InFocus

Specialist equestrian photographer, Sophie Simson is well-known, talented and intuitive, proving time and time again through her images that she has a gift for capturing just the right moment.  She’s seen brilliant times of equestrian activities, the worst of times, everything in between and across many different disciplines.

Originally from Masterton, Sophie, 34, has always had the photography bug and she has always loved horses.  These two interests blended well together.  From age 5, Sophie lived with her Grandmother in Christchurch and spent many years going to the racetrack and riding her cousins' ponies.  Sophie recalls being 6 when she....

Not only in New Zealand but also internationally, Olivia Robertson, 24, has enjoyed great success with her show jumpers.  Daughter of the famous former All Black, Duncan Robertson, Olivia attributes her competitive spirit to him.  With a bit of a chuckle, Olivia told us, “Our family motto that I've known from since I can remember, is 'never give up, never give in and never come second.'”

Olivia grew up in Queenstown and began riding at age 7.  Her career began with eventing, but she transitioned to straight show jumping at age 13, when she purchased the Grand Prix pony, Sweet Edition.  The two quickly became a team and....

Taupo Horseman Crowned Champ at EQUITANA

Taupo horseman Andrew Jamison turned Little Miss Attitude to Little Miss Amazing en route to winning the IRT The Way of The Horse Challenge at EQUITANA Auckland this evening. He was left speechless when announced as the champ, heading off fellow Kiwi Amanda Wilson (Hikurangi) and Australians Georgia Kolovos and Donal Hancock to hoist the top-dog trophy. There was some consolation for the Aussies who won the team challenge. The invited horse men and women had just an hour a day over the four days to turn the unhandled three-year-olds from wild to willing which was judged by EQUITANA’s star presenters....

EQUITANA Auckland has been a happy hunting ground for Natasha Brooks who last night flew through the flags aboard Twerk to take victory in the Harrison Lane Grand Prix. The Cambridge rider had two in the 13-strong class – her purpose-bred warmblood thoroughbred cross Twerk and her brother Nick’s Versace C. Lex Peddie’s tight-turning indoor track tested the combinations with eight coming back for the second round. Clear in the opener were Natasha with both Twerk and Versace C, Samantha Peters (Cambridge) aboard Caesar NZPH, teen Leeshelle Small (Auckland) on Glenbrooke Archie Bunker, Elmo Jackson (Auckland) with Fairview Animation, and Lucy Olphert on her....

This vet makes it happen, a demanding professional career and two up and coming highly competitive showjumpers.  Jordana Del la Varis, 27, is a dedicated Equine Veterinarian currently working at Vet Associates Equine and Farm, in Karaka, Auckland.  When Jordana is not being her equine vet self, she is more often than not with her own horses.  A regular show jumping competitor, Jordana owns two horses.  Her striking mount Gabriel HH, fondly known as Gabe is an 8 year old gelding and he stands at a whopping 173cm.  Jordana loves his size.   “He has no idea how big he is.  He thinks he's a lapdog,” she tells....

Olivia Dalton, an eighteen year old competitive show jumper based in Karaka, New Zealand, has for a long time tiurned heads in the show jumping world.   Currently competing at Grand Prix level, she has a competitive team of three horses.  Over the years she's enjoyed great success competing on ponies and now her success continues as she’s moved onto hacks. 

This enthusiastic, talented young rider is no stranger to the public eye.   She has a large social media following with 19.5k followers on her Instagram page ‘simplyshowjumping.’   Olivia says “All the support is great and really....

Twenty year old, full time rider, Emily Hayward, and her team of horses travelled to Auckland to compete in the North Island Show Jumping Championship Show last weekend.   It was a successful event for Emily, placing first in the Premier Grand Prix and the Young Rider on her outstanding mount Belischi HM, otherwise fondly known as Thunder.   “This horse truly gives me his all every time he enters the ring.  He couldn’t have given me anymore if he had tried," Emily said, in her post to Facebook after her win.   The ten year old, Australian Thoroughbred gelding is by Chateau Istana and Talk Band, and is one of Emily’s team of....

Pottinger Fourth in CCI5*-L at Adelaide

The Kiwis have just dipped out on....