Jumping into the spotlight
Julie Davey and LT Holst Freda. Photo: Libby Law
It’s not just cyclists in town this week with the country’s top show jumpers here for the Taupō World Cup at Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre.
Show director Toni McIntosh says with just five rounds of the internationally rated World Cup series in New Zealand this season, every round counts for points.
“So, these rounds are vital to riders aiming to compete at the World Cup Final being held in Fort Worth, Texas, in April 2026.”
She says some of the riders will be wanting to catch the eye of selectors, with the possibility of a New Zealand show jumping team, or individual, being selected to compete at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany in August 2026.
“Aachen is one of the most illustrious venues for equestrian sport in the world and opportunity to represent New Zealand at what some consider the home of Show Jumping is in the minds of a number of our World Cup riders.”
Being competitive on a world stage is challenging coming from New Zealand, but possible, Toni says, with last year’s Taupō World Cup winner, Luke Dee and his horse Gangster, having success in Europe this year.
“Taupō World Cup Show is a Premiere event, riders competing at all levels have to really step up as the courses at this level of competition are challenging and the competition is really strong as there are double points on offer.”
There are some talented combinations taking part this week.
Sophie Scott has two horses and has been in great form with Normandy GHP and Equine America Benrose Stella.
Julie Davy is a previous winner with LT Holst Freda and is always one to watch.
There are newcomers Kim Carrington, Mackenzie Causer, Oliver Croucher and from Reporoa, Tristan Thomas.
The World Cup round will be held in the Bayleys Indoor Arena on November 29 at 3pm.
“This is the only indoor round in New Zealand, which is great for those wanting to get to the World Cup Final as this is an indoor competition.”
“We are also very fortunate this year to have the expertise of FEI rated Australian course designer Mark Atkins, which will give a really international flair to our event.”
Taupō has hosted a World Cup round for more than 35 years and the National Equestrian Centre is a popular venue for riders and spectators.
“This weekend we will have two rings running from Thursday afternoon until Sunday, with a number of levels catered for.”
In addition to the World Cup on Saturday, there will be the AMS Saddlery Pony Grand Prix, with local young rider Lottie Bull taking part, and the McCall Inkster 1.45m Futures Classic with another local, her dad, Geordie Bull, entered on his horse Marius.”
Sunday will see the National Series classes for Juniors, Young Riders, Amateurs and Pro Amateurs.
“These series classes are always fun to watch as the riders are really competitive and with the double points on offer for the annual series these are valuable classes to win.”
Another feature class is the LT HOLST $3K Great Lake Challenge, with a qualifying round on Friday and the Final featuring the top 25 combinations coming back on Saturday after the World Cup.
Spectators are welcome.