#GameChangers – the South Island contingent to the National Three Day Event

Kirsty Sharapoff, a #GameChanger in her own right, sent this wonderful message and like Kirsty says, this is an unusual #GameChanger nomination and one which hits all the high notes of our Change the Rein campaign. In Kirsty’s own words …..

I’d like to nominate more than one person – the full South Island contingent who travelled to the National Three-Day Event in May. This was quite a large group with around 24 or so competitors making the trip north. 

This group included riders, parents, partners, spouses, coaches, grooms and friends and the nature of the group really reminded us of why we do this sport in the first place. There were tears, laughter, awesomely efficient wash down production lines at the end of the cross country, course walks, advice, hugs, sharing of gear, sharing of trip advice and stopover choices, celebrations and commiserations and a general feeling of comradery throughout the whole weekend. 

The outcome of this awesome mob was that everyone felt included and secure in the knowledge that they were not alone in the ups and downs of this particular event and the sport in general. 

I know that this isn’t the usual type of nomination but it was pretty blinking awesome so I certainly think it’s worthy!!!

We totally agree Kirsty! This is exactly what we mean when we talk about #GameChangers: people who live the values which our Change the Rein campaign is all about. Being welcoming, inclusive, supportive, kind, generous and sharing the laughter and the tears. Thank you to all those Kirsty is talking about (you know who you are ?) and to Kirsty for this awesome nomination.

#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 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)