For David and Grace Telfer, there's nothing like the smell of hay and horse manure.
The retired Weston farmers have been judging at up to a dozen A and P Shows a year for the past 42 years around the South Island. And no matter where they are, the ambience of a showground always makes them feel at home.
Between delivering judgements on the quality of the horses and show-jumpers at the Strath Taieri A and P Show in Middlemarch yesterday, Mrs Telfer (68) said they began judging sheep and horses at A and P shows in 1966 after many years of showing livestock.
‘‘Our family had a lot of fun competing at shows and we felt we should give something back. So we took up judging.''
Mr Telfer (69) said travelling up, down and across the South Island, from Invercargill to Nelson, for several months of the year was a great lifestyle.
‘‘It's more like a holiday. We do it for relaxation, and it's a good opportunity to catch up with all the friends we've made at the various shows.''
But being a travelling judge had its down side too, he said.
‘‘Judging is always one person's opinion. It's one of those jobs where you are the most popular and the most disliked person all at once, depending on which entrant you are talking to.''
Judging was an art, refined over many years of experience. Mr Telfer said judges were normally looking for ‘‘structural soundness'' in livestock, but they were also looking for ‘‘star qualities''.
‘‘Some animals have a personality. Whether it's a sheep or a horse, there's something that draws you to them.''
Mr and Mrs Telfer agreed that the standard of animals at this year's Strath Taieri A and P Show was quite good, particularly the horses.
They said while some agricultural shows were reporting declining numbers of entrants, the Strath Taieri show seemed to be holding its ground. More than 400 people attended.
‘‘Country shows like this one still seem to bring farming communities together.''
They were also impressed with the other attractions which included children's pet shows, farming equipment, food stalls, farm clothing, and even a potato-growing competition, which was won by Elizabeth Graham (10), of Hindon.
Results were. -
Supreme champion horse/pony, Rebecca Pine (Brooklyn Airs-n-Graces); hack best turn-out, Bronwyn Woodhead (Paris); pony best turn-out, Rebecca Pine (Brooklyn Airs-n-Graces); B Pony Cup, Kate McLean (Skibbereen Jubilation); C Cup, Anja Johnston (Drasna CYD); champion lead rein, Jaylah Kennedy (Chatum Nimbus); A Cup, Rebecca Pine (Brooklyn Airs-n-Graces); champion hack, Alyse Jones (Eye Candy); champion hunter, Tania Gray (Brampton Gigold); in hand champion, Linda McAnally (Brimstone Shakana); park hack champion, Bronwyn Woodhead (Paris); utility champion (17-21), Kelly Burnett (Walkin' in Memphis); utility champion (over 21), Kirsten McGuirk (Lochie); utility champion (10 and under), Rachel Beattie (Waiputi Amber); utility champion (11-15), Monica Lindsay (Whodunnit II).
