HORSE TALK

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32975, 22 July 1972, Page 4

HORSE TALK

Overseas In recent letters home, Diana and Russell Bain, who are travelling around Great Britain in a motorcaravan, have described shows they have visited, the size of which cannot even be imagined by New Zealand enthusiasts. Most impressive at the Royal Windsor, with its historical background, was the driving marathon where 16 teams of four-in-hand competed over three days. Turnout, presentation and a dressage test on the first day were followed by the crosscountry through Great Windsor Park where teams were required to go through water and up hills. On the final day the obstacle phase against time was held and this course called for great

driving skill. A magnificent Hungarian team of extremely fit entires was the over-all winner. Next was the Devon County Centennial Show, which lasted three days and had a record attendance of 99,000 people. The show grounds there contained a shopping area where one could purchase absolutely anything. The ponies were outstanding, beautifully conditioned and schooled, although very full of themselves. The Royal Show at Kennilworth was next. One of the biggest shows in the world, the Royal is held on 652 acres with an attendance of about 40,000 a day, increasing to 100,000 the day the Queen attended. Also of interest at these shows was the excellent performances of J. Fahey and his two horses from Australia. Fahey,

who did so well on Bonvale at the Tokyo Olympics, on Warwick has had 15 places in 15 starts so far to the value of £2200. Mrs Bain feels that New Zealand's top show jumping riders could have held their own at these shows. finer type While in Scotland after visiting the Royal Highland Show, the Bains looked over the Maxwellton Welsh mountain stud. The well-known entire, Minstrel, was paraded, showing off his lovely floating action. The ponies were much finer than those in New Zealand at present. Evidently, Welsh mountain studs in Great Britain are endeavouring to breed a finer type of riding pony. Another highlight was the visit to Briery Close, a leading Arab stud, where they were most impressed with ! a 14.1 black entire, The; Shah, who was imported; from America.