Stirrups for the shaken

Horses are being drafted into efforts to ease the suffering in Christchurch after last month's devastating quake. Edward Rooney reports.
Muriwai-based Lincoln Stud is puting on a fundraiser for Christchurch by offering up close and personal encounters with horses.
"We are deeply moved by the events in Christchurch," says trainer Louisa Clark. "The situation is dire and we want to do our part to help and support the people there. We can't be there to help clear the silt from the streets, or remove the rubble, but we can do our bit up here. We want to offer what we do best as way of raising much needed funds."
All money raised during the Equine Training and Handling Day will be donated to the Red Cross Earthquake Appeal.
Lincoln Stud, together with Old MacDonalds Mobile Farm, is holding an Equine Training and Handling Day at their premises at 15 Motutara Rd, Muriwai on Sunday, March 27 from 10am-4.30pm.
Designed to show off equine training methods, it will provide an interactive day for equine orientated people and an opportunity for non-equine families to get up close to these magnificent animals as well as a range of other farm animals provided by the Old MacDonalds Mobile Farm.
Activities include:
10am. Preparing for the show. Tips on how to present your horse for showing including plaiting, quarter marks, grooming and trimming. This will suit beginners or those interested in seeing how it's done.
11.30am. Work with the young horse. Louisa Clark will demonstrate training methods with a 2-year-old warmblood, including long-lining, breaking-in, handling and trick training (members of the public will be invited to interact and perform tricks with the horse to give them a memorable experience).
1pm. Riding demonstration. Louisa Clark will work with one of current students demonstrating teaching methods.
1.30pm-4.30pm. Old MacDonalds Mobile Farm will be present with farm animals for children to interact with.
2.30pm. Jumping display with Lincoln Stud's top stallion Mr. C.
3.30pm. Handling difficult horses display.
There will also be opportunities to chat with the team, and children can handle baby chicks - maybe even collect an egg from the nest.
There will be a sausage sizzle throughout the day sponsored by Super Value, Waimauku and a raffle which includes prizes donated by local businesses including Feed Direct and Arcadia.
Saddle up

Lincoln Stud, 15 Motutara Rd, Muriwai
Sunday, March 27, 10am-4.30pm
A donation is requested for entry.
If you can't make it on Sunday but would like to help the people of Christchurch you can make a donation at: www.redcross.org.nz/donate