From Horsetalk.co.nz

New Zealand World Equestrian Games riders Jonathan Paget and Clarke Johnstone are among those taking part in this weekend's Central and Southern Hawkes Bay Eventing's spring horse trials at Arran Station.

Paget, who was seventh overall at WEG, and Johnstone, a member of the bronze-medal winning Kiwi team, will be competing their young horses over Mary Darby's revamped cross-country course. Entries have been received from throughout the North Island for the event, at the Silver Fern Farms property in Takapau, on October 30 and 31.

The Red Snap'r advanced class boats a $1000 first prize, and is the second round of the new "Super League" series, which runs throughout the country for the entire eventing year, culminating at the National Three-day Event at Taupo next May. Entries include the winner of this year's three-day at Taupo, Heelan Tompkins, New Plymouth, on Major Difference.

Also from Taranaki, Matthew Grayling has two rides, NRM Ru Star and Cruzintime, while Anne-Marie Styles, a former winner of this event, rides As You Like It. Two members of the successful NZ Young Rider Trans-Tasman team, Douglas Thomson and Ashleigh McKinstry step up to the top level with their mounts Marksman Arrow and Pioneer Makokomiko.

Katharine Gillaly (nee van Tuyl) rides Laura Knight's promising Ricmeister, while former chairman of C&SHB Eventing, Campbell Draper, now living near Putaruru, rides Sheilberite in what is sure to be an exciting competition.

Course builder Robbie McLean has built some imposing new fences for this top class, designed by Porangahau's Mary Darby, a former Olympian who has a reputation for setting a challenging course that provides educational experience for both horse and rider. The numbers competing at Arran Station year after year are testimony to her skill.

All levels from training through to advanced are catered for, with age group classes for Juniors (under 18) and Young Riders (under 21). Sponsorship from local businesses makes it possible for the small committee which runs this prestigious event to maintain the standard established over many years.

The dressage takes place on Saturday, together with the lower level showjumping, with all the cross-country, plus the intermediate and advanced showjumping, on Sunday. Entry is free, and there is excellent spectator viewing from the bank overlooking the cross-country course. Spectators are invited to pack a picnic, or purchase food and drink on course, and treat the family to an exciting day's sport - but please leave the dogs at home, as they are not permitted at Arran Station.