A renaissance is taking place within the Rotoiti Lakes Hacks and Hunt Club as its membership rises. The horse clubs numbers have risen from 60 to 100 due to an expansion of youth development.
Families are slowly returning to horse riding in the Rotoiti area.
Member George Haimona (Ngāti Pikiao, Te Arawa) says, “This is a family orientated club that is from Te Arawa and it is located on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. The club is about 24 year's old and originates from Matawhaura and we continue to practice our skills in the area.”
The Rotoiti Horse Sports Club says the lift in the club's membership is credit to its refocus developing programmes suited to their youth.
“Well it's raining today, we haven't had any spills yet long as you ride sensibility and got the right gear and your saddles are tie and on properly you should have a problem,” says Jamie Paringatai (Te Arawa).
“Our children learn to ride horses, how the race, but the first thing for them to learn is how the break them in and to showcase their talents,” says Haimona.
Maakarini Nelson has grown up in the club and is a future start for them in this horse sports event.
“I like the barrels section because you are not required to ride straight but you have to ride fast when you are turning around the barrels. Today I came third in the flags and first in the ring and sword section.”
Next month this club will be holding another event like this at Rotokawa.