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Articles by Diana Dobson
World Cup Win for Collins and Cornel
Josh Collins & Cornel, Winning CSI1*-W Willinga Park 2026. Aussie based Kiwi Josh Collins and Cornel bagged their first World Cup win last night at Jumping @ Willinga 2026 and he’s putting it down to being at an “inspirational” World Championships in Aachen. Josh was there to support Aussie Jamie Kermond-Winning. “You can’t help but get inspired to try things a little differently,” he says. But he’s also lauding his horse. “It has been a long time coming for him. He really deserved the win.
Kiwi Seniors Win at Willinga Jumping Trans-Tasman
2026 New Zealand Jumping Trans Tasman Team, Winners at Willinga Park The New Zealand seniors bagged an excellent win last night in the Trans-Tasman Test Series at Willinga. Chef d’equipe Jaime Campbell-Ward had plenty of praise for the efforts of the whole team. “We went into the second round on five faults, just one behind Aussie Team Green, so there was everything to play for,” she said.
Price Best of Kiwis at Burghley
Jonelle Price (NZL) and Chilli's Midnight Star during the CCI5* 2nd day of Dressage. 2026 Defender Burghley Horse Trials. Stamford, Lincolnshire, England. Friday 4 September 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law PhotographyJonelle Price (NZL) and Chilli's Midnight Star during the CCI5* 2nd day of Dressage. 2026 Defender Burghley Horse Trials. Stamford, Lincolnshire, England. Friday 4 September 2026.
Kiwis Bow out of Jumping World Champs
New Zealand’s jumpers Sophie Scott and Luke Dee may not be progressing to the next round of the 2026 FEI World Championships but there is nothing but pride in how they rode. The two were in the top 60 riders competing tonight in the second qualifier – third round – of the individual competition. The weather was much cooler, with showers, black clouds and thunder skirting around the edges of the champs.
NZ Jumping Shows Potential on World Stage
As we reflect on the 2026 FEI World Jumping Championships ESNZ general manager of high performance, Jock Paget, looks back on how the nation’s top riders competed, and where to from here. Sophie Scott and Normandy GHP recorded the best results for the Kiwi jumpers, finishing in 44th spot with Luke Dee aboard Gangster WW in 51st. Both made it through to the second qualifier with two clear rounds from the speed class (ranking class) and the first qualifier.
Kiwi Jumpers Rise to the Occassion
It’s been a solid start for the Kiwi jumpers at the FEI World Championships in Aachen Germany. Luke Dee aboard Gangster WW and Sophie Scott on Normandy GHP both clocked very respectable clear rounds. Uma O’Neill and Luigi d’Eclipse had a rail down but were fast, with Katie Laurie and Django II dropping two but finishing strongly. The 145-strong field certainly got a shake-up from the challenging Frank Rothenberger-designed course.
Kiwi Jumpers Keen to Follow Eventers with Olympic Qualification
New Zealand’s jumpers are primed and ready to compete at the 2026 FEI World Championships, which got underway this evening in Aachen, Germany. Chef d’equipe Tom Tarver says the team has been inspired by the efforts of the eventers who successfully ticked off their LA Olympic Games qualification. “That team qualification is our target,” says Tom.
NZ Qualifies Eventing Team for LA Games
New Zealand has qualified a team spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games after placing sixth at the 2026 FEI World Eventing Championships in Aachen, Germany, this afternoon (Sunday). Tim Price aboard Falco and Jonelle Price with Senor Crocodillo were both clear and inside time in the jumping today, shooting them up both up the leaderboard and setting the stage for Monica Spencer and Artist.
Tough Cross Country Day Felt Across the Nations
It was a mixed bag for the Kiwis after a very influential cross country day at the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen. The team now sits in eighth place – a slot they need to hold to ensure they qualify for the 2028 LA Olympic Games. ESNZ high performance general manager Jock Paget said it had been an exciting and thrilling day of sport. “We knew the cross country would be influential,” he said.
Kiwi Team in Touch with Leaders
The New Zealand eventing team are well in the hunt for a medal at the end of the dressage at the FEI 2026 World Championships in Aachen, sitting in fourth place – just .3 behind third placed France.
World Champs Underway for Kiwi Eventers
It’s time for New Zealand’s eventing team to kick into gear at the 2026 FEI World Eventing Championships in Aachen, Germany. With all of the Kiwi combinations safely through the first horse inspection attention now turns to two days of dressage. First out on Thursday for New Zealand will be team rider Clarke Johnstone aboard Rocket Man who are second to go at 7.37pm (NZ time), followed by fellow team rider Jonelle Price aboard Senor Crocodillo, mid-field at 10.38pm (NZ time).
Tough Ending for Williamson and Junior
Wendi Williamson (NZL) and Don Vito MH. FEI Dressage World Championship - Grand Prix Team Final & Individual Qualifier | Lambertz-Prize. Aachen, Germany. Tuesday 11 August 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law PhotographyWendi Williamson (NZL) and Don Vito MH. FEI Dressage World Championship - Grand Prix Team Final & Individual Qualifier | Lambertz-Prize. Aachen, Germany. Tuesday 11 August 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law PhotographyWendi Williamson (NZL) and Don Vito MH.
Getting “very real” for Sole Kiwi Dressage Rep at World Champs
Wendi Williamson and Don Vioto MH are set to compete against the very best in the world on the opening day of dressage at the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany. The Kiwi duo will go at 5.30pm (German time) on Tuesday (3.30am Wednesday NZ time), 43rd in a field of 45 on day one of competition, with the remaining 46 to go the following day. “I couldn’t ask for a better draw,” says Wendi.
Kiwis Aiming High at World Champs
New Zealand equestrians are chasing more than medals at the 2026 FEI World Championships Aachen, Germany, next week. As well as hunting down top honours, hopes are high they’ll also qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games. Equestrian Sports New Zealand High Performance general manager Jock Paget says the World Championships represent an important opportunity for the nation as it begins its campaign towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Penny Pumped After U25 Worlds
Charlotte Penny with CAROUSAL (NZL) during the cross country for the FEI Under-25 Eventing World Championship Millstreet at Millstreet. Millstreet, Ireland. 25 July 2026 ©Irish Horse Board/Pam Cunningham Charlotte Penny comes away from the FEI U25 World Eventing Championships on a high and chomping at the bit to do more.
Exciting NZ Jumping Team Named for Worlds
Equestrian Sports New Zealand has named an exciting jumping team combining the experience of Olympians with emerging talent for the fast-approaching FEI World Championships in Germany next month. The in-form Katie Laurie with her homebred Django II and Luke Dee aboard Gangster WW are joined by Uma O’Neill with Luigi d’Eclipse and Sophie Scott aboard Normandy GHP.
Tickets Booked and Passports Ready for Williamson
Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography New Zealand’s sole FEI World Championships dressage representative Wendi Williamson feels she can almost heave a sigh of relief. The plane tickets are booked for both her and Don Vito MH, their training is continuing well and her fundraising campaign starting to move . . . but most importantly, Junior as her beloved equine partner, is feeling the best he has in a year-and-a-half.
NZ Eventers Set to take on the World
World no.1 Tim Price spearheads the New Zealand eventing team for the FEI World Championships in Aachen in August. He’ll be joined by his bronze medal-winning teammates from the 2022 championships Jonelle Price, Monica Spencer and Clarke Johnstone, as well as debutant Samantha Lissington. Equestrian Sports New Zealand general manager of high performance Jock Paget says the selected combinations reflect the strength, depth and current form needed for this year’s campaign at Aachen.
New 5* Horse Solid for Price at Luhmuhlen
Jonelle Price (NZL) and Capitaine de Hus Z during the Showjumping for the Longines CCI5*. 2026 Luhmühlen Horse Trials. TGL Turniergesellschaft Luhmühlen mbH. Germany. Sunday 21 June 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law PhotographyJonelle Price (NZL) and Capitaine de Hus Z during the Showjumping for the Longines CCI5*. 2026 Luhmühlen Horse Trials. TGL Turniergesellschaft Luhmühlen mbH. Germany. Sunday 21 June 2026.
Kiwis taking on top combos in German 5*
Newly crowned world no.1 Tim Price spearheads a strong contingent of Kiwis heading to the Longines Luhmuhlen Horse Trials CCI5*-L in Germany this week. A two-time Luhmuhlen winner Tim lines up with 14-year-old Happy Boy who placed fourth in his last 5* start at Pau last year.
Williamson and Junior Named for Worlds
Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography Dressage supremo Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH have been named as New Zealand’s first athletes for the 2026 World Championships. “I am super proud to be selected,” says Wendi, an environmental engineer from Waimauku, near Auckland. The combination recently topped the New Zealand National Championships – again and are not long back from the Sydney CDI where she was in her first New Zealand team.
Three Kiwis in Top 12 at Badminton
Tim Price (NZL) and Falco during the Showjumping. 2026 Mars Badminton Horse Trials. The Badminton Estate, South Gloucestershire, England. Sunday 10 May 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law PhotographyTim Price (NZL) and Falco during the Showjumping. 2026 Mars Badminton Horse Trials. The Badminton Estate, South Gloucestershire, England. Sunday 10 May 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law PhotographyTim Price (NZL) and Falco during the Showjumping. 2026 Mars Badminton Horse Trials.
Kiwis Eye up Burghley 5*
Seven New Zealand combinations will line up this week at one of the world’s greatest CCI5*-L competitions, the Defender Burghley Horse Trials in the United Kingdom. World no.1 Tim Price has both Falco and Global Quest on the card, with Jonelle Price in aboard Chilli’s Midnight Star, Caroline Powell has entered aboard High Time, Jesse Campbell is in with Cooley Lafitte, Clarke Johnstone has Domasco in, and Tayla Mason has entered Centennial.
Badminton Beckons with Big Bucks on Offer
Mars Badminton Horse Trials. Gloucestershire, England. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography New Zealand is well represented at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials this week where the best in the world will chase the richest eventing prizemoney. Six Kiwi combinations will be keen to add their names to the prestigious trophy and lay claim to the £125,000 on offer.
Sydney CDI Delivers in Many ways for Kiwis
The Team L-R: Christine Weal (Chef d”Equipe), Samantha Belsham, Piper Craig, Judith Matthews (Owner Georgia MH), Jonnie Williamson (Owner Don Vito MH), Wendi Williamson It’s been a week of exciting competition at the Sydney CDI which included the first Trans-Tasman Dressage Challenge in 29 years. For Wendi Williamson, who is currently New Zealand’s top dressage rider, and one who has competed at a World Cup Final in the United States and many times across the Tasman, it brought a new first . . .
Riding Down a Dream in Australia
Anne Watts and Santana MH. 2026 Bates National Dressage Championships and Webb Equestrian Para Dressage Championships. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography Anne Watts has forever dreamt of donning the silver fern and riding at the Paralympics . . . this weekend she takes a definite step towards making that happen in 2028 at the Los Angeles Games. She’s chased it before, but now, mounted on a more suitable horse who has shown some exceptional talent, she’s more determined than ever.
‘Grateful and honoured’ to ride for NZ at U25 Worlds
All the prep work has been done and now New Zealand’s FEI Eventing World Championships U25 representative Charlotte Penny is just amping to get on with the job. She will compete at the inaugural FEI World Championship U25 2026 at Millstreet in Ireland this week. It’s a new initiative from the FEI and aims to bridge the gap between young rider and senior levels and comes with a 20,000 Euro prize purse.
Kiwis Head to Adelaide Chasing Oceania Crowns
The New Zealand Young Rider Team takes the Oceania Championship for the Fiber Fresh CCI3*-S. 2024 NZL-Land Rover Horse of the Year. Tomoana Showgrounds, Hawkes Bay. Sunday 10 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography There’s a strong contingent of Kiwis comfortably ensconced in Australia ready for the Adelaide Equestrian Festival and keen to lay claim to the Oceania Championships – both the senior and young rider.
Double Header for the Talented Williams
Sofia Williams. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography Sofia Williams super season just got a whole lot better, being named as part of the New Zealand Olympic Team for the Youth Olympic Games. It comes on the back of winning the Property Brokers Grand Prix, FMG Young Rider and NZTR TiES series and being chosen to represent the nation at the FEI Jumping World Challenge later this month. “It’s pretty crazy,” says the 17-year-old from the Wairarapa.
Team Effort to Fly the Fern at FEI World Championships
Equestrian Sports NZ is excited to launch the Fly the Fern fundraising initiative that aims to raise money to fly all discipline horses to the 2026 FEI World Championships. ESNZ high performance general manager Jock Paget says it is exciting times for the sport.
Price Perfection wins Pau 5*
Eventer Tim Price has this morning won the CCI5* at Les 5 Etoiles de Pau in France, finishing on his dressage score of 30.9 penalty points aboard Jarillo, and also placing fourth with Happy Boy on 34.3. Five star competition is the pinnacle of the sport of eventing with just seven in the world. It is the second time Tim has won at Pau, having won there in 2021 on Falco, and his sixth 5* crown. Tim and Jarillo were always handy.
Pau Promises much for Kiwi Eventers
Four Kiwi eventers are heading to Les 5 Etoiles de Pau in France for the final CCI5* of the European season. Tim and Jonelle Price have a very busy event ahead of them, with six horses between them while Tokyo Olympian Jesse Campbell and Abigail Long have one apiece. World no. 6, Tim Price lines up with Happy Boy, Jarillo and 5* debutant Global Quest. “They are all feeling very fit and ready,” says Tim, who won the 5* at Pau in 2021 aboard Falco.
Second for Spencer at Maryland 5*
Monica Spencer and Artist have placed second in the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill in the United States this morning with Tayla Mason and Jonelle Price also in the top nine. Monica led through the dressage, posting a personal best of 23.7 penalty points and added nothing in the cross country, but rails at fences six and eight saw her add eight faults for a final tally of 31.7. It still produced their best-ever score and placing at 5* level.
Kiwi Eventers Chase 5* Glory in Maryland
Three New Zealand eventers are making the trek to Maryland for one of the world’s top 5* events. It’s only a short trot down the road for US-based Monica Spencer and her 14-year-old thoroughbred Artist who in 2023 finished seventh in the relatively new event. Since then they’ve had a seventh (2024) and eighth (2025) in the Kentucky 5*, eleventh at Burghley (2024). “Maryland 5* is where our USA adventure began and I am excited to head back there two years on with my mate Max,” says Monica.
Sparky Stars in new Thoroughbred Initiative
Paris Olympian Clarke Johnstone and Sparky Lad (Smart Missile x Lady Hepburn) have headed home a hugely competitive field to win the inaugural ARC Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup at Cornbury House Horse Trials in the UK. Their win – by just 1.9 penalty points – pocketed them £45,000. Forty-four combinations started the class which is for former racehorses who have been retrained for eventing. “It was a big goal to win it,” says Clarke.
Two in Top 10 for Kiwis at Burghley
It was a fairy tale finish at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials but just not quite for the Kiwis. Defending champ Ros Canter (GBR) and Lordships Graffalo made some more history, with back-to-back victories and finishing on their record 23.6 penalty point score of 2024. Coming in behind here was Austin O’Connor (IRL) aboard Colorado Blue on 32.6 With Harry Meade (GBR) third on Cavalier Crystal on 33.3 and fourth with Annaghmore Valoner on 37.
Much to Offer HP Jumping Programme
ESNZ general manager high performance Jock Paget can see plenty of benefits for all in the latest advances of the HP Jumping Programme. Today he is announcing the new high performance jumping manager – the position will be managed and delivered in a dual role between Tom Tarver in Germany and the onshore based Jaime Campbell-Ward. “We just felt it was geographically challenging to do the role justice having one person cover it all,” said Jock.
Double Gold for New Zealand at Aachen
New Zealand eventers have scored an historic double victory at CHIO Aachen, one of the toughest and most admired events in the world, finishing with four Kiwis in the top 10. Individual winner Tim Price and Vitali (30.5 penalty points) led through all three phases for his first-ever victory at Aachen, with Monica Spencer aboard Artist (37.2) sixth, Clarke Johnstone on Rocket Man (40.8) ninth and individual rider Jonelle Price with Hiarado (41.3) 10th.
Kiwis Chase Repeat of Aachen Victory
New Zealand eventers will be keen to replicate the success of 2018 at CHIO Aachen in Germany this week. The Kiwis have a pretty good track record at the prestigious event but only once have won the teams’ event. The last time was 2018 when Clarke Johnstone, Blyth Tait, Tim price and Sir Mark Todd headed home the always competitive field.
Super Sooty Second at Luhmuhlen 5*
Eventer Samantha Lissington has bagged her best result ever, placing second in the prestigious CCI5* at Luhmuhlen in Germany overnight. Aboard the 14-year-old New Zealand-bred Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ, who she co-owns with Pip McCarroll and husband Brayden Lissington, she held her nerve to finish, just .5 of a penalty point behind winner Ros Canter (GBR) and Izilot DHI.
Turning Back the Clock to NZ’s First Olympian
Just two weeks out from our 75th Anniversary celebrations, we’ve dipped into the archives for this story about Olympian #155, Hawke’s Bay showjumper Adrian White. Adrian and his amazing horse Telebrae placed 23rd individual at the Olympic Games in Rome, 1960. They were there by the skin of their teeth, travelling around Europe on the smell of an oily rag. It was a campaign driven largely by trainer Coloman Bolgar and there were plenty of adventures to be told.
High Hopes for Kiwis at Luhmuhlen
Kiwi eventers are Germany bound for one of the highest-ranked events in the world, the Longines Luhmuhlen CCI5* Horse Trials. It’s a popular event and one of just seven 5* events in the world and always attracts many top combinations. Luhmuhlen is a happy hunting ground for Jonelle Price who won there in 2018 aboard Faerie Dianimo. This time she steps up 11-year-old Holsteiner Senor Crocodillo. “It is always a pleasure to be heading back to Luhmuhlen,” says Jonelle.
Lissington Rules with Spectacular Trifecta in France
Samantha Lissington has pulled off a rather incredible trifecta in the CCI4*-L at Royal Jump at the Chateau de Berticheres in France. Samantha took out the class aboard Quantas R on 31.3 penalty points, was second with Billy Alberto on 35.8, and third on Delarado with 36.7. Tim Price aboard Chio 20 was fourth on 37.6 and Jesse Campbell on Speedwell fifth on 39.7. Jonelle Price was ninth and 10th aboard Capitaine de Hus Z and Chilli’s Midnight. “Honestly, it is hard to find words,” said Samantha.
Debutant Shines at Badminton
It was a top 10 finish for Tim Price at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials and a top 20 for event debutant Tayla Mason. World no. 4 Tim and Vitali added 12 jump faults to his tally to finish on 46.2 penalty points in 10th place. Tayla and her homebred Centennial added eight jump and 1.2 time for a final score of 53.8. Her efforts across the event saw her win the Glentrool Trophy for the combination to have made the greatest improvement on their dressage placing.
Many Memories from a Sport Well Loved
Daniel Jocelyn (NZL*) and Blackthorn CruiseCopyright Photo: Libby Law Photography Eventer Dan Jocelyn is hanging up his stirrups after nearly 30 years of turning his dreams into reality. He’s ridden at two World Championships (2018 and 2002) and at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004. He was named for Sydney 2000, but horse injury prevented them riding down the centre line. His decision to call time came when he opted to retire his top horse Blackthorn Cruise.
Powell Back to Defend Badminton Title
Olympic eventer Caroline Powell is one of 11 Kiwi combinations starting at one of the greatest three day events in the world, the MARS Badminton Horse Trials in the UK where she will defend her hard-won 2024 crown aboard Greenacres Special Cavalier.
International Round up – Kiwis Perform in Australia | ESNZ
Dressage queen Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH headlined a massive weekend winning all three top classes at the Sydney CDI3* for the second consecutive year. The Kiwis dominated at the top Aussie event, taking the quinella in the Grand Prix with Wendi winning (67.109%) and John Thompson aboard MSJ Gatsby second (66.739%). Wendi took out the Special on 65.553% and the Freestyle on 73.3% with John third on 68.725%.
Kiwis Set to Soar at Sydney CDI
New Zealand’s top dressage combination, Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH, are chasing glory at the Sydney CDI this week. It’s been a cracker year for the Waimauku combination, winning the top crowns at both the Bates National Championships and Defender Horse of the Year Show. They cleaned up at the Sydney last year, winning the treble of the Grand Prix (71.065%), Grand Prix Special (72.149%) and Freestyle to Music (75.1755).
Top Field Lines up for Adelaide 5*
Waerenga eventer Donna Edwards-Smith is relishing the chance to once again line up against some of Australasia’s best at this weekend’s Adelaide Equestrian Festival CCI5*. She and her 16-year-old thoroughbred DSE Mendoza were third in the 5* last year and also have wins in the 4*-L at Puhinui and 4*-S at Matamata to their credit, as well as second in the 4*-S at the Defender Horse of the Year recently. He’s been hugely consistent for Donna. “The horse really deserves to do another 5*,” she says.
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