Ambassador Kyle Calder and Summer Le Normand riding Galaxy Game Changer. Credit: LJ Photography.

Grassroots riders had a taste of something new at a horse event at the Waikato Equestrian Centre in Hamilton this weekend.  ESNZ hosted a multi-discipline weekend – the first of its kind aimed at grassroots riders – a break away from the traditional disciplines of Dressage, Jumping, Eventing and Endurance/Competitive Trail Riding.

“Demo & Dabble” participants took part in off-horse training by a group of experienced ESNZ riders who demonstrated the concepts and shared their competition secrets.  Then the participants were guided through introductory level classes, something a number of them had not attempted before.

The concept was developed by a working group of riders across the country who identified a need for a recreational/multi discipline event to encourage more grassroots riders into activity.

It was funded by Sport New Zealand, as part of the organisation’s response the COVID-19 lockdowns.  The Strengthen & Adapt programme includes multiple sports codes, including high profile mainstream sports such as Netball, Cricket, Rugby, Athletics, Tennis and Rowing to name a few.  

Equestrian Sports National Development Manager Strengthen & Adapt Ashra McAvinue says she is pleased with the result.

“The Strengthen & Adapt Working Group has put together a great concept that has given the 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 and they have come along and enjoyed themselves in a great facility with all the bells and whistles, in the brilliant Waikato sun,” says Ashra.

A second Demo & Dabble event is planned for Christchurch early next year.