HORSE TALK

Press, 20 October 1976, Page 24

HORSE TALK

Second win The Riccarton-Fend-alton branch once again won the annual Prince Philip mounted team games organised by the Christchurch Pony Club at Kennels Park. Second to the branch’s number one team was the Glen-roy-Windwhistle number one side, these two teams qualifying to compete at Rangiora next week-end. The Halswell team was third, followed by Waihora number one. All the young riders thoroughly enjoyed doing their best for their branch, whether riding or giving vocal support. Gymkhana events were held in the morning and cup winners from the different age groups were Paula Hauschild (Waihora), Lynette Purdon (Ellesmere), Celia Warren (Ferrymead) and Kate O’Brien (Riccarton-Fend-allon). Riccarton Fendalton also gained the most branch points in the gymkhana section, followed by Ferrymead and Glenroy-Windwhistle, with Ellesmere and Halswell fourth equal.

Good recovery Tapioca, one of the South Island’s leading event horses, has fully recovered from his lameness, which side-lined him last winter. He is now in full work and is reported to be doing excellent dressage work for Wendy McHardy, the sister of his usual rider, Alexis. Being an advanced grade eventer, his return to horse trials competition next winter will be most welcome.

Jumping show Excellent entries have been received by the Junior Committee (Canterbury Area) of the N.Z. Horse Society for its annual jumping show and carnival at the Rangiora showgrounds on Labour Day. The Labour Day show

jumping championship, the premier horse event for A and B grade horses, has a strong field including two North Island jumpers, Singer and Atlas, owned and ridden by Stephen Davis, who is travelling through the South Island competing at a number of shows. Defending his title will be last year’s winner, High Flyer, ridden by Mrs Jane Knox from Kaikoura, while from the south will be well-known jumpers such as Al Paso (G. Sellars), Cornishman (B. Anderson), Dylan (Mrs R. Stiven), Velvet and Khalua, both ridden by D. Hutton.

Canterbury’s A grade horses such as Dusky Bay (Mrs F. West) the recent- Peerless points winner, Anzac (D. Letham), which jumped so well on the North Island circuit, Mighty Tarn (Mrs A. McCully) returning after a spell, and Freddy (Miss J, Cresswell will also provide strong competition, as could the former Otago horse, Harlequin, ridden by Mrs Knox.

The Juvenile Show Jumping Championship, which is open to A grade ponies and horses whose winnings exceed $5O, with riders under 21 years of age on the day of the show, has a big field of 28 competitors. It will be held over two rounds. The top 15 scorers from the first round will qualify for the second. Gay Prince, ridden by Jane Wightman, was last year’s winner, a notable feat for the smallest pony in the event. He will defend his title.

The most experienced horse will be the A grade competitor, Glenmist, now ridden by Mrs S. Cromie. It promises to be an exciting day’s show jumping.

An innovation this year will be sweepstake dressage competitions; classes will be held for preliminary, novice and elementary classes.