Team and supporters questions:

Do teams need to stay onsite at the home base at Papatoetoe Pony Club?
Teams will be required to stay on the grounds at the home base at Papatoetoe Pony Club. It is preferred that teams book motor homes for their accommodation which they then continue to use while sightseeing around NZ. We will provide 1 large tent per team to use for accommodation or storage.

Can supporters camp at the home base at Papatoetoe Pony Club?
Camping areas will be available for supporters with Motorhomes & trucks or for tenting.

Are there accommodation facilities at the home base?
There is no onsite accommodation. Please click HERE for some accommodation options offsite.Supporters may also wish to look at accommodation options closer to Equitana Auckland near the ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane.

What facilities are available at home base?
There are toilets and showers.  There are no self-cooking facilities available. Breakfast and dinner for the duration of the week can be purchased with the Gold Supporters Pack. On days of competition, lunch can be purchased at Equitana. On non-competition days teams may wish to purchase lunch from onsite canteen.

Is there Wifi at Homebase?
Yes, Wifi will be available at Papatoetoe PC.

How early can I arrive?
The arrival date for teams is Saturday 18th November.

Can I arrive earlier?
Teams and supporters are unable to arrive any earlier than 18th November at home base due to the booking arrangement with Papatoetoe Pony Club.

Do I need a wrist band to be on the grounds?
Every person must wear a wrist band while onsite at home base and for general admission at EQUITANA Auckland. On arrival at home base come to the administrations office where you can collect your band.

What does Team Entry package include?
Includes 5 riders & coach
• Access to all onsite facilities at Home base
• 6 General Admission Passes to Equitana Auckland
• Team Transport to and from Equitana Auckland
• Pony transport to and from Equitana Auckland
• Social activities at Home base
• 6 Gala tickets
• Yards
• 1 tent per team
• Paramedic cover throughout
• Food package – breakfast and dinner

For teams traveling with a reserve, they may purchase a supporters package.

What does the On Site Pony Costs of $1500 per team cover?
This covers horse feed for the week and the cost of transport to and from Papatoetoe PC Home base to Equitana Auckland. This is in addition to the entry fee and is to be paid by all teams.

What is the theme for the Gala Dinner?
Formal Dress

Is there power available for motorhomes?
Yes there will be limited power for motorhomes. Power will be available for those who purchase supporter packages.

Pony Owner questions:

Where can I find information about lending my pony?
Click HERE for all the information and responsibilities for pony lenders, borrowers and pony coordinators.

I have made a private arrangement with a rider from overseas. What are my responsibilities?
Responsibilities are the same as owners who lend their pony to the pool. You are also required to enroll your pony using the online form HERE. Enrolments for privately arranged ponies must be received by 31/7/17.

What contact do pony owners have with their pony once they arrive at home base?
Pony owners are able to visit their ponies during the day while at home base. There will be a curfew time set for accessing the pony area to prevent ponies from being unsettled or disturbed. This will apply to all people onsite except night staff. Owners are not to ride their pony or remove ponies from yards without permission from Pony Coordinators in case the team needs to practice. Owners are not to feed anything to their pony without permission. No pony may be fed anything that contravenes FEI regulations.

What happens to the ponies when they get to the venue?
Ponies are run up and checked for soundness and checked that shoes are acceptable. Feed and gear is also checked off. When ponies are ready, they will be allocated their yard. Ponies will be on a rostered schedule for feeding, grazing out and riding.

Who is responsible for getting my pony to Auckland and back home?
It’s the pony owner’s responsibility to deliver and pickup the loan pony at Papatoetoe pony club.

Will I get any help with transport costs to get my pony to Auckland and home again?
NZMGA cannot promise that we will be able to contribute towards transport cost, but we are hoping to have enough funds at the end of the day to contribute towards some or all the transport costs.

Who provides feed for ponies?
We do require pony owners to supply specialised feed and minerals for the duration of the time ponies are at home base. Eg 8-9 days. NZMGA is endeavoring to seek funding to cover feed costs. Should funding be approved we will let you know closer to the event.

Can I say what my pony gets fed?
When you enroll your pony using the online form there is a section to list what you feed your pony. Click HERE to find the online form.

Will there be hay supplied?
Yes

How are the ponies going to be yarded?
Ponies might be placed in their teams and yarded as a team if they are lent as a team. There will be allowances for ponies that may require alternative yard or paddock situations.

Can ponies be put beside their paddock mates?
Yes this may will be possible.

My pony frets and paces all the time, is there a paddock or can he have a bigger yard at night?
This will only be on an individual basis. There are very limited paddocks available.

How will the ponies travel to and from Equitana?
They will travel as a team to and from Equitana providing they are safe and comfortable travelling together. 

Will there be a vet handy to home base and also at Equitana venue?
Vet and farrier will be available at both venues.

What gear & tack do I need to supply for my pony?
The usual gear you use for competition, yarding and travel.

Who pays if my pony needs a vet or farrier during the week at Home base and while in competition?
1. It is recommended that self sourced pony owners make their own arrangements with riders for any vet and farrier requirements.
2. NZMGA are endeavouring to raise the funds to help cover any vet and farrier costs incurred during the week. This will depend on the availability of funds. However Owners should be aware that there may be additional vet and farrier costs which will need to be covered.

Will my pony stay onsite if it is injured or unwell?
This will be decided on a case by case basis.

How many times a day will my pony be trialed if it is in the pool?
Ponies will be monitored throughout the day of practise sessions to ensure pony welfare. 

Should I insure my pony for length of competition?
Yes this is highly recommended.  Click here for an online quotation from JLT Bloodstock
Or Phone: 0800 383 071

What happens if any of my tack breaks or is lost?
All tack will be examined when presented by owners. Owners are to ensure all gear is safe, stitchnig is checked etc. The rider is responsible for replacing any broken or lost tack.

Can I bring my pony early to home base as I am volunteering to help?
Arrangements can be made with the Event Organisers, however it is preferred that ponies arrive no earlier than Saturday 18th November.

Will I get tickets, free or discounted, to watch the competition if I lend my pony?
You will need to register and purchase a volunteers package. Entry into Equitana is included with your pack. Click HERE for the Volunteer Enrolment Form.

NZ Volunteer Questions:
Are dogs allowed on site?
No

Will I get tickets, free or discounted, to watch the competition if I Volunteer?
Volunteer packs are available to purchase on the website when you enroll as a volunteer. Entry into Equitana is included with your pack. Click HERE for the Volunteer Enrolment Form.

When will I know what task I have been allocated?
Appointment of volunteers will commence end of July.

How do I enroll to become a volunteer?
The enrolment form is on the website; CLICK HERE 

You can also email [email protected] if you have any questions.