Horses for courses at Lake Hayes A&P show

Lake Hayes A&P Show junior president Ashley Robb, of Queenstown, during the grand parade.

A mounted police officer patrolled the 103rd Lake Hayes A&P Show on Saturday.

Sergeant Kate Pirovano, of Queenstown, on her horse Slide, patrolled the show keeping an eye on things.

The Queenstown Pipe Band performs during the grand parade.

Her main role was to stop the general public from walking through the area designated for horses.

Sgt Pirovano also wore an ear piece  so she could receive information and be ready to assist with general police business if needed. The pair also led the grand parade and completed a demonstration before the stock and station horse obstacle course.

Champion of the park hack section Hannah Armstrong, of Wanaka, and her horse Blixt Playtime. Photos: Mandy Cooper

"I love it. I'm very lucky I've got supportive bosses, so I can mix my passion with my  work — it's brilliant."

It was their third year patrolling the show.  About 9000 people turned out for the event to see horses competing,  check out trade stalls, listen to the Brentwood Duo, play side-show games and patronise the food and drink stalls. As the sun blazed down, free-rider Talia Allison, of Dunedin, treated the crowd to a show-stopping performance for the second year in a row.

Free-rider Talia Allison, of Dunedin, and her pony Mustang Puzzle Me during her performance at the Lake Hayes A&P Show in Arrowtown on Saturday.

First she had her pony, Mustang Puzzle Me, lie down — allowing her to play with the mare on the ground.  She then rode her horse, Mustang Shelby, over large jumps without a saddle or bridle.

Lake Hayes A&P Show president Phillip Bunn said he was delighted with how the event went.

"The day has been going really good. It's fantastic, lots of entries, lots of people, great weather — a perfect day for it."

- Mandy Cooper