COMPETITIONS

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 110, 5 November 1915, Page 5

COMPETITIONS

A picturesque event was the lady's and gentleman's hack class, in which riders of each sex had to be judged as a pair. Some very finely-mounted couples cantered round the oval. Mr. H. Hussell's Sardine and Micky Free were awarded first prize, and Mr. E. Short's Golden Arch and Gang Awa' were placed second.

The public were keenly interested in the competition which was to decide the best Jady rider (astride). The oldfashioned side-saddle is now quite out of favour, even on the heaviest mount. Mrs. E. Groome (Hastings), with a perfect seat, judging from the masculine point of view, won the event, and Miss Jessie Angus, a most graceful rider, came second.

The riding abilities of a number of ladies were tested in the hunters' competition for ladies, The ground was slippery, and the biting rain and high wind were not calculated to improve the horses' tempers. Frai] indeed some of the ladies appear astride on the backs of their heavy mounts. There was only one accident, Mrs. Beeker being rather heavily thrown owing to Mr. E. Short's horse Scout slipping at the second hurdle. Though stunned, the plucky rider' was soon able to walk across the oval (.o her friends. Mr. J. J. Bryce's (Hinau) Twilight won the event, Mr. H. HusseH's (Hastings) Mickey. Free getting second place.

The other event of the afternoon was the qualified hunters' competition. This was won by Mr. H. Hnssell's Mickey Free (ridden by the owner in clever style), with Mr. J. J. Bryce's Twilight second, and Mr. W. Bremer'j (Hawera) Utility third.