The Pinto ponies were so beautiful here at the Horse of the Year show. The standard was very impressive, with a wide variety of markings, colours and sizes. Particularly impressive was the turnout – a lot of effort had gone into the day. It was also nice to see so many men involved showing off their fine horses.
The entries were “about average” but the quality and standard of the competition was very high, according to organisers. Only those who had qualified at A & P shows were competing.
We had a quick chat with Tracy Crossan, one of the judges, after some of the in-hand classes. She outlined what she was looking for. “I want the horses to be relaxed on the end of the lead, so they can move out and show off their paces. While manners are important, it is the paces that I am looking for.”
Also impressive were the Gypsy Cobs. There were some good entries in the classes for these chunky but elegant horses, and we hope to see more of them in the future.
The weather packed up in the afternoon for the riding classes, and by the time the Ridden Pinto Saddle Hunter of the Year was awarded to Lauren Dolan on Abalone Pearl, poor Lauren was shaking with cold! The seven-year-old mare is about to start her new career as an eventer next week at Flaxmere.
In the hunter classes, judges were looking for the best combination, taking into account paces, conformation (especially bone), and manners. Each combination was put through a workout which included a gallop.
The winner of the Ridden Pinto Show Horse of the Year is Lakeview Lone Desire, ridden by Kerry Sutherland, with Waimanu Dakota and Krista Donnelly reserve.
The Ridden Pinto Pony of the Year is Hesasuperstar ridden by Caitlin Rennie with Sizzle n Hot Hustler reserve, ridden by Hannah Vaughn.
The Loveable Rogue with Nicola Gauld won the In-Hand Purebred Gypsy Cob of the Year, as well as the Ridden Purebred Gypsy Cob title. Rosie’s Prince Charming with Annika Jackson won In-Hand Partbred Gypsy Cob of the Year as well as the Ridden Cob of the Year.
Amanda Southgate with Twin Blues Southern Jazz won the In-Hand Pinto Show Horse of the Year 4-years & over, and another South Island pair, Julie Pascoe and Northbrook Spellbound, won the In-Hand Youngstock Pinto of the Year.
There are some interviews with riders on our Facebook Page
