The ESNZ High Performance is calling for applications for the Talent Identification (ID) Squads for 2026 – applications close Monday 26 January 2026.
The Talent Identification squad identifies talented athletes and introduces them to the high performance programme, new learnings and opportunities. Athletes are selected on values based criteria and during their time in Talent ID, will experience what the high performance programme is about, given time to develop and progress towards Talent Development squad selection.
To be eligible to apply, athletes must meet the following eligibility requirements at time of selection;
- The General Eligibility requirements as set out in Article 10 of the ESNZ Special Regulation (National Selection
- The age and eligibility requirements as specified in the relevant discipline Talent ID Squad criteria.
Application Process
Applicants are encouraged to read the selection criteria relevant to their chosen discipline before completing the application.
The Selection panel will consider applicants that meet the selection criteria. Athletes may be contacted by the discipline HP Manager for a further discussion and, along with members of the selection panel, be watched at competitions. Please be clear in your application what your future aspirations are and what you are going to do to achieve these.
Any questions around eligibility or completing the application can be directed to Eliza Johns – HP Operations, [email protected] or direct to the respective discipline HP Manager.
Click here to complete the application form
Current Talent ID squad members do not need to reapply.
Assessment Days and Dates
Talent ID Assessment days will be held in both islands before the final selection is made in June 2026. The assessment days form part of the selection process, giving the HP Managers the opportunity to meet applicants and assess them against the squad characteristics (as per selection criteria). Applicants will also meet members of the high performance team and have the opportunity to learn more about the high performance programme. All applicants, that meet the selection criteria, are invited to attend the assessment days so please make note of the following dates.
- South Island – *24 February 2026 – Dunstan Horsefeeds NEC Christchurch
- North Island – 7 April 2026 – Fiber Fresh NEC Taupo
* an alternative assessment will be arranged for anyone Jumping at Takapoto that can not get back to Christchurch in time.
Selection
Selection will take place in June 2026 and all applicants, both successful and unsuccessful, will be notified by email.
Selected athletes are invited to attend the Talent ID Induction Camp as their first on horse squad training and the annual high performance Off Horse Camp as their first whole squad activity,.
- South Island Induction Camp – 16 – 17 September 2026 – Dunstan Horsefeeds NEC Christchurch
- North Island Induction Camp – 22 – 23 September 2026 – Fiber Fresh NEC Taupo
- Off Horse Camp – 9- 11 October 2026 – venue tbc
Induction Camp
The purpose of the induction camp is to introduce new athletes to each other and the HP team in a camp environment designed intentionally for inducting new athletes to the programme. There is a mix of both on horse training and off horse education including the delivery of core horse management topics.
Off Horse Camp
The annual high performance off horse camp is an opportunity for the whole high performance team and squad members across all disciplines, to get together and focus on things away from horses, to get to know each other better and to grow knowledge. The camp includes a mix of team building, performance psychology, programme education and fun. Each year there is a different theme or activity to keep the content fresh and interesting for returning athletes.