Riding like the wind

The ESNZ Demo, Dabble and Do-It is returning for another year, showcasing recreational riders having fun.

Featuring three events on March 29, April 18, and May 23, the ESNZ Demo, Dabble & Do-It gives horse riders a chance to come to a non-competitive environment and enjoy themselves while picking up useful tips.

Since its launch in 2024, it has evolved from a weekend event into a series of workshops covering all three disciplines of horse riding: dressage, eventing, jumping, and CTR (competitive trail riding).

Riders will get access to equestrian Georgia Milner, who will run a one-on-one warm-up, followed by jumping a full course with Ollie Croucher. Mindset sessions will be led by event rider Savanna Stirling, who will teach riders how to manage nerves and build their confidence.

The aim of the event is not to win ribbons or trophies; however, sponsored prizes from Saddle & Canter, Equisport NZ, and Vetpro will be awarded to riders for good horsemanship and good sportsmanship.

National development manager Ashra McAvinue says over 100 riders have taken part in the series, some of them more than once.

“South Auckland has become a valuable location for Equestrian Sports New Zealand to host Demo, Dabble and Do-It, firstly, as a large catchment area of recreational riders; and secondly, because of the range of facilities that offer an excellent introduction for newcomers to the sport.

“Demo, Dabble, and Do-it has been a breakaway from the traditional competitions typically held by ESNZ. It is 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’. For many, it has been their first chance to enter professionally organised arenas and courses guided by advanced ESNZ riders as ambassadors within each discipline.”

McAvinue says the series attracts riders of all ages as it has been something of a draw card for riders learning how to compete, those who have had a break away from riding to develop careers or have a family, or moderately experienced riders with green horses that may not have been exposed to public events before.

“It’s pleasing to see people having a go at something outside their comfort zones and being rewarded for it with sponsored prizes for displays of good horsemanship and sportsmanship.”

The first event is showjumping held at Abderry Equestrian in Glenbrook on March 29, an eventing day at the Clevedon Pony Club on April 18, and dressage at the Clevedon Showgrounds on May 23.