Marlborough RDA hobby horse competition returns

Marlborough Riding for the Disabled is swapping real horses for hobby ones when its Quick Cash Hobby Horse Tournament returns next weekend.

The tongue-in-cheek adult competition is back after 13 teams took part last year. Teams of three will compete across three disciplines: dressage, showjumping and a cowboy challenge obstacle course.

The tournament is a fundraiser for MRDA, with all proceeds helping support its work across the region.

Manager Jo Ross says a few teams have already registered, but there is plenty of room for more.

The event is open to people aged 18 and over and is designed to be as much about having a laugh as it is about competition.

“There is so much fundraising going on for other incredible organisations, so it was really important to us to make our initiative fun,” Jo says.

Competitors are encouraged to get creative with their mounts. Hobby horses can be made from repurposed or recycled materials, with a prize up for grabs for the most creative horse.

There will also be prizes for each discipline, along with Champion and Reserve Champion titles and the coveted Horse of the Year award.

While the competition is aimed at adults, spectators are welcome from 1pm to watch the action and soak up the atmosphere.

A Brazilian barbecue lunch will be cooked by the team at Gramado’s, with numbers limited.

“People can come along simply for the barbecue and to spectate, but everyone must register or RSVP through the MRDA website ahead of the event so catering numbers can be confirmed.”

That community support is important as the team works towards reaching more riders and keeping the service accessible.

“We are very lucky to have the support that we do, currently. For us our goal is to reach more riders and change more lives across the region. We would like to access as many people as we can. To do that we need to keep our fees as low as possible, and for that to continue we need the community behind us.”