Waimarino adult riding report

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 674, 18 February 1997, Page 12

Waimarino adult riding report

The New Zealand Riding Club North Island Team Event was held this year at the Equestrian Centre in Hamilton in early January. It was extremely well run by Graeme and Debbie Hill, former members of the Waimarino Riding Club, with 20 teams competing. Great camping facilities were available with good grazing for the horses, as the previous wet weather produced plenty of grass. The Wai mari no team of The Abba Dabba Doos performed well without major placings coming sixteenth overall and had a wonderful time. Their safety turnout for the cross country phase was particularly noted. Team members were Evelyn Cooper, Helene Godfrey, Robyn Hodder, Joanne Marama, Adrienne Maru and Jenny Mottram with support crew of Heather Cooper and JCnny Gardner. Nick van der Sande and his team of eight DB Clydesdales gave a great display in the sand arena with four pairs of horses and their drivers performing 'The Southern Cross' . a musical display pulling light harrows. It was truly a wonderful sight and their first performance in New Zealand. A similar drive is sometimes performed at the big horse shows in London by draught-teams there. The club's next meeting will be at Christine Tarrant's on SH1 south of Waiouru on 10 March and members and potential members^are welcome. The annual gymkhana will be organised at this meeting.