LIGHT HORSE EVENTS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29666, 9 November 1961, Page 22

LIGHT HORSE EVENTS

Judging Of Hunters

The first day in the show ring at the Christchurch Show is traditionally reserved for the hunter classes and the ring yesterday was in first-class condition. The turn-out of horses and riders was impressive and that traditionally correct dress of black coat and fawn breeches predominated. The day began with the lady’s hunter turn-out judged on the flat, which was won by Mirs B. G. Rutherford on Don CamdMo. There were 15 riders in this event, and all were of a fairly high standard. The judge (Mir Duncan Holden, of Havelock North) was favourably impressed with the general standard and said that most of the houses were quality animals. He did, however, mention that several competitors who were otherwise well turned out were put down because, although they carried hunting crops they had omitted to have the lash attached. Commenting on the ridden hunter classes. Mr Holden said that the standard throughout of the riders was good, but many of the riders tended to move too much in the saddle and had rattier rough hands. “Outstanding” Win The winners rode very quietly and maintained their position over fences very well. However, the standard of much of the jumping was not high. Mr Holden said that the winner of the lady rider award for the day was a 12-year-oM girl. Miss Morwenna Altin. This was an outstanding achievement. Miss Allan lost a stirrup over a jump and to maintain her position kicked the other foot free and jumped the next three fences without iron. Without moving in the saddle she regained both irons before the last jump. Mr Holden was particularly impressed with this feat of horsemanship. The award of best gentleman rider was gained by I M. Ritchie, on Limelight. Today there will be the harness and led pony classes for young stock, brood mares and stallion. A new move «us year has been to introduce classes for best-man-nered ponies. The competitions today wiU, include the Nydfa and Nydfla Memorial cups for se«rior and junior riders. The Branston cup for pony and rader unity competition and the open pony F.E.I. will be run. Wire jumping, champion hunter, hit and hurry, and the BaHantyne puissance will be decided in the light horse classes.