12/10/2026
💚Event information💚
Back Numbers
All riders are required to wear a back number, which will be allocated via main.events. Riders must provide their own back number, we are not able to print back numbers on the day of the event. Bridle Numbers and numbers pinned on saddle pads are acceptable as long as they are easily visible for our judges to see.
Arena Familiarisation
Arena familiarisation will be open on Tuesday the 13th October 3 - 5.30pm, and Wednesday 14th October 7-7.45am. Arena familiarisation rules do not permit riding inside any arenas, only around the outside of the arenas. Failure to comply with these rules may result in elimination. Each rider can have up to 15 minutes for their familiarisation, this will be monitored. Numbers must be worn during arena familiarisation, any rider leading a horse in an arena familiarisation must be wearing a current ESNZ approved tagged helmet, and horses must be in a bridle with a permitted bit.
Arena Sizes
All Level 0 tests will be ridden in a 20m x 40m arena, Level 1 & 2 tests will be in 20m x 60m arena
Arena Start times
Arena 1, 2 & 3 - 8.30am
Arena 4 & 5 - 8am
Arena 6 & 7 - 9am
Team Mangers
School team managers are responsible to ensure that all tack, bits and equipment is compliant under the ESNZ rules. There will be an ESNZ Steward onsite and may do random gear checks throughout the competition. Helmets must be yellow tagged. Horse Welfare is paramount - please ensure all horses in yards have access to hay and water. Yards will be checked throughout the day.
First Aid
We have a trained First Aider onsite, she will be located in the Pony Club Shed. All riders who experience a fall from their horse MUST be checked by the medic before re-mounting, failure to do so will result in elimination.
Local Rider Prize - In loving memory of Emma Heathcote
This year, we are proud to offer an award for the local rider with the highest overall score, in loving memory of Solway’s beloved Emma Heathcote. Emma was a valued member of our Solway College Equestrian Academy, equestrian team and the wider Solway family, and we are honoured to remember her through this award. The award will be based on students who attend local Wairarapa schools, rather than on their home address. The winner will receive a woolen rug, kindly donated by the Heathcote family.
Please ensure your school information is up to date on MainEvents and in your entry information so you are eligible for consideration. This is based on the regional council map used by ESNZ.
BBQ/Catering
No need to bring your lunch, we will have a gourmet sausage sizzle available on the day. We will also be selling cold drinks, chocolate bars, sweets and ice blocks. We will also have Kereru Coffee cart onsite for all your caffeine needs.
NRM/McMillans Onsite Horse weighing and feed consult
Sonia and Luisa from NRM & McMillan Feeds will be onsite from 11am - 1pm. Anyone wanting to weigh their horse or pony and have a feed consult with equine nutritionist Luisa Wood please let the pony Club shed know, or look out for Sonia & Luisa.
Dressage demonstration from Olympian Kallista Field
We are extremely excited to be able to offer a ridden demonstration from Olympian, and Equestrian Sports New Zealand Hall of fame member - Kallista Field.
This will take place in the boxed sand arena around 2.30pm whilst final scores are being collated.
Other Notes
Please note that riders may be asked to ride ahead of their time if we are running early, this is greatly appreciated
There is no allocated yarding - please only use the yards that you have paid for when entering. Yards must be left clean and tidy!
Corina Bellis is our photographer onsite for the day - Keep an eye on our page for her information
All horse manure must be picked up, we will have people on hand to help with this but appreciate any assistance.
Toilets are located by the Showgrounds main office and in the cross country paddock near the large sand arena.
Fun games will be held in the presidents oval before prizegiving whilst we wait for final scores to be allocated
Showgrounds Map & Arenas
Arenas 1 & 2 are located in the Presidents Oval
Arena 3 is located on the grass beside the Showgrounds boxed dressage arena
Arena 4 is the Showgrounds boxed dressage arena
Arenas 5, 6 & 7 are located on the large sand arena
The event warm up area is in the Judds Road paddock
Entry to Arenas 3-7 is through the Judds Road paddock
