Riders arrive in force

Nearly 100 equestrian riders will join battle at the annual Bruce Forbes teams event that starts at Clareville Showgrounds today.

South Wairarapa Pony Club secretary Pat Johnson said 16 teams of riders began descending on the showgrounds yesterday from across New Zealand.

She said teams are comprised of up to six members and come from as far away as New Plymouth and Hamilton.

The teams will compete for four prizes over the two-day event, which includes dressage and cross-country today and showjumping tomorrow.

The crosscountry element of the contest features a rebuilt course that will test both horses and riders.

Prizes include the Bruce Forbes team trophy for best overall team, the Fred McKinstry Memorial Cup for best individual dressage, the Hodder Cup for best pre-training individual score, and the Burkhart Tray for best training individual score.

Mrs Johnson said the North Wairarapa Pony Club were the present holders of the Bruce Forbestrophy and have entered again to defend their title.

She said the South wairarapa Pony Club does not have a competitive side at the event this year, which was held at the Solway Showgrounds last year.

"We are organising the event this time around though but we don't have a competitive side.

"It's just how it works sometimes. Hopefully, next year or the year after."