A REVAMPED Horse program and a strong equine presence in the Grand Parade are top of mind for the Chief Steward, Maxine Murphy.
“It’s going to be a big section with the changes, this year,” says Maxine, “so I’m hopeful that it will bring in more entries.”
Nominations and payouts to winners will be in the centre ring this year.
“And to make it easier for competitors in the showjumping classes, they’ll be able to park on the track,” says Maxine.
Like so many other Chief Stewards at this time of year, Maxine’s mind is whirling with the ‘tick list’ of things to do before the Show.
One line on that list is ‘finish making garlands’.
Maxine makes all the floral garlands that are presented by the various sections.
“It takes about six hours to make one and there’s lots to make.”
A feature item on the program of Show attractions in the equine sphere, is the displays by the Friesian Performance Troupe – a colourful demonstration of riding skills by costumed horsewomen riding Friesians – a breed of finer boned heavy horse that originated in Friesland in the Netherlands.
Maxine is also hoping that the harness classes will be a strong feature of the Horse section.
“We had a huge turnout last year and I’m really hoping they will be at the Show in those sorts of numbers again, this year.”
Marburg Show day has been an all consuming event for Maxine for seven years – hopes, plans and lots of work.
For her it begins in the early hours of Saturday morning and for competitors and the crowd, it begins at 7.30am in the centre ring with the start of the Futurity.
“The Horse section is such a good section,” she says, as she outlines her plans to encourage competitors to take part in the Grand Parade.
“I’ve set a break in the program for 30 minutes before 1.30pm and I am going to try to get as many horses into the Grand Parade as possible.”
