ESNZ is pleased to announce Taupō Equestrian Supplies as the naming rights holder of the Secondary Schools Equestrian Cup North Island event to be held from 30 August to 3 September at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre, Taupō.
The Taupō Equestrian Supplies North Island Secondary Schools Equestrian Cup recognises the equestrian retailer as a dedicated partner of Equestrian Sports New Zealand. Taupō Equestrian Supplies is the largest equestrian retail store in the Central Plateau area, with a huge selection of horse gear, rugs, rider wear, safety products, pet products, horse feed, supplements and more. They are a family owned and operated business who offer nationwide shipping.
Taupō Equestrian Supplies has supported the Secondary Schools Equestrian Championships for the past two years. Last year, the retailer supported the veterinary services required to run safely co-ordinated competitions for the young riders and their equines.
The Secondary Schools Equestrian Championships have been held annually since 2022, and feature two events that occur concurrently for North Island students in Taupō and South Island students in Christchurch. Students from year seven to year 13 take part, entering via schools from Kaitaia to Southland. The competition is jointly hosted by Equestrian Sports New Zealand, the New Zealand Pony Clubs Association, New Zealand Mounted Games and School Sport New Zealand.
Entries, which closed on Thursday, continue to climb and are 10-11% up on 2025 figures. The greatest growth is the number of schools which has increased by 36% in the North Island.
Affectionately known as the “Interschools”, Equestrian Sports New Zealand General Manager of Community and Competition Jo Colin says the aim is to enable younger riders and their teammates to enjoy taking part in equestrian sports during School Sports New Zealand’s Tournament Week.
“For many rangitahi, this is the first – and sometimes the only – opportunity to connect with an organised event within the equestrian sport. We’re giving them the chance to try something new, in a safe and encouraging environment, while also supporting their school teammates.
“Parents and caregivers are encouraged to volunteer in operational roles that help us to run the event, and it means they can share in the joys of their child’s experience, often learning something new,” says Jo.
A schedule of events runs across the week and includes plenty of action as the young riders take part in Dressage, Showjumping, Arena Eventing, Competitive Trail Riding and Mounted Games.
Along with the competitive side of the event, there is a keen focus on education and horse wellbeing throughout. Introduced last year, the BetaVet Manaakitanga Challenge highlights the core Māori values of Manaakitanga, and translates to hospitality, kindness, generosity, and the process of showing respect and care for others, including equines. Points are given for examples of excellence observed by ambassadors and officials, with a grand prize awarded in each centre.
The 2026 Secondary School Equestrian Cup will be held from Sunday 30 August until Thursday 3 September at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre in Taupō, and until Friday 4 September at the Dunstan Horsefeeds National Equestrian Centre at McLeans Island, Christchurch.