Strengthen & Adapt

Demo & Dabble has operated a weekend model involving all disciplines including dressage, eventing, jumping and CTR (competitive trail riding) in the North Island in 2024, and South Island early in 2025.  However, feedback that came through clearly – especially from a group of “galloping housewives” – was that they found that committing to a full weekend away with travel, horses, families, and work to juggle so it just wasn’t realistic. 

Therefore, the concept was morphed into a series of three discipline-specific clinics, with a dressage day held at Clevedon A&P Showgrounds, a jumping day at Abderry Equine Centre and an eventing day at Springbush Equestrian in South Auckland.

Demo, Dabble and Do-it has been a breakaway from the traditional competitions typically held by ESNZ.   It was an opportunity to meet like-minded women, men and youngsters from a large pool of riders across the equestrian sector for whom competitive riding was ‘a bridge too far’.  Sponsored prizes were awarded to recognise displays of good horsemanship and good sportsmanship.  

For many, it was their first chance to enter professionally organised arenas and courses guided by advanced ESNZ riders as ambassadors within each discipline. Below you will find some resources that we hope are helpful if you are running a Demo & Dabble-type event:

Plus here are some links to content that can also be found under the Disciplines on this website:

Delivery of Events

Want to have a romp through our previous Demo & Dabble events?  Click on the button below to see our events at Waikato Equestrian Centre in Hamilton and Dunstan Horsefeeds NEC in Christchurch.  It’s been quite a year!

Strengthening the System

A key focus has been on acknowledging the 8-10,000 volunteers it takes to keep our sport on its feet.  So we have developed a range of resources for volunteers and organising committees to encourage and support the wonderful people who contribute their time to our sport so generously.  See our webpage for more: