Bringing the ‘cowboy vibe’ back

Ray Donald walks with Uruao Fairlie and Kahu Donald as they ride the horses around the grounds at the Tolaga Bay horse sports last Saturday. Picture by Paul Rickard

HORSE SPORTS

An “East Coast cowboy vibe” was the quality that Ūawa Horse Sports Club organisers were aiming to revive with their inaugural horse sports last Saturday.

A field of 108 competitors ranging in age from four to 60-plus gathered at Ūawa Domain, Tolaga Bay, to experience the adrenalin rush

gained from equestrian speed and accuracy.

Riders travelled from all over Tairāwhiti and from as far away as Auckland to take part.

The club offered a wide range of activities to cater for all levels of rider.

Events included jumps from 30 centimetres to 80cm, an East Coast hack class, novice turning and a legends bending race.

Club president Mihi Love said that members of the Ūawa Horse Sports Club were proud to be able to host the event in their community.

“Our vision was to offer a day full of fun for the whole family, and fierce competition for all competitors; to bring the most skilled riders together to inspire our rangatahi and adults alike; to showcase our legends Tawi Dave Waru and his horse Flame; but more importantly to bring an East Coast cowboy vibe back to a community that continues to fight flood devastation,” she said.

“The Ūawa Horse Sports Club is grateful to its many sponsors and helpers.”