High Performance FAQs

The programme exists to provide a structured pathway from the entrance stage of High Performance (HP) all the way through to representing New Zealand at championships i.e. World Championships and Olympic Games. There is a five stage pathway known as the Performance Pathway on the ESNZ website which gives an overview of the programme and each stage of the pathway.

Each discipline with an HP programme has its own HP manager responsible for leading the Programme. This includes the Pathway and Campaign into a championship. In the case of Jumping and Eventing, where the number of athletes is higher and many are based offshore, the role is split. There is one HP manager managing the NZL base and Pathway, with the other responsible for the offshore Pathway athletes and focused on championship campaigns.

There are five squads:

 1) Talent Identification (TID): This squad introduces athletes to the HP system, gives them some guidance and basic skills to develop. This stage is about exploration for the athlete.

2) Talent Development (TD): This squad confirms that the athlete has the right attributes to be a high performance athlete some day and progresses the support and expectation.

 3) High Performance Potential (HPP): This squad is a bridge between the development space and HP, supporting athletes while they build horsepower and a system to be able to achieve the performances required to meet the criteria for the campaign squads (top two squads). On occasion, athletes might begin their pathway here if they have developed outside the system. It also supports HP athletes if they are rebuilding horsepower i.e. an athlete might be on one of the top two squads and then retire their main horse. While the athlete still has the potential to represent NZL at championships, they move into a rebuilding phase and the programme can support them through that.

4) High Performance futures (HPF): On this squad you are selected as a combination (horse/rider) and it is predominately based on performance i.e. have you achieved the scores to meet the criteria? These athletes are now in a campaign and aiming at an upcoming championship. This support is very individualised.

5) High Performance (HP): This is similar to the HPF squad, though now the criteria is set for elite which is measured against the best in the world.

Each discipline has a performance pathway document on the ESNZ website in the High Performance section which goes into more detail.

There is criteria for each squad which is on the ESNZ website. Each discipline has a high performance selection team and a robust selection process to follow. See the “About” section on the HP webpage for more details

The general eligibility requirements are set out in Article 10 of the ESNZ Special Regulation (National Selection). https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/esnz/rules-regulations/rules-and-regulations/

In addition to the above, each discipline squad will have a minimum performance requirement stipulated in the criteria and pathway document on the ESNZ website.

Support varies between squads and discipline programmes as they have different funding levels. Refer to the performance pathway documents where you can see all the support on offer for squads. https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/high-performance/about-high-performance/

The expectation varies from squad to squad. At a minimum there is an expectation that the athletes will engage with the programme and adhere to the HP values outlined. The performance pathway document provides more detail on the performance target/expectations.

Either someone from the HP team which operates across all disciplines (Eliza Johns, Warrick Allan, Jock Paget) or the HP manager of the discipline you are interested in.

The first thing to do is to read the performance criteria, then reach out to the HP manager of the discipline you’re interested in. They will be happy to answer any questions.

Once a year there is an application process for the Talent Identification squad (first squad in the pathway). You’re invited to submit an application, which is followed by a selection process to determine which applicants get invited to an assessment day. There, athletes have the opportunity  to participate in a lesson where they will be assessed against the attributes in the criteria. All other squads are selected without an application process. The purpose of the TID squad application process is to ensure we have seen the athletes available at the right age and stage. From the TID squad and upward, athletes will have a performance record that is followed by the selection team.

If you feel that you haven’t been noticed by the selection team, contact the discipline HP manager and have a conversation with them. They will be happy to discuss the programme with you and provide guidance.

On occasion a selector or HP manager may notice a talented athlete displaying the right attributes but not well known to the selection team. The HP manager may offer the athlete a wild card invitation to a squad training day so they can see what the HP environment is about. The HP manager may then report to the selection team with a recommendation that they be considered for selection.

Some of the ESNZ disciplines have grass roots initiatives where aspiring athletes can be introduced to coaching and get to experience a group training environment. On most occasions there will be a presententation on the HP system. The TID squad in the HP system should be considered the pre-HP space. Up until then just enjoy your horses, expose yourself to good coaches in the community and if you have HP ambitions, make yourself know to the discipline HP manager.

Your HP manager will provide feedback on selection upon request.

There is always leniency for horse injuries. In the first three squads, selection is based on the athlete and their potential only, not the combination (horse/rider). You only need a horse to meet the minimum eligibility requirements. As long as the athlete’ s injured horse is able to recover or they have another horse able to meet the minimum requirements and they meet the criteria for that squad, there is no risk of de-selection.

Only on the combination based squads. (HPF and HP for all disciplines, except for Jumping which would be HPP, HPF and HP).

Depending on the discipline and squad you’re in, there will be commitments including squad training, webinars, squad meetings (mostly online) and if you are in New Zealand, one off-horse camp each year. The performance pathway document will give you a better indication of time required or have a discussion with your HP discipline manager to understand it more.

Depends on the discipline/squad and the level of funding the respective programme has. There is no cost to being on the programme, however some programmes will have a user-pays scheme when coaches are brought in.

None, there will be selection guidance when in a campaign for team selection.

There are online resources available for squad athletes, otherwise you will need to travel to the squad training days at your expense. In squads with funding, yard visits are provided by the HP manager

That is up to the individual to manage. We will be as accommodating as possible to help with that management.

It is not mandated but it is an important step to an athlete’s development and campaign readiness. Ultimately the programme will support athletes as best we can regardless of their location.

Yes

Your HP manager will have a discussion with you and provide clarity on what you will need to do before the next selection review.

HPSNZ has the Prime Minister’s Scholarship scheme which many athletes have accessed over the years. If this is something you’re interested, begin the conversation with your HP Manager.

Your discipline HP manager.

Speak with your HP manager to make a plan and manage

This initiative is to provide aspiring young riders who have excelled in their chosen discipline at pony club level with the opportunity to experience elements of the High Performance system. Scholarships can only be awarded to riders which are not currently in the High Performance pathway.