Sarah Butterick-Kent is following the path of her ancestors and set to honour them during her time as president of the Ashburton show.
It runs October 30 -31 and she will be at the helm for two years, including the association’s 150th next year.
“My family has farmed and lived in Wakanui for over 160 years and every generation of my family has been involved with the association since its inception.”
Butterick-Kent’s late great, great grandfather, David Butterick, was among the founding farmers to help set it up.
According to the association records, a meeting of farmers was held at the Somerset Hotel on October 1, 1877, and the association formed. The first president was John Grigg, of Longbeach.
The first show followed on November 15, 1877 at Tinwald.
In later years, the association bought land north at its current site in Netherby.
In keeping with tradition as president, Butterick-Kent has chosen this year’s show theme, ‘Where legacy grows’.
She said it was about highlighting the many long-standing families of the Ashburton District and new members who are beginning their own journeys within the community.
“It’s about honouring the past and creating opportunities for the future, which is essential for continuing this show’s legacy.”
The theme unites urban and rural life across generations.
It’s about families coming together with shared experiences, and creating memories, she said.
Butterick-Kent, a former equestrian rider since age five, has been on the show’s equestrian committee for eight years and an association committee member for the past five years.
She likes the people.
“Our committee is actually attracting younger members, and it’s creating this enthusiasm and vibrancy which is a real pleasure to work with,” she said.
“It all helps the continuation of the show.”
Butterick-Kent first competed in lead-rein classes at age five, then as a teenager moved into Clydesdale horses at the show.
“It’s just continued,” she said, even after no longer competing.
“I still turned up and supported the show.
“My sister, she would ride at the show, my nieces ride at the show now, my son stewards for the equestrian section.
“It just continues. And it grows.”
Around the Ashburton showgrounds, work has been under way with a new layout plan.
New fencing has been erected and, most recently, an underground irrigation system installed for the new equestrian arena.
It will help prevent divots by watering the ground from underneath, president Sarah Butterick-Kent said.
Around the district, the association recently held its first Halter competition in 20 years “which was well supported”.
Then followed the first Halter Mid Canterbury Combined Associations grand final with the winners of each of the Mayfield, Methven and Ashburton associations competitions competing.
The winners of each section were: rising ones Davy King of Mayfield; and rising twos James and Kerri Lemon of Ashburton.
Next up is the Ravensdown Winter Feed competition, May 4-5.
“It’s always a fixture on farmers calendar with Mayfield, Methven and Ashburton winners also competing in a Mid Canterbury Combined Association grand final.”
