Quality international standard horses are a critical and essential requirement for the ongoing success of Kiwi riders . . . and there’s an opportunity for you to be part of it all.
The HorsePower Working Group is a voluntary group of eventing enthusiasts including riders, owners, breeders and parents. It is led by ESNZ High Performance with the aim of empowering people to experience the thrill of eventing with the eventual goal of encouraging more sponsorship and ownership within the sport.
“We’re looking to create an inclusive culture for all involved in our sport through a number of means, including by holding functions for riders, owners and sponsors at some key New Zealand events,” says ESNZ high performance director Sarah Dalziell-Clout.
The first of those gatherings is being held tomorrow (Saturday) at the Puhinui International Three Day Event in Auckland where people are invited to meet the up-and-coming stars of eventing, along with Olympians Jock Paget, Blyth Tait and Clarke Johnstone.
The celebration is scheduled between 4pm-5.30pm following the Honda CCI3* cross country in the main oval’s Puhinui VIP tent. “This is a chance to celebrate our sport, thank our sponsors and owners, and for people to meet some of our stars,” says Dalziell-Clout.
“Horse power has been overwhelmingly recognised as the greatest challenge to New Zealand’s ongoing success in the sport. There is no doubt that we have quality riders, but we need to ensure that we continue to source, develop and retain international quality horses in order to remain at the top of the game,” she says.
The HorsePower Working Group aims to create opportunities and provide tools for riders, owners and sponsors to connect for the benefit of all involved in the Kiwi eventing family. It is hoped in the future the group will be able to offer owner/sponsor networking events, greater linkage to and recognition of breeders within the sport, syndication facilitation and educational tools for riders and owners.
The ESNZ Eventing High Performance programme has a well-established horsepower events schedule held during the United Kingdom competition season run by events and sponsorship coordinator Ginny Loisel. As well as hosting existing and potential owners and sponsors, the events also aim to attract new people into the sport. One of the more popular gatherings is the well-renowned Kiwi tent beside the Badminton Lake at the Badminton CCI4*competition.
For more information, contact Sarah Dalziell-Clout or click here
By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison