Taupo hosts Top Class Show Jumping Action
Sunday, 4 December 2011
<div><strong>An extravaganza of Showjumping will be on display at Taupo's Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre this month when more than 850 horses converge for the Fiber Fresh Christmas Classic Showjumping 4 day event over Thursday 15 Dec to Sunday 18 Dec 2011.<br><br></strong><div> <div>The Christmas Classic, which has been running for more than 20 years, will see riders take part in what is second only in size to the Horse of the Year and the largest single discipline equestrian competition in New Zealand.<br><br><div> <div>Competition will begin across the four arenas on Thursday 16th December and with nearly 900 horses and 600 riders it is set to be a record breaker.<br><br><div> <div>The Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre on Rapids Rd, Taupo will host the event that features the internationally rated World Cup and Super League class as well as many national series classes.<br><br><div> <div>Geordie Bull, show director, says the three-star rated competition caters for everyone from kids on ponies and adult amateurs through to the country's best World Cup riders, including Olympians Katie McVean, Sam Mcintosh, Daniel Meech and Maurice Beatson, as well as national stars Phillip and Sally Steiner and Catherine Cameron.<br><br><div> <div>"Aside from the top class Showjumping competition there will also be plenty of other entertainment starting on Friday when Santa arrives just prior to the very exciting Barbara Thomson Pony Six-Bar competition and there are a variety of trade stands to get those last minute Christmas gifts.<br><br><div> <div>"Saturday's feature classes include: the Great Lake Challenge, Cushionride 7 Year Old Series, JLT Bloodstock Pony Grand Prix and the Cathay Pacific 1 Star Grand Prix and culminates with the Fiber Fresh Taupo Grand Prix, incorporating both World Cup and Super League competition (approx 4.30pm).<br><br><br><div>"The National Showjumping Derby Championship is held on Sunday 18th December. This exciting competition requires riders to ride an extended course that not only includes showjump fences but a number of natural obstacles as well."<br><br><div> <div>Riders will travel from around the North Island, a contingent of South Islanders and a number of local riders will compete also.<br><br><div> <div> “It’s a really fun show run by a team of very enthusiastic volunteers and the riders, officials and spectators always seem to love coming along to the Christmas Classic – it’s a must do in many people’s diary!”<br><br><div> <div>Spectators are welcome, trade and food stands available or bring a picnic and enjoy some exciting equestrian competition.<br><br><div> <div>Entry is FREE.<br><br><div> <div><em>For more information please contact: Jo Bell</em><div><em>Mob: 021 775 973</em><div><em>Email: [email protected]</em>
