THE BRIDLE PATH

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30895, 30 October 1965, Page 11

THE BRIDLE PATH

Ellesmere The first show of the spring season at Ellesmere drew large entries and was only marred by the southerlv that caused officials to

abandrr the last class, the A and C grade table A. It seems a pity that this event should be so late in the programme when it usually provides the most spectacular appeal and some brilliant jumping. Run as a feature event earlier in the day instead of the often monotonous round-the-ring jumping events, it could be a real crowd pleaser. Round-the-ring jumping after the first dozen rounds becomes very boring. As the event is judged on jumping style and the result rests very much on one person’s opinion, spectators are left in doubt until the ribbons are placed. The judge’s decision is final but as everyone's idea of good style differs there is often disagreement In the open hunter at this show. Limelight appeared tn most from the ring side to jump a perfect round. Fast, clean and in his brilliant style he seemed a clear winner. However, he was not placed. Perhaps if more F.E.I. classes were substituted both competitors and spectators would get more enjoyment and the hunter round-the-ring jump could be left to the hunt clubs to run at their fixtures. Inadequate The classes at most Agricultural and Pastoral shows are inadequate. It is time some Agricultural and Pastoral committee was brave enough to break away from the old classification of

classes and judging which, perhaps were appropriate 20 years ago but now with the changed technique tn schooling, more competitors and a generally higher standard, leave much to be desired in the final distribution of awards. The Easter Show held at Leeston was a trial using a new classification of classes. Dividing the 40 odd entrants in the hack classes at Agricultural and Pastoral shows into show hacks and show hunters cut the number in the classes considerably and ensured horses of one type being judged againkt one another. The novice classes for horse or pony which has not won two first prizes Instead of the ambiguous maiden class was also a big improvement. The working hunter classes, as well as being spectacular to watch, with the horses required, to gallop and jump at speed, sought out the horse most likely to be useful in the hunting field. This event was judged on jumping style; gallop, conformation, ride and manners, and could replace to advantage the hunter-round-the-ring eomcompetitions at the A. and P. shows. Too Many Once again the size of most classes at the Rangiora Show was too great for competitors to be able to show their animals off to the best advantage or for a judge to see al) animals without dragging the classes on indefinitely. The F.E.I. jumping was marred by the very slippery ground and, also, the course for the hit and hurry event was far too tight for the class of horses competing. For experienced riders with good speed horses, the course caused little trouble, but the majority of riders found turns Impossibly tight and this resulted in much pulling of horses’ mouths, trotting or walking round sharp corners or in all a rather poor picture of an event which can be most exciting. More decorating and the use of more solid materials and more rails would have encouraged better jumping.