Almost 200 horses were put through their paces at the Eastern Bay Showjumping and Showhunter, held at Racecourse Park earlier this month.

The two-day show attracted 197 horses and riders travelling from a far afield as Whangarei, Auckland, Gisborne, and Taupo.

President June Berrington said they were fortunate with the weather and the well-watered arenas.

Five jumping rings were set up – two showjumping, two showhunter and a practice ring starting at 50cm for those not up to the higher level of competition.

“It was great to have them there for the future to aspire to, competing in the show.”

Eight riders contested the WDPC Barry Liddle Memorial 80cm class with Paige Ramson riding Magazine Covergirl taking the win this year.

Mr Liddle was a long-time member of the committee and well known within the BOP Pony Club. The third anniversary of Mr Liddle’s death was on February 7, a week after the event.

Local pony riders competing in both disciplines and taking out many classes with wins and placings were:  Zaria Carter (Golden Hour), Ashlee Officer (Our Gucci Girl), Maddie Paling (Velluto Rosso), Kyra Purcell (Mikado Johnny Angel) and Sophia Hall (Saltire Solar Flare).

Berrington said a few of these riders would be off to Horse of the Year to compete for titles this year.

Local Hack riders also made the visitors work for placings with Abby Hindmarsh winning the first 1-10 class of the show on her horse Mr Zebedee and Chris Peterson taking the 1-10 speed class on K K Tane Mahuta. Aleshia Bradley riding Centia was second in the 1-20 and Pro-Amature. Laureb

Maree Bicknell, Katelyn Peterson, Robbie McKay, Lisa Jones and Rowena Hayes also took away placings.

Berrington said they had received great feedback from riders who were already planning their return to the “wonderful venue” at Te Teko,

“We appreciate our fabulous sponsors and everyone who pulls together to make such a show work.”