By Gary Caffell
Eventing Wairarapa officials are understandably rapt with the response to the annual Fagan Motors Spring Horse Trials to be held at the Clareville A and P Showgrounds this Saturday and Sunday.
Chairwoman Donna Harley said yesterday that total entries were up around the 200 mark and already represented a record for this particular competition.
“We’ve generally had good numbers but these would be the best ever, obviously we are absolutely delighted with the way things have gone.”
Harley said the trials catered for all classes, from beginners right through to those who have made their mark at the highest levels.
The top grades on offer this weekend are two star and two star plus and the number of entries there will run into double figures.
“The numbers eligible to compete in those classes is limited and we’re happy with what we’ve got.”
The dressage and showjumping phases will take up Saturday’s programme with the showjumping being completed on Sunday morning before the all-important cross-country phase.
All told over 100 jumps will be involved in the trials and Harley, who was responsible for their construction along with Chris Lever, is confident they will prove a worthy test for both horse and rider.
“The higher the classes the more difficult the jumps, that’s the way you want it.”
