As trot up day gets underway at Puhinui we take a look back at the people involved in the Adelaide trot up and the outfits they wore.
But before we get into the people we can't overlook the need for potted colour at a trot up. Not only do plants brighten up the morning and challange the organiser's abliity to remember to water them during the week but they also give direction to those riders who might be feeling a bit worse for wear after cross country day.
The ground jury is ultimately responsible for the judging of the event and settling all problems that may arise. They do this job with the help of the Technical Delegate, the course designer and the organizing committee. At the trot up, with the assistance of the vet, they make sure the horse is sound enough to do his job. They must also be able to shuffle lots of pieces of paper on clipboards, have the same colour hair and be smartly dressed.
The announcer must be able to hold a microphone, shuffle pieces of paper, read well and understand the sign language coming from the Ground Jury. They must have the tone of voice that will express enough sympathy to those riders whose horses do not make it through the trot up and be prepared to keep their thoughts on riders' outfits to themselves. Their dress tends to be more casual than that of the Ground Jury and their peaked cap, along with sunglasses, can disguise signs of the good party on Saturday night.
Trot up outfits for our male eventers can range from the smart suit
To the more smart casual look
Of course if you have some Scottish heritage it’s always a good idea to don a kilt and impress not only the Ground Jury, but the Scottish TD
Some ladies decide to go all out with the matching hat
While others stay with the white theme but cover their top with a blue jacket in the attempt of keeping some of the white clothes clean
The little dress is always popular in the sunshine at Adelaide
While others prefer to go short in shorts
What will the riders at Puhinui be wearing? … we’ll leave photographer Libby Law to report back about that soon.
