Henrike Puketapu 

Henrike Puketapu, Sponsorship Level - Gold

Originally from Hamburg, Germany, I came to NZ after finishing my Master's Degree in Economics in 2005. I have been riding since the age of 6. However, I had only limited access to competitions and was not allowed my own pony/horse when I was younger. Now, I am very fortunate to have a great team of talented horses and I compete in dressage, show jumping/show hunter, eventing and in the show ring. My full Friesian gelding Alexander M came to me as a fluffy 2-year old and is now competing at Level 6 dressage with the aim of PSG later in the 2018/19 season. He thinks he is very handsome because everyone he meets tells him so! In 2017, I imported a 4-year old Hanoverian mare from Germany. HSP Soe had a great first season at Level 1 dressage and is now finding herself ready to move up to Level 2. She will also compete in the Riding Horse section. Soe is my ultimate dream horse. Not only has she got loads of talent to burn, she has also got nerves of steel and gives me a great ride every day. The latest addition to the team is RM Limbo. He is currently competing at level 5 dressage and 1* Eventing. I am looking forward to getting to know him better (he is rather quirky) and have lots of fun with him. I have an interest in all things horsey, their well-being and general training. I am a fully qualified Equine Touch© bodyworker and I love that I am able to reward my horses for all their hard work and to make sure they are feeling their best.

The Wilson Family

 

The Wilson Family, Sponsorship Level - Silver

The Wilson family are based in Central Hawkes Bay, Claire and Simon, with children Tim and Anna. They are all active competitors in the showjumping world and are also involved with showhunter, Pony Club, Hunting, racing and organising low level jumping competitions in the community. Claire and Simon have been competing at the highest level for over 25 years, both winners of the Horse of the Year title and have represented New Zealand domestically and overseas. Between them, they have won nearly every National title or series. This coming season, Claire and Simon have three promising Grand Prix horses, (McMillans Ariados, McMillans Fredrika and McMillans Chuck) and many other youngsters to campaign. Tim and Anna are both very keen riders, with both of them having a lot of success in the lower divisions. Tim is hoping to make the transition to Pony Grand Prix on his self produced pony Tinks, while picking up the ride on his Mum’s famous mare Tipsey. Anna has stolen Feather Storm off her brother and will also be bringing on some young ponies. The Wilson’s are regular, long term riders, with a wealth of knowledge and experience. They are passionate about encouraging new riders into the sport, so welcome any questions about feed, gear and riding. This is a family team who are very excited to be associated with Equestrian Central.

Emma Pledger 

Emma Rowe-Pledger, Sponsorship Level - Bronze

I currently have 2 dressage horses in work & spend some time coaching as well which is incredibly rewarding. I am based in Central Otago. Wanaka is a stunning place to work from but involves a lot of travel to get to my coach Andrea Raves & to compete, so I have tried & tested a number of products in this regard be it for horse health or equipment. As well as coaching some lovely combinations I am also on the Upper Clutha A & P equestrian committee, a huge & very exciting show to be part off. This season we are looking forward to tackling our new levels and getting out there. I have a great team in regards to my coach, farrier, vet & body workers and am very much looking forward to working with Equestrian Central. Support like this goes a long way in this field!

Grace Percy

Grace Percy, Sponsorship Level - Bronze

I am from Glenorchy, at the head of Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown. I live in a difficult situation which means that my closest show is four hour drive, the pristine scenery I get to ride and school my horses in, more than makes up for this. I am lucky to have a large team of very talented horses. Kiwi Spirit is my top horse that I have competed up to Young Rider Level 1.35-1.45. This year I am to compete in Pro-Am and Horse Mini Prix on him. The Viper is a large stationbred gelding that competes up to Horse Mini Prix 1.30-1.40. Sunny Disposition, is a small and mighty stationbred that competes 1.10-1.20. I have a couple of very nice young ones that I hope to bring out for the age group classes this season. I also coach and teach both children and adults show jumping lessons and school people's horses on behalf.
I look forward to working with Equestrian Central for the upcoming season and am privileged to receive their support.

Andrew McLennan

Andrew McLennan, Sponsorship Level - Bronze

Andrew McLennan is a passionate and dedicated young equestrian based in Central Hawkes Bay. Since the arrival of his first small hairy pony when he was 2, he has enjoyed pony club and all things equestrian. Showing and show hunter provided valuable experience and some great results before becoming focused on showjumping. While working his way up the levels of showjumping he has had a lot of fun and success. His goal is to produce his own ponies from grassroots to grand prix level. He has been starting and schooling young ponies for as long as he can remember, giving him some essential skills and experiences to help him strive for his goals. On the team this season he has 2 very talented young ponies, and his small but sassy mini prix pony A Kind of Magic affectionately known as ‘The Flying Banana’. He also has 2 nice young hacks waiting in the wings. Andrew is very excited to be a associated with Equestrian Central.

Emma Pinkney, Sponsorship Level - Bronze

My name is Emma Pinkney and I am from Northland, New Zealand. I am 18 years old and have been riding since mum could sit me on a horse. Yes I got the horse crazy bug right from the beginning. I was once a former show rider, with many national Arabian titles to my name. However, I have recently made the transition to the daring world of eventing. I completed my first season at 1.05m last year with my pony Parkland Illusion (Danny). Learning the ropes together we had a successful season. Recently we purchased a lovely TB hack Coopers Comanche (Manchie) who will be the main focus this season. He has such a lovely nature and I have really fallen on my feet with such a talented horse. We hope to move up to 1* together. There is also Sam, a 5-year-old miniature he is pretty much a circus dog. He is your typical cheeky mini that loves to please. My main platform is Instagram (@the.dreams.team) this is where I enjoy sharing my journey with my horses and where people can be updated on our progress. I am really excited to be part of team Equestrian Central.

Sarah Bevege

Sarah Bevege, Sponsorship Level - Bronze 

 
A 19 year old from the mighty King Country. Currently based in Cambridge, many of you will know me as the rider at Event Stars. I have been riding since well before I can remember, growing up in a very equine driven family. From a young age I was known to be the kid just behind the master on the hunt field or flying around cross country fences taller than myself! I started Show Jumping very young and competed to a high level on ponies before transitioning to Eventing when I got my first hack, I have competed to Pre Novice Eventing on a couple of self produced horses but have had some bad luck out growing them! 
My current competitive mount is Winnie, a 16.1 10 year old Thoroughbred who won more than 8.5 million dollars racing in Hong Kong. Our goal for the 2018/2019 season is 1* Eventing and Level 3 dressage, whilst competing in most Pony Club teams events.