2024 Secondary School Championships, Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre, Taupō. JH Photography.
Entries have skyrocketed for the third year in a row, with more than double the number of school-age equestrians entering the Secondary School Equestrian Championships since the event began three years ago.
The event has received 749 entries from schools across the North Island and South Island, a 106% increase on the 363 entries received when it was first held in 2022. The figure also represents a 23% increase in entries between 2024 and 2025.
The Secondary School Equestrian Championships are held concurrently in Taupō and Christchurch and hosted by Equestrian Sports New Zealand, the New Zealand Pony Clubs Association and School Sport New Zealand. The event is co-ordinated by Equestrian Sports NZ staff and officials, and also draws on the support of local equestrian communities and volunteers. Students from year seven to year 13 take part, and include schools from Kaitaia to Southland.
Equestrian Sports New Zealand General Manager of Community Jo Colin says the “Interschools” enable younger riders and their teammates to enjoy taking part in equestrian sports during Tournament Week.
“For many rangitahi, this is the first – and sometimes the only – opportunity to connect with an organised event within the equestrian sport. We’re giving them the chance to try something new in a safe and encouraging environment, while also supporting their school teammates.
“Parents and caregivers are encouraged to volunteer in operational roles that help us to run the event, and this means they can share in the joys of their child’s experience, often learning something new,” says Jo.
A schedule of events runs across the week and includes plenty of action as the young riders take part in Dressage, Showjumping, Arena Eventing, Competitive Trail Riding and, for the first time, Mounted Games with the support of the New Zealand Mounted Games Association.
Along with the competitive side of the event, Equestrian Sports New Zealand has ensured a keen focus on education and horse wellbeing is maintained throughout. New this year, is the BetaVet Manaakitanga Challenge and highlights the core Māori values of Manaakitanga, which translates to hospitality, kindness, generosity, and showing respect and care for others, including their horses. School students are encouraged to manage their horses with care and respect, and show good sportsmanship towards their fellow peers and schools. Points are given for examples of excellence observed by ambassadors and officials, with a grand prize awarded in each centre.
Local businesses are getting behind the Interschools again this year. Taupō Equestrian Supplies is supporting the essential veterinary services that are required in order to run a safely co-ordinated competition for young riders and their equines. Tackshop.co.nz is a principal sponsor, while other businesses are sponsoring competition classes, and outdoor trade villages will be held in both centres.
The 2025 Secondary School Equestrian Championships will be held from Sunday 24th until Thursday 28th August at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre in Taupō, and until Friday 29th August at the Dunstan Horsefeeds National Equestrian Centre at McLeans Island, Christchurch.