KEY POINTS:
Who needs horsepower when you can find four eager helpers? These young steeds don't eat nearly as much hay as the four-legged variety.
The pupils from Te Hihi School near Papakura were put through their paces at Alexandra Park as part of a scheme to teach children about harness racing and hopefully attract some new talent into the popular sport.
Trainer-driver Adrienne Matthews from Patumahoe demonstrated her skills to (from right) Dylan Robinson, 10, Taylor Oakes, 11, Madison Rout, 9, and Keegan Dovey, 9. Organiser Anne Phillips said the programme was aimed at children between 8 and 10 and now had 60 schools taking part.
"We love our horses and it's a chance to take the sport into schools and give children the chance to meet the animals.
For many pupils, it is the first time they have been able to touch a horse.
