ESNZ has announced a new event aimed at making equestrian more accessible to grass roots riders with the first of two events to be held later this year.  Here is the link to the event on Facebook:  ESNZ D&D Event link

Demo & Dabble is a fun and friendly multidiscipline event for grassroots riders.  The idea behind the concept was to offer ‘demo rings’ as an off-horse option for those who would like to learn a little bit more about each discipline, and the ‘ dabble rings’ to function as a fun and supportive approach to introductory levels of Dressage, Jumping, Eventing  and CTR.

It’s the brainchild of the Strengthen & Adapt Working Group after the 2023 Roadshow revealed that ‘supporting riders to ride’ was a dominant theme among equestrians looking for a sustained future in the sport.  The result is a recreational/multi discipline event that will be held across two days – one for the North Island and one for the South Island.

Demo:  There’ll be rings where ambassadors will present and talk about each discipline, explain what to do and how to access the lower levels.  And participants get the chance to ask those burning questions they’ve always wanted to ask.

Dabble:  Give it a go in training-style rings for dressage, jumping, show hunter, arena eventing and trail riding.

The first Demo & Dabble will hosted by the Waikato Equestrian Centre in Hamilton on 16 and 17 November for a modest fee.  It will be held across two days with a social Saturday night event.   There will be style prizes for sportsmanship and horsemanship awarded by judges and ambassadors, turn out awards, spot prizes and giveaways. 

National Development Manager Strengthen & Adapt Ashra McAvinue says she is looking forward to the event.

“The Strengthen & Adapt Working Group has put together a great concept that we think will give riders the chance to explore their sport in a way that doesn’t put the unnecessary pressure on them as first-time entrants.  There are no expectations, we just want them to come along and enjoy themselves in a great facility with all the bells and whistles,” says Ashra.

A second Demo & Dabble event is planned for Christchurch early next year.  (Photo credit:   Lily Banse)