Equestrian Sports NZ

𝗙𝗘𝗜 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗦 | 𝗡𝗭 𝗝𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲
As we reflect on the 2026 FEI World Jumping Championships ESNZ general manager of high performance, Jock Paget, looks back on how the nation’s top riders competed, and where to from here.

Jock wants New Zealand to build on the momentum the 2026 Championships have generated. Historically, it has often been felt that to be successful on the world stage in jumping, riders must base themselves and their horses in the Northern Hemisphere, often at great expense and personal sacrifice.“I think what we’ve seen here gives us as a nation some confidence that more can be achieved from New Zealand than perhaps the traditional thinking suggests,” says Jock.

Jock also had high praise for the substantial support of the Plaw family. “They have really stepped up for the sport. The investment and expertise that has gone into Takapoto has created an important platform for New Zealand riders to experience and prepare for higher levels of competition. They understand what is needed for us as a nation to progress and have delivered that at huge effort, expense and generosity.”

𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸 👇 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲
https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/2026/08/nz-jumping-shows-potential-on-world-stage/

Article By Diana Dobson - HP Media Liaison
📸 by Libby Law Photography - NZL

𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟𝗦 | 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Interschools begins today! more than 700 school students and their ponies come to this annual extravaganza at our fabulous NECs. Let's give them our support! Pop over to ESNZ Community for all the action - it's your hub for grassroots, recreational riding and introductory competition from Equestrian Sports New Zealand. Whether you’re starting out, stepping up or returning, this is your space to learn, grow and get involved.
The 2026 Taupō Equestrian Supplies North Island Secondary Schools Equestrian Cup and South Island Secondary Schools Equestrian Cup run from 30 Aug-3/4 Sept. https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/youth-programmes/
PHOTO: copyright https://www.takethemoment.co.nz/
Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre Taupo
Dunstan Horsefeeds NEC - Christchurch
Taupo Equestrian Supplies
New Zealand Pony Clubs
NZ Mounted Games Association

𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟𝗦 | 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Want to check out the Interschools next week? more than 700 school students and their ponies come to this annual extravaganza at our fabulous NECs. Let's give them our support! Pop over to ESNZ Community for all the action - it's your hub for grassroots, recreational riding and introductory competition from Equestrian Sports New Zealand. Whether you’re starting out, stepping up or returning, this is your space to learn, grow and get involved.
The 2026 Taupō Equestrian Supplies North Island Secondary Schools Equestrian Cup and South Island Secondary Schools Equestrian Cup run from 30 Aug-3/4 Sept. https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/youth-programmes/
PHOTO: copyright https://www.takethemoment.co.nz/
Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre Taupo
Dunstan Horsefeeds NEC - Christchurch
Taupo Equestrian Supplies
New Zealand Pony Clubs
NZ Mounted Games Association

Got an arena? Awesome auction from Treadlite NZ supporting the Interschools next week. Thanks so much Treadlite Premium Arenas NZ. Spread the word - we all need a top up! Click on the post below to bid. Dressage NZ ESNZ Jumping & Show Hunter ESNZ Eventing ESNZ Endurance ESNZ Para-Equestrian

⏳ TREADLITE AUCTION ⏳

Does your arena needs a top-up? Here’s your chance to bid on 6️⃣ x 350kg bags of Treadlite Premium Arena Mix ♻️ with a total retail value of $1,966 incl. GST.**

Made from triple-treated, refined recycled rubber, ♻️ Treadlite Premium Arena Mix ♻️ provides a more reliable, comfortable and consistent surface for both horse and rider.

Best of all, 💯 of the proceeds from this auction will be awarded equally to the North Island and South Island school recipients of the 2026 Treadlite Good Sports Award 🏆💚

The Treadlite Good Sports Award recognises more than competitive results. It celebrates 👍 character, humility in victory and grace in defeat 🤝, while recognising the stamina, adaptability and team-first attitude needed to take part in a week-long, multi-disciplinary school equestrian event.

A standardised scorecard helps reduce bias and keeps the judging process transparent.

**AUCTION DETAILS**
👉 ITEM: 6 x 350kg bags of Treadlite Premium Arena Mix
👉 VALUE: $1,966 incl. GST
👉 CONDITION: New
👉 STARTING BID: $500
👉 MINIMUM BID INCREMENT: $20
👉 RESERVE PRICE: $750
👉 AUCTION CLOSES: 8pm, Wednesday 2 September 2026

🔨 BIDDING:
Place your bid in the 👇 Comments section of this post👇. Bids placed as replies to other comments will **not** be considered valid. Please keep the comments section for bidding only, unnecessary comments will be deleted.

💰PAYMENT
Payment must be completed within 48 hours of the auction closing via cash, bank transfer or credit card. Banking details will be provided to the winning bidder.

🚛 PICK-UP / DELIVERY
Pick-up available from Cambridge. Delivery/shipping is available at the buyer’s expense, with costs determined by the seller after the auction closes.

✅ BIDDING IS OPEN NOW!
Good luck — and thank you for supporting the **2026 Treadlite Good Sports Awards**. 💚

Find out more about Treadlite Premium Arena Mix: 👉 www.treadlite.co.nz/arena-mix

𝗘𝗦𝗡𝗭 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗦 | 𝗙𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 & 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲
24 Aug 2026 to 30 Aug 2026: Check out the savings this week at your local price at the pump with 𝗥𝗗 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘂𝗺 fuel discount card prices below at RD, BP and GAS stations. If you would like to apply for a fuel card, 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲 at https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/esnz/member-benefits/. 𝗜𝗥𝗧 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 our Official Horse Welfare Partner and preferred transporter of our equines travelling internationally has regular 90-minute flights between Auckland and Christchurch. Get a quote now at https://www.irt.com/ -in-touch-quote-request. ESNZ members can also get discounts with the 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿, and up to 25% off at 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗧𝘆𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀, or treat yourself to a 20% discount on a subscription at 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗠𝘆𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗧𝗩 our Official Media Partner.
National pricing for the week means you'll get the same price throughout the country at BP locations (last week in brackets):
Diesel - $2.62 ($2.06) per litre
91 - $2.92 ($2.83) per litre
95 - $3.07 ($2.96) per litre
98 - $3.15 ($3.05) per litre
and at RD Petroleum locations
Diesel - $2.61 ($2.07) per litre
91 - $2.96 ($2.88) per litre
95 - $3.07 ($2.97) per litre

ClipMyHorse.TV Great Britain
RD Petroleum Ltd
IRT
Carter's Tyre Service
Interislander
Dressage NZ
ESNZ Eventing
ESNZ Jumping & Show Hunter
ESNZ Endurance
ESNZ Para-Equestrian

𝗙𝗘𝗜 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗦 | 𝗧𝗵𝗲 ‘𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝘆 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿’

It’s quite incredible to think that Sophie Scott and Normandy GHP only started jumping at top level when they headed to Australia last August.
They were there to compete in the Australian World Cup League which they did in spades, placing third in their first ever World Cup start at Sydney, and winning the next at Tamworth.
But Sophie will tell you, it’s no surprise really, given just how “incredible” her beloved Norm is. “He was insane here, just amazing. He is the best boy ever and always wants to please you when you are on him. He is just unbelievable.”
When the two jumped clear their speed round opener at Aachen Sophie says she almost cried as she rode out. “I couldn’t believe we had just jumped clear.”
For her, the highlight has been being part of a New Zealand team, surrounded by others who are privileged to represent the nation, and all so excited to go out and do their best.
Their experience here as given her the confidence to know what she is doing with Norm is right. “What we are doing is working, so I’ll be sticking to that. We have our system and know Norm inside and out.”
She credits her mum Tania as being most instrumental in making sure their Worlds campaign came together. “My parents are my biggest supporters, also my grandparents who support my whole horse operation and my amazing syndicate.”
Being at Aachen had been “insane”. “There is no place like it.”
Sophie says she was most excited to see the inspirational Richard Vogel and United Touch. “His horse is probably my absolute favourite after Norm.”
But she’s no fan girl. “Everyone is a normal person who is here to do the same thing We are all here for the love of the sport and horses.”
If there has been a down side to the champs, it is the constant pressure of people wanting to buy Norm. “He has done so much for me,” she said. “We have some big decisions to make but first we just need to take a step away from it all in clear air.”

📸 Libby Law Photography

𝗙𝗘𝗜 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗦 | 𝗔 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳

Katie Laurie has been on quite a few teams over the years, but says the jumping team at Worlds was a standout.
It was a real off-horse highlight for the two-time Olympian. “This has been a really good team to be part of. We all got on really well and it has been a nice week with everyone.”
She was most inspired to watch Richard Vogel’s United Touch and is looking forward to seeing them compete at the Masters’ too.
Having husband Jackson at the event alongside Rio’s owners Mike and Carissa McCall had been special.
Dad Jeff McVean was on hand to help Katie and her homebred Django II but she was also able to dial into jumping great Nick Skelton.
“I have been based with Laura Kraut and Nick Skelton while here. To have both Dad and Nick at the practice jump was really great,” said Katie.
It wasn’t the result Katie had hoped for and when they get home they’ll be running tests on Django to see if something is amiss. She’s hoping to start him and ZF Chacco Rio at the Masters’ at Spruce Meadows in two weeks.

📸 Libby Law Photography

𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟𝗦 | 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?
If you enjoyed watching our amazing athletes at the 2026 FEI World Champs at Aachen, then check out the Interschools next week. It's where some of these top younger riders took early steps in their equestrian careers. And we reckon there will be more to follow! Take for example 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝘇𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗱 (Rolleston College 2025/26) competing at level 4, the ultimate stepping stone to international FEI levels like Prix St. Georges and Grand Prix, and will be at SISS for her final time this year; 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 (ACG Strathallan 2022) now competing at FEI 2* Eventing, and is the Performance Rider for Stillwater Sport Horses; 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗪𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗮𝗿𝘀 (Marian College 2022/23) winner of multiple national titles including the FMG Young Rider of the Year (HOY) in 2024 and ESNZ Jumping Young Person of the Year 2025; 𝗚𝗲𝗺𝗺𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗶𝘀 (St Andrew’s College 2022/23) who recently won the Kings Chambers FEI Dressage Young Rider series and represented NZ internationally for Mounted Games; and 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗸𝗲 (Kaipara College 2023/24) who placed second in the Sydney CDIY FEI Young Riders’ Individual Competition in May, a full time groom for Wendi Williamson while also training three horses at Dressage Level 4.
We hope to see our next generation of equestrian stars-in-the-making at the Taupō Equestrian Supplies North Island Secondary Schools Equestrian Cup and South Island Secondary Schools Equestrian Cup from 30 August (competition starts next Monday 31) and 3/4 September. Held concurrently at the Fiber Fresh NEC in Taupō and Dunstan Horsefeeds NEC Christchurch. Follow the action on ESNZ Community.
We are grateful to the awesome sponsors who have helped bring this event together again this year: Taupo Equestrian Supplies BetaVet NZ Treadlite Premium Arenas NZ Dunstan Horsefeeds Equissage Therapy New Zealand Fixine 4 Equine HorseSports LOVERACING.NZ All Together Safer NZ Eventing Dynavyte Equine-America NZ limited Prestige Equestrian Ltd

ESNZ Eventing
ESNZ Jumping & Show Hunter
ESNZ Endurance
ESNZ Para-Equestrian
New Zealand Pony Clubs
NZ Mounted Games Association
Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre Taupo
Dunstan Horsefeeds NEC - Christchurch