Sodden skies create soft landings

The opening day of competition at the Horse of the Year show was hampered by wet weather. Irina Smith, of Cambridge, on Affaire D'Amour, competing in the dressage. Photo / Duncan Brown

It was a soggy start to competition but show jumpers weren't too worried as it simply made for a softer landing if a rider was to fall.

Hundreds descended on the Showgrounds in their Driza-Bone for the first day of the Horse of the Year (HOY) competition.

Show jumper Elizabeth Shand was replacing her stallion's shoes due to the damp conditions.

"Show jumping shoes need really good traction, especially when it's wet," she said.

The new shoes helped with solid take-off and a safe landing while not causing divots. However, the ground conditions should not have a bearing on rider's performances, she said. "It will be make for a softer landing if anyone happens to fall off."

Tasha Brooks, of Cambridge, washes out her horse float. Photo / Warren Buckland

The Norwood Cup was the showcase of yesterday's competition. The historic trophy was the first of the big events at HOY with most competitors in Sunday's Olympic Cup using this event as a warm-up class.

Equestrian competition manager Toni O'Kane said while the day ticked along nicely it was quite wet.

"We've gone from one extreme to the other."

Ms O'Kane said there would be a bit of ground prep to do as organisers dealt with the deluge of water on the arena.

"It's been a good start to the week, but now we just want the sun to come out."

Spectator Shayla Macdonald wasn't letting the rain dampen her high spirits.

"It's my favourite event of the year, I'm so stoked to be here."

The Nelson native has been to the last eight HOY events, but this year had special significance as she was watching her daughter, Alexis, compete in the show jumping for the first time.

"The competition has been strong so far, Alexis will need to be on form," Ms Macdonald said.