Entries open for the 2013 Canterbury A&P Show

24 July 2013

Entries open for country’s largest show

Showing entries are now open for the 2013 Canterbury A&P Show, with more than 3,000 animals and close to 1,000 competitors expected to compete in 1,700 classes including sections for horse & pony, beef & dairy cattle, sheep, alpaca, llama, wool, goat, dog trials, poultry, shearing & woolhandling, woodchopping and vintage machinery.

Show organisers are calling on showing enthusiasts from throughout New Zealand to compete in the country’s largest Agricultural and Pastoral Show – a showcase of New Zealand’s best animals and talented competitors. In addition to showing success, exhibitors will be competing for over $100,000 in prize money at the 2013 Canterbury A&P Show. Canterbury will also be continuing its exhibitor subsidies, offered to North Island and Southland exhibitors who have to travel great distances to attend the Show in Christchurch.

“We consistently attract around 7,000 livestock and equestrian entries each year. Coming off our 150th anniversary celebrations in 2012 we are keen to maintain the momentum in regard to increasing showing entries. Our aim is always to exceed the previous year’s entries and with the development of new classes and competitions offered this year, we are on track to achieving this” commented Canterbury A&P Association President Mark Fleming.

A new addition to the equestrian section, one of the country’s largest equestrian programmes, is Stock & Station, which will be held on Friday 15 November in the Isaac 2 Arena. Stock & Station was originally instigated at local A&P Shows to reflect the history of the large hill-country runs, with many stations and farms still relying on the horse as a work animal today. The classes are designed to demonstrate pace, agility and obedience and have great spectator appeal. Riders and their mounts are expected to turn out in tidy attire, appropriate to working on a station.

“A coveted Supreme Champion win at the Canterbury A&P Show is much sort after within showing circles. Each year we invite the best national and international judges to ensure that we retain the high standards associated with Canterbury” added Fleming.

Several top international judges are expected at the 2013 Canterbury A&P Show. The boer goat section will be presided over by Johan Strauss of Rietkuil Boer Goat Stud in South Africa. The llama section will have Mark Smith from Indiana, USA. Mark is a farmer and llama breeder who has judged throughout the USA as well as in Canada and France. The horse section will also have a USA judge, with International Equine Consultant and Educator Wayne G. Hipsley from Kentucky. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Angus cattle in New Zealand, the Angus section will be judged by James Playfair-Hannay. Based in Scotland, James has judged around the UK as well as in Ireland, Brazil and South Africa.

“We are also putting renewed focus into our Youth Classes at this year’s Canterbury A&P Show with the further development of initiatives introduced last year, including The Lady Isaac Scholarship which enables winners across sheep, beef and dairy youth sections the opportunity to travel to Australia and compete internationally. Encouraging the involvement of youth in showing is integral not only to the success of the Canterbury A&P Show but also for the future of A&P Show’s throughout New Zealand” said Fleming.

This year’s 151st Canterbury A&P Show will be held Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 November at Canterbury Agricultural Park in Christchurch. The Schedule of Classes can be downloaded at www.theshow.co.nz or contact the Show Secretary on 03 343 3033 or info@theshow.co.nz. Entries close late September for most sections.

ENDS

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