Top shearers will race for the best times, riders will jump their horses, and local dog triallists will battle competitors from outside the district.
It was an affordable day out, co-organiser Anna Nelson said.
“We make it so that parents don’t have the constant kid thing: can I have money for this? Can I have money for this? [If they want] they can give them their ten bucks to spend on their drink and hot chips and hot dog. You don’t have to spend any more.”
Other than that?
“The rides are free. It’s cool and unusual. If you bring your own food and a coffee, there is no cost for the day. The sideshows are free. The water slides are free: all the races and activities are free to watch,” Anna said.
“You can sit under a shady tree and watch the shearing or the horse events. You can get away from technology, phones and that kind of stuff.’
The shearing events will thrill many.
“It’s timed and judged. There’s always four or five racing against each other, in different age groups, right up to the open [level].
“They are the gun shearers doing the North Island circuit. It’s a big circuit with lots of prize money.”
The dog trials would allow maiden competitors and locals to have a go.
“It’s a learning event. They’ve called it the King Country versus Waikato challenge: local triallists versus some from further afield to have a little challenge against each other.
The horse events offered kids and beginners a chance to compete alongside experienced riders and have fun in the bending and barrel racing.
“We are trying to do something for kids’ ponies… for me that’s what it’sall about. Giving young riders and local riders that don’tgo to a lot of competitions the chance to have a day out and a bit of competition. It’s a big experience for some of them.”
The event had affordable entry fees compared to other North Island horse shows, Anna said. Riders didn’t need to have flash gear: just “tidy and safe” equipment.
Aria Sports Day will be at its usual location, St Helen’s domain.
