HoY underway

SODDEN START: The opening day of competition at HoY was hampered by wet weather. Pictured is Irina Smith, of Cambridge, on Affaire D'Amour, competing in the dressage. PHOTO/Duncan Brown

It was a soggy start to competition but show jumpers weren't too worried as it simply made for a softer landing if a rider was to fall.

Hundreds descended on the Showgrounds in their drizabone for the first day of the Horse of the Year competition.

Show jumper Elizabeth Shand was replacing her stallion's shoes due to the damp conditions.

"Show jumping shoes need really good traction, especially when it's wet."

The new shoes helped with solid take off and a safe landing while not causing divots.

However, the ground conditions should not have a bearing on rider's performances, she said.

"It will be make for a softer landing if anyone happens to fall off."

The Norwood Cup was the showcase of yesterday's competition. The historic trophy was the first of the big events at HoY with most competitors in Sunday's Olympic Cup using this event as a warm-up class.

Equestrian competition manager Toni O'Kane said while the day ticked along nicely it was very wet.

"We've gone from one extreme to the other."

Ms O'Kane said there would be a bit of ground prep to do as organisers dealt with the deluge of water on the arena.

"It's been a good start to the week, but now we just want the sun to come out."

Spectator Shayla Macdonald wasn't letting the rain dampen her high spirits.

"It's my favourite event of the year, I'm so stoked to be here."

The Nelson native has been to the last eight HoY events, but this year had special significance as she was watching her daughter Alexis compete in the show jumping for the first time.

"The competition has been strong so far, Alexis will need to be on form."