The 4-year-old Anglo Arab took home the title of supreme ridden horse in only his third ridden show.
And though he would ‘‘sleep well tonight'', Ms Darke, of Makikihi, said she believed her horse had enjoyed the day.
‘‘I think he did,'' she said.
‘‘He's never done a grand parade before and he wasn't overly bothered by the sheep and the cows. I was really proud of him.''
And despite having missed a few North Otago A&P shows in recent years, after returning to the show where the country comes to Oamaru, Ms Darke also enjoyed the day.
‘‘I haven't been for a few years, but it's one of my favourites,'' she said.
‘‘It's still got quite a country feel to it.''
North Otago A&P Association president Matthew Miller, of Oamaru, said after a hot sunny day on Friday when it hit 29degC, Saturday's cooler temperatures of 24degC were welcome for the second day of the 153rd North Otago A&P show.
‘‘We've been pleased with the weather, with how it went,'' he said.
And while it had been ‘‘a bit quieter'' in the trades section - the largest trades section the show had ever fielded - Mr Miller said the lack of foot traffic through the trades section was probably ‘‘economy-related'', as many were suffering financially in the agricultural sector this year.
That had not stopped the crowds from coming out to enjoy themselves. He was pleased with the size of the crowd at the show, and happy to see so many youth out enjoying both Friday evening and Saturday.
North Otago A&P Show secretary Katrina Kelly could not provide the attendance figures on Saturday, but said the crowds had exceeded expectations.
‘‘Easily'' several thousand people had come to the showgrounds over the two days.
