The New Zealand equestrian federation has announced a brand new, multi-discipline event called "Demo & Dabble" aims to introduce equestrian competition sport to non-competing and grassroots riders.
This breaks tradition from its conventional events that are operated under the disciplines of Dressage, Jumping and Show Hunter, Eventing, Endurance and Para-Equestrian.
"Demo & Dabble"
Titled “Demo & Dabble” it is a fun and friendly multidiscipline event for grassroots riders to be held in Hamilton at the Waikato Equestrian Centre 16 - 17 November 2024.
The idea behind the concept was to encourage riders to learn more about the sport, offering ‘demo rings’ for those who would like to learn a little bit more about each discipline, and the ‘dabble rings’ to function as a fun and supportive approach to introductory levels of Dressage, Jumping, Eventing and CTR.
A selection of eight ambassador experts will guide grassroots riders through each discipline.
Supporting Riders to Ride
The competition is the brainchild of a working group formed after Sport New Zealand provided a number of sporting codes with resources to look at strengthening and adapting in the post COVID-19 era.
Feedback from equestrians throughout the country revealed that ‘supporting riders to ride’ was a dominant theme among those looking for a sustained future in the sport. The result is a recreational/multi discipline event that will be held across two days – one for the North Island and one for the South Island.
The first Demo & Dabble will hosted by the Waikato Equestrian Centre in Hamilton on 16 and 17 November. It will be held across two days with a social Saturday night event. There will be style prizes for sportsmanship and horsemanship awarded by judges and ambassadors, turn out awards, spot prizes and giveaways.
Strengthen & Adapt Working Group
National Development Manager Strengthen & Adapt Ashra McAvinue says she is looking forward to the event.
“The Strengthen & Adapt Working Group has put together a great concept that we think will give riders the chance to explore their sport in a way that doesn’t put the unnecessary pressure on them as first-time entrants. There are no expectations, we just want them to come along and enjoy themselves in a great facility with all the bells and whistles,” says Ashra.
A second Demo & Dabble event is planned for Christchurch early next year.
See the schedule here
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