HORSE TALK

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32803, 31 December 1971, Page 15

HORSE TALK

JUMPING SHOW Recently the Ashburton ; Pony Club held a most ' successful jumping show i where, with three jumpI ing rings, the club catered ; easily with the record en- ; tries. One feature was the ; beginners’ and learners’ ring, with classes from 11.2 to 14.2 hands, and by the end of the day many of the inexperienced riders and ponies were showing a marked improve-

ment. When this show wa< first held, there were very few A and C grade ponies competing, so all events were run on a handicap basis. However, with the recent increase in these sections, holding handicap events with all grades in the one class has made the programme long and drawn out. It is very likely that next year graded classes will be held. LAGOON FLAT January brings lighter entertainment to the horse world in the form of gymkhanas in many country districts. One such day is the Conway Flat Gymkhana, held at Lagoon Flat on New Year’s Day; this year the proceeds are going to the Commonwealth Games appeal and the Conway Flat school. Events for the riders include about -nine different gymkhana races, jump-

ing events, riding classes and a pony club teams’ event. For the non-riders there will be a host of novelty events. CIRCUIT SHOW Schedules are now available from Mrs D. Crow-; ther for the first circuit. show, to be held at Rangi-! ora on February 5 and 6.: A • strong North Island; team will be competing,; and with the comprehen-; sive and varied pro-1 gramme of jumping I events, the public can; look forward to some ex-; citing contests. ; Other events for the | non-jumping riders are; dressage and showing clas-;

ses for prize winning horses and ponies of the last year.