Mill Creek, Methven, Rakaia and Tinwald pony clubs are joining forces to host the annual Springston Trophy in October and are seeking community support to bolster the event.
The 54th event is the pinnacle of pony club eventing and up to 30 clubs from throughout the South Island are expected to attend the three-day event with dressage and showjumping at Ashburton showgrounds and cross country at the newly developed Rakaia course.
Organising committee chair Kim Solly said in a statement that the committee driving Springston Trophy included members involved in the South Island Pony Club Show Jump Champs at Ashburton last year and in 2024.
‘‘With the bonus of added fresh faces giving us a larger pool of talent and enthusiasm,’’ she said.
‘‘Show Jump Champs was a great success, and we had lots of fun hosting. Committee members are passionate pony club supporters, and many will have children competing at Springston Trophy.”
Now, the committee were seeking grants from local businesses and individuals keen to support the event.
They also had sponsorship opportunities available for businesses.
The aim was to create rewarding partnerships for businesses through sponsorship packages, from event naming rights through to supporter packages suited to pony club families and small businesses, Solly said.
There are also opportunities to set up trade stalls to showcase products or services to attendees.
Solly said the team camaraderie and rider growth for the event was a magic grassroots platform for New Zealand’s next generation of Olympic equestrians.
Teams are made up of six riders; seniors (24 & under) jumping 105cm, intermediates (17 & under) jumping 95cm, and juniors (14 & under) jumping 80cm.
The pony club team accruing the most points over the event will be crowned Springston Trophy 2026 champions.
The committee was grateful for guidance from the Ashburton ESNZ Jumping & Show Hunter Group and access to well-maintained grounds and facilities at the Ashburton showgrounds.
Dressage and showjumping will be held at the Ashburton A&P Showgrounds on days one and three.
On day two, teams will travel to the newly built Rakaia cross country course.
Work on the Rakaia cross country course has already begun with course designer Anna Poole creating a fresh new look for the existing facility to be enjoyed will into the future.
It will host future Rakaia Pony Club one day events and offer a terrific training ground for local equestrians, Solly said.
Rakaia Pony Club last hosted Springston Trophy in 2017.
Anyone keen to support the event can phone Kim Solly 027 220 2009 or make contact via any of the respective pony clubs.
