Two months into the show season and already a record number of rehomed Thoroughbreds have been registered to compete as sport horses across the disciplines of eventing, dressage, showjumping and show hunter.
To date, 60 new horses have registered since 1 August, nearly equaling the 60-70 horses that typically are registered for a whole show season last year.
This shows that riders are increasingly capitalising on the versatility of the breed as more opportunities open up for them to demonstrate a successful life beyond the racetrack, according to ESNZ Community Manager Horse and Human Wellbeing Heidi Bulfin.
“This is the second year for the New Zealand Bloodstock Best Newcomer Award, an accumulator series that is gaining good traction among riders retraining Thoroughbreds,” says Heidi.
“It’s proving to be quite the motivator for those riders who are picking up a horse at a reasonable price, successfully competing and gaining recognition for their efforts.”
Competitors Gemma Hampson and Nightshift (pictured) won the New Zealand Bloodstock Eventing Newcomer’s award last year, the first time it had been offered.
The incentive series forms part of the Thoroughbreds in Equestrian Sports (TiES) Accumulator Series, a partnership with ESNZ, NZ Thoroughbred Racing and New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) that recognises the success and versatility of Thoroughbreds in equestrian sports.
The New Zealand Bloodstock Best Newcomer title is contested in conjunction with the TiES Accumulator Series, with NZB offering a prize of $2,000 to winners of each discipline that have been registered with ESNZ for the first time.
“We recognise the talent of the Thoroughbred across all disciplines and are proud to support those competing this season,” commented NZB’s Marketing Manager Natalie Jamieson.
“It is great to reward those with horses entering the competitive stage for the first time and the popularity of those registering already showcases the demand for a quality athlete like a Thoroughbred.”
NZB is a proud supporter not only of the racing and breeding industries, but also the various initiatives and events that align with racehorses off the track, supporting them in their show of versatility, athleticism and second careers after racing.
For points or eligibility enquiries, contact [email protected].