Kihikihi is held at the picturesque Kihikihi domain, South of Te Awamutu, utilising the neighbouring polo fields and farm for the Dressage and Cross-Country phases. It is these attributes which makes this Event a firm favourite on the Eventers calendar.
A trademark of Kihikihi & their head Course Designer, Chris Lever, is their ability to produce the most beautifully dressed and turned-out Cross-Country course – this year did not disappoint! You can check out the Cross Country courses for yourself here on the Cross Country app.
Heading into their 26th consecutive year, 2026 saw Kihikihi as hosts of the Young & Junior Rider One Day Championships (ODC). Those eligible for the Young Rider ODC were competing for the Charisma Trophy, donated by Bill and Judy Hall. This trophy has only been won three times in a row by one combination – Kelly North & Smooch. For historical results, head to the ESNZ website here
Current holders of the Charisma Trophy, Mackenzie Marlo & CHS Diplomat, returned to defend their title from 2025 & defend they did! Finishing on a score of 50.2 penalties for 3rd overall in the Waipa Home of Champions CCN3*-S class, they were also well ahead of the eligible Young Rider pack to take home the Charisma trophy for a second year running.
Here is what Mackenzie had to say about her win: “a big thank you to the super OC, officials and volunteers that made for a super weekend of jumping! Awesome XC tracks and a great final run for Dips before we head across the ditch to Adelaide”
Mackenzie Marlo & CHS Diplomat
Donated by Lynne & Mark King, the Hoffman trophy was up for grabs for those eligible Junior Riders competing in the Wade Equine Coaches CCN2* class. Those who have previously won this title can be found here
Zara McDonald riding the beautiful “Game Keeper”, previously piloted by Brittany Fowler, have clearly clicked well, finishing on 33.6 penalty points to take home the Hoffman trophy & finish 3rd overall in this class. Zara had this to say about her win “Game Keeper (owned by Brittany Fowler) & I have had a very successful 105/1* season and Kihikihi Horse Trial was our first 2* together where it was pretty special to place 3rd in the Wade Equine Coaches CCN2* and be crowned the Junior Rider National One Day Champions! Kihikihi is always a favourite event on the calendar for us and I would like to thank the Kihikihi Eventing committee for hosting another fabulous event.”
Zara McDonald & Game Keeper. Photo thanks to Brittany Fowler photography
With Adelaide Equestrian Festival just around the corner & therefore our teams heading off to represent NZ in the Oceania competition, Kihikihi kindly accommodated a final preparation opportunity. Riders had the chance to compete in a Combined Training (Dressage & SJ) at 4* & 3* level as well as the Bloomfields 3*+ class consisting of 4* Dressage & SJ with 3* Cross-Country.
For full Event results, head to the Evo Events website here
Thank you to the Kihikihi Organising Committee for another brilliant Event & for hosting these National titles.
Our sport would not be viable without the incredibly generous sponsors – please head to the schedule here on Evo Events to view the sponsors of the Event. Please reach out to them with your thanks and support their generosity wherever possible. We are very lucky to have such dedicated people for our wonderful sport.