Hoof-load of fun at Waipukurau-Waipawa District Sports

Cindy Dames, of Hastings, jumps on Double Dazlyn at the Waipukurau-Waipawa District Sports Day.

The Waipukurau-Waipawa District Sports has kicked off the “district sports” season in Central Hawke’s Bay, inspiring everyone from kindy age to retirement-plus to saddle up, mount up and have some fun with their horses and ponies. Sports days combine competition with a fun, relaxed vibe and offer a good day out for riders and spectators.

Di Murphie, of Waipukurau, judges the Fancy Dress competition, checking out Georgia Edgecome, nearly 2 years old, dressed as a bumble bee and riding Chester at the Waipukurau Waipawa District Sports.

Indie Gordon, 3, of Waipukurau with Amanda Gordon, getting a ribbon in the fancy-dress competition on her horse, Narnia.

Organisers said it was a “fabulous day” and thanked “all of our competitors and their support crews and a massive shout out to our amazing committee, our generous sponsors, the wonderful judges and stewards, the volunteers, the grounds people, and everyone who makes our event such a huge success”.

Hawke’s Bay Today photographer Connull Lang went along to photograph the action.

Indie Gordon, 3, of Waipukurau with Amanda Gordon, getting a ribbon in the fancy-dress competition on her horse Narnia.

Stashia Dudding-Maxted, 11, of Otane, with Atahua Top Notch, the winner of Supreme Champion Pony at the Waipukurau/Waipawa District Sports.