John Bremner rides LT Holst Frances. Photo by Libby Law
DUNSTAN HORSEFEEDS AMATEUR RIDER SERIES
Winner: Josh Bremner (Northland)
Seven years out of the sport has done nothing to dull the ability nor talent of the winning Dunstan Horsefeeds Amateur Rider Series Josh Bremner.
The 26-year-old farrier from Hikurangi won the double with both the Amateur Rider crown at HOY and the series.
“I came back just to see if I still had it and had the horses at home so thought why not,” he says. His horse power was his “big fella” Triple Star Destiny’s Accolade who has been with him for 14 or so years, and newbie LT Holst Frances who is the twin embryo sister of LT Holst Freda and daughter of LT Holst Andrea – both of whom have won the Olympic Cup.
“Frances is more power than I know what to do with,” says Josh.
Between the two horses he won eight Amateur Series classes. “Frances did all the heavy lifting in the series but I am just stoked with them both. I don’t think I could have done any better with the horses. I came into the season with no expectations and felt rusty to say the least!”
He’s very much at home aboard Accolade who Josh describes as a good old Clydie cross who just wants to please. “Frances will jump the moon for you but looks for a lot of confidence from the rider so it took us a few shows to really gel. That said, she has got better and better as the season progressed. I didn’t expect us to go so well with that seven year break.”
But he is very quick to credit the team behind him. “I couldn’t have done it without my amazing partner Lexie McCallum and good mate Sophie Ferguson – between the two of them they get the horses ready for shows and keep them fit when I can’t. It is a massive team effort. I just came and winged it and definitely had the girls in my ear when I wasn’t riding well!”
While he is basking in the warmth of such success with his passion for showjumping definitely reignited, it has made him realise he simply doesn’t have time for it.
“I am going to stick to shoeing horses rather than competing!”
Accolade will stay with him forever but Josh says he is unsure what the future holds for Frances. “I do believe she will go Grand Prix and even World Cup – she has it all there, so we may sell her.”
He extended a big thank you to series sponsors Dunstan Horsefeeds for their ongoing support of showjumping.
They’ve been sponsoring showjumping series for more than a decade. “It is a long-standing relationship we truly value,” says the company’s marketing contractor Paxton Kirkbride. “We are passionate about supporting the Amateur Rider Series as it offers a unique environment where riders genuinely encourage one another – the camaraderie is incredible. They’re involved because they truly love the sport and we love backing that.”
Supporting the series gives Dunstan nationwide visibility and allows them to give back to the equestrian community. “We’re proud to support those who support us,” she says.
Dunstan is “proudly” New Zealand owned and operated. “That’s at the heart of who we are,” says Paxton. “Our team of dedicated equine specialists are just a phone call away and we pride ourselves on creating tailored diets to suit every horse.”
The company is also passionate about innovation. “One of our newest initiatives is the relaunch of the Dunstan Masterclasses giving riders across the country the opportunity to train with our ambassadors and deepen their understanding of equine nutrition.”
These have been rolled out during the school holidays around New Zealand. “It’s just another way we can give back to the equestrian community which is such a big part of what we stand for,” she says.
Results – Josh Bremner (Northland) 118 1, Jillian Watson (Hawera) 114 2, Laura Knight (Palmerston North) 93 3, Hayley Fraser (Kapiti) 84 4.
Diana Dobson
May 2025