Dressage arena draws attention

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 539, 7 June 1994, Page 12

Dressage arena draws attention

Equestrian Christine Reynold' s competition-sized dressage arena on her Rangataua property is drawing a lot of attention from motorists using adjacent Stage Highway 49. The 20m x 60m all-weather arena will soon be even more eye-catching with a 2.4m x 2.4m stainless steel mirror that Christine intends to have installed. Stainless steel rather than glass was selected for added safety and durability. The addition of the mirror will enhance Christine' s dressage technique by enabling her to analyse her form while in 'competition mode.'

The arena that has alternating layers of scoria, pumice and bark was installed by local contractor Taura Transport Ltd.The scoria-pumice-bark combination is currently under revision by Christine, due to a water retention problem that has arisen due to the extremely high level of precipitation experienced last month. The bark layer that effectively reduces jarring may have to be removed and replaced with a layer of sand to alleviate the problem. Christine, who uses the arena every day with her champion mount 'My Warrior', is using the off-season to . gain instruction and prepare for next year's round of dressage competition.