PONY CLUB’S FIRST ANNUAL GYMKHANA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 79, 21 December 1949, Page 5

PONY CLUB’S FIRST ANNUAL GYMKHANA

With the circulation of the programmes amongst the branches, preparations for the Whakatane District Pony Club’s i first annual gymkhana, to take place at the Domain on January 14, have been accelerated. Instructors are now looking for entrants for the various’ competitions, and there is every indication that there will be plenty of talent available.

Prepared with the idea of giving all the young members a chance to participate, the programme includes classes suitable for ail, even a general knowledge test for non-riders. Most events already have special prizes allocated to them, donated generously by business people and keen adult supporters of the Club. There are six trophies, for annual competition: The Hugh Armstrong Cup for the Branch gaining most points during the day, the Ohope Challenge Cup (presented by Mr Mahy Senr) for best cared-for pony and equipment, The Bell Cup (presented by Mr M. Bell) for dressage test, C. L. Jordan Cup best turned out pony and rider, Mrs Cobbe’s Cup for non-riders’ general knowledge test, and the C. L, Hudson Shield f,or the branch with most points iri the events for riders under 10.

In addition the following special prizes have been donated: Best rider (boy or girl) 15 to 17 years, Mr J. Thomas; best rider 18 to 21 years, Mr D C. Stevens; best rider 15 to 17 years over hurdles, Mr L. Berg; best rider 18 to 21 years over hurdles, Mr C. Kingsley-Smith; best rider 10 years, Mr M. Lennie; best rider 11 to 14 years, Mr R. T. Morpeth; best rider under 10 years over hurdles, Mr F. G. Macklow; best rider under 21 years (open class), Mr D. Blomfield; and two consolation prizes, best rider under 12'years, Mrs Yeoman; best rider over hurdles, Mrs McNaught. That leaves only two events * for which special prizes have not yet been allocated, the open jumping class (best rider under 21 over hurdles) and the best rider 11 to 14 over hurdles. In addition to the events mentioned there will be, if time permits, teams relay, bending and obstacle events.

Of the trophies for annual competition, the Hudson Shield may be won outright by a branch that takes it three times in succession or four times at intervals.