A 14-year-old girl was airlifted to hospital with suspected back and neck injuries after falling from her horse at a show jumping contest.
The accident occurred in the pony ring at the Bay of Islands Pastoral and Industrial Show in Waimate North about 3pm on Saturday.
A St John Ambulance crew was already at the show and another was sent from Kerikeri as back-up. The Kaikohe Fire Brigade, which had been running a kids' firefighter challenge just across the paddock, also assisted. A St John spokesman said the girl was flown in a moderate condition to Whangarei Hospital, where she would be X-rayed to determine the extent of her injuries.
The Northland Electricity Rescue Helicopter landed in the pony ring to collect her after one of the jumps was moved to clear extra space. Competitors were asked to clear the ring and tie up their horses before the chopper's arrival.
Many show-goers were oblivious to the drama, thinking the helicopter landing was part of a demonstration.