Millie White

The 2026 Winter Olympics is fast approaching, marking the 17th year of fundraising for the Hawke’s Bay community and promotion of equestrian sports.   Since its humble beginnings in 2010, when $300 was raised for the Catwalk Trust, the event has grown significantly. 

“Over the past 16 years, more than $432,000 has been raised for our community, along with significant positive media exposure for our sport.  In 2025, we raised over $80,000, with funds distributed to Hawke’s Bay charities and clubs, whose members volunteer their time to run the event,” says event organiser Claire Wilson.

Charlotte Wallace and Southern Cross

The Winter Olympics is a grassroots horse and pony competition day, held at Mt Herbert Farm in Waipukurau. What began as a relaxed, family-friendly event has grown into a much-anticipated fixture on the calendar and has encouraged many new riders to become involved in the sport.

The event is specifically designed to inspire and encourage young and non-competitive riders by allowing them to experience the atmosphere of a top-level show in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

“Many riders feel too intimidated to enter a traditional show, and this event has successfully broken down those barriers. It has also introduced many new volunteers to the sport, giving parents and supporters the confidence and skills to assist at local A&P shows and other equestrian events,” she says.

Lily McCormick, winner of the ESNZ membership in 2025.

Caro McCormick’s daughter Lily won an ESNZ membership and horse registration at last year’s event, and along with  her younger sister Piper, have enjoyed a busy season attending all of the shows in Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa and Central Districts.

“Winter Olympics has been and amazing event to start my girls off, preparing them for more shows. Being able to win a membership and registration really  encouraged them to take that extra step into more and more events to gain confidence and experience,” says Caro.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held on Monday 27th April. This year, profits will again support the Dannevirke Hunt, the CHB Pony Club, the Flemington School and Connect Youth and Community as the volunteer workforce behind the event, with the majority of funds going to the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust.