Horse-play sure to entertain

The harness horses are back on show and start from 10am.

The A&P Show wouldn't be the same without horses.

Among all the usual equestrian activities - the ponies, Horse of the Year qualifier hunter and hack rings, novice section and harness races there's a new fun ring this year.

The event caters for all ages and all horses and ponies. Classes include best walking horse, a trotting race, an obstacle course and speed in pairs around poles.

Rider Jeanine McGowan is entering with Suri and set up a small obstacle course at home to prepare her horse, who is more used to long treks and open spaces.

"It will be fun," says Jeanine." The obstacle course is for any type of horse and any type of gear.

"The horse doesn't have to be fit - any horse that can do a rope gate, walk on polythene, walk or jump hay bales, or bend around poles can do it."

The rules are simple too. In the walking race if they break they are out, and in the trotting race if they canter they're out.

Kim Cawte says this year's show will probably be the biggest since she began organising it 18 years ago.

"We already have over 80 trade sites with more coming in and new events and displays including lawn mower racing, trikes and classic cars on display, the new Young Fruitgrower of the Year Competition, the fun horse and pony ring, horseshoe throwing competition and much more.

"The mainstay events - truck and tractor pulling competition, sheep racing, ultimate canines and pet corner are all back along with the colourful hounds and huntsman and all the backbone farming events, the cattle, shearing and home industry displays."

So if you have ever dreamed of entering the ring, bring your horse or pony down and join in the fun. Fun Ring action begins at 1pm with $10 entry.

Tickets for the 2017 BOP Young Fruit Grower Competition Gala Dinner to acknowledge our region's young horticulturists are now available. Ruud Klienpaste - aka The Bug Man will be MC.

Competition Day is at the A&P Show on Saturday and contestants carry out the final component of the competition - a speech contest - with the competition winners and overall winners announced at the dinner on February 15.

The winner of Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower goes forward to the national final of the New Zealand Young Fruit Grower on August 16 and August 17 in Canterbury.

- 2017 BOP Young Fruit Grower Competition Gala Dinner: 5.30pm, Wednesday February 15 at the Stadium Lounge, ASB Arena, tickets $90, available from www.eventspronto.co.nz/bopyfg