Horse and pony show to benefit Cyclone Gabrielle flood victims

The Geraldine Horse and Pony Charity Show to be held on 6 May at the Ōrari Pony Club is an initiative by local equestrians to raise funds for the Cyclone Gabrielle Mayoral Relief Fund.

Julie Ryan is organising the event with fellow charity show impresarios Nancye Jack, Marty Pow, and Rebecca Hartnett. She says the four were struck by the harm Gabrielle caused and wanted to help the best way they could. “It’s close to our hearts,” she says.

“It will be a fun day for people and their horses and ponies, and the public is very welcome to come and watch. There’ll be coffee and food available.” Entry fees in all usual show classes, as well as an all-entrants fancy dress class, will go to the mayoral relief fund, along with spectator donations and raffle proceeds. Nancye says, “Everyone is invited, young and old, as riders.”

Many rider prizes have been donated already. Nancye says, “Local businesses tell us it’s a good idea. There hasn’t been one that’s said no. They’ve been giving things like clothing and vouchers.” She hopes others will consider contributing prizes. “And riders’ parents and grandparents, if they’d like to donate too, that would be welcomed.”

Nancye says while performance will be judged to usual standards, the event will otherwise be more relaxed than a regular show and will be a good forum for introducing horses and ponies to the ring environment “It could be viewed as a ‘green’ horse show; a good educational day for young horses. Experienced equestrians will be judging.”

Julie, Nancye, and Marty have a track record of running successful fundraising horse and pony charity shows at Ōrari. The last one, in support of Westpac Rescue Helicopter, attracted around 60 entries.

The Geraldine Horse and Pony Charity Show is at 9am Saturday, 6 May at the Ōrari Pony Club, Ōrari Racecourse, 126 Ōrari Station Road. For entry details, visit the Geraldine Pony Club’s Facebook page. For more information call Julie on 03 693 8101. Raffle available on the day. Spectators welcome; donations invited.

JAN FINLAYSON