasn’t the only thing Cory won at the show.
“I brought down two cows and won the senior and intermediate championships in Jersey. It was a really successful show for us.”
The last time Cory attended the show, he was 15 years old.
“It’s been quite a few years. It’s great to come back and win.”
For cousins Charlotte Brophy, 9, and Kourtney Gulliver, 10, it was a case of friendly family rivalry over in the all ages beef championship ring.
Kourtney and her calf Todd were the overall winners of the championship, while Charlotte and her calf MJ were the reserve winners. Kourtney said winning was better with friends.
“It was very good to win and I’m happy my cousin did very good as well.”
While the main part of the show began on Saturday, running through Sunday, Friday was the start for equestrian events, and while there was a fair bit of rain, it didn’t stop the riders and their horses showcasing their skills on the day.
Midhirst rider Isabelle Radford, 18, and her horse Whiskey entered the show hunting category. Isabelle says she is a regular competitor at the Stratford show, entering each year it runs.
“I always look forward to competing in the show.”
Shayde Hanover,12, from New Plymouth was entering the Stratford show for the second year, she said.
“I’ve done a lot of other show jumping events but this is just my second time here in Stratford. I enjoy competing here though.”
She and her pony Galaxy North South were entered in some of the show jumping events on the day, she said.
“It’s been lots of fun competing in them.”
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