ANDOVER – The Ellis River Riders held their first demo day and chili cook-off on July 23. The first presenter was Tom Hutchinson, who shared his extensive experience of endurance riding.

Hutchinson and his helpers demonstrated what a rider and horse are required to do during a vet check as well as explaining the pieces of equipment used by competitors.

Next in the line-up was Georgia Clarke-Crane with her “Great Dane” (Danish warm blood) Andreas. Clarke-Crane showcased how to warm up and get a horse forward and through in simple terms. Laura Brainerd joined her toward the end of the demonstration to add the element of a rider astride developing an independent and balanced seat.

Dean Richmond’s single Meadowbrook wagonette began the next segment followed by Jeff and Colleen Winslow and Ernest Garcia driving a four-up. Children in the crowd were invited to pile into the show wagon for a whirl around the arena.

Dianne Child and Jen Flanigan brought a number of their miniature horses to show their nimble and obedient abilities. Both in-hand and driven, they proved willing and versatile, spunky and smart.

Chili cook-off judges, Julie Kimble, Maria Brown and Carrie Harrington, were served and determined out of 11 entrants the best of three categories: mild, styled (medium) or wild (hot).

The results were as follows: best mild, Sandra Garcia; best styled, Deb Richmond; best wild, Jan Bowman. Each winner was presented a gift certificate and a demo day T-shirt. Bowman also walked away with the People’s Choice Award and received a gift certificate.

After lunch the dressage demo took place with Beth Brainerd of Hidden Brook Farm and her assistants. She stressed the importance of correct position and how it impacts the balance of the horse through all the levels.

Patty Swan of Sunset Farm took over the arena next and set up jumps for her evening demo. Along with her two assistants she showed how to develop an honest approach and, as in dressage, how the right position can aid the horse in the work being asked. Her Irish sport horses were up to the challenge.

The day ended with three separate draft teams: Dean Richmond’s Percherons, Ernest Garcia’s Percherons and Jeff and Colleen Winslow’s Belgians together in a six-hitch going around the arena.