Veteran rider returns to the big time at Dannevirke A&P Show Grand Prix

Doug Isaacson on Elmo during the Horse Grand Prix.

Veteran show jumper Doug Isaacson competed at the top level at the Dannevirke A&P Show on Friday/Saturday February 2-3, exactly 65 years after his first competition ride as a five year old at Dannevirke in 1953.

Then he placed third in the Under 10 years under 10 hands competition, competing over a 68cm jump.

Some of his compatriots at that time were Barry Scott, Bruce and Barry Hales.

This year, riding seven-year-old Elmo, bred by Tom Fleming at Owahanga Station and owned by Des Snook, Doug took out the 1.30m competition against the elite riders on Friday and then joined them in the Horse Grand Prix finishing 16th.

Doug going clear on Elmo in the 1m.30 Friday competition.

For Doug it was the first time he has competed in the Horse Grand Prix for eight years, mainly because he says he has not had a horse good enough.

This year Elmo's performance on Friday encouraged Doug to enter in the Grand Prix for the first time.

Doug said the horse "got a bit eager," knocking down three rails for 12 faults.

Doug has enjoyed riding the horse and thinks its future is bright.

He said delays due to a trip overseas, a virus for the horse and a leg injury to himself was not the ideal build-up, but he is looking forward to future contests as the horse is young.

Doug thinks he is — at 70 years old — the oldest rider in New Zealand competing in the premiere events.

He has no idea how many grand prix wins he has had over his 65 years of competing.

He remembers specific events and has memorabilia from others.

One in particular was in 1960 when, as a 12 year old he won the Under 14 Hands open pony jumping, the bare-back riding and the FEI Pony Jump.