MEDIA RELEASE

The Thirty-Fifth Annual Hunter Trials and Play Day will be held at Hawaii Preparatory Academy at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 8, at the school’s Upper Campus in Waimea. The Play Day show will begin at noon.

“This show welcomes riders from throughout the state,” show manager Judy Folk said.

Cathy Darrow, of Pepeekeo, will judge. Darrow, who began her riding career at the age of 4, has been judging for more than 25 years. She is a 2011 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) ‘r’ Dressage judge.

Riders will compete in the following divisions and ribbons will be awarded through sixth place:

* Terrain Explorers (Entry fee: $25): No jumping required. This is an opportunity for horses and riders ready to explore hills and dales, swales and turns. Competitors must pass behind the numbered obstacles on their course for the obstacle to be considered completed. Geared for new explorations.

* Log Traversers (Entry fee: $35): 5 to 6 logs to be traversed—safely and with gusto. These log or stump jumps (18” to 2‘ high) are lying in the Taj pastures and are welcoming to young and experienced alike.

* Leaping Lizards (Entry fee: $35): 8 to 10 jumping efforts, no higher than 2’6”.

* Brave Hearts (Entry fee: $35): 13 to 15 jumping efforts, no higher than 2’9”.

* Soaring Jumpers (Entry fee: $35): 17 to 19 jumping efforts, no higher than 3’, with spreads anticipated.

The Play Day entry fee is $5, plus $5 per class. All classes are grouped by ability:

* Walk/Trot Pleasure (English or Western)
* Walk/Trot/Canter Pleasure (English or Western)
* Open Equitation
* Bucket Elimination (English or Western)
* Balance and Hold Game (English or Western)
* Ride and Lead (English or Western)
* Timed, Fault and Out Obstacle (English or Western)

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information or show registration, call Laura Rose at 895-6632 or e-mail: rosed012@hawaii.rr.com.