I attended the South Island Secondary School Mounted Games Championship on Friday 23 September. This was both mine and my girls first ever games competition and wow what an eye opener it was!!! The competitors definitely like an adrenaline rush which they received in abundance while they are hanging off the side of their pony at fast speeds to pick up and object off a cone or a bucket or vaulting onto their horse while it takes off in a canter! This sport is definitely not for the faint hearted if you want to be super competitive! But also if you are out to just have some fun with your pony in a cheerful supportive environment then Mounted Games is the place to be. We were welcomed by the most amazing supportive organisers that run Canterbury Mounted Games Association they are full of spirit and the welfare for the horses was impeccable. 

All the DHS riders showed outstanding sportsmanship and came away with awesome results across both Finals. I would like to personally thank our DHS mums Jenny Rowlands for looking after the game change overs and having everyone organized and informed of what was required this kept the day running smoothly and your knowledge was very much appreciated for this games rookie. Sarah Molyneux was amazing all day on the scorers bench keeping track of the points and ensuring riders were where they needed to be.  Thanks Pip for having these opportunities available to our DHS riders it was a great day and we look forward to next year!

Congratulations to Dustin and Sam - Defending South Island Interschools Mounted Games Champions. DHS had five teams competing on last Friday:

Sam Partington and Dustin Rowlands - Champions
Angel Hulston and Mandy Mead - 1st in B final (9th overall)
Mackenzie Rowlands and Isla Swords - 2nd in B final (10th overall)
Cru Walker-Neill and Ryan Partington - 4th in B final (12th overall)
Bridget Moir and Emma Crawford - 5th in B final (13th overall)
Out of 17 pairs from various schools in the South Island.