Pony club enthusiasts ride out in force

POSSE: The junior riders at the first bush gymkhana of the Kaitaia Pony Club season. PICTURE/SUPPLIED

Local equestrians turned out in good numbers for the Kaitaia Pony Club's first bush gymkhana of the 2015/16 season at Turners Orchard at Taipa earlier this month.

Lovely sunny conditions prevailed for the 32 riders participating in the day's programme, with the largest group being in the lead rein/ beginners and junior rings, noted club spokesperson Mac MacPherson.

"It is great to see all the new riders this year and pony club is looking very healthy in the Far North," he said, adding a big thank you to all the helpers and sponsors on the day.

The following riders and horses were among the list of competitors at the KPC's opening gymkhana on Sunday, October 4.

In the lead rein/ beginner class were Carter Nash on Bear, Max Wigley on Munch, Lexi Bradbury on Midnight, Ben Wigley on Coruba, Aria Carey on Critter, Alyana Oud on Sue Sue, Fern Tracey on Pearl, Unique Smith on Dunno, Sapphire Herbert on Honey Girl, Chloe Lilly on Crackers, Emma Bird on Koby, and Holly Schrafft on Fred.

Junior ring competitors included Kate Hammond with Trixie, Tamzyn Howell with Chipper and Orse, Ella Hammond on Kenny, Gaby Marsh on Pixie, Riley Marsh on Koda, Ruby Apatu on Zac, Charlotte Thorpe on Kal, and Zara Riddell. Contesting the intermediate class were Ranique Wakeman with Trigger, Kelly Garvin on Ebbie, Rory Jones on Wilz and Tara Jones on Sweetie; while the senior class featured Yvonne Steiner on Leah, Amy Marsh on Kumara, Sue Maria on Jazz, Kobi Coppins on Blackie, Sara Leigh on Bobby, Leonie Jones on Dee, Demelza Lilly on Crackers and Lance Wakeman on Ehoa.

The next upcoming pony club is the Mangonui club's opening gymkhana at the Kaitaia A&P on Saturday, November 21, while the KPC members continue to rally on Wednesday evenings at the Kaitaia A&P Showgrounds.

For more information, contact Mac Macpherson 408-2766.