Itโs National Youth Week, and along with the rest of the country, ESNZ is celebrating Kiwi youth and the passion they bring to our sport. Here is a look at the equestrian Youth programmes and activities across ESNZ’s disciplines.
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Beaming smiles at the South Island champs last year.ย Copyright Take the Moment.
A “high 5” to the more than 2,000 secondary school-aged riders whoโve joined the Secondary Schools Equestrian Cup at the NECs each August.ย For many rangitahi, this is the first โand sometimes the onlyโchance they get to connect with an organised horse event, and where parents and caregivers often join in as volunteers along the way.ย A win, win!ย ย The 2026 Secondary Schools Equestrian Cup will run from 30 August till 3/4 September.ย ย
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One of the latest Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Star Spotter scholarship recipients is Zoe Williams & Dusty at the Cartown Spring Show in Foxton.ย Copyright KAMPIC/Kerry Marshall.
The Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Star Spotters Scholarship recipients are a part of a grassroots project, now in its seventh season.ย ย Each year, ESNZ Jumping invites each of 20 areas around NZ to select one young person (under 25) to take their jumping to the next level.ย Each area provides their star spotter with a mentor who helps guide them through any problems they face and gives them general help on entries, walking the course, etc.ย The objective is to open doors for aspiring riders who may not otherwise have the opportunity to join ESNZ.ย The scholarship aims to support individuals who face barriers โ whether financial, personal confidence or lack of access โ and help them to take their first steps into the world of competitive equestrian sport.
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There’s nothing like seeing smiles on the faces of young riders like Robbie James (21) with his horse Delight Crystal Prince, 160km Senior Winners of the South Island Championships in Fairlie earlier this year.
Great life-long friendships often begin on an Endurance course.ย Younger riders often group together at the rides, and for some, itโs a good opportunity to compete separately from their parents while at the same competition.ย Annual youth camps and member incentives are leading to a growing number of younger riders taking part in Endurance.ย And some of our youth riders are already looking ahead to the 2027 FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors in Slovakia.ย ย
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Tessa Bradcock (NZL*) and Ceremony during the Dressage for the Racing SA CCI3*-L | Oceania Young Rider Championships. 2026 AUS-Adelaide Equestrian Festival. Victoria Park, Adelaide, Australia. Thursday 16 April 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Eventing is one of the most popular disciplines among the under 24-year-olds.ย ESNZ Eventing welcomes young riders with no age restrictions on those wishing to compete in the 105cm classes and below. The development camps held in the North and South Islands provide a welcome introduction for young riders entering the world of eventing.ย A dedicated Young and Junior rider series gives the under 21 and under 18 athletes a chance to shine and celebrate their success at the end of the season, with national titles including the Charisma, Hoffman, Swarbrick and Lenamore trophies that have been awarded since 1986.ย ESNZโs structured pathway for youth eventing, features Talent ID squads, dedicated Junior/Young Rider national series, and regional training camps. Athletes aged between 17-23 years of age can apply for selection to the Talent ID squad and be considered for selection to represent New Zealand in international competitions such as the Eventing Oceania Championships held in April. New Zealand had two young riders in the top 10.ย “These are relationships that our riders will have for their careers,” says HP Eventing Manager Lizzie Brown.
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Alexandra Kenny-Schlup (Wellington-based council member) joins Paige Fitzgerald and Billie Hughes (Auckland-based council member) who attended the Annual Dressage Conference in Wellington 2025 and presented delegates with a powerful message outlining particular challenges faced by young riders in dressage, and how event organisers and members could support those feeling overwhelmed, unseen and unheard.ย Credit Libby Law Photography.
We conclude National Youth Week with the Dressage Youth Council.ย The six members of the Dressage Youth Council, led by 16-year-old Paige Fitzgerald from Canterbury, have been proactive at events during the season, encouraging and supporting young riders at dressage events.ย This level of engagement is particularly important in dressage where most events cater for all ages and levels of competitors.ย So, it can be quite a daunting experience for young riders who may enter the sport at just 10 years old.
At theย Equestrian World Tours Dressage Youth Festival in Januaryโhome of the Young Rider National Dressage Championshipsโthe council organised a fabulous “mocktail” evening where riders dressed up in tropical style and celebrated their participation at the event with singing and dancing.ย They had contacted many of the world’s leading dressage riders, who sent their top tips for performance and a good luck message to all riders by video link.ย It was a truly fun and inspirational evening.ย The Council has become an integral part of the Dressage scene since its’ inception in 2002, bringing a new voice to the sport and its future.ย