President keen horseman

Press, 12 November 1985, Page 33

President keen horseman

Mr lan Ritchie, this year’s president of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, was a regular competitor in showjumping events in the 1950 s and 19605.

At his last show as a rider in 1964, he won several events on Limelight, including the Renown Cup, which had eluded him for many years. He had been runner-up in the cup on four previous occasions.

Some of his successes at the 1964 show were achieved on the last day — Friday the 13th, which was a lucky day for Mr Ritchie.

“Luck was with me and I couldn’t do anything wrong that day,” he said. Limelight was a good performer and, ridden by Mavis Ross, went on to win many events throughout New Zealand and represented New Zealand at Sydney.

For 17 years, Mr Ritchie was the Canterbury show’s ring master, responsible for ensuring all ring events proceeded smoothly and at the correct times.

His responsibilities included the Grand Parade, which is based on the one at the Sydney show. Mr Ritchie said the Canterbury

Grand Parade was the best in New Zealand and the committee was very proud of it.

The parade contains plenty of movement and the show ring was the right size to be filled nicely by the stock and people.

Mr Ritchie retired from farming on the Downs, near Geraldine, three years ago and now lives in Geraldine township. Before moving to the 260 ha sheep and cattle property on the Downs, in 1962, Mr Ritchie farmed at

Carew, on the north bank of the Rangitata. He cropped a 90ha leased farm near Geraldine for five years to help finance development of the block on the Downs. Mr Ritchie became a member of the A. and P. committee in 1965, and spent 12 years on the Timaru Harbour Board, including four as deputychairman, before stepping down two elections ago.