The Charisma Trust was established to hold funds raised to send the New Zealand Eventing Team to the first World Equestrian Games held in Stockholm in 1991. The Team went on to win both individual and team gold medals. Following that Championship the funds remaining were approximately $100,000 with the funds being invested in fixed interest securities to support athlete scholarships. The scholarships are awarded to support the international development of a talented and committed New Zealand athletes who are deemed to have the potential to represent New Zealand at Olympic Games, Paralympic Games or World Championships. Only athletes that have not yet represented NZ at an Olympic Games, Paralympic Games or world championships is able to apply.
With 2026 being the year of the FEI World Championships the Charisma Trust Trustees have awarded two athlete’s $10,000 scholarships to help with their training and preparation toward World Championships selection. The 2026 recipients were:
Tayla Mason – Eventing
Tayla Mason Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Sophie Scott – Jumping
Sophie Scott Copyright Photo: KAMPIC / Kerry Marshall
The trustees wish both athletes all the best with their respective campaigns.