Riders do well

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 422, 4 February 1992, Page 12

Riders do well

The Waimarino Riding Club took part in the New Zealand Riding Clubs Team Champs on 27 and 28 December. This consisted of a team of six members with four competing in each phase at a time. This year's team was Evelyn Cooper, Helene Godfrey, Debbie Hill, Graeme Hill, Juanita Brausch, Heather London and Heather Cooper as Manager. The Champs were held at the National Equestrian Centre at Taupo. There were 19 teams from all over the North Island competing this year.] four phases Team turn-out and team ride: The judges very critically examine each horse and rider for their grooming and turnout. Then all four must ride an unrehearsed team ride in the arena as the judge commands. The Waimarino team looked excellent in their smart gold uniforms and receivecf many compliments from other competitors. They were placed 3rd in this event. Quadrille: all four members ride a dressage performance to music in costume; a spectacular fun event. Many hours of work are put into the choreography, choice of music and costume design, followed by hours of practise to perfect timing. The local team again received many compliments for their imaginative performance, brilliant military costumes and polished riding. They were placed 5th. Cross country team ride; all four members

ride around the crosscountry course together and are marked for their ability to clear the fences and on their sportsmanship and team-work. A professional ride placed them 4th. Gamblers show-jump-ing: each of the four members ride this individually. Unfortunately the team experienced a few hiccups here but still managed a creditable 8th. At the end of the weekend, after being washed out by an amazing thunderstorm, the Waimarino Riding Club, one of the smallest present, was awarded 4th overall. Judge Mr Errol O'Brien claimed the Waimarino Riding Club

was the most active and friendliest in the country. The Waimarino Riding Club is open to anyone over 17 years who is interested not only in competition riding, but more importantly in enjoying horses and riding. They go trekking frequently and meet once a month mainly to help others with any problems and discuss horses in gcneral. Anyone interested, evcn if they don't currcntly own a horse can contact either the presidcnt - Mrs Evelyn Cooper 3858-466 or the secretary - Mrs Adrian Maru 3854-685. The next meeting will be in the second week in February.