Crowds thrilled by show of strength at busy Barge Park

Two hundred riders of all abilities were tested at Northland Area Showjumping's first of 10 minicircuits at Barge Events Centre, providing plenty of entertainment for onlookers.
Area delegate Gaye Edge said it was a busy day at Barge Park with the huge number of competitors turning out for the initial event.
"Numbers should be the same at the remaining rounds - perhaps even more," she said.
The minicircuits cater for riders across all age-groups as long as they are registered members of the New Zealand Equestrian Federation.
Riders can compete in the level they are most suited to - jump height varies from 1m to 75cm.
There were four divisions at Saturday's event where the riders and horses were put through their paces, judged on clear jumping and time.
Hikurangi's Nekeysha Lammers contested the Northland Pony Minicircuit on two ponies - Hakuna Matata and Meersbrooke Wildcard - and earned two firsts on both steeds.  Dargaville rider Hannah Harding also grabbed two wins on Hawai Haka.
Notable performances in the Northland Horse Minicircuit  were Ria Gunson onboard The Kat's Whiskers, Amy Sprague on Witheze, and Rochelle Frost riding Mizprint, who all scored top points.
In the Dunston Pony Minicircuit, Aria Gent on Ridgewood Playboy and Zoe Taylor on Imagine That were the standouts. Bridget Newson McNally and her horse Spirit of Abercomway, along with Grace Portinger, earned top honours in the Dunston Horse Minicircuit.
"They all took wins but, as far as points go, it's early days yet," Edge said.
Over 10 rounds, riders accumulate points and winners of each division will be decided at the end of the series in December.
The circuits are scattered throughout various Northland venues, including Whangarei's Barge Park and the Waimate North Showgrounds, to cater for the large contingent of riders travelling from around the region.
Whangarei Pony Club Kamo Branch will host the next round  on Saturday at Barge Park.