ESNZ general manager high performance Jock Paget can see plenty of benefits for all in the latest advances of the HP Jumping Programme.
Today he is announcing the new high performance jumping manager – the position will be managed and delivered in a dual role between Tom Tarver in Germany and the onshore based Jaime Campbell-Ward. “We just felt it was geographically challenging to do the role justice having one person cover it all,” said Jock.
Tom will lead the “Campaign Programme”, to include world championship and Olympic campaigns and managing of all HP Future Athletes and the offshore HP Potential athletes. Jaime will lead the “Pathway Programme” to include NZ based activities along with all Talent ID, Talent Development athletes and the NZ based HP Potential athletes.
“I am really excited to have both Tom and Jaime on board. They both know the sport well. They are hugely passionate, have good technical knowledge, excellent contextual knowledge and I think they are people who will get out and make things happen.”
The job attracted plenty of interest from a raft of “high quality” applicants. “It is exciting for the jumping community to see how many people out there really want to contribute to the sport,” he said. “That really came through the process (of interviewing for the job). There are a lot of great people who have a lot to offer and contribute to the sport. We really could have filled the role multiple times.”
He’s confident Tom and Jaime will be excellent additions to the High Performance Jumping Programme. “It’s an exciting team and I am looking forward to seeing what more we can produce through the HP programme.”
Tom Tarver & wife Lucia. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Tokyo Olympian Tom Tarver has been based in Germany in recent years but returns to New Zealand regularly. “I am driven by my passion for the sport,” says Tom. “I have always wanted to help develop the sport. We have the riders and good raw talent but miss a little bit.” Having “lived and breathed” jumping in Europe, Tom says he is well placed to help riders. “Add to that my business background and I am hopeful I can bring a good structure to the programme so we can plan properly and get a result.
“We are good enough to be good enough,” he says. “We just need to bring all the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together so we can do all we need to be successful together.” He knows only too well the time a successful campaign takes. “We aren’t talking just three months out – it takes time. Having done it I know what it takes and how I could have done it better and help bring New Zealand to the world stage.”
Tom considers communication one of his strengths. “I think I am good at that. I get on with most people.” His business world includes bringing teams together across multiple levels, cultures and more. “I am very solution focused,” says Tom. He is excited as the programme heads towards the World Champs in Aachen next year and the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.
Jamie Campbell – Credit Julia Murch
Jaime has always wanted to work in high performance. “I really enjoyed being part of the New Zealand High Performance Sport Core Knowledge Programme and learning alongside top coaches.
“As a coach, helping riders prepare both themselves and their horse for competition has been a long-standing passion of mine,” says Jaime. “I believe my strength lies in the broad perspective I bring. I have been involved in the sport as a rider, coach, chef d’equipe for junior teams and the Global Amateur Tour as well as a show organiser and selector. I have seen the sport from many sides giving me a strong sense of what riders need to succeed.”
She prides herself in having a calm presence, strong organisational skills and a people-first approach. “I always prioritise the athletes and their performance goals. I am excited to be part of this program with what I believe is a very promising and motivated pool of riders. There is a great sense of momentum building and I am looking forward to what we can achieve together.”
By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison