It was a year of several firsts at the 133rd annual Palmerston and Waihemo A&P show at the weekend.
For the first time, the annual show was spread over two days rather than one, with yesterday being dedicated to the community and equestrian.
Some of yesterday's new events included riding for the disabled, a fluffy corner, quadrant dressage, jumping and hunter classes and ‘‘teach a boy to ride'', to encourage more men to take up the sport and feel comfortable around horses.
‘‘The majority of equestrian people are horsewomen, instead of horsemen, so it was encouraging girls and ladies to grab a partner and teach them the basics of horsemanship - [their] dad, grandpa, brother, husband, uncle, cousin, classmate, colleague or friend,'' Palmerston and Waihemo A&P show committee secretary Maria Barta said.
Mrs Barta said this year's equestrian programme was expanded to celebrate a broad community involvement in the sport and create more opportunity for competition and participation.
The committee invested in brand-new jumps for the weekend, at a ‘‘big expense'', so they were thrilled to see more than 170 competitors taking part in Saturday's equestrian events.
Saturday's events were ‘‘absolutely excellent'', despite the cool weather, Mrs Barta said.
She credited this year's success to an enthusiastic committee and an increased community involvement.
‘‘We have a really gun committee ... and they brought on new ideas,'' she said.
‘‘We're all singing from the same hymn sheet, that's what's really marvellous.''
This year, the committee created a ‘‘village atmosphere'' on the grounds.
‘‘The arena is where the equestrian and other events are taking place, but up on the high ground we had restricted vehicle access and ... that just gave us a whole lot of space to do a whole lot of other things and bring a whole lot of trade sites on board,'' she said.
‘‘Everybody was just very happy with how it went.''
Takings had not been tallied yesterday but attendance was estimated to be between 2500 and 3000 - ‘‘certainly'' up on the previous year.
Results would be collated today, Mrs Barta said.