Sun on the forecast for NZ3DE 2024

As the autumn chill sets in, the forecast is looking a treat for competitors and spectators attending the picturesque landscapes of the Taupō Equestrian Centre for the New Zealand Three Day Eventing Championships, May 9-12, 2024. This prestigious event promises four days of thrilling competition, showcasing the best of courage, skill, and partnership between horse and rider.

The NZ Three Day Eventing Championships is a highlight of the equestrian calendar, drawing competitors and spectators from across New Zealand. This event covers all grades, from grassroot combinations to seasoned professionals, competing across various levels: from the highly challenging 4* class to introductory levels for emerging talent.

To run this Event, it takes a team of dedicated and experienced individuals plus generous businesses – without these supports, the Event would not be possible.

A very heartfelt thank you to the following class sponsors:

• Wade Equine Coaches CCI4*
• NRM CCI3*
• Fiber Fresh CCI2*
• Land Rover CCN1*
• Canter for Cancer CCN105
• Penny Homes CCN95-Championship
• Oranoa Sport Horse CCN95-Open
• For the Love of the Sport, Celebrating Volunteers CCN80cm
• NZ Warmblood Association Young Event Horse

The following have also generously provided their support:

• Equilume
• Miequi
• IRT
• Jenni Calver
• NZTR
• Stihl Taupō
• NZPCA
• Equissage
• Brandright

The Event will be host to the annual Silver Spurs competition where a team of four riders are chosen by the NZ National Selectors to represent the North and South Island. The teams will be announced on Thursday afternoon following the first horse inspection. Keep an eye out on the ESNZ Eventing Facebook page for the announcement!

The ESNZ Eventing Series winner and placegetters will be celebrated at the Equissage Rider’s Function on Friday 10th at 7pm, upstairs of the indoor. At the function, we will also hear from NRM on the latest equine nutrition research, Equissage, an interview with our WINNING Young Rider Oceania team as well as giveaways to be won. All are welcome and the bar will be open so please dress warm and come along!

Sunday will see the NZ Young Event Horse Championships sponsored by NZ Warmblood Association. The Event preview for this class can be found on the ESNZ website here

To run an Event of this caliber, it requires a team of experienced and knowledgeable Officials. The NZ3DE have been lucky to secure Polly-Ann Huntington from Australia to be on the 4* and 3* Ground Jury with Helen Christie and Nicoli Fife of NZL joining Polly-Ann. Virginia Tocher and Barbara Woolhouse are Ground Jury for the 2* class, with Margs Carline and Su Jenkins rounding out the Ground Jury team for the lower levels. Technical Delegates for the Event are Hamish Butler-Gallie in the lead position accompanied by Wendy Lansdown, Debra Gibson and Meg Wheatstone. Chris Ross is designing the 4* course, John Holmes the 3*, Mike Guilfoyle the 2* & 1*/105 with Clive Long designing the 95cm and 80cm courses. Paula Gold is chief Steward with her accompanying team of Stewards: Janet Evans, Susan O’Brien, Marj Steiner, Suz Bassett, Di Russek and Jo Crosby (AUS).

A trade village will be available for those interested in shopping all things equestrian. This will be located on the main car park in front of the Indoor Arena. A food and coffee vendor will also be available on site.

 To view entries for the Event, please visit the Evo Events website here. Results will also be posted on the Evo Events website and daily updates can be found on the ESNZ Eventing Facebook page.

The timetable for the Event can be found below – please note: this could be subject to minor changes. The Event is free of charge to attend each day.