The Pony Clubs Golden Games — Ohakune's view

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 622, 6 February 1996, Page 6

The Pony Clubs Golden Games — Ohakune's view

The Golden Games at Waiouru will be an event never to be forgotten. The hard work, the perfect weather, the 350 horses, the sight of the teams descending the hill from Helwan Camp and back up to the Games site in its perfect amphitheatre setting, and the excitement of the games. Everything went like clockwork and the spirit of fair play was everywhere. But heartfelt thanks from Ohakune riders go to Chris Wilson and Ann Roke and their helpers who ensured the Games success in spite of the inevitable behind-the-scenes glitches. Teams were placed in groups named after past presidents of the NZFCA with five or six teams per group who worked and played with the same 25 or 30 people until the semi-finals. All team games were timed and the 12 fastest of the 66 teams went through to semi-finals and finals. Two Ohakune team members had not represented the branch before but together with the old hands had a marvellous time. The team performed well in all games and gained 3rd place in the stepping stone dash. The team was Adrian Fetzer, Dawn Workman, Angela Fraser and Hone Brausch, with Heather Cooper manager and Robyn Hodder and Evelyn Cooper helpers. Leilana Hunter, reserve for the Ohakune team, was invited to ride for the Opiki/Linton branch who had been unable to field a team. She helped them to win two rosettes. Between the practice day the competition day on Sunday 8 January, a trek was taken across farmland out onto Army land in the Rangipo Desert following the Whangaehu v River in part. The effect of the lahars was very marked and all the sub alpine scrub the group rode through was covered in fine ash which rose in clouds causing the horses to sneeze often. After the trek they were washed down and eyes and noses carefully cleaned to prevent irritation. Show jumping A week later the North Island show jumping championships were held in Cambridge where Adrian Fetzer riding Silver was a Waimarino PC team member, riding well with one clear round in his first outing at this level. At the same time Evelyn Cooper, Connie Cooper and Natalie Hodder attended the Kaitieke Pony Club Camp and had a delightful week giving or receiving instruction and trekking. The weather was very hot and most of the rain came after the days' riding activities were over. Polocrosse was played for the first time by many who had lots of fun even if the skills were not quite mastered. Jeanette Barrett, a national PC Instructor, demonstrated vaulting — a form of gymnastics on horseback — which is very common in Europe especially Germany where there are few small ponies for children learning to ride. Seven senior riders learned the basics and some later demonstrated to all the camp. Two horses adapted very quickly to the idea of people moving around on their backs and learnt to keep moving steadily when their instincts were to stop whenever the rider's balance changed. The combined Taihape Dressage Group and King Country Area Dressage Day at Raetihi on Sunday 21 January was a success with 40 people attending in hot weather with four Ohakune riders taking part. Evelyn Cooper riding Mountain Fox gained a Ist and 3rd place in the training events and Connie Cooper riding Ascot a 3rd in the 12 years and under Championship test. Branch rallies will continue as time permits and the next rally is on 10 or 1 1 February, to be advised. Club contact: Evelyn Cooper, 385-8466.