The Norton-Collins sisters, (from left) Ruby, 10, Sarah, 15, Eva, 8, and Lucy, 13, with Eintree Thumberlina in the Welsh pony lead rein class. Photo / Warren Buckland
The Norton-Collins sisters, (from left) Ruby, 10, Sarah, 15, Eva, 8, and Lucy, 13, with Eintree Thumberlina in the Welsh pony lead rein class. Photo / Warren Buckland
The third day of the Land Rover Horse of the Year was another successful one, with perfect weather conditions and abuzz of activity both in the ring and out.
This year's show has been a family affair for the Norton-Collins sisters, aged between 8 and 15, who are all taking part in various classes.
Sarah, Lucy, Ruby and Eva, who live in Auckland, have all been riding since they were about 3 years old.
Fifteen-year-old Sarah is unable to compete this year despite qualifying, having injured her back.
Father Garry Collins said it was good to see how well they had developed.
"When they were younger, they all had to go through lead reign which is what Eva is doing now. They were all at that stage at the very beginning, doing it just for fun and have advanced to where they are now. It is great.
"Eva can actually ride by herself ... this is her last show doing this and then she's riding by herself.
"We haven't been going to HOY much but we have been doing it for, easy, five years - not all of them but from the very beginning."
Their mother, Sue Norton, used to ride and compete in eventing, but now focuses on her children's love of the sport.
It is 13-year-old Lucy's fourth year taking part in Horse of the Year and she said the sport "is kind of a part of the family".
"We had horses when we were younger, so we have always had horses and we just chose to pop on it one day and the rest is history. It would be weird having a different life to what it is now."
Image 1 of 10: Competitors in the Lead Rein Pony of the Year event at the Horse of the Year. Photo / Duncan Brown
It was a special day for two long-time patrons of equestrian sport as they were inducted into the Horse of the Year Hall of Fame at the Cape Kidnapper's Hall of Fame Cocktail Party yesterday evening.
Sixty-three-year-old Julie Brougham and 69-year-old Ross Coles were both inducted thanks to their many years of service to the sport they are so passionate about.
Today will see the Hastings Heart of Hawke's Bay Friday Night Extravaganza as well as the Horseware Silver Fern Stakes including the New Zealand versus Australia senior test team match.
All eyes will be on the Kiwi team at 6pm as they defend the nation against the visiting team.
The weekend looms with the big titles up for grabs including the Farmlands Pony of the Year and Premier Stakes tomorrow, and the Olympic Cup, Land Rover 3 Star Eventing and GJ Gardner Homes Grand Prix Freestyle on Sunday.
