Samantha Jones rides BBS Van Gogh at Brookby Horse Trials 2026. Copyright CLG Photography

When Samantha Jones (Sam) competed as a member of the ACG Strathallan Team at the inaugural ESNZ North Island Secondary Schools Equestrian Championships (NISS) in Taupō in 2022, she was on a journey to what has become an exciting trajectory through the sport. Four years later, she is now competing at FEI 2* Eventing, representing New Zealand internationally, and working professionally within the equestrian industry.

Competing as part of the ACG Strathallan team over four consecutive years has played a big role in Sam’s development as a rider. While equestrian is often seen as an individual sport, NISS taught her the value of teamwork, resilience and supporting others. Riding alongside her school teammates built confidence, sportsmanship and friendships, while helping develop the leadership skills she now uses as a Pony Club coach and mentor to younger riders.  For Sam, the highlight of the NISS competition was always Arena Eventing.

“I loved the combination of speed, technicality and riding with confidence. It really tests the partnership between horse and rider.”

While the competition itself was memorable, Sam’s favourite Interschools memory was not on a horse! In 2023, her ACG Strathallan team placed second in the Hobby Horse Musical, with Sam creating and editing the music for the performance.

“It was such a fun experience,” she says. “We laughed so much putting it together and performing it, and it’s still one of my favourite memories. Sue Hobson was one of the judges and she told us she loved the music.”

ACG Strathallan College, Karaka, winners of the 2025 Secondary School Equestrian Championships. (From bottom left) Samantha Jones, Milly Booth, Danica Sands, (middle) Kaitlin Barendregt, Elsa Perrow, (top) Alexia Thomas. Credit Take the Moment.

Another NISS highlight came in 2025, when Sam was part of the ACG Strathallan team that won the North Island Secondary Schools Equestrian Championships, a special achievement after competing at the event since its first year.

Since completing Year 13 in 2025, Sam has continued to build an impressive equestrian career. She is now the Performance Rider for Stillwater Sport Horses, a boutique New Zealand sport horse breeder based in Te Puke, producing horses for the international market. In her professional role, Sam is involved in all aspects of the breeding operations as well as producing horses for competition and sale.

Her biggest competition success has come with her self-produced horse BBS Van Gogh (Paris), a 16.3 hh Thoroughbred x Warmblood gelding by Centavos. Paris competed at NISS in 2023 as a green horse, 2024 and in Sam’s final year, 2025. This season the partnership stepped up to 2* Eventing,  and finished 9th in the CCI2*-Long at the Taupō Three-Day Event, Sam’s first FEI competition.

Along the way, Sam has achieved numerous milestones, including:

  • Representing NZ at the Pony Club International Alliance Inter-Pacific Exchange in Australia, where the NZ team won overall and Sam finished third individually.
  • Winning the PCIA International Virtual Show Jumping Competition in the Senior class.
  • Receiving the NZPCA–ESNZ Sow Jumping High Performance Scholarship in 2025.
  • Winning ACG Strathallan 2025 Senior Sportsperson of the Year and with her NISS Equestrian Team, the 2025 Premier Sports Team of the Year.
  • Representing Franklin Thames Valley Area Pony Club for five consecutive Championship Weeks, helping her Dressage team win the national title in 2026 and coming first individually in the North Island Show Jumping Championships at 1.10–1.15m.

Samantha Jones and BBS Van Gough Credit Still Waters Sport Horses

Despite these achievements, Sam believes the experiences and friendships gained through school equestrian competition have been just as valuable as the results.

Her advice for riders competing at this year’s Secondary Schools Equestrian Championships is simple:

“Have a go at everything, you’ll never know if you’ll enjoy a discipline if you don’t try it. The placings are exciting, but they’re only a small part of what makes Interschools special. Focus on enjoying the experience, supporting your teammates and having a go—you’ll remember those moments long after the results are forgotten.

“Most importantly, always put your horse first. Looking after your horse or pony and building a strong partnership is what allows you both to perform at your best. Good horsemanship is the foundation of every success.”

Samantha Jones and BBS Van Gough Credit Still Waters Sport Horses

Today, Sam continues to chase her goals with Paris, balancing competition with coaching and her professional riding career. From riding in the first NISS Champs as part of the ACG Strathallan Team, to helping that same school win the 2025 North Island title, and now competing at FEI level while representing New Zealand internationally, her journey is a great example of where dedication, good horsemanship and a willingness to embrace every opportunity can lead.

Supplied.