Top fun at Pongaroa horse sports

Whānau trekkers finishing the medley.

Good organisation and a nice breeze helped make the sunny day enjoyable for the annual Pongaroa horse sports on Saturday January 27.

A medium-sized crowd was well entertained by the many ponies, horses, sheep dogs and fit sheep and terrier racing.

There was a good attendance of pre-schoolers in the kindy ring, which made for some great competition with some ponies and happy riders in a range of events.

Terriers chase the lure towed by a horse.

The ever-popular fancy dress didn't disappoint, with outfits on the ponies and riders.

There were, fairies, aeroplanes, unicorns and a teddy bear's picnic, which made it very hard for the judge to decide the winners.

In the end every child ended up with a ribbon for their efforts — smiles all round.

Demi Raleigh competes in the Turning.

The day started with ponies with riders aged between 12 and 16, while horses competed in flat events and games before lunch, and the jumping and medleys after lunch.

The quality of the eventing right through the day was all done in great spirit, with cheerful banter going on amongst the Whānau trekkers from Dannevirke in the racing and jumping events.

Dog trials ran throughout the day with the newly shorn lambs proving a bit hard to pen.
Luckily for the trialists, the sheep and the dogs the area is in a shady corner, helping keep everyone cool.

Dog trialling in the shade.

Ali Mathews and her dogs won both the head and the hunt competitions.

As usual the terrier racing capped off the day, providing great entertainment — with some of the dogs more intent on chasing each other.

Food and refreshments were available all day, raffles and a blind auction and barbecue tea bought former Pongarusians back from far and wide, who agreed it was a great day and well worth the trip.

Abbey Maher in the Open Leaping.

They congratulated the horse sports committee for another well-run day. They are always on the lookout for volunteers to help out on the day, with time keeping and stewarding.
It was great to have the Aohanga and Pongaroa sports as a pre-run to the Dannevirke show, and a good opportunity to entertain the crowds again.

Winner of the fancy dress - mum and daughter.