Trans-Tasman Test Series Ramps Up for Round Two

The hotly contested 2025 Trans-Tasman Test Series moves to Tamworth this week where both nations will be chasing glory in the second of three rounds. It was one apiece at the Waratah World Cup Show where the hosts took the senior edge with the Kiwis winning the young rider test.

Sophie Scott will again spearhead the senior team aboard Normandy GHP. The Palmerston North duo were in fine form at Waratah and continue to give plenty of inspiration to all those around her, according to chef d’Equipe Jaime Campbell-Ward. Joining Sophie will be once again Emma Gillies and Lafayet Ego Z and Samantha Whale on Fleur DeLacour who will be joined by Oliver Croucher and NRS Ricochet MVNZ.

Sophia Blackbourn brings Roxette ECPH into the young rider team this week to join Molly Moffatt on Lazarus GNZ, Emma Gillies with Benrose Black Jack, and Catalina Rocco aboard Orietta MVNZ.

Although Catalina does not meet all the eligibility criteria for official selection, Equestrian Australian kindly agreed to her inclusion so New Zealand could field a full team.

ESNZ general manager of high performance Jock Paget said he was very grateful to Australia for their flexibility. “The late withdrawal of selected combinations meant we were one short,” he said. “To ensure the competition can continue in its traditional team format, ESNZ and Equestrian Australia have agreed to the inclusion of Catalina.”

Catalina, who is the reigning Young Rider of the Year, is a full New Zealand resident and will be applying for permanent residency in October. She travelled to Australia to compete as an individual.

“We’re all looking forward to another exciting and hard-fought competition this week,” says Jock. “A big thank you must go to EA and the event organisers for their collaboration in keeping this important tradition alive.”

Chef Jaime reiterated his comments and said the riders are heading to Tamworth in good spirits and ready for another fierce competition. “Our young riders received a lot of complements at Waratah about their standard of riding and the way they conducted themselves,” she said. “It was lovely to hear.”

The test series runs over three events and will culminate at Willinga in September. The senior Trans-Tasman is the last class on Thursday with the young riders rounding out Friday’s competition. Saturday evening’s CSI1*-W World Cup Qualifier is being held in the indoor arena and will be designed by Mark Atkins (AUS).

THE TEAMS
Senior Team

Reserves:

Young Team

WHAT: AELEC Tamworth World Cup Show – including round two of the Trans-Tasman Test Series
WHERE: Tamworth, NSW, Australia
WHEN: August 28-31, 2025
CLICK HERE FOR START LISTS AND RESULTS

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
26th August 2025