The New Zealand Riding Pony Society’s …MELVILLE BLACK MEMORIAL
To be competed for by ponies foaled on New Zealand soil and adult registered with the New Zealand Riding Pony Society.
To be held at the New Zealand Horse of the Year Show (Hastings) March 2022
&
Canterbury A&P/NZ Agricultural Show (Christchurch) November 2021
Open to Registered NZ Riding Ponies (fillies, mares, geldings) foaled on New Zealand soil and classified as Novice ponies (in accordance with RAS rules on show day – may be ridden by an adult)[1] or in their first season under saddle (may have graduated from novice classes, if so, must be ridden by a child).
This class is to be judged on quality and conformation. No individual work out is required but will be asked to work on a circle.
Registrations must be current and owner or rider must be a member of the NZ Riding Pony Society. Registration for the Melville Black Class: Nominations for inspection must be in by 30th September each year and sent to Registration Officer, Judith Johnson, 93 Bathgate Road, 10 R D, Waimate 7980
Essentially ponies entering the ring to compete in a Melville Black Memorial event must either be in their first season under saddle or have not attained their sixth novice win.
Special Melville Black Memorial Sash to the winner, and place-getter awards (2nd – 6th).
NZRP Sponsored Prize Money
1st = $200
2nd = $75
3rd = $25
Prize money subject to entries. If less than five entries, the first prize money will be reduced to $100.
The breeder of the winning pony to receive a breeder’s rosette.
The event is held to promote and celebrate the New Zealand bred Riding Pony in memory of Mr Melville Black a prominent breeder of Riding Ponies in New Zealand, a foundation member of the Society, its first president, and a patron until his death in 2005. The event was first held in January 2007 and has enjoyed great support since its inception.
NB: To enter a pony in this competition you must be a member of the New Zealand Riding Pony Society.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can a pony in its second (or third or fourth…) season under saddle enter the Melville Black Memorial?
A: Yes, if the pony is still a novice (the pony has not attained its sixth novice win).
Q: Can a pony enter the Melville Black Memorial in the South Island and the North Island as well?
A: Yes, if the pony is still a novice (the pony has not attained its sixth novice win), or if the pony has attained its sixth novice win BUT is still in its first season under saddle.
Q: Can a pony that has won a Melville Black Memorial enter again?
A: Yes, if the pony is still a novice (the pony has not attained its sixth novice win), or if the pony has attained its sixth novice win BUT is still in its first season under saddle.
Q: Can a pony that is entered in a Melville Black Memorial class BUT attains its sixth novice win prior to the event (even the day of the event) compete in the Melville Black Memorial class?
A: Yes, if the pony is in its first season under saddle, BUT if the pony is in its second (or third…) season under saddle, then NO.
[1] (season begins August 1st 2022 for HOY event & August 1st 2022 for NZ Agricultural Show event)
New Zealand Riding Pony Society 