For horse rider Michelle Coombes there could be no better birthday surprise than winning first place, not once but twice, at the 152nd Southland A&P Show.
From performing donkeys, to cowboy challenges, wood chopping, and more sheep than you can shake a crook at, there was pretty much something for everyone.
The Invercargill woman spent her special day taking on 1.10m show jumping courses with her 13-year-old mare, Just Amber at the Donovan Park event on Saturday.
"My pony was very good ... she jumped four double-clear rounds today and there’s nothing more you can hope for than that," she said.
Ms Coombes took home first place in the 1.10m ILT and Mataura Licensing Trust open horse event and the 1.10m Helidrill open horse event.
"When she’s on, she’s on. She’s very honest and brave but she goes because she wants to go."
After competing since she was a young girl, she counted herself pretty lucky to be a part of such a supportive riding community.
"You can’t really complain. It’s a pretty good way to spend your birthday, doing something you love with your mates. We just want each other to do well."
As well as Just Amber, she owns three other horses and has competed with them all across the South Island.
"Most weekends I’m competing wherever I can, usually Christchurch and Waimate."
A few years ago, she rode in the biggest riding event in New Zealand, Horse of the Year and had ‘‘ticked that off the bucket list".
Hundreds of visitors flocked to the Donovan Park grounds over the weekend for a day full of all things country.
From performance donkeys to cowboy challenges, wood chopping and youth stockman awards, there was not a lot the schedule did not include.
With plenty of food stalls, kids games and live entertainment, the family-friendly annual celebration had something for everybody to enjoy.
