Wānaka A&P Show - Equestrian

After 35 remarkable years of service, it is incredibly sad to be saying goodbye to one of the true pillars of the Wānaka Show, Fe Howie.

Fe has been part of the fabric of this Show for more than three decades. From first joining the equestrian committee around 35 years ago, to later taking on a wider leadership role across livestock competitions, she has given an extraordinary amount of time, heart and hard work to this event and the people behind it.
She served as Show President in 2011/12, has represented Upper Clutha A&P within the Royal Agricultural Society network, remains the longest-standing member of the Show team, and in 2024 was deservedly recognised with the President’s Trophy for her outstanding contribution.
As the Show has grown into the major event it is today, Fe has been one of the steady hands helping shape that journey. 
Her legacy is not only in the scale of the event, but in the standards she upheld, the people she supported, and the care she put into making the Wānaka Show such a special experience for competitors, exhibitors, volunteers and the wider community.
The 2026 Show alone welcomed 45,000 attendees - a reflection of the strength of the event Fe has helped build over many years. 
Fe, thank you for your commitment, your knowledge, and your unwavering service to the Wānaka Show.

Your contribution cannot be measured, and your presence will be deeply missed.

Were you a winner at our 2026 show?

Payouts of prize money are being processed today, so if you are expecting a return, please monitor your bank account over the coming days.

If you have any queries, please contact our team.

What a show. What a weekend. What a turnout.

With more than 45,000 people through the gates over two days, the 2026 Wanaka A&P Show was one for the books - and the Equestrian team would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who played a part in making it such a success.

To our incredible committee, thank you for the months of planning, problem-solving and behind-the-scenes work that brings this event to life. Another successful two days of top class competition was delivered across 3 rings. This small but mighty team manage to curate one of the top shows in the country, and for that we are beyond proud. We have been incredibly passionate about making this show your favourite on the calendar, and making sure every experience is a good one.

Livestock Manager - Fe Howie
Head of Equestrian - Virginia Wells
Committee: Cate Howie-Hughes, Jamie Hughes, Lydia Beales, Warren Hewson, Tussock Lucas, Emma Rowe-Pledger, Nicky McKay, and Ian Tippett.

To our valued sponsors and supporters, thank you for backing our section and helping us deliver an event we are so proud of.

To our judges, volunteers and stewards, thank you for your time, energy, patience and professionalism across the weekend. The smooth running of our rings simply would not happen without you.

To our wonderful photographers, thank you for capturing the spirit, action and special moments that make our show what it is - and for helping keep those at home updated with live results and coverage throughout the event.

And most importantly, to our competitors - thank you. Thank you for your support, your sportsmanship, your turnout, and for bringing such a high standard of competition to Wanaka. You are the heart of our equestrian section, and we are so grateful you chose to be part of it.

We are incredibly proud of what was achieved this year and thankful to every single person who contributed to the success of the Equestrian Section.

Until next year. 🤍

Another selection of fabulous photos of an amazing 2 days 🙌

Reminder - Screenshotting or directly saving images is stealing. Refer to our previous post during show day regarding image use if you are unsure.

Sienna Hunter and Brooklyn Rs win the Horse Gamblers Stakes 1.05m

📸 Elise Ford Photography

Charlotte Weir and Black Betty win the Templeton Engineering 2020 Ltd Pony Gamblers Stakes - receiving the Studholme Trophy 🏆

📸 Elise Ford Photography

Charlotte Davie and Glenbrooke Final Rose win the Lake Bar Horse Gamblers Stakes - receiving the Ken Anderson Memorial Trophy 🏆

Jade Fitzek and Sliver Hearts Legacy winner of the 1.10m

Thanks to HANLEYS FORMULA for sponsoring this class

Grace Percy and Sienna MVNZ winners of the 1.20m Horse presented with the DOUBLE A HORSE TROPHY