ESNZ’s 75th Anniversary Dinner played host to the sports organisation’s Hall of Fame Awards held in the Banquet Hall at Parliament Buildings tonight. Approximately 260 guests celebrated 75 years of equestrian sports in New Zealand since the organisation’s inception as the Horse Society of New Zealand on 14 July, 1950.
This year’s awards were presented along with the latest Hall of Fame inductees, and others who have made an outstanding contribution to ESNZ and the sport during the past years were announced.
Guests were welcomed by Board Chair Lynda Clark. Special guests included founder of the Catwalk Trust Dame Catriona Williams and husband Sam, ESNZ Patron Jennifer Millar, former ESNZ CEOs Justine Kidd, Vicki Glynn and Dana Kirkpatrick now National MP (Gisborne), Sport NZ Relationship Manager Karin Adlinger-Smith and Group General Manager Strategy, Policy and Investment Julie Morrison, NZ Pony Club CEO Lizzie Turnbull and Riding for the Disabled CEO Donna Kennedy.
Riders from throughout the ages took part in a series of “fireside chats” to reflect on the past 75 years of equestrian sports.
Here are the award winners:
2025 ESNZ RIDER OF THE YEAR:
Melissa Galloway (Dressage)
2025 ESNZ HORSE OF THE YEAR – INTERNATIONAL:
Showcase BC
2025 ESNZ HORSE OF THE YEAR – NATIONAL:
LT Holst Freda
2025 ESNZ TEAM OF THE YEAR:
2024 FEI Dressage World Challenge
Helen Hughes-Keen (Chef d’Equipe), Katy Payne (Dragonbach Master Reilly), Paige Fitzgerald (Greenmoor Euphoria), Amanda Macpherson (Friden Star) and Samantha Belsham (Dolcetto II).
2025 ESNZ AGAINST ALL ODDS:
Louise Duncan (Para-Equestrian)
Special Recognition was given to Jesse Campbell (Eventing) and to Clarke Johnstone (Eventing).
2025 ESNZ GROOM OF THE YEAR:
Madison (Madi) Schollum (Dressage)
THE PILMER PLATE – ESNZ LIFETIME VOLUNTEER/OFFICIALS AWARD:
Wendy Farnell (Endurance)
ESNZ YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARDS FOR 2025
Dressage Young Person of the Year is Paige Fitzgerald
Eventing Young Person of the Year is Charlotte Penny
Jumping Young Person of the Year is Johanna Wylaars
2025 ESNZ HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
David Goodin (previously acknowledged at HOY)
Harvey & Ann Wilson
Joe Yorke & Big Red
Penny Pearce
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS FOR 2025
Sue Hobson (Dressage)
Gill Usher (Dressage)
Helen Christie (Eventing)
Dr Margaret Evans (Eventing)
Rowan Armer (Eventing)
Roger Laplanche (Jumping)
Marilyn Vincent (Jumping)
Adrian White (Jumping)
Tony Parsons (Jumping)
Wendy Farnell (Endurance)