HORSE TALK

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33068, 8 November 1972, Page 14

HORSE TALK

Show fever Show time once again, but this year it is the Royal Show, which only comes to Canterbury every six years. After months of conditioning, grooming and schooling horses and ponies in preparation for the “big show,” finishing touches to all exhibits will be applied today, the first day of judging. Limited parking space has resulted in the Agricultural and Pastoral Association requesting people to endeavour to park their trucks and floats away from the grounds as these vehicles take up much valuable space. It is hoped that exhibitors will be able to transport their gear and fed by car. New ruling The new clause in the conditions for maiden classes, whereby any horse or pony who has won a champion or reserve at any Agricultural and Pastoral show prior to Christchurch is not eligible, is well justified. Such a horse or pony is surely above maiden status.

Polo series Three-a-side polo in the restricted area of the arena always provides exciting entertainment for the spectators. This year, three members of the Rangitikei Club, I. Gould (0 handicap), P. Grace (2) and J. McKelvie (4) will represent the North Island. Their opponents will be J. Askin (2), P. South (1) and E. O’Sullivan (2).

This series promises to provide fast exciting polo: in 1968-69 South won against strong opposition, but in 1970-71 victory went to the North to even the series. Cardiff Lass After her successes at Rangiora and Ashburton it is most unfortunate for Cardiff Lass and her rider, B. Anderson, that this top stake-winning mare became sore. However, with the 1973 circuit coming up and an Australian team competing, Anderson wisely decided to spell Cardiff Lass

rather than risk jumping her at Christchurch. Southland will still be strongly represented by Bush Creek, Pegasus, Early Night and Hunter’s Moon. Dressage display A dressage display to music will be given by Mrs E. W. White (Hawkes Bay) on Rigoletta tomorrow and Friday afternoons in the main ring. This combination is New Zealand’s best, having won the Prix de St George, the top dressage event at the last Sydney Royal Show. Mr D. Holden, a long-standing supporter and worker for the New Zealand Horse Socity is travelling to Christchurch to compere this outstanding display. Four white horses, Delmont Lad (Mrs A. McCully), Desert Chief (Miss S. Daley, Imperial Blue (Miss C. Killey) and Yeti (Mrs H. Holsteine) will display their paces, while Rigoletta is working in and during the display will act as corner posts of the school.