A Day at Foxton with about 500 Horses

 

 

Manawatu Pony Club National Showhunter Championship

Warning, this is photo heavy

Friday was  practice day at the Foxton Racecourse for the above event. I cannot say how many riders there were, maybe 500, equal number of horses, parents helping, volunteers on the gates, at each ring, judges sitting and carefully evaluating each rider in turn.

Our granddaughter Danielle was in this, the first really big event for her.

I decided to take the smaller  18-55mm lens, no tripod, as I had no idea how far we night have to walk, how large the crowds would be and if I would be close enough to use a tripod. Well, lesson learnt, the tripod would have been a breeze, and the telephoto lens, lots of railings to rest on, everywhere.  Even so , I still have 200 photos to sort out, discard and edit. There was hardly any sunshine, dull clouds, too much wind, and I struggled to get enough lighting in any photo.

This is the first instalment of a wonderful day   Mouse over each photo for the title.

There were covered stalls, and open ones. Danielle’s  stall for her horse Fire was somewhere near the horse with the red cover.

Horse trucks came in all sizes, from a single float, to a home on wheels, generators going, drivers having a snooze, and more.

 

I was repeatedly warned “ Mum, keep away from the back legs!! Don’t stand  there, the horses walk down here!! Walk the other way, the horses are waiting for their turn!! You and Dad, sit in those chairs and don’t get lost!!”

But even so,I managed some close-ups.

This wee girl was from the Wairarapa, the youngest rider of the weekend.I think she is 8 years old, a real sport as she agreed for me to take her photo. Thanks so very much.

 

 

Yes,that is me, aka the rounder than taller girl, in winter clobber.Note those gumboots, I did try to wash and clean them, but on the day, everyone had well worn, sort of clean, dirty, or totally filthy ones, so I didn’t feel ashamed at all!!!

It was very easy to see those who are often at these events,clothes to fit the day.

This young man was from  Waitara?? I had hoped to see him in the hack ring, but all events were running behind time, and I had to be at the first ring by 11.40, for Danielle’s next ride. Sorry Jack? # 459?? Hope you did well.

Girls and coats of  blue, some more of the Rotorua team

Even the Rotorua Team Mascot has a blue coat, and why not, it was cold, very windy, and  he needed it.

Saddles of polished leather, sheepskin underlays?? and another liner sometimes?? As  you can see, I am not up with the technical terms!!!

Danielle, finishing her second round. It was so very windy, gale force the night before, and with her next round, one of the rails was blown off, horse shied, and the judges allowed her to repeat.

And, after all, this would not be right if I didn’t have lots of Danielle and Fire, to finish  off.

 

 

 

We had a great day, and I could say there would be as many grandparents there as parents and riders, but so cold. Fleece tights, fleece pants, thick socks, gumboots, heavy weight merino top, thick fleece jacket, Gore-Tex raincoat, merino hat, and I needed every layer. I could say I was more round than tall!!!

Quotation of the day, by Amber Senti

The horse, with beauty unsurpassed,

strength immeasurable and grace unlike

any other,

still remains humble enough to carry a man upon his back.

Greetings from Jean