Tina Collison is definitely a #GameChanger! Her friend Nicole Scully told us how Tina, who is an ESNZ member and from the Ōhāriu Valley Adult Riding Club, very kindly came out of her way to pick Nicole and her horse up for the riding club show jumping (they don’t have transport). Tina put up with Nicole’s horse not wanting to go on Tina’s truck (meaning she was almost late for her own classes), packed Nicole a lunch and videoed her rounds for her. Then Tina dropped Nicole’s horse home and gave Nicole a beer.  

“She always gives to others and I think there are countless riders who have had opportunities to go out because of Tina providing her truck and her horses and just generally being a good person,” said Nicole.

Tina 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. Thank you! And thank you Nicole for sharing this great story with us.

#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)