Great ride for all at Bay show
The 149th Hawke's Bay Show brings a kaleidoscope of experiences today, as thousands of events continue to jump, chop, spin, dig, drive and stride themselves into the record books.
Otane's Peter Tod won Supreme Sheep of Show yesterday with his Romney ram and today the bovine equivalent will be judged at 3pm for the prestigious Meat and Wool Cup.
Horses dominate four-legged events at the show, culminating with today's showjumping Bayer World Cup, expected to start early afternoon after the Pony 3 Star Grand Prix. Dannevirke's Maurice Beatson and Waipukurau's Simon Wilson will be up against other world-class riders such as Katie McVean.
Among the show's 900 equestrian events, and closer to sea level, are miniature horses which start parading today from 9.30am.
Two extra-special action events feature this year - rodeo and wood chopping.
The wood-chopping logs were donated by Matariki Forests and prepared by the Knowles family of Bay View, a typical example of the generosity shown throughout the show, which has over 330 volunteers.
A third of the 300 trade exhibitors are from out of Hawke's Bay, featuring products from cucumber slicers to military ATVs.
Among them yesterday was Tukituki MP Craig Foss, fresh from Wellington and revelling in the show's atmosphere (although the amusement ride screams take some getting used to).
"Here people talk about the weather, the Magpies, the family, the farm - real things," he said.
" I just love it here."
