For a brief moment between rain, hail and thunder in North Otago yesterday, the sky cleared and the sun shone down on the official opening of a new equestrian arena at St Kevin's College.
Construction started in early September on the 60m by 20m arena, which is based on dressage size.
Addressing a crowd of about 50 people, deputy principal Kerry Ryan thanked everyone who had donated time, effort, thought and materials in the process.
Father Wayne Healey blessed the arena before Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher cut the ribbon.
''[The arena] really adds something to our town, and it certainly is already showing dividends for the town as far as attracting new students, so the lateral thinking that went into that has been absolutely brilliant,'' Mr Kircher said.
After the ribbon-cutting, Baxter Smith was the first rider in the new arena.
Equestrian tutor Ingela Anklew put on a balance exercise display with Bridie McGeown, before St Kevin's College pupils Ella Sanderson, Monique Sage, Georgia Sillibourne, Caitlin Middlemiss, Roshni Crow and Casey Gordon entered the arena for a pattern riding exercise.
The co-educational Oamaru secondary school introduced an equine studies programme in the second term of this year and it has been very well supported.
The idea had been suggested in the past because of the number of rural boarding pupils who ride and keep horses on school grounds.
The area around the new fenced arena will be developed and landscaped with a grass bank for spectators.
A junior equine programme will start at the arena next week, for five St Joseph's School pupils.
