ESNZ Show Hunter

11/11/2026

🏆 Dynavyte NZ Show Hunter Rider of the Month – Libby Ward 🏆

Congratulations to our October Dynavyte Show Hunter Rider of the Month, Libby Ward, from Tauranga, Bay of Plenty!

At just 17 years old, Libby has been involved with horses for as long as she can remember, growing up riding her own ponies and developing a passion for Show Hunter from a young age. Having competed across a range of pony categories, she has continued her journey into the horse grades this season with two exciting mounts.

This season, Libby is competing Kaimai Warrior (Baz), a 5-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred, and Off Black Cadillac (Kendrick), her rising 5-year-old Warmblood. Libby has thoroughly enjoyed bringing Baz into the Show Hunter ring, with a recent highlight being his win in the Thoroughbred class at their latest outing. Kendrick is still finding his feet in the ring and has already picked up two 5th placings along the way.
Libby's goal is to continue producing and developing young horses through the Show Hunter grades, helping them gain confidence and experience while continuing to develop her own riding. She hopes to produce competitive horses capable of progressing through to the higher levels in the future.

Away from competing, Libby also enjoys coaching and supporting younger riders, helping them build confidence and develop their riding skills.

Well done, Libby! It's fantastic to see your dedication to developing young horses and supporting the next generation of Show Hunter riders.
We look forward to following your progress this season!

A big thank you to Dynavyte NZ for supporting our Rider of the Month series.

11/11/2026

09/11/2026

🌞Show Hunter Waitematā Summer Show | 31 October – 1 November 2026 🌞

After two days of horrendous winds, the weekend dawned with perfect conditions, and Show Hunter Waitematā was delighted to welcome riders back to Woodhill Sands for their Summer Show.

Riders enjoyed a varied programme, with Intro, Open Hack and the ever-popular Rising Star classes attracting strong entries. It was particularly pleasing to see young horses and new combinations gaining experience and making noticeable improvements throughout the show.

In the Stirrups Equestrian Intro Ring, Amelia Thompson and Miss Plain Jane had an outstanding show, taking out almost all of their classes. The Davis Funeral Rising Star classes produced some great competition. Laura Daly and Coco Chanel 83 dominated Saturday’s classes, while Sunday’s honours went to Laura Madden riding Quintessential GNZ.

The Davis Funeral Open Hack Ring showcased some lovely rounds, with results shared amongst a number of our experienced Show Hunter combinations.
In the Summit Grains Amateur Ring, riders produced some polished performances, with Emily Strain and Cameo KSNZ taking the win on both days. The ESNZ Junior class on Sunday was won by Hattie Giltrap riding Interstella II. The Open Equitation classes were beautifully ridden, with some impressive scores across the board. Claire Muirhead and Emily Strain shared the class wins.
We were also delighted to be part of the Pryde’s Greater Auckland Open Handy Hunter Series. In the Hack Ring, Zara Main returned to her Show Hunter roots, taking out the class aboard KS Barbados.

The Stirrups Equestrian Intro Pony Ring was particularly encouraging, with several up-and-coming young riders giving Show Hunter a go. Lacey Kitchener and II Skipper enjoyed a very successful show.

In the Horselands Pony Ring, Chloe Dickson and Charis Mister Ralph had a fantastic weekend, taking out all the Cat A and Pony Rider Equitation classes. Ella Wylie and Waima Gin also showed some lovely improvement as a new combination for the season. The BOP & Waikato Show Hunter Groups 12 Years and Under Pony Equitation wins were shared between Zoe Morris and Thea Di**le.

The Cat B Ring was dominated by Millie Bennett riding the beautiful bay Starlight Ignite. This is certainly a combination to watch as the season progresses!
In the Cat C Ring, young rider Darcy Sheer and The Gingerbread Man enjoyed a very successful show, producing great results on both days.

A huge thank you to our judges, Sue Whidett and Joan Couper, who also fulfilled the role of steward, and to Lauren Mitchell for her course design. Special thanks to Bryce Dickson for managing the Pony Ring changes, all the parents who generously helped as gatekeepers, and of course the entire Show Hunter Waitematā Committee for their hard work in making the weekend such a success. It was wonderful to see riders of all ages and experience enjoying another great weekend of Show Hunter.

Congratulations to all our competitors, and we look forward to seeing everyone out there again soon!

📸 Photo Credit: Shots Photography

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

03/11/2026

Fiber Fresh Northland Show Hunter GP Show 25–26 October 2026 | Labour Weekend

The Northland Show Hunter Committee hosted a fantastic Fiber Fresh Northland Show Hunter GP Show over Labour Weekend, with perfect weather providing the ideal conditions for two days of excellent competition and some impressive performances across the grades.

In Category A Ponies, it was very much a case of quality over quantity, with Chloe Dickson aboard Charis Mister Ralph enjoying a great show. Amelia Thomson also impressed with a confident and stylish performance aboard Awatea Wikatoria, taking out Champion and Reserve Champion respectively.

Category B Pony Champion went to Charlotte Taylor and Mochachino Surprise, while Category C provided some fun and competitive rounds between Molly Buckingham and Zoe Tyler-Whiteman, who claimed Champion and Reserve Champion honours respectively.

The Equissage NZ Pony Equitation classes saw Molly Buckingham take the win on both days. Sophia Anderson and Paint Me By Surprise were in outstanding form, winning the ESNZ National Series Cat C on both days.

There was plenty to look forward to in the Intro Pony classes, with several exciting young combinations showing great promise for the future. These ponies produced some lovely rounds throughout the weekend and are certainly ones to watch. Most points went to Izabella Greenwood and Charlotte Brown.

The Open Hack classes were also hotly contested, with Zaria Johnston taking out the LeaderBrand Junior National Series on both days. The Summit Grains and Saddlery Amateur classes saw a win each for Jane Dickson and Lauren Mitchell. Lauren also enjoyed success in the ESNZ Open Equitation Series classes.

The Introducing and Rising Star Hack classes showcased some very talented horses, both young and more experienced, with plenty of exciting combinations coming through. Rising Star Hack Champion went to Lindy Waijenbery and Michelle Wakeling, while Intro Hack Most Points was awarded to Adeline Knight and Briar Woolley.

A big thank you to judges Robyn Potter and Holli Marshall for generously giving their time and expertise over the weekend, and to Bryce Dickson for his excellent course design.

Congratulations to all riders, horses and ponies on a wonderful weekend of Show Hunter competition, and thank you to the Northland Show Hunter Committee and everyone who helped make the show such a success! 😊

📸 Photo Credit: JM Photography

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

29/10/2026

The Trust House Show Jumping & Show Hunter Championships – Wairarapa

The Wairarapa Jumping Group hosted The Trust House Show Jumping and Show Hunter Championships over Labour Weekend at the beautiful Solway Showgrounds, bringing together a fantastic mix of local and travelling combinations.

The weekend delivered a real mix of weather conditions, with hot, sunny skies on Sunday before a chilly southerly and blustery conditions challenged riders on Monday. It was wonderful to see a number of young horses gaining valuable experience in the Intro classes, alongside some great performances from established combinations.

The pony ring produced some standout performances, with Pippa Petro taking out the Waikato and BOP Show Hunter Groups Under 12 Equitation classes on both days, closely followed by Harriet McAree. Harriet and the wonderful Afallons Royal Salute who also enjoyed success in the Cat A ring.
Local riders Lucy McKinstry and Mackenzie Boderick produced some excellent rounds in Cat B, while Cat C was hotly contested by Isabelle Duncan riding Onetai Cover Girl and Shayde Hanover aboard Fancy Clancy. Isabelle also featured in both Equissage NZ Pony Equitation classes.

There was plenty of great competition in the hack ring, too. Naya Boone and Partly Cloudy took out both Junior Series classes, while Antonio Matangi aboard Coastal Arch and Henry Gaddum riding Eye Pinky Promise shared the honours in the Summit Grains and Saddlery Amateur Series. Antonio also won both Open Equitation classes, with local rider Amanda Illston hot on her heels, while Henry Gaddum claimed two of the three 110cm classes.

The Wairarapa Jumping Group would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to a successful weekend of competition. To the local and national sponsors, thank you for your generous support, with a special mention to The Trust House for their ongoing partnership with our shows.

To all the riders who travelled from near and far to support the event, we hope you had a fantastic weekend. A big thank you also goes to the many officials and volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend to keep everything running smoothly.

Finally, to the Wairarapa Jumping Group committee, whose passion, dedication and countless hours behind the scenes brought the championships together — thank you!
Congratulations to all competitors on their performances, and thank you to everyone who helped make the weekend such a success.

Vero Insurance Cat A 🥇 Harriet McAree Afallons Royal Salute ( Sat & Sun)
Waikato & BOP SH Groups 12 & under Equitation 🥇 Pippa Petro Sure Thing ( Sat & Sun) ESNZ Cat B 🥇 Issy Fenton Windermere Silvery Moon (Sat) Lucy McKinstry Rustabello (Sun)
Equissage NZ Pony Equitation 🥇 Francis Smith TF Small Torque (Sat) Isabella Duncan Onetai Cover Girl (Sun)
ESNZ Cat C 🥇 Isabella Duncan Onetai Cover Girl (Sat & Sun)
Leaderbrand Junior Rider 🥇 Naya Boone Partly Cloudy (Sat & Sun)
Summit Grains and Saddlery Amateur Rider 🥇Henry Gaddum Eye Pinky Promise (Sat) Antonio Matangi Coastal Arch ( (Sun)
ESNZ Open Equitation 🥇 Antonio Matangi Coastal Arch (Sat & Sun)
NRM Open Horse 🥇Henry Gaddum Eye Pinky Promise (Sat & Sun)

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

28/10/2026

🌷Rotorua ITM Show Hunter Spring Show 2026 🌷

The Bay of Plenty Show Hunter Group hosted its Rotorua ITM Show Hunter Spring Show at the Rotorua A&P Showgrounds over Labour Weekend, welcoming competitors back to the venue following a period away due to planned reconstruction works.

Favourable conditions and strong entry numbers across all three rings contributed to a successful weekend of competition. The Give It A Go ring and Future Stars classes were particularly well supported, with a number of new combinations taking the opportunity to experience Show Hunter alongside more established riders.

Sunday saw excellent competition across the Hack and Pony rings, with the championship classes providing a highlight of the weekend.

Championship winners were:
🏆Rotorua ITM Open Horse Championship 1m – Twyla Ashwell & Starlight Raven
🏆Canter for Cancer Open Cat A Pony Championship 70cm – Ella Wylie & Waima Gin
🏆 Canter for Cancer Open Cat B Pony Championship 80cm – Ruby Stirling & Nitro Ngati Bear
🏆Canter for Cancer Open Cat C Pony Championship 90cm – Sasha Scott & Donnerossa

Judges Sue Whiddett, Sally Parker and Jo Herbert noted that all championship winners, placegetters and competitors, displayed a high standard of riding and excellent sportsmanship which was evident throughout the weekend.

Competitors also enjoyed a variety of courses designed and built by two course design teams led by Debbie Fahy and Charelle Marshall across the two days. The positive feedback received reflected the quality and variety of courses.

The Bay of Plenty Show Hunter Group extends its sincere thanks to all National Series and local sponsors for their generous support. Their contribution plays an important role in delivering quality events, providing prizes and creating opportunities for riders across all levels of the sport.

Special thanks go to Rotorua ITM, the show’s naming sponsor, for supporting the Spring Show.
The event would not have been possible without the considerable efforts of the judges, gate stewards, ring crews, course designers and builders, office team, presentation crew, yarding managers, medical team and all other volunteers and officials. Their time, dedication and hard work behind the scenes ensured the weekend ran smoothly. The strong entries, enthusiastic participation and positive atmosphere made the 2026 Rotorua ITM Show Hunter Spring Show a great success.
The return to the group’s home grounds was a welcome occasion for the Bay of Plenty Show.

National Series Class Winners:
🥇NRM Open Horse Michael Morton Bentham Sam RC
🥇ESNZ Open Equitation Sally Steiner WVE Super Nova
🥇Summit Grains & Saddlery Amateur Rider Mikayla Herbert Finnomenal
🥇Leaderbrand Junior Rider Twyla Ashwell Starlight Raven
🥇Vero Insurance Cat A Pony Zoe Morris Fordlands Moonmist
🥇ESNZ Cat B Pony Kyla Rameka Adlou Aramis
🥇ESNZ Cat C Pony Javana Johnston Starlight Ivanhoe
🥇Waikato/ BOP 12& under Equitation Zoe Morris Fordlands Moonmist
🥇Equissage Pony Equitation Javana Johnston Starlight Ivanhoe

📸 Photo Credit: Grace Klava Photography

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

27/10/2026

🌞Spring Sun Sizzles for Canterbury 🌞

Show Jumping Canterbury’s first show of the season, the Forelock.ai by Waimakariri Farm Labour Weekend Carnival was held on Sunday and Monday at the picturesque Dunstan Horsefeeds National Equestrian Centre in Christchurch.

Canterbury’s spring weather has been unpredictable lately, but the sun certainly made an appearance with Saturday’s setup carried out in extremely hot conditions, followed by a superb—though slightly cooler—Sunday. And of course, no show at “the island” would be complete without a windy day, and Monday certainly delivered.

Saturday in the hack ring offered a range of introductory classes with large entries for Ashburton judge Jenny Waddell to sort. The popular Epic Recruitment Ltd Canterbury Rising Star Series, seen the Championship ribbon going to El Ranchero Superhero and Nycole Pattinson.

The pony ring also offered a range of introductory classes followed by the Cat A classes, keeping Waimate judge Kate Wilson busy. The local series for pony riders in their first season of show hunter, sponsored by the Dental Vet was popular, with the Canterbury Area Star Spotter recipient Charlotte Lloyd, having a great day at her first show, taking out the Championship.

The Category A classes were very competitive with quality ponies teaching their young riders the ropes. The local series, sponsored by Brown & Son Construction was won by Georgia Surgenor and Ty Gwyn Royal Portrait, while Lucy Moorhead and Westfield Maximus won both the BOP & Waikato SH Groups 12 & Under Equitation and the Vero Insurance Cat A National Series class.

Monday kicked off in the Hack ring under Kate Wilson, with the Kiwi Conveyancing Solutions Young Horse local series. It required a countback to award the championship to Emily Cammock and Penbretti Black Magic over Rebecca Edwards and Loving Memories.

The afternoon featured the National Series classes. While consistent local rider Georgia Allison has often dominated these in the past, this year the spoils were spread around. Georgia and Sandow Jacob taking out the Summit Grains and Saddlery Amateur National Series class but had to settle for second in the ESNZ Equitation behind winner Abby Doncliff on Free Bee.

The LeaderBrand Junior National Series class was won by Harmonie Whitnall and Flash Harry. A visit to the sand pit by well-known show jumper Molly Buist-Brown on Vali paid off with the pair taking the win in both the NRM Open Class and the 1.10m-1.15m class.

The Cat B and Cat C ponies made up Monday’s pony ring program. While entries were lighter than in previous years, quality ponies were in abundance, keeping Jenny Waddell on her toes.
The Category B’s belonged to the evergreen Starlight Indrani and Annie Scott, who won both the Ten Acre Park local series and the Equissage NZ Pony Equitation class. The ever-consistent Hesasuperstar and Lucy Lloyd rose to take the win in the ESNZ Cat B National Series class.

Amelia Mayberry and TS Miss Sunshine had an excellent day, winning the Championship sash for the LCNZ Sporthorses Canterbury Cat C series, and also taking the win in the ESNZ Cat C National Series class.

Across both days, riders enjoyed beautifully designed and built courses by Georgia Clark
The committee is extremely grateful for the wonderful support from both their local sponsors and from the National Series sponsors.

They look forward to welcoming riders back on 4–6 December for their Xmas Cracker Premier Show, offering double National Series classes and three full days of Show Hunter competition.

📸 Photo Credit: Michelle Clarke

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

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