This week the South Island descends on Christchurch to enjoy the New Zealand Agricultural Show, bringing a touch of tradition to the city and celebrating all that is great about rural life.

As one of the country’s oldest girls’ schools, it is fitting that St Margaret's College maintains a long and proud history of association with the Show, one of the country’s oldest A&P Shows. In prime position alongside the Village Green, the stands of St Margaret’s and Christ’s College are well positioned to connect with current and past, day and boarding families attending the Show.

This year has been particularly special as we took on the sponsorship of the Diana Rainey Memorial Equestrienne Trophy, one of the most prestigious equestrian classes to win at the Show. Diana was a very successful and highly-respected showing competitor and judge, and an Old Girl of St Margaret’s College, so we are proud to see her memory perpetuated with this event. The Rainey family is one of many fourth generation families at SMC, each one adding a layer to the rich foundation of shared values and pursuit of excellence that has gone before.

This particular equestrian event provides a fabulous metaphor for a life well lived, with a number of parts to the class, from turnout, conformation, paces and manners, riding and overall look. A good equitation rider is always in balance with the horse, maintains a correct position in every gait, movement, or over a fence, and possesses a commanding, but relaxed, presence, able to direct the horse with nearly invisible aids. Just the sort of all-rounder that we aspire to in an SMC Old Girl.