UP AND OVER

PURE FORM: Amanda Pottinger and Henton First Officer compete in the open horse 1-metre showjumping class on the opening day of the Larsen Sawmilling Equestrian Championships. The Havelock North rider is home from her United Kingdom base for a few months and is making the most of summer Down Under. Picture by Paul Rickard

EQUESTRIAN

THERE are plenty of happy riders at Showgrounds Park in Gisborne with the opening day of the Larsen Sawmilling Equestrian Championships done and dusted.

The popular three-day show has attracted more than 230 riders from across the North Island.

Yesterday’s rain was just the ticket for the well-prepared grounds.

Competition continues through the weekend with many of the national series classes held today (Saturday) and the two biggies — the EvoEvents Horse Grand Prix and Country TV Pony Grand Prix — tomorrow.

It has been a challenging season for riders, with shows cancelled and postponed, but now things are into the business end, with a number of major shows and a big push to gain points in the national series classes.