Strong Entry For N.Z. Pony Titles At Motukarara

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30442, 16 May 1964, Page 11

Strong Entry For N.Z. Pony Titles At Motukarara

vyiTH the entries now complete for the New Zealand pony clubs’ championships, to be held at Motukarara on May 21, 22 and 23, it seems likely that the high standard of competion that regular followers have come to expect will once again be attained. Of the 14 areas in New Zealand, 13 are sending teams. There are 47 entries in the Dorothy Cambell event for riders under 17 and 34 in the 17 to 21 age group competing for the A.I. Cup together with a handsome saddle donated by John E. Butler Ltd. Many of the North Island teams have considerable obstacles to face in transporting horses and riders to Christchurch. The Northland team will have to cover 600 miles before embarking at Wellington on the ferry.

There will be more newcomers than usual this year, but among those with past successes to their credit are Jane Wilson and Sir Winstone. from Wairoa. winners of last year's Dorothy Campbell, and Kirsty McKenzie with Top Hat, from Hawke's Bay. Kirsty, who is in her last year as a “D.C.” has won this event twice before with different horses. Last year’s runner-up, Maureen Clarke with Grey Light, from Te Awamutu, will be trying again, and the third place-getter, Tosca, from Blenheim, will be ridden this time by Graham Avery’s younger brother Richard.

event with a new mare, Nellavale, who is making her first appearance at the championships. She will not have it all her own way, however, as her sister, Diana, on Young Blaze, and Annette Baxter from Rakaia with Kildare, are among some of the Canterbury! opponents. Peter McGiven, with Kyber, from Waitemata, has been working hard, and as it is his last chance he will be out to improve on last

year’s second place. Another consistent partnership in this A.l contest is Susan Thomson with Bold Alladin, from New Plymouth. Matinee, ridden by Ngaire Bennett, Southland, is the veteran of this party. However, one of the attractions of horse trials is that nothing is certain. Three of the four team members have to complete all three phases of the event even to be in the hunt. A

r good start in the dressage is n essential, and even then, one n stop in the cross-country can i, put a team right out of the i- running. J' The Motukarara race- ' course should be ideal from the spectators’ point of t- view. With the grandstand s available, shelter is assured, i. offering a good view of 12 n of the cross-country fences, e including the start and it finish, as well as the show--1 jumping phase.

Of the “A.l’s,” Jennifer Dunn, last year’s winner, from Fairlie, will be trying to achieve the unique distinction of winning this