Skills on & off horses tested

Ruapehu Bulletin, 21 December 1993, Page 4

Skills on & off horses tested

Perfect weather was a great help when 33 people from 8 years upwards assembled at Warren's farm on Sunday 5 December 1993 for Ohakune Pony Club's 4th Tetrathlon. Four teams tackled all four phases as did most but not all of the nine individuals. The event was run in three age groups but the format was the same for all, cross country running and riding, air rifle shooting and swimming. Results were interesting showing not all horse riders are 'complete' athletes with everyone shining in one phase or another. There is scope in this event for other athletes in the area to pit their skills against the equestrian enthusiasts in their own field, be it running, shooting or swimming. Perhaps next year more local will support us for a fun day. The last phase was swimming and the youngsters had a great time as the seniors finished their competition, followed by a cup of tea all round and the prize giving. For the first time outstanding individual performances in each phase were also awarded although the event is primarily a club non-selected team event. The club is indebted to the large number of helpers including the Warren family on whose property the first two phases were held and to the Army for the use of their facilities. 'To all working bee helpers, jump judges, time keepers

and scorers for all phases, who all helpedthe event to run so smoothly a very big thank you," said a spokesperson. Results were: 1st Raetihi Pony Club, Natasha Nichols, Virginia Morris, Cameron Morris, Sally Williams, Nicky Williams and Wayne Nichols - Average score 2040 points. 2nd Kaitieke Pony Club, Bridget Plowman, Sheldon Hutchings, Morwena Hutchings, Andrew Bryant, Melissa Dobbs, Mike Plowman, Alec Hutchings and Haidee Hutchings - Average score 1970 points. 3rd Ohakune Pony Club, Connie Cooper, Hone Brasch, Shelly Gotlieb, Evelyn Cooper, Dawn Workman and Adrian Fetzer - Average score 1813 points. 4th Waimarino Riding Club, Juanita Brausch, Graeme Hill, Robyn Hodder, and Helene Godfrey - Average score 1616 points. Individual top score each phase: llyrs and under: running, shooting & swimming, Hone Brausch; riding, Bridget Plowman. 12-1 4yrs: running & swimming, Andrew Bryant; riding, Shelly Gotlieb; shooting, Cameron Morris. 15yrs & over: Running, Alex Hutchings; riding, Sally Williams; shooting, Graeme Hill; swimming, Bert Jordan. Several indi viduals left the event determined to try even harder next year to persuade their club members to form a fullteam.