Graeme Hart – photo supplied
One of the greats of New Zealand equestrian will be fittingly honoured with the inaugural Graeme Hart Memorial Awards Night at the National Young Horse Jumping Championships this week.
It was Graeme whose idea it was 29 years ago to have an event that celebrated the stars of tomorrow. His goal has always been to see jumping continue to improve.
The 40 year veteran of the horse breeding industry passed away in April of this year. He was always happy to share information and knowledge he had gleaned over the years and a huge appreciator of the work others put into striving to also breed horses who could compete successfully at that top level.
Graeme always felt the mares were the secret to success.
The champs were initially held in Taupo because it was central but in more recent years it has been in Hawke’s Bay.
The Hart family have donated a cup in Graeme’s honour – the Graeme Hart Memorial Cup for the Four-Year-Old Champion.
His daughter Sharron White is once again the show secretary, son Ashley is the new Northern Hawke’s Bay Area Committee chair and will be competing, and all the family will be on hand to celebrate a very special man whose legacy lives on.
The champs have attracted around 300 horses ranging from the four-year-olds through to the seven-year-olds. Competition starts on Thursday with the age group champs finishing on Saturday. Courses will be designed by Eryn Duffy (ring 1), Chris Rogers (ring 2) and Marcus Rose (ring 3).
WHAT: Bayleys Hawke’s Bay National Young Horse Jumping Championships
WHEN: December 12-15, 2024
WHERE: Tomoana Showgrounds, Hawke’s Bay
START LISTS AND RESULTS: www.evoevents.co.nz
Diana Dobson
10 December 2024