There were horses on courses and a good dose of horsing around near Arrowtown on Saturday, during the 108th Lake Hayes A&P Show.
Despite having to axe showjumping categories, due to a lack of volunteers, huge numbers once again turned out to the showgrounds, overlooking Lake Hayes, basking in the sun and getting their fill of entertainment, both in the main arena and all around it.
Food vendors and craft and community stalls did a roaring trade, while those taking shelter in the shade near the main stage were treated to cooking demonstrations from resident chef and entrepreneur Nadia Lim, magic shows courtesy of Jonathan Usher and a poignant mental health message from special guest Matt Chisholm.
Along with some fairground attractions, Queenstown police, the Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust, operated by HeliOtago, were present for those interested in taking a look at the various equipment being used, or to dress up for a photo.
In the equestrian arena, Wanaka’s Lydia Beale, on a horse she had not ridden until Saturday morning, won champion rider.
Ms Beale said she noticed entries were a bit low for this year’s show, so she put up a post on social media asking if anyone wanted her to ride their horse.
Tracy Crossan, of Ranfurly, answered that call and sent Trevalda Mountain Dancer down for the day — by the end of the afternoon, his neck was covered in ribbons, including one for supreme champion horse and champion post and mannered horse.
Some impressive hobby-horsing skills were on display in the hotly contested open category as entrants — judged on style, panache and skill — navigated two jumps, in any riding style they wished.
While the police entrant, Sergeant Tracy Haggart, more used to riding actual horses, was the most graceful on the course, the "Champion Hobby Horse" ribbon ultimately went to Chisholm, whose unicorn hobby horse refused both jumps several times, threw him off after clearing the first and had to be coaxed into trying the second.
