A secondary school Phys Ed teacher, an Event Secretary, a rider, and mum to a 1-year-old. You’d forgive Claudia Faulkner for a life of chaos, especially when baby Payten arrived eight weeks early almost a year ago. But despite all this, Claudia is the backbone of Eventing Canterbury and has been organising equestrian events since she was a child.
Claudia’s mum reports that Claudia has been heavily involved in the organisation and management of Pony Club events since she was 12 years old. At the age of 18, Claudia took on the brave role of Event secretary for Eventing Canterbury (EC) while at University studying Physical and Health Education and gaining an honours degree. After riding multiple competition horses following uni, Claudia would then move onto the Event secretarial work in the evenings as she felt this was her way of giving back to the sport. Ten years later, Claudia remains an integral part of EC.
Claudia has previously competed up to 3* eventing with her 2 older semi retirees, Citadell and Shapeshifter. Just to prove how much Claudia packs into her life, she even rode in the NZPCA dressage champs the week of her wedding!
Although Eventing remains as Claudia’s main passion, she also competes in Showjumping, Show Hunter, Hunter around the ring, Dressage Level 4 and showing. She currently has a team of five horses – her main horse is Triple Shot who is competing at 3* level. She also competes in Pro Amateur classes with Diplomatic Shot and a has some fiery young chestnuts who keep her on her toes! She has a love of Thoroughbreds and has purchased off the track Thoroughbreds from Eventstars in the past.
From Eventing Canterbury – “Claudia is such a vital part of Eventing Canterbury. She is super hard working, always approachable and looking for logical and workable options to solve problems. She is the first to put her hand up to get things done and has willingly stepped up to fill any gaps in personnel. We are very lucky to have her and would likely fall over without her!!!”
Claudia credits her supportive husband Alex and family around her that help her juggle baby, and following her passion with the horses. Her favourite chill time activity? A movie and popcorn on couch. Sounds like it’s well earnt!
