It is with great sadness that we farewell one of the most genuine, hardworking and likeable characters in our sport.
Peter (fondly known a Pete) Jenkins passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Taupo on Friday 18th February
Pete grew up riding in the UK where he competed in eventing to 2* level (now 3*) and in dressage to Prix St Georges level. He was lucky enough to live near by and be coached by Carl Hester.
After immigrating to New Zealand in 2009 he wasted no time becoming a valued and cherished part of the local equine community. He served in numerous volunteer positions, including vice president and event director of the Kihikihi horse trials, Vice-President of Dressage Waikato, writer coordinator for Dressage Waikato and Dressage NZ national events, president of Dressage Bay of Plenty and most recently as the Technical officer on the Board of Dressage New Zealand.
Pete was an equine dentist for 27 years and his professional expertise benefited the horse population of the mid-north island for many years.
All those that knew Pete counted him as a friend, and looked up to him as a person genuinely worthy of respect and admiration. He was never too busy to lend a hand and never above helping out in whatever way he could from the most-humble job to the most difficult. He was awarded Dressage NZ Volunteer of the Year in 2020.
“His calm demeanor and happy smile embodied for me the calm and steady nature a horse-person should strive for. He will be missed by all who knew him and in particular by his colleagues on the Dressage NZ board” said Board Chair Scott McKenna .
Our heartfelt condolences are conveyed to his wife Ali and family and many friends.