Dunedin free rider Talia Allison’s daredevil display of skill and trust stole the show at the Lake Hayes A&P Show.
Ms Allison (23) gave an enthralling demonstration of riding her horse Mustang Shelby without a saddle or bridle at Saturday’s show.
The 15-minute ride featured jumps of up to 1.5m with just a free rein for control, hands-free jumping and galloping, and hopping on and off the horse, all to the delight of the crowd.
"It was so good," Ms Allison said.
"I’m so happy with the way she was jumping. She loves it; that’s the reason she does it."
Ms Allison has owned the horse for about six years.
"It takes years and years to get the bond.
"It’s over a year just to get to know a horse and then the bond we have for jumping in that style, a lot of riders never get to that point."
It was something of a homecoming for the Irish Hunter crossbreed, who is originally from Queenstown.
Thousands of people turned out for the 102nd Lake Hayes A&P show at the showgrounds off State Highway 6. Ashburton’s John Booth led the main parade at noon with Clydesdales Anja and Sam, from his Dayboo Stud stables.
Later in the afternoon, they demonstrated their power in a tug of war with more than 30 children.
Equestrian events, wood chopping and sheep shearing continued the traditional show theme, while alpaca shearing and men’s fashion in the field featuring stubbies and beanies added something of a modern twist.
Scores of locals showcased their home industries skills, with prizes for the pick of baking, vegetables, preserves, flowers and more.
Lake Hayes A&P Show Committee president Phillip Bunn said it was a "fantastic crowd".
"I’d say we’ve easily had five or six thousand through the gates today."
