As we reflect on the 2026 FEI World Jumping Championships ESNZ general manager of high performance, Jock Paget, looks back on how the nation’s top riders competed, and where to from here.

Sophie Scott and Normandy GHP recorded the best results for the Kiwi jumpers, finishing in 44th spot with Luke Dee aboard Gangster WW in 51st. Both made it through to the second qualifier with two clear rounds from the speed class (ranking class) and the first qualifier. Katie Laurie aboard Django II finished 114th with Uma O’Neill and Luigi d’Eclipse 116th.

Jock wants New Zealand to build on the momentum the 2026 Championships have generated. Historically, it has often been felt that to be successful on the world stage in jumping, riders must base themselves and their horses in the Northern Hemisphere, often at great expense and personal sacrifice.

“I think what we’ve seen here gives us as a nation some confidence that more can be achieved from New Zealand than perhaps the traditional thinking suggests,” says Jock. “There is obviously enormous value in spending time competing internationally and gaining exposure to this level of sport, but Sophie and Luke have shown that a really strong foundation can be built at home in New Zealand.

Sophie Scott (NZL) and Normandy GHP. FEI Jumping World Championship – Second Competition Team Final & Second Individual Qualifier | Mercedes-Benz Prize. Aachen, Germany. Friday 21 August 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

“It’s critical that anyone who wants to compete at this level understands the international standard and what it takes to meet it, but does that necessarily mean you have to be based there for years to do so?” For Sophie and Luke, the bulk of their journeys have happened in New Zealand. “They’ve come here, competed against the best in the world and stood up,” says Jock.

“The real credit for that sits with the riders and the people around them. These performances are the product of years of work from both riders, their families, owners, coaches, grooms and the wider teams of people who have supported their horses and their careers along the way. They’re the ones who have made this happen, and I think they should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved so far.”

Jock says the results should also give the wider New Zealand jumping community confidence in what can be achieved from home. “There are a lot of good people doing a lot of good work in New Zealand, that being said, we certainly can’t sit back and think we’re nailing it. We have to keep looking at ways to improve our sport and our performances. There is still a gap between where we are now and where we want to be in terms of our performance.”

This was New Zealand’s first World Championship since the inception of the High Performance Programme. “There will be a lot that comes out of this campaign to inform our next steps. It also has to be said that Tom (Tarver) did a brilliant job in the chef d’equipe role, leading the group through the campaign, and hats off to him for the work he put in and the way that he went about it. The group operated really well together and it was impressive to see.”

 

Luke Dee (NZL) and Gangster WW. FEI Jumping World Championship – Second Competition Team Final & Second Individual Qualifier | Mercedes-Benz Prize. Aachen, Germany. Friday 21 August 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Jock also had high praise for the substantial support of the Plaw family. “They have really stepped up for the sport. The investment and expertise that has gone into Takapoto has created an important platform for New Zealand riders to experience and prepare for higher levels of competition. They understand what is needed for us as a nation to progress and have delivered that at huge effort, expense and generosity.”

Their support of the High Performance Programme has enabled ESNZ to put much-needed structure and support around athletes as they progress through the pathway and into championship campaigns. The benefits of this were felt in the Aachen campaign both in preparation and on the ground for the championship itself.

Sophie Scott felt the Plaw family had been instrumental in her journey. “Having Takapoto with its beautiful grounds and amazing facility definitely helped prepare Norm and I for this,” she said. “He won two world cups there and the gold tour at the Classic. They always have great course builders and the ground is always good.”

Frank Rothenberger (GER) has been the course designer at Takapoto for a number of years, and he was the one tasked with designing at this year’s World Championships.
“It has all been a tremendous help.”

Luke Dee agrees. “It is an expensive journey and any little bit certainly helps. We have certainly noticed that and received a huge amount of generosity from HP and the Plaw family,” said Luke. “The HP Programme has been very supportive of our endeavours.”

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Libby Law/ESNZ