Ava Allsopp-Hill competes on Eyredale Enchanted Radiance at the Canterbury Show Hunter Championships, Dunstan Horsefeeds NEC, Christchurch. 23 February 2025.
The temperatures might be cold at the NECs, but the atmosphere is about to heat up with the 2025 Secondary School Equestrian Championships starting in just over a week. Ava Allsopp-Hill is one of 750 young riders nationwide who can’t wait for the fun to begin.
Ava competes on her 13.2hh riding pony Eyredale Enchanted Radiance, a 14-year-old locally bred pony kept on the family’s 10 acre block, south of Christchurch. The 12-year-old intermediate student from Villa Maria College in Upper Riccarton came 4th overall in the dressage at the event last year. As part of the competition’s rules, she was also required to compete in the other disciplines, and found an interest in jumping.
Mum, Kristie Hill says the confidence her daughter gained at Interschools inspired her to compete in Show Hunter at the Canterbury Championships in February, and she won the title.
Ava Allsopp-Hill and her pony Eyredale Enchanted Radiance.
“Ava has always been an RAS (Royal Agricultural Society) show rider, so Interschools has opened her eyes and made a big difference to her. Everything is there, and the students get a taste of it all,” says Kristie.
“I love how the schools are promoting equestrian along with all other sports they take part in.”
ESNZ’s General Manager Community Jo Colin says Ava’s story is one of many successes coming out of the event being held during School Sports Tournament Week.
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.
“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.”
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 placed a keen focus on education and horse wellbeing. New this year, is the BetaVet Manaakitanga Challenge which highlights the core Māori values of Manaakitanga, and translates to hospitality, kindness, generosity, and the process of showing respect and care for others, including equines.
School students are encouraged to manage their horses with care and respect and show good sportsmanship to their fellow peers and schools. Points are given for examples of excellence observed by ambassadors and officials, with bountiful prizes awarded by BetaVet Equine Herbal Supplements.
Local businesses are getting behind the Interschools again this year. Taupō Equestrian Supplies is supporting veterinary services in Taupō and Christchurch and a number of equestrian businesses are sponsoring competition classes. Outdoor trade villages are being 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.