Danielle Simpson and her horse Bartolo prepare for several
show-jumping classes at the North Otago A and P Show
yesterday. Photo by Sally Rae.
Danielle Simpson loves riding a horse that has been
turned out immaculately.
The young North Otago horsewoman was competing in showjumping
classes with Bartolo (Bart) at the North Otago A and P show
yesterday and will ride her new mount Giselle (Gem) in the
saddle hunter classes today.
While Danielle (17) loved the thrill of jumping, she also
loved preparing her horses for a show.
"I like making them all pretty ... most people hate that,"
she said yesterday.
The St Kevin's College pupil, who has been riding since she
was 3, has had much success with her hack Quartermaster,
commonly known as Charlie. She used him to learn advanced
dressage.
Charlie (19) was now semi-retired and Danielle planned to
take what she had learnt from him to teach Gem, whom she has
only been riding since the start of the month. The show is
the combination's first outing.
Danielle's friend and neighbour, Jess O'Brien, was with her
at the show yesterday, having escaped earthquake-stricken
Christchurch.
A minute's silence, in remembrance of the earthquake victims,
will be observed just before the grand parade at 3pm, while
Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton will also say a few words.
Livestock judging will be held today and it is a feature show
for black and coloured sheep, attracting more than 60
entries. It is also a national show for Highland cattle.
There will also be a terrier race at 11am, a bachelor
bake-off, judged by Bevan Smith from Riverstone Kitchen and
compered by Te Radar at 12.30pm, and a fashion parade at
1.30pm.
Following the grand parade, there will be a hay-making
demonstration.
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