Equestrian Sports New Zealand is excited to announce the appointment of Jo Colin to the role of General Manager Community and Participation.

Jo joined the team on the 6th of June and enters the organisation having held several community development-focused roles within Sport New Zealand, Sport England, and Active Devon. Jo will return to New Zealand after being based in England for the last 4 years.

ESNZ CEO Julian Bowden says “I am excited about the new direction the organisation is heading. On the back of the new strategic plan, ESNZ recognised the need to connect more with the wider equine community. The role that Jo will take on is to explore how we can bring that community together to provide better outcomes and opportunities for both Horse and Human across the sector. Jo’s background working within community initiatives and knowledge of the New Zealand landscape will be invaluable to the organisation. I know our team will be stronger having Jo on board.”

Jo Colin says “I am honoured to be joining the Equestrian Sports New Zealand whānau at such an exciting time. I have been involved with equines from the age of three and have seen first-hand the power horses have in improving humans’ self-esteem, confidence, compassion, and anxiety levels. I can’t wait to meet the wider equine whānau, see the great work you are doing and understand the opportunities and challenges we can work on together to grow participation, as well as improve inclusion and diversity to impact the lives of more New Zealanders”

Jo will spend the first month working from the UK before landing in New Zealand at the start of July. During June, she has been visiting several UK-based equestrian entities who we will look to develop relationships with going forward.