The relay event was fiercely contested. Photos: Sigrid Christiansen
PONIES aplenty competed at the Waikato Area Pony Club Ribbon Day – which featured two local clubs among the competing teams.
The biggest event was a bending relay event, in which ponies and riders weave through a line of tall poles before handing a baton on to the next rider.
It was noted that it was younger riders able to fit on the smallest ponies had the advantage: it was easier for them to manage the tight turns around the bending poles.
Ōtorohanga took out the victory with their swift riding and calm, collected baton handovers.
Te Kūiti & Districts Pony Club, which is based in Piopio, offered a strong showing with just three riders, while Ōtorohanga riders excelled with their larger team of riders, which included Āria school’s Mia Terry.
Hamilton won the Gold Cup for the second year in a row.
“Brilliant day out. Congratulations to all the riders and clubs.
“It brings me so much joy to see such wonderful attitudes and riding abilities.
“What a display in the team bending. Slightly terrifying,” the club announced on social media.
The event was held on December 1 at Kihikihi Domain.
