Sally Linton from the Waikato Dressage Group is a perfect example of what we mean when we talk about a #GameChanger: someone who lives the values which our Change the Rein campaign is all about.

In this case ESNZ Dressage Sports Manager Wendy Hamerton heard that Sally talked to Masters Age Group rider, Jean Newman, at a local event in the Waikato and encouraged her to enter the Quin Buildings Masters Dressage Top Ten League. Jean’s horse is 19 years old and Jean is 69.

Jean rang Wendy very excited to find out more as she had just got some grading points at an event and wanted to know if they would count and said what a great ambassador that Sally was for the series.   

Nice one Sally! With people like you we can Change the Rein. Thank you!

#GameChangers is about encouraging people to tell us about acts of kindness or helpfulness by ESNZ members that made a difference to someone’s day.  So, please keep your eyes and ears open when you’re out and about and nominate someone you witness doing something kind, supportive, helpful for someone (or a horse) that demonstrates the sort of inclusive, supportive, safe and friendly culture we’re working towards with Change the Rein.  We will reward them and make sure people are aware of what great people we have in our sport.

If you want to nominate an ESNZ #GameChanger, this is what you do:

Please email to [email protected],nz the following information (#GameChangers in the subject line):

  • Person nominating the #GameChanger – your name, contact details (email & phone number)
  • Who is the ESNZ member being nominated as a #GameChanger (name, discipline, area group/club and role eg official, rider, volunteer, parent)
  • Photo of the #GameChanger person (not necessarily in the act, so to speak)
  • What was the #GameChanger behaviour witnessed and the outcome (this doesn’t need to be heroic – just a kind, considerate, helpful, supportive, inclusive, welcoming, friendly act)