Talent A-Plenty in New HP Eventing Squads

COVID brought an extra challenge for New Zealand eventers chasing spots on the ESNZ High Performance squads, however there is a swathe of talent in the newly-announced lists.

High performance general manager Jock Paget says it was encouraging to see so many combinations on the High Performance and High Performance Futures squads leading into the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games.

“It has been a tough year for everyone in many ways but particularly for gaining selection onto a squad given there haven’t been many opportunities to show form,” he said.

In congratulating those who had made squads, alongside their owners and teams, he had a few words for those who had not this time round. “For those who didn’t reach their selections goals this time round, I encourage you to keep working hard and we hope to see you lining up for the next squad announcements.”

His sentiments are reiterated by ESNZ high performance eventing manager Graeme Thom. “I cannot say enough about the efforts everyone has made during this trying time.,” says Graeme. “Our riders have been immeasurably supported by their owners. Our support team of coaches and horse health professionals have been making every effort possible to make things happen.”

And everyone was looking forward to a “re-born year of competition” with fingers crossed. “The upcoming year will see further intensity in training with a goal to attend global competitions in our run up to Tokyo. The encouragement, guidance and support from High Performance Sport New Zealand over the past year and into the future is inspirational. That we have been able to expand our squad is a testimony to the combined forces of all these groups and I share in everyone’s applause for those riders who have made this happen”

The High Performance Squad sees a trio of very familiar faces and horses. Clarke Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation, along with Tim and Jonelle Price with eight horses between them form the High Performance Squad. Tim has been named again with Ascona M, Bango, Ringwood Sky Boy and Xavier Faer, with Wesko moving up from the futures squad, while Jonelle is in again aboard Classic Moet and Faerie Dianimo, and her more recent ride Grovine de Reve.

The High Performance Futures Squad is a mixture of onshore and offshore based athletes with James Avery new to the list aboard Mr Sneezy with Jesse Campbell bringing up Diachello, Jonelle aboard McClaren and Grappa Nera, Monica Oakley with Artist and Bundy Philpott on Tresca NZPH.

They join Amanda Pottinger on Just Kidding, Caroline Powell with On the Brash, Clarke on Aces High, Dan Jocelyn on Blackthorn Cruise, James with One of a Kind, Jesse and Cleveland, Maddison Crowe aboard Waitangi Pinterest, Monica and Acrobat and Tim on Falco.

The High Performance Potential has attracted five new riders in Tayla Mason, Hollie Swaine, Abby Lawrence, Lucy Jackson and Christen Lane who join Bruce Haskell, Donna Edwards-Smith, Ginny Thompson, Joe Myer, Matthew Grayling, Nick Brooks and Renee Faulkner.

High Performance Squad

High Performance Futures Squad

High Performance Potential Squad

Talent Development

Talent ID

NOTE: This was a review of the current Talent ID Squad members. Those riders that have recently applied for 2021 will be considered for selection during the half year squad review following the National 3DE

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
January 11th 2021