ESNZ Show Hunter

20/10/2026

Otago Kicks Off the Season in Style!

Two beautiful sunny days, superb ground conditions and a welcoming, supportive atmosphere set the scene for a fantastic opening show for Otago Show Hunter, held in Mosgiel on 17–18 October.

Otago welcomed judge Kate Wilson, whose encouragement and constructive feedback throughout the weekend supported combinations at every stage of their Show Hunter journey, from those taking their first steps in the discipline to more established competitors.

The Petticoat Lane Performance Show Hunter arena was buzzing with activity, attracting a number of new riders to the discipline. Otago’s popular introductory day on Saturday provided plenty of opportunities for combinations to experience Show Hunter in a friendly competition environment, with a great mix of new faces and familiar combinations enjoying the weekend.

Hack Highlights ✨
In the hack classes, Kate Bird continued her successful run from the previous weekend’s SCNO show, dominating the introductory classes across both days. Lewis McLellan claimed the win in the Summit Grains & Saddlery Amateur National Series, while Jodie Leckie took out the ESNZ Open Equitation Series class.

Pony Highlights ✨
Although pony entries were smaller, the quality of the rounds certainly made up for it! The introductory Cat A classes were hotly contested by local riders Aria Fuehrer, Amelia Long and Georgia Dodds.

In the Cat B introductory classes, Otago Area Star Spotter Caitlin Steel went head-to-head with Grace MacRae, with both riders taking home a win. Prue Leckie produced a lovely round to secure the ESNZ Cat B National Series class, while Lilyrose Richards edged out Zoe Fountain to win the Equissage (NZ) Pony Equitation National Series. Zoe bounced back in style, taking the win in the ESNZ Cat C National Series class.

A Team Effort 🙏
A huge thank you goes to everyone who pitched in over the weekend, whether helping with course and height changes, picking up rails, setting up and packing down the arena, or supporting competitors at the gate. Many hands truly made light work, and your efforts were greatly appreciated!

The support was especially welcomed by Otago’s new Ring Convenor, Lynnore Templeton, and new Otago Show Hunter Area Delegate, Alycia Mitchell, who look forward to building on a fantastic start to the season.

The Otago committee can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Petticoat Lane Performance Show Hunter arena in January, when there will be more introductory opportunities alongside two full days of National Series classes.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the local and national sponsors for their ongoing support of Show Hunter. Your contribution helps make these events possible and allows our discipline to continue growing and welcoming new combinations.

What a fantastic way to kick off the season — Otago is looking forward to seeing you all again in January☺️

📸 Photo Credit: Elise Ford Photography

Vero Insurance
Bay of Plenty Show Hunter Group
Waikato Show Hunter Group
Equissage Therapy New Zealand
LeaderBrand
Summit Grains and Saddlery
NRM
ESNZ Jumping & Show Hunter

13/10/2026

🌟 Dynavyte Show Hunter Rider of the Month – September 2026 🌟

Congratulations to Anna Swap, our Dynavyte NZ Show Hunter Rider of the Month for September!

Anna’s riding journey began at just seven years old, travelling to Cambridge each week for lessons and learning the ropes. After a year of lessons, it was time to find her very own pony, and so began a trip to Gisborne to meet Marley, an 11.2hh Welsh pony who would become her first equine best friend. Over the next four years, their partnership blossomed through Pony Club, ribbon days and most importantly, a growing love for jumping.

Next came Kingslea High Jinx, who is still part of the family today. Together, they began their Show Hunter journey in Category A, with High Jinx’s speciality being his impressive flying changes!

Anna’s current partner, My Morning Mist, has been helping her develop confidence and consistency in Category B Show Hunter throughout the past season. With that confidence growing.

It’s not just in the saddle where Anna shines, either! She is always happy to lend a hand, especially when it comes to building courses and getting everything ready for the next day. Whether she’s helping set up the jumps or spending time with her friends at the ringside, Anna brings enthusiasm, a great attitude and a genuine love for the sport. She the hard work is over, Anna and her friends are often creating jumps out of just about anything around the floats and yards, then judging each other’s rounds on foot — because correct striding and lead changes are always important! 🤩

Looking ahead, Anna’s goals for the season are to fine-tune her Show Hunter rounds and consistently achieve scores in the 80s, as well as take on a Show Hunter Derby course.

Anna, your willingness to help out, positive attitude and passion for Show Hunter make you a wonderful part of our community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and all the best for the season ahead!

A big thank you to Dynavyte for supporting our Show Hunter riders and helping celebrate the people who make our sport so special.

06/10/2026

🌷 SCNO Starts the Spring Season 🌷

South Canterbury North Otago (SCNO) had a great weekend with beautiful, sunny but frosty weather in Waimate, 3rd–4th October, for their first show of the season.

They welcomed Jenny Waddell as judge and Lewis McLellan as course designer. As always, their fill, kindly donated by PL Performance Horses (who also sponsor the SCNO Horse Ring and Series), provided plenty of interest.

In the Glenardon Sporthorses Pony Show Hunter Ring on Saturday, there were low entries but many quality rounds. There were plenty of smiles, laughs and support shared amongst riders and those on the sidelines, which was great to see.

Sibling rivalry saw Lucy and Charlotte Lloyd come head-to-head in the introductory classes, encouraging each other to put their best hoof forward. It was also great to see Ally-May Cleland back in the ring after an accident over the winter, showcasing her strength and resilience to take home the win in the ESNZ Cat B National Series.

In the PL Performance Horses Show Hunter Horse Ring, in collaboration with Canterbury and Ashburton, the three areas have introduced a new series: Introductory Horse 80cm and Introductory Horse 80cm Handy Hunter. This series has been generously supported by Morrison Agri. The Introductory Horse Series attracted the largest entries across the Show Hunter section, with 12 starters. The series is restricted to horses who have not been on the National Series leaderboard in the previous three seasons and will continue throughout the season, with the winner to be awarded at Ashburton’s show in March. The current leader, with 10 points, is Kate Bird on Summer Willow.

Sibling rivalry again saw Georgia and Sophie Allison show their competitive edge in the NRM Horse National Series, placing first and second respectively, followed closely by Tim Richards and Lewis McLellan. A great showcase of top-level Show Hunter competition.

Georgia Allison had another clean sweep, winning not only the NRM Horse National Series, but also the Summit Grains & Saddlery Amateur National Series and ESNZ Open Equitation Series.

A special thank you to the local helpers. The show simply would not be possible without their manpower and support — Leckie, Cleland, Richards, Curd and Wilson families, Zoe Wakefield, Amy McMullan and Harriet Gardner. Their help is very appreciated by everyone.

And finally, thank you to all our local and national series sponsors for your continued support of Show Hunter. Your contribution helps make these competitions possible and is greatly appreciated.

A fantastic start to the season — we look forward to seeing everyone again at the next show!

Results:
Vero Cat A National Series: Heidi Scott & Sunny Brae Patrick
ESNZ Jumping & Show Hunter Cat B National Series: Ally-May Cleland & Ellangowan Wanna Be
@ ESNZ Jumping & Show Hunter Cat C National Series: Zoe Isabelle Fountain & Graceland
Waikato & Bay of Plenty Show Hunter Groups12 and Under Equitation: Heidi Scott & Sunny Brae Patrick
Equissage NZ Pony Equitation: Zoe Isabelle Fountain & Graceland
LeaderBrandJunior National Series: Chloe Miller & Turbo Timer Icon
Summit Grains and Saddlery Amateur National Series: Georgia Allison & Sandow Jacob
ESNZ Jumping & Show HunterOpen Equitation Series: Georgia Allison & Sandow Jacob
NRM Horse National Series: Georgia Allison & Sandow Jacob

21/09/2026

🐴🌸 CRICKLEWOOD SHOW HUNTER SPRING FESTIVAL 🌸🐴

Show Jumping Waitemata enjoyed a fabulous weekend of Show Hunter at Woodhill Sands for the Cricklewood Show Hunter Spring Festival, held on 19–20 September. The weather was certainly windy on Sunday but we stayed mostly dry - spring has certainly arrived!

The event was proudly sponsored by Louise and Lance Blair of Cricklewood Horse Coaches, whose generous sponsorship helped make the weekend possible. Long-time supporters of the equestrian community, Cricklewood builds and repairs trucks and floats locally.

Show Jumping Waitemata would also like to thank judges Sue Whiddett and Joan Cooper for sharing their time and expertise, along with the many volunteers, committee members, riders, parents and supporters who helped throughout the weekend. From setting up courses and picking up rails to running sheets, managing the gates and keeping the office running smoothly, it was a fantastic team effort.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who came along and competed. There were plenty of points added to the scoreboard, some seriously lovely rounds and percentages steadily climbing over the weekend.

Show Jumping Waitemata

Leaderbrand Junior/Summit Grain & Saddlery Amateur National Series combined
1 - Emily Strain (Kumeu) Cameo KSNZ
2 - Kirsten Hence (Waiau Pa, Auckland) Weiti Bel Air
3 - Lauren Mitchell (Taupaki) Marokopa CJ
4 - Sarah Revis (Waitoki) Royal Blue

ESNZ National Series Cat C Pony
1 - Molly Buckingham (Swanson) Grassendale Gin
2 - Alice Walker (Ahuroa) The Ginja Ninja
3 - Zoe Tyler-Whiteman (Whangarei) Velvet Noir Of Renton
4 - Eva Webster (Auckland ) Valkyrie I
5 - Eva Di**le (Pukekawa) Just Trouble

ESNZ National Series Cat B Pony
1 - Kyla Rameka (Pirongia) Adlou Aramis
2 - Millie Bennett (Te Awamutu) Starlight Ignite
3 - Charlotte Taylor (Whangarei) Mochachino Surprise
4 - Tayla Robinson (Matamata) My Bella Ragazza
5 - Amelia Sandlant (Auckland ) Lightning My Queen

Vero Insurance Cat A Pony National Series
1 - Ella Wylie (Gordonton) Waima Gin
2 - Thea Di**le (Pukekawa) Shere Zeus
3 - Kaia Mant (Kaukapakapa ) Foxy Lady Asha
4 - Zoe Morris (Morrinsville) Fordlands Moonmist

Equissage NZ Pony Rider Equitation National Series
1 - Zoe Tyler-Whiteman (Whangarei) Velvet Noir Of Renton
2 - Eva Di**le (Pukekawa) Just Trouble

ESNZ Open Equitation National Series 1m max
1 - Emily Strain (Kumeu) Cameo KSNZ
2 - Lauren Mitchell (Taupaki) Marokopa CJ
3 - Kirsten Hence (Waiau Pa, Auckland) Weiti Bel Air
4 - Harriette Giltrap (Clevedon) Interstellar II

NRM Open Horse National Series
1 - Sarah Revis (Waitoki) Royal Blue
2 - Kirsten Hence (Waiau Pa, Auckland) Weiti Bel Air

Waikato & BOP Show Hunter 12 years and under
1 - Millie Bennett (Te Awamutu) Starlight Ignite
2 - Zoe Morris (Morrinsville) Fordlands Moonmist
3 - Kyla Rameka (Pirongia) Adlou Aramis
4 - Ella Wylie (Gordonton) Waima Gin
5 - Thea Di**le (Pukekawa) Shere Zeus

01/09/2026

𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩

Congratulations to 𝑨𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒐 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒊 who has been elected as the Show Hunter Rider's Representative.

Thank you to both applicants for putting themselves forward, and well done, it was a close vote!

25/08/2026

𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 – 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱!

What a fantastic way to kick off the 2026 Show Hunter season!
Show Jumping Waitemata was proud to host the Burmester Realty Opening Show Hunter, welcoming riders back to Woodhill Sands for the first event in nine months and the first Show Hunter event of the season.

We were thrilled with the entry numbers leading into the event. The sun certainly turned it on for us on Saturday, providing perfect conditions for a great day's competition. Sunday, however, tested everyone a little more, with strong winds making the later classes challenging. Thankfully, the rain held off until almost everyone had packed up and headed home!

The smiles, laughter and friendships on display reminded us exactly what our sport is all about. It was fantastic to see riders back at Woodhill, making memories with their horses, catching up with friends and enjoying being together again.

A huge thank you to everyone who has worked tirelessly over the past nine months to make the reopening of Woodhill Sands possible. This weekend simply wouldn't have happened without your dedication and perseverance. Thank you to Show Hunter Waitemata for generously lending us the gear we needed to make this event possible.

We'd also like to thank our riders, supporters, officials, Judges – Joan Couper and Sue Whiddett, volunteers and sponsors who helped make the weekend such a success. A special thank you also to our naming rights sponsor, Burmester Realty, for their support of this event.

𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒔
National Series Cat C Pony
1 - Molly Buckingham (Swanson) Grassendale Gin
2 - Alice Walker (Ahuroa) The Ginja Ninja
3 - Ellie McDonald (Helensville) Piripi

Cat B Pony National Series
1 - Charlotte Taylor (Whangarei) Mochachino Surprise
2 - Tayla Robinson (Matamata) My Bella Ragazza
3 - Amelia Sandlant (Auckland ) Lightning my queen
4 - Florence Walker (Ahuroa) Santorini Blue

Cat A Pony Vero Insurance National Series
1 - Ella Wylie (Gordonton) Waima Gin

Equissage NZ Pony Rider Equitation National Series
1 - Amelia Vermeulen (Muriwai) Avignon
2 - Grace Walker (Waimauku) Daisy Dream
3 - Alice Walker (Ahuroa) The Ginja Ninja
4 - Darcie Scheer (Warkworth) The Ninjabread Man
5 - Sachi Vermeulen (Waimauku) Meadowlands Monaro

Waikato & BOP Show Hunter 12 years and under Equitation National Series
1 - Millie Bennett (Te Awamutu) Starlight Ignite
2 - Florence Walker (Ahuroa) Santorini Blue
3 - Ella Wylie (Gordonton) Waima Gin

Open Equitation National Series
1 - Harriette Giltrap (Clevedon) Cappuccino NZPH
2 - Emily Strain (Kumeu) Centinelle
3 - Kirsten Hence (Waiau Pa, Auckland) Weiti Bel Air
4 - Briar Woolley (Wellsford) River Oaks Speed Bump

Summit Grain & Saddlery Amateur National Series - 1m max
1 - Emily Strain (Kumeu) Centinelle

Class 52: NRM Open Horse National Series
1 - Alex Gray (Auckland) Redcliffs Cavallone

Open Horse Championship 1.00m
1 - Emily Strain (Kumeu) Centinelle
2 - Sascha Crossman Chimaera QSH
3 - Alex Gray (Auckland) Redcliffs Cavallone

Cat C Champion Pony
1 - Molly Buckingham (Swanson) Grassendale Gin
2 - Alice Walker (Ahuroa) The Ginja Ninja
3 - Ellie McDonald (Helensville) Piripi

Cat B Champion Pony
1 - Millie Bennett (Te Awamutu) Starlight Ignite
2 - Charlotte Taylor (Whangarei) Mochachino Surprise
3 - Tayla Robinson (Matamata) My Bella Ragazza
4 - Florence Walker (Ahuroa) Santorini Blue

Cat A Champion Pony 60cm
1 - Ella Wylie (Gordonton) Waima Gin

Show Report from Emma Buckingham.

18/08/2026

𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝑯𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒑

We have two nominations for the Show Hunter Representative, Georgia Allison and Antonio Matangi.

Vote for you Show Hunter Riders Rep here: https://forms.gle/GJ2GCwotCbw5JZCJ9

Votes will only count if you are a current ESNZ member.

Voting will close on Friday 28th August 2026.

14/08/2026

🚨𝑻𝒊𝑬𝑺 𝑭𝑼𝑻𝑼𝑹𝑰𝑻𝒀 𝑨𝑵𝑵𝑶𝑼𝑵𝑪𝑬𝑴𝑬𝑵𝑻 🚨

Exciting news just in...... The TiES Futurity Series for Jumping and Show Hunter has been confirmed for this season, with thanks to NZTR and Love Racing. 🫶 🏇🏿

More details to follow next week!

Equestrian Sports NZ

06/08/2026

29/07/2026

𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝑯𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒑

Applications are open for the role of Rider’s Representative on the ESNZ Show Hunter Executive. All applicants must be 18 or over and are required to submit a CV to [email protected] by 5pm Wednesday 12 August 2026.

This is a two-year term beginning after September 1 2026, ending at the AGM in 2028.

Purpose of Rider’s Representative:
• To achieve and contribute to the strategic aims of the Show Hunter Executive.
• Plan and run rider meetings to discuss ideas within the discipline.
• To ensure that Show Hunter members have an avenue to raise any issues or suggestions they may have in the running of the discipline
• Be an approachable contact at events for members to provide feedback.
• Provide a written report to each Executive meeting and at the AGM.

Voting process for election of the Rider’s Representative
• Voting will be held online, and open to registered introductory or full members competing in Show Hunter competitions this season.
• Applicants will have the opportunity to address members in a zoom meeting prior to voting.
• All results will be checked and will be published on the ESNZ website.