Having A Field Day—The New Zealand A & P Show
Farming as a good day out? It can be some of the best entertainment in New Zealand. NZ remains a largely agricultural society and A &P shows (agriculture and pastoral shows) play an important part in the cultural fabric—especially rural towns and cities.
The shows, beginning in spring and running through autumn, provide a chance for farmers, orchardists, gardeners, cooks and random enthusiasts to show-case their animals, produce and interests. They are also home to intense competition—whether it be sheepdog trials, show jumping, or Scottish Country dancing. Shot with both iPhone and camera (film and digital), these are our favourite shots from hot competition in the farm paddocks at Rotorua and Helensville. Please click on the galleries to take your own tour through the show.
Kiwis are renowned equestrians, particularly for Eventing and Show Jumping—two English disciplines. As an American watching the Kiwi equestrian competitions, I was happy to see an enthusiasm for the American Quarter Horses and Western (Cowboy – style) riding—along with a full-on embrace of hats and outfits. But how can you not love the gentle giant Clydesdales or the extreme miniature ponies?
My kingdom for a horse (or a mini pony):
We have to admit to being partial to the sheepdog trials. In New Zealand, where sheep outnumber citizens seven to one, sheep dogs are prized and dog trials are hot competition. Dogs are bred to be either Huntaways and Headers which basically describe their herding tasks. Huntaways are vocal dogs with a loud bark that will chase the sheep away, the Headers bring the sheep back. The Headers, or “Eye Dog” go to the head of the sheep and turn them by giving them a good strong stare. The keen eye contact notifies the sheep that it is not supposed to run for its freedom. With a stare, a sheep will stop its movement and hurry back to the pack.
One man and his dog(s):
Up and coming junior competitors (with some teenage texting):
Parting shots:
Lastly a salute to the NZ Cancer Society and their efforts to raise skin cancer awareness and offer up free sunscreen:
Hankering for a bit more of NZ life? Try:
Life’s A Bach – The NZ Beach House
Walking and Wining – Tip of the South Island
I’ve always been a sucker for the wood-chopping. But that could be because I lived in Tokoroa during my teen years!
We were waiting for the wood chopping, but apparently not such a demand in Rotarua. Helensville had the best pikelet competition – for some reason that escapes us now – we forgot to photograph it. A pikelet competition! By age! We wanted to move back to NZ right there and then 😉
🙂 can’t believe there was no wood-chopping in Rotorua. Unless the locals were afraid of the competition from Tokoroa! Or alternatively, the forests have been converted to dairy farms and there are no wood-choppers left.
And a pikelet competition!!!!! I haven’t been to the Helensville show (despite it being very close by). I’ll put it in my calendar immediately and start practicing my pikelet-making skills! Cheers, Su.
I want that cotton candy…..
Aha! Cotton candy or candy floss??
Candy!
What a wonderful day out and all such good shots. Love the sheep group shot!
A meeting of the minds!
I love the girls with the cotton candy. Do they call it Fairy Floss there like they do in AU?
It’s called candy floss (like in the UK) – fairy floss is going in the mental regional slang dictionary. BTW everyone loves your cocktail party guest herding dog story. I was thinking about your story of Slash and your old neighbor the other day too…you have the best stories. Any new chapter from the Nanny Chronicles?
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