Eventing Wellington has a strong history at Queen Elizabeth Park, and we are proud to be a part of and contribute to the ongoing recreational activities at this very special venue.

As a fully affiliated subset of Eventing New Zealand and Equestrian Sports New Zealand, our group works hard to provide twice yearly horse trials at QEP, covering the disciplines of dressage, cross country and showjumping. Our consistency in delivering to competitors has seen us cement a place as a key venue in the lower North Island.  We offer graded classes catering for riders from all over New Zealand (predominantly local, Wellington, Wairarapa and Central Districts), ranging from the elite to pre-training level, the latter meeting the needs of a large number of local riders who range in age from 10 to 65. 

Both our events and also our practise/training days attract many riders wanting to improve their skill level for regional competitions. The QEP courses provide a training facility which can be used not only by local Pony clubs looking to develop young talent for their regional and national competitions but also by the many adult riding clubs in the Manawatu/Horowhenua/Kapiti Coast and Greater Wellington areas.  

Continuing this theme, a considerable part of the international success in our sport by riders such as Mark Todd and Andrew Nicholson has been due to the positive and successful development of riders starting at regional events such as ours. 

We have been running competitions at the Mackay’s Crossing section of the park for more than 30 years, in the spring and the autumn.   Thanks to the foresight of the inaugural Event Convenor and Group Chairman Howard Hunter, along with other local identities such as Leicester Jarden, Jack Cottle, the Haskell family, the Cleveleys, the Cropps and Margaret Harris we have been proud to continue their equestrian legacy and also that of the original donators of the park lands and farm where horses played a key role in transportation and in breaking in the land for farming use.

Since our early days at the park in 1986, we have recognised and valued the support of the Queen Elizabeth Park Board, and are always grateful for the ongoing contribution of the Greater Wellington Regional Council, their staff and the farming crew for the constructive relationships we all enjoy. 

Eventing Wellington is a a grassroots community group, run by locals for the betterment of the equestrian community around it. We look forward to this continuing.

Written by Charlotte Gendall Feb 2019.