Gallant Boy aka Paddy
2010 Bay Gelding
Brands: Horseshoe | 18 over 0
Breeding: by Gallant Guru out of Mega Babe
Breeder: P E Smith
Nominated by: Janis Smith
Race Record: Winner of 15 races including the G3 White Robe Lodge Stakes and Listed Timaru Cup. Placed on 23 occasions
Current Role: Budding star of the hunt field
Gallant Boy was a super racehorse, winning 15 races and placing 23 times, right up till he was a 10 year old.
Bred by the late Patrick Smith at White Robe Lodge, he was trained by Brian and Shane Anderton.
He now lives on a large farm at Outram, near Mosgiel in the care of Janna Nichol who is the joint Master of the Central Otago Hunt Club.
In 2023 he shone is his first two hunts, jumping spars on just his second time out in the field.
NORITAKE aka SONNY
2001 Chestnut Gelding – Brands: HF CONJOINED | 54 over 1
Breeding: by McGinty out of Panza Anne
Breeder: Mrs E & W Alexander
Race Record: Unraced
Current Role: Veteran allrounder
Kate Perry came across Sonny working as a groom for a Showjumping yard. Her boss at the time had previously competed him before he was sold to a showing home. He knew Kate was horseless at the time and said he had a horse mind and 11 years later Sonny is still the best Christmas present Kate has ever picked up .
There isn’t much they haven’t done, from ESNZ eventing to showing, to his forte of the showjumping arena. Sonny has been the best teacher/best mate Kate could have asked for, taking her round her first 1.20m classes, winning and placing in numerous classes over the years and still, at the age of 21, pulls her round his loved mighty metre classes picking up many a ribbon.
Sonny has become a true family pet, he is regularly ridden by Kate’s father. He loves his hacks round the farm on the buckle on auto pilot as Sonny knows the way, that or a good swim down the river for a splashing opportunity ranks highly.
Over the years Kate believes what has kept him in such good shape is his love of odd fellows (a must at the in gate when finishing a round) and his diet of BetaVet supplements – Buildagut, Ginzinga and Protect .
Mufhasa
2004 Brown Gelding
Brands: Judderbar over RH | 3 over 4
Breeding: by Pentire out of Sheila Cheval
Breeder: C C E & J W Thompson
Nominated by: Amy Doran
Race Record: Twice New Zealand Horse of the Year in 2008-09 & 2011-12. Champion Sprinter in 2008-09, 2010-11 & 2011-12. Won 20 races, 10 at Group One level, from 62 starts and prizemoney of $3.62 Million. Member of the NZ Racing Hall of Fame
Current Role: Show horse, model, tv star – he does it all!
There’s not many racing fans who don’t know who Mufhasa is!
Amy has been with Mufhasa from a yearling, she used to do all his trackwork and also did a lot of traveling with him while he was racing.
When he retired she was given the opportunity to keep him and now (aged 18) he does a little bit of everything. He competes in low key shows, has been a model for Ellerslie Racing, leads horses out on the track at feature meetings and has even featured in the tv series Mystic.
He loves to give pony rides and is always on his best behavior for the kids, he took Amy’s young child to his first show and won a couple of ribbons.
Mufhasa is very adaptable and even now he still loves to take the young race horses round the track although he has to be in front!
JEPEZZ GEORGE aka GEORGE
2012 Bay Gelding – Brands: TP CONJOINED WITH A PINE TREE | 7 over 2
Breeding: by Jest Kidding out of Stark Reality
Breeder: Mrs L J & S J Hampton
Race Record: Placed twice in 14 starts
Current Role: jumping star
George has been with his new owner just six months but he’s already taken her over 1.10m cross country jumps and 1.20m showjumping fences. They have only competed to 90cm at this stage, but George has done everything with flying colours. The remarkable thing about George is that he’s never ever refused, not even once. No matter what distance, jump or height, he will go for it. He’s such a cuddly horse too!
Red Liberty aka Copper
2013 Chestnut Gelding
Brands: T through Y | 41 over 3
Breeding: by Iffraaj out of Syrah
Breeder: Trelawney Thoroughbreds
Nominated by: Leah Leviston
Race Record: Two wins and eight placings from 24 starts
Current Role: Dressage and showing competitor
In 2021 Leah unfortunately lost her thoroughbred ‘Lex’ to colic who had filled her heart after losing another thoroughbred in 2020.
Leah wasn’t actively looking, but came across “Copper” in the December 2021 Horsedeals magazine and he happened to be local so she organised to meet up with the seller, who has a big heart for thoroughbreds and rehoming them after their racing life.
Copper and Leah just clicked that day, he was perfect although still very green in his training. He had finished racing in January 2021, had let down and has some training, then he was ready for his forever home. Leah purchased him that day – their bond has grown and he filled the horse sized piece missing from her heart.
Leah’s plan is to compete in dressage, showing and have fun. They recently went to their first show together in which he won every led class he entered. Leah hopes to go up the levels in dressage with Copper and aim to compete at the Sydney Royal show one day.
Frank
2012 Bay Gelding – Brands: I inside O ‘ I inside C | 1 over 2
Breeding: by Thorn Park out of O’Ceirins Angel
Breeder: Keenan Family Trust
Nominated by: Glenda Thompson
Race Record: unraced
Current Role: Star eventer
Glenda got Frank from Diane Jull who had originally purchased him off Eventstars as a three-year-old. He was too slow on the track and preferred to look pretty!
Glenda competed him at the Beyond the Barriers Ex-Factor competition as a just turned four-year-old and they have been eventing since then.
He is currently doing 1* and going to step up to 2* this season. Frank is Glenda’s golden child and such a people horse who is so level headed and such a gentle soul.
Frank also carts Glenda’s eight-year-old daughter around and she has claimed him from her mum when she is tall enough!
Glenda recently met Frank’s handler Jess Blair when he was a yearling (he was sold through Wellfield Lodge’s draft for $240,000) and she said he was one of the best horses temperament wise they had.
Frank is lovely on the flat and has a super jump. He is one very loved and spoilt boy.
Bubbly Rose
2016 Chestnut Mare
Brands: LT in Circle | 2 over 6
Breeding: by Rip Van Winkle out of Volaisha
Breeder: Mrs K A & N J Auret
Nominated by: Alice Crofskey
Race Record: Unraced
Current Role: Star in the making
After losing her heart horse Noddy (also a thoroughbred), Alice was offered Bubbly from the same owner. She had been turned out for 6 months after showing little potential in her trials.
Alice began slowly working with Bubbly and taking her out to a few outings. She was quite overwhelmed in the first few outings but soon settled down and got better and better. They got lots of lessons and have worked their way up to competing to 1m. She is still relatively green but always gives 110%.
Bubbly is incredibly brave and will always give things a go. This is what Alice really loves about her. She competed in Beyond the Barriers Ex-Factor in April 2022. She did a super double clear for the win in the showjumping. She was 5th in the freestyle (where they were clowns!) . She cleared 130cm to place 2nd in the high jump which was definitely their highlight! (She had only done 1m before).
Bubbly will continue going up the heights and have a go at some different disciplines this season.
Call Doubt aka Harry
2011 Bay Gelding – Brands: d over bar | 19 over 1
Breeding: by Duelled out of Oriental Miss
Breeder: G A Rogerson, The Whitby Bloodstock Trust & J F Woodward
Nominated by: Kyla Hamblyn
Race Record: 33 starts, four wins, one placing
Current Role: Young rider mount
Kyla’s daughter Lauryn was starting to outgrow her pony and so was starting to think about a hack for her to move onto. Lauryn was 13 and very tall. In October 2020 they got approached by a girl who worked at a New Plymouth Racing Stable and said that there was a thoroughbred there that had retired from racing and had such a kind nature, she asked if the Hamblyns would consider taking him.
Kyla was not sure at the time as Lauryn was only 13 but they went and picked him up and took him to a local arena and she had a ride on him and loved him straight away. He had such an amazing nature they knew he was meant to be for them.
So they took him home and they had another girl school him for a few months whilst Lauryn was finishing her season show jumping on her pony.
The Hamblyns brought him home in November and spent time hacking him over the farm and going on many beach rides. Lauryn hunted him with Taranaki Hunt which started in April 2021 and together they had a lot of fun.
The show jumping season started in October 2021 and they travelled all over the central districts with Harry every weekend competing. Lauryn started her season with him at 70cm and in her final show at Fielding 2022 competed him at 1m.
Lauryn loves Harry, he loves to learn and together they have grown so much confidence and they really have an amazing bond.
Attaboy aka Red
2008 Chestnut Gelding
Brands: CF | 10 over 8
Breeding: by Golan out of Golden Lights
Breeder: Mrs M J Douglas & T W Archer Trust
Nominated by: Alice Crofskey
Race Record: Unplaced in three starts
Current Role: Showjumping star
Alice was looking for a hack and got a message from a friend saying Red might suit. She booked her flights down to Christchurch asap and tried him in over the next few days. After having two rides she knew he was the one and purchased him. He was very adjustable and made jumping big feel so easy. He was transported to Cambridge in the coming weeks.
They competed up to 1.20m/Junior Rider level (115-125) last season. They were double clear and 2nd in their first Junior together up at Woodhill.
Next season Alice will be too old to compete in the Junior rider series but will continue to step up with Red in other classes.
Red enjoys hacking out over her farm most days and cross country too. He is lovely to ride on the flat.
Alice said she has never clicked so well with a horse before finding Red. He has a absolute heart of gold and always gives 110%. He is so sweet and is perfect to do everything with.
Dougie
2013 Bay Gelding – Brands: BLV | 16 over 3
Breeding: by Keeper out of Deverra
Breeder: R A Emery
Nominated by: Kyla Hamblyn
Race Record: 29 starts, four wins, eight placings
Current Role: Talented showjumping prospect and hunting star
In December 2019 Kyla saw Dougie listed with Eventstars in Cambridge. She had another horse that she showjumped but wanted to train another horse to take through the levels and when she saw Dougie advertised Kyla really liked the look of him.
Kyla contacted Gina and then the next weekend took the truck to Cambridge and brought him home. Her other horse doesn’t hunt or trek out in company, he gets too nervous and doesn’t cope, so Kyla decided to take Dougie hunting the next season and see what he thought of it. He loved it, was very controlled and they had a ball hunting that season.
I have taken him out and competed in flat classes as well as tried show hunter with him. My 13 year old daughter took him to Fielding for his first time out show jumping and he did really well competing at 80cm.
Dougie is the most relaxed, chilled and kind hearted horse Kyla has ever owned, he can be really lazy at times which she am totally surprised by. Kyla thinks he really enjoys his much slower paced life. Dougie tries his heart out and gives everything 100%. She has had lessons with him from instructors around the country and they have all commented on how he tries so hard.
He is fantastic to trek out in company and also alone. He loves hacking out over the farm and also at the beach, he really enjoys getting out in the waves.
This season he will join Kyla and her daughter as they travel around the showjumping circuit and start his jumping career. He has an amazing jump on him and Kyla is really excited about their future together.
Midnight Rattler aka Bobby
2011 Brown Gelding
Brands: E K under scroll over T371 | 25 over 1
Breeding: by Clang out of Mezentseva
Breeder: Mr G H Forbes
Nominated by: Laura Menzies
Race Record: 51 starts, 6 wins and five placings
Current Role: Former therapy horse, loved family member
In 2021 Bobby spent time with Horses Helping Humans Taranaki, Hōiho Hāpai Hapori programme. Born in Australia, he won at Gosford before heading to Hong Kong to race. Bobby retired from racing 2019 after winning on six occasions and over NZ$1m in prize money.
Bobby came to New Zealand through International Thoroughbred Retirement and was adopted by Nadine Knight, who let him be used for HHH sessions. The programme is a therapeutic intervention that uses natural horsemanship exercises to remodel neural pathways and change old behavior patterns of at risk youth.
Bobby’s gentle, calming presence meant that he was a huge hit with his teenage clients, especially those who had experienced trauma or had lived with multiple caregivers.
Once they had established a connection with him he would follow them around the arena and through obstacles at liberty, the experience was empowering and life changing for them. Bobby taught his clients how to communicate assertively; confidently stand in their mana; and adjust their breath and body language to calm their anxiety.
Bobby is no longer used as a therapy horse but loves spending time with Nadine and her daughter.
Taiao Psychedelia aka Sky
2016 Grey Mare – Brands: Acorn | 44 over 6
Breeding: by Roc De Cambes out of Psychedelic
Breeder: The Oaks Stud
Nominated by: Emma Simons
Race Record: Unraced
Current Role: Talented eventing prospect
Emma has known Sky since she was 6 months old as she works at The Oaks Stud where Sky was born and raised. She remembers she liked her after she got broken in and Emma did a bit of lunging and pre fitness work with her and some other two-year-olds before they went into training.
Emmas jokingly said to The Oaks Stud’s Rick Williams one day, if she doesn’t make it, could she have first dibs.
A month later Sky came back and Rick called Emma into the office and said “So I see you have a horse now.”
Emma has taken her very slowly and thinks Sky’s honesty and bravery comes from her and friend Clodagh dragging all sorts from around the farm for her to jump over during the first COVID lockdown. Obstacles included gates, bushes, tyres and feed pots.
Sky is now showing talent in eventing – she came third in her second event at Rotorua in April 2022, and will also compete in dressage.
Emma and Sky have a wonderful partnership and Emma feels so lucky to have her. She loves a cuddle but is also very sassy in a fun way. She has Emma laughing on a daily basis.
Emma is thankful to Rick Williams for his role in her having Sky and keeps Gaye, the owner of her dam Psychedelic, up-to-date on Sky’s progress too.
Though she will compete in showjumping and dressage, Emma’s main goal is to work through the grades in eventing with Sky.
Lorde Have Mercy aka Mumma
2014 Bay Mare
Brands: BM | 39 over 4
Breeding: by Echoes of Heaven out of Just Like A Prayer
Breeder: Mrs L M Jenkins & J R Wheeler
Nominated by: Linda Wheeler
Race Record: 28 starts, 2 wins, 7 placings.
Current Role: Hunter
Bred by Linda Wheeler, ‘Mumma’ showed a bit of talent on the track winning two of her 28 starts and placing on another 7 occasions. Linda’s husband, Hall of Fame trainer John Wheeler, petitioned to give her a career as a jumper but Linda has vetoed that idea (so far) and kept Mumma for the hunt field.
Linda schooled Mumma in the art of jumping, no doubt with many handy hints from her husband, and they are now regulars on the hunt field in Taranaki and often venture out of the district as well.
Surfcaster aka Stella
1999 Chestnut Mare – Brands: SH inside circle | 2 over 9
Breeding: by Val D’arno out of Star Imp
Breeder: Mrs S M Harty
Nominated by: Laura Menzies
Race Record: Unplaced from five starts
Current Role: Retired and much loved former member of the Horses Helping Humans Taranaki team.
Now in her early 20s. Stella came into Laura’s life in 2013 when she was a relatively new youth worker. Laura had always wanted to combine her two passions of youth work and horses and when she met Stella she knew that she was the horse to make this happen.
Laura remembers the first taiohi (teenager) that she took out to work with her and the way Stella looked at him with so much love and acceptance. She could see his whole wairua (spirit), his authentic self and she loved him wholeheartedly. When he visited her again eight years later, their connection was still just as strong (see photos).
Stella inspired Laura to bring Sue Spence’s Horses Helping Humans programme to the Taranaki region and in 2020 the Horses Helping Humans Taranaki, Hōiho Hāpai Hapori incorporated charitable trust was formed. Since then they have put well over 100 taiohi through the programme and many youth workers have completed the youth worker training programme.
The programme is a therapeutic intervention that uses natural horsemanship exercises to remodel neural pathways and change old behavior patterns. The programme’s objective is to improve the mental and emotional well-being of vulnerable taiohi in our community. The programme is targeted to “at risk” youth. In particular, taiohi experiencing anxiety, aggression, ADHD, depression, post traumatic stress disorder and low self-confidence, many of whom have started to disengage from education. Taiohi learn how to self-regulate their emotions and communicate confidently and assertively with others through the medium of horsemanship (from the ground, there is no riding involved).
Stella makes her taiohi feel worthy and complete, that they are someone of importance and value. They learn how to calmly and assertively be a leader and through working with her they realise what they are capable of achieving. One of Stella’s taiohi shared that she had been having a panic attack and during the middle of it, she did the breathing techniques that she had learned through working with Stella and she was able to successfully calm herself down. Another taiohi shared that she gets anxiety. After her first session with Stella she attended a leadership course. There were lots of people there, so before she walked into the room, she practiced the breathing exercises she had learned through working with Stella. Doing so made her feel much more confident when she was interacting with others at the leadership course.
Stella has since retired from the programme due to her arthritis and spends her days babysitting the younger horses – she is madly in love with her 5yo ex pacer Standardbred boyfriend Down to the Bone! She is still showered in love by Laura as she lives out her retirement and ngā taiohi that she has worked with in the past still drop in to visit her and give her a brush. She is one in a million and every day Laura feels beyond lucky that she came into her life.
If you would like to empower positive change by making a tax deductible donation to Horses Helping Humans Taranaki, Hōiho Hāpai Hapori our Givealittle page is https://givealittle.co.nz/org/horses-helping-humans-taranaki-hoiho-hapai-hapori
SADIST
2007 Chestnut Gelding
Brands: TY Conjoined | 3 over
Breeding: by Tale of the Cat out of Dominatrix
Breeder: Trelawney Stud
Nominated by: Amie Best
Race Record: 21 starts, 5 wins, 6 placings.
Current Role: Super nanny
Sadist has returned to his birthplace at Trelawney Stud and is a valued member of the nanny ranks. He was a handy horse on the racetrack, winning on debut and going on to claim five victories and six placings, including a runner up finish in the 2011 Gr.3 Eagle Technology Stakes. He is now a picture of health and in charge of babysitting a mob of weanlings, a job he excels at.
Adelphia aka Nellie
2016 Bay Mare – Brands: Cm conjoined | 4 over 6
Breeding: by Rip Van Winkle out of St Germaine
Breeder: St Germaine Syndicate
Nominated by: Lucy Dagnall
Race Record: Unraced
Current Role: Sport horse star in the making
Lucy first met Nellie when she was working for Gina Schick at Eventstars LTD where she came through as a racehorse schooler with all intentions to go back and be a super speedy race horse.
Lucy loved her from day one, sass and all. She went back to the racing stables but must’ve decided the sporthorse life was far more fun so came back through Eventstars to find a home. Lucy missed out on claiming her as her own at that stage and she went down to Christchurch to Jess Land who had her for a few months before putting her on the market and that’s where Lucy jumped at the opportunity to add her to her team.
Since owning Nellie they have focused on show jumping where they are now competing at 1m with wins although they did just have their first eventing start at 80cm where they managed to secure the win.
Nellie is lucky enough to enjoy doing a large variety of things including riding at the beach, over farms and of course competing in multiple disciplines.
She is a sassy little thing, and quite reminds everyone of a crocodile in some ways with how she snarls and snaps but has never been one to actually bite. She loves her job and really does love jumping, but equally thinks going for a good hack is heaps of fun too.
Nellie’s super funny and picky about treats, will only eat them if you hold them in your finger tips not out of the palm of your hand but looooooves food!
Cheeky Boy aka Cheeky
2010 Brown Gelding
Brands: VA | 9 over 0
Breeding: by Lucky Unicorn out of Tristine
Breeder: B J Wallace
Nominated by: Melissa Solly
Race Record: 51 starts, 5 wins, 12 placings.
Current Role: Much loved young rider mount
Cheeky had a fairly successful racing career winning five races for Bruce Wallace and Allan Peard. Four years into his retirement he was spotted in a paddock and brought back in to work where he started his sport horse career with Dee Clarke of Bridgehaven Equestrian.
He is now with his 14yo rider and having a great time exploring Pony Club, hacking in the forest and working on their jumping technique over showjumps and cross country.
Holy Smoke aka Eric
2008 Bay Gelding – Brands: GW conjoined | 4 over 8
Breeding: by Faltaat out of Flaring Star
Breeder: Grangewilliam Stud
Nominated by: Abby Long
Race Record: 15 starts, three wins, two placings
Current Role: Eventing star
Belmont Holy Smoke, or Eric, and Abby Long were the winners of the NZTBA sponsored 2021 Ready Teddy Trophy at the Matamata Horse Trial.
After that well deserved win in the inaugural CCI4* at the RANDLAB Matamata Horse Trial last year (Feb 21) Eric went on to place 2nd in the prestigious CCI4* long format class at the NZ Three Day National Eventing Championships held at the NEC Taupo in May 2021. Not only did he do a brilliant clear Cross Country round he was the only horse in the 4* class that completed in the very tight time set for CCI4* long format competitions.
Eric and Abby didn’t defend their 4* crown this year and next on the cards for Belmont Holy Smoke will be Taupo 3 Day CCI4-L and hopefully onto Melbourne 3 Day CCI4-L for the NZ Oceania Championships.
Despite the cancellation of some of the higher levels events that they had targeted for the 2021/22 season as preparation for the above events, Belmont Holy Smoke is kept on a fitness regime at Abby’s equestrian property in the Horowhenua which has show jump & dressage arenas, a canter track and access to hill country for fitness training, and a 150 jump cross country course complete with water, banks, and ditches, ensuring he maintains the fitness required for 4* competition.
Abby got Eric in July 2015 as a 7 year old, he was recently off the track and difficult to deal with on the ground. Sandy Fryatt from Belmont Equestrian had purchased him off the racing owners and spent a short period of time with him on the basics of dressage and jumping. His racing name of Holy Smoke was kept and Sandy Fryatt added the Belmont prefix.
Eric had a troubled youth and can be hot but he is extremely brave on the cross country and loves to run which Abby allows him to do between jumps where possible and this is what gives him a competitive cross country time often compensating for his Dressage which isn’t his strong suit.
He is now 13yo and has mellowed with age somewhat on the ground but is still on fire on the Cross Country. He is Abby’s current No. 1 Horse and her father’s favourite child.
Heza Cool Dude aka One Cool Dude
2000 Bay Gelding
Brands: CH | 5 over 0
Breeding: by Kashani out of Fille de Fashion
Breeder: Mrs J M & T Hobson
Nominated by: Kendra Rogers
Race Record: 45 starts, 7 wins, 8 placings. Runner up in the 2005 Listed MRC Lightning Hcp
Current Role: All round superstar
One Cool Dude (now 21yo) raced under the name ‘Heza Cool Dude’ and was trained by Ralph Manning. His racing days spanned from 2yo to 6yo, racing a respectable 45 times for 7 wins and 8 placings.
‘Jacque’ as he’s known at home, has since been a top eventing horse competing to the highest level in New Zealand and is now owned by Danielle Wheeler. In mid 2021 The Rogers family had Danielle’s top eventing horse come to their Kendayla Park operation for pre-training on the Aqua walker. When Danielle discovered Kendra was looking for a new horse she told them that her old eventer was retired at her place and babysitting the youngsters but hated it, they were welcome to come try him.
In August of 2021 they drove up to try Jacque and ended up taking him home. Since then, Jacque and Kendra have competed in Showing, Show Jumping and Show Hunter, however mainly focusing on eventing. With only three eventing starts together, Jacque has gained Kendra her first Horse Trial placing (4th in the CCN80-S at the Taupo Summer HT) and in February 2022 he carried Kendra around her first CCN95-S at Springbush Horse Trial to finish on their dressage score to take the win.
Jacque is super talented. He finds everything easy and has quite a high opinion of himself. He loves food and his friends and is very unhappy if you take either of these away. He is a true athlete, he loves being worked, is very enthusiastic and gives everything 120%. Luckily he has no soundness issues and is the bounciest horse in the yard.
Kendra feels so lucky to have Jacque teaching her the ropes and he loves being out and about. He also loves working on the aqua-walker which helps keep him fit and happy.
BINGHI AKA BING
2005 Bay Gelding – Brands: JD conjoined | 33 over 5
Breeding: by Pupil out of Hidden Depths
Breeder: P D Bingham, C C Hobbs & J R Wheeler
Nominated by: Helen Bingham
Race Record: Unplaced in five starts
Current Role: Hunting superstar
Bing was bred with ambitions of being John Wheeler’s next big steeplechasing star but the bay gelding had other ideas. He failed to shine, or even feature, in five starts and was promptly retired. A successful career over jumps was on the cards, but instead of the racetrack it was on the hunt field that Bing made his mark. Owned by former Master of the Hunt Kevin Zimmerman Bing is a familiar sight galloping up and down the hills around Taranaki and over whatever obstacle is presented to him when ridden by Kevin or his nephew Zac Bingham. Bing also loves a beach ride and cuddles from his littlest fans. He lives a life of luxury on a dairy farm in New Plymouth where his three paddock mates include 34yo pony Walnut.
El Segundo
2001 Bay Gelding
Brands: A over S | 2 over 1
Breeding: by Pins out of Palos Verdes
Breeder: P H & C G Brown, D W Howell, I G & W G Hickey & P Murphy
Nominated by: Amie Best
Race Record: 35 starts, 12 wins, 8 placings. A$3,964,375 in stakes. Winner of four G1 races – Cox Plate, Underwood Stakes, CF Orr Stakes, Yalumba Stakes. Also won Gr.2 Memsie Stakes, Gr.2 Carlyon Stakes, Gr.2 Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes, Listed JRA Cup.
Current Role: Wonder nanny at Amarina Farm in Australia
Colin Little trained El Segundo’s dam, dual Group Three winner Palos Verdes, so it was no surprise when her son by Pins ended up in his Melbourne stable after being knocked down for $140,000 at the 2003 New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale. El Segundo would go on to win nearly A$4m in stakes and his 2007 Gr.1 Cox Plate win was the crowning glory of a stellar career. Now 20, El Segundo’s looks belie his age and he is a valued member of the team at Amarina Farm in the Hunter Valley. Well known for his ability to maintain his condition, El Segundo is the go to nanny for any stroppy colts that might need reminding of their place in life. He keeps good company and can often be found with the farm’s other nanny – Gr.1 Manikato Winner Typhoon Zed.
GREY EBONY AKA ICE
2002 Roan Gelding – Brands: JD conjoined | 51 over 2
Breeding: by Ebony Grosve out of Grey Teal
Breeder: The Endurance Horse Trust
Nominated by: Sarah Lynne Gault
Race Record: 34 starts, 2 wins and 7 placings
Current Role: Lawnmower and loved companion
‘Ice’ has found his forever home with Sarah. He started his racing career in the South Island before transferring north and was later tried over jumps. Ice was retired after his third start over hurdles and he came into Sarah’s care in 2013 when a 10yo. He was purchased as a jumper but was disinclined to pursue that discipline. Unfortunately Ice has had some health issues so he was retired from competitive riding at 13 but is still pulled out of the paddock to do basic flat work and small jumps.
Now 19 Ice is still enjoying his life as a lawnmower and loving life companion. Sarah said he might not be anything special, but he’s definitely special to her.
Mighty Matt aka Sammy
2009 Bay Gelding
Brands: Judder Bar over RH | 51 over 9
Breeding: by Any Suggestion out of Calm Grove
Breeder: Rich Hill Thoroughbreds Ltd & P R T Thorburn
Nominated by: Natalie Smith
Race Record: 42 starts, 7 wins, 10 placings.
Current Role: Ultimate allrounder
Sammy came into Natalie’s care when he retired from racing in August 2016. He is the best natured horse she has ever had, he is cheeky and full of character but also so safe and reliable. Having tried hunting and a bit of jumping, Sammy definitely prefers a lowkey lifestyle of hacking and going on adventures. Natalie said you couldn’t ask for a better horse to have in your life, he is the first one to meet you at the gate everyday and would stand there all day for a pat if he could.
DOCKET AKA DOC
2011 B Gelding – Brands: HF conjoined | 55 over 1
Breeding: by Iffraaj out of Coupon
Breeder: G J Cranny & Haunui Bloodstock Ltd
Nominated by: Kelly Shearing
Race Record: 40 starts, 3 wins and 12 placings
Current Role: Budding allrounder
Kelly waited four years to get Doc off the track after riding him in trackwork every day. He required quite a bit of care when she initially got him due to a hoof injury but safely through that he is an exceptional budding allrounder.
He excelled at his first in-hand show and is showing heaps of promise as an eventer. Doc has found a forever home with Kelly and she loves him to bits.
Itsa Hereford aka Levi
2006 Bay Gelding
Brands: T conjoined R | 27 over 6
Breeding: by Chianti out of Red Sophia
Breeder: B J & Mrs L E Anderton, A G, K J, M C & P R Dennis, J E & Mrs S M Murray
Nominated by: Shona McGee
Race Record: Unplaced in 4 starts
Current Role: All round star
‘Levi’ retired from racing in 2011 after he was unable to beat his own shadow home in four starts. He turned his hoof to showing and some eventing training where he found his niche. Shona says he is an absolute machine at jumping and never says no. He tries super hard, no matter how uncoordinated he can be at times with his feet. Thought he isn’t a huge fan of dressage.
His absolute favourite past time is having his butt scratched and he will even turn round and back up to let you know he wants a scratch. He’s a giant oversized dog that laps up attention.
Levi has the kindest nature and is so gentle – he is extremely good looking to boot!
I Walk Alone AKA Benji
2014 Br Gelding – Brands: BM | 50 over 4
Breeding: by Bullbars out of Boulevardofdreams
Breeder: Hong Kong Breeders Club Ltd
Nominated by: Amber Mitchell
Race Record: 20 starts, 1 win and three placings
Current Role: Sport horse in training
Trained by Clinton Isdale, ‘Benji’ was a winner at New Plymouth and had 20 starts before retiring to a sport horse career. Benji is now training to compete at A & P Shows with new owner Amber aiming to get some jumping mileage as well. He has a fantastic temperament and shares a great connection with Amber’s young daughter as well as teaching adults to ride.
Ruby Choux Rose aka Ruby
2013 Bay Mare
Brands: Judderbar over RH | 23 over 3
Breeding: by Jimmy Choux out of Madame Rouge
Breeder: C C E & J W Thompson
Nominated by: Christine Reid
Race Record: Unplaced in 12 starts
Current Role: Talented all-rounder
Ruby is competing in show jumping, dressage and is Christine’s competitive trail riding horse. She has plenty of variety in life! She is also used for teaching learner riders. Ruby loves to work and sulks if she is left behind or not doing anything. Kids also take her to pony club and she is well-known for looking after all her riders really well.
Maknificent aka Star
2013 B Mare – Brands: BB inside Circle | 86 over 3
Breeding: by Makfi out of Za Star
Breeder: Mrs H G & W G Bax
Nominated by: Dana Genefaas
Race Record: Unplaced
Current Role: Superstar games pony
Star had two starts on the track, only beating one home each time but has found her niche with new owner Dana Genefaas. Measuring only 14.3hh, Star may be small in size but is big in heart and is coming into her own as a games pony. She has notched up two top 10 places at Nationals in 2021 and Dana’s current aim is to make the New Zealand team travelling to Australia for Worlds in 2023.
Star turns her hoof to any discipline, she also events and loves a good trek!
The Bumper aka Snoop
2013 Bay Gelding
Brands: MG | 18 over 3
Breeding: by Bullbars out of Tight Genes
Breeder: Markwood Lodge Ltd
Nominated by: Kelly Shearing
Race Record: 49 starts, 7 win, 11 placings.
Current Role: Talented all-rounder
The Bumper was a successful racehorse winning seven for owner Terry Lines out of the Kelvin and Aimee Tyler stable. He retired in 2020 and was given to his regular trackwork rider Kelly Shearing. A good looking horse who was often picked as ‘best presented’ in the birdcage, ‘Snoop’ started a successful career in eventing but will now focus on the showring where his exceptional conformation, good looks and manners shine through. He has such a great temperament that he can be schooled and hacked out at the beach with young riders aboard.
Sultan of Swing aka Sultie
2012 B Gelding – Brands: T through Y | 12 over 2
Breeding: by Bachelor Duke out of Queen Cha Cha
Breeder: IDL Racing
Nominated by: Luane Studd
Race Record: 47 starts, 10 wins, 14 placings. Winner of the 2018 G3 J Swap Contractors Sprint, placed at G1, G3 and listed level.
Current Role: Learning the ropes before a sport horse career
Sultan of Swing was no slouch on the racetrack, winning 10 races including the Gr.3 J Swap Contractors Sprint, and new owner Luane Studd is hoping that talent can transfer to the competition circuit. Luane rode Sultie in trackwork for trainer Shaune Ritchie for a few years and fell in love with him. In March 2021 there was never really any question of where he was going once retired and she took him home.
He is currently enjoying life, going on hacks and is slowly getting ready so they can hit the show circuit later this year. He’s impressed Luane with his brilliant jump and nice paces and she’s confident he will excel in any discipline they pursue.
Keep The Cash aka Jack
2015 Bay Gelding
Brands: M inside V inside Circle | 3 over 5
Breeding: by Keeper out of Little Jess
Breeder: A J & Mrs S C Rumble
Nominated by: Shanelle Rae
Race Record: 21 starts, 1 win, 9 placings.
Current Role: Sport horse and family pet
Jack has been with the Rae family since he was a foal. He was bred by Rae Racing Stables client Shona Rumble and raced with them from two-years-old. Since then Jack has been a family pet and Shanelle begged and begged her Dad if she could have him as a show hack after his racing career. It took a lot of convincing but Shanelle got her wish and Jack now loves his new life of being a show hack.
Jack retired from racing in July 2020, since then he has competed in a variety of competitions including A & P Shows, showjumping, show hunter and ribbon days. Jack and Shanelle have been practicing jumping up to 1.05m and are aiming to qualify for Horse Of The Year with show hunter or around the ring jumping. Jack loves to hack out and loves having the littlies have a ride on him. Shanelle said he is one of the easiest and best horses to have around.
Leica Guv aka Guv
1998 B Gelding – Brands: WV conjoined | 50 over 8
Breeding: by Deputy Governor out of Leica or Not
Breeder: R A Scarborough
Nominated by: Emma-Lee Browne
Race Record: 10 wins, 7 placings from 43 starts. 1st Gr.1 New Zealand Derby, Gr.2 Great Northern Guineas, Gr.2 Avondale Guineas, Gr.2 Counties Cup. Champion 3YO in NZ in 2001-02. Top of The 2001-02 NZ 3YO Free H.
Current Role: Nanny for David and Emma-lee Browne
Leica Guv, or Guv as he is fondly known, won the 2001 Gr.1 New Zealand Derby. Following his retirement from racing, Leica Guv stayed with trainers David and Emma-Lee Browne. He is an amazing nanny for their spelling horses that need company and is been a very special part of their family. He is now 23 years old but loves his life at the farm and still looks fabulous. He is pictured eating his breakfast in October 2021.
Red Oasis aka Big Red
1998 Chestnut Gelding – Brands: Reverse Z | 30 over 8
Breeding: by Straight Strike out of Bronze Pearl
Breeder: L Williams
Nominated by: Angela Broadbent
Race Record: Unplaced
Current Role: Loved family member and instagram star
Rising 24 year-old Rising Red is looking very much the magnificent equine that he is – bold, strong, handsome and very much apart of Angela’s every day life. Big Red joined Angela when he was a 9YO and they have competed in eventing, show jumping, dressage, A & P shows and ribbon days.
In 2013 Angela decided to bake him some tasty wholesome treats and before she knew it Big Red was a household name in the equine industry with Big Red’s Stable Snacks and has over 10,000 followers on Facebook & Instagram. Angela said he still melts her heart every single day she looks at him. He is her once upon a time racehorse.
Mr Wiz aka Rick
2009 B Gelding – Brands: LAS conjoined | 26 over 9
Breeding: by Remind out of Ms Tiz
Breeder: A J Stent
Nominated by: Debbie Clark
Race Record: 1 win, 9 placings from 36 starts
Current Role: Stable pony at Andrew Carston’s Riccarton Stable
Mr Wiz (Rick) was born at Long Acres Stud and was one of those horses that always tried hard during his racing career. When Rick was retired Andrew Carston asked the owners if he could keep him as a stable pony and to this day, at 12 years old, he is still working at the stables for Andrew and his team. Rick is a much loved employee who takes his job seriously, he works with young ones, older horses and is occasionally used by others at Riccarton.
Pedro aka Sid
2013 Bay Gelding – Brands: L over arc | 8 over 3
Breeding: by Commands out of Madam of the Manor
Breeder: B J & Mrs J E A Lindsay
Nominated by: Aby West
Race Record: Unplaced
Current Role: Rodeo horse and much loved member of the family
Aby rode Sid during trackwork back in 2016 in the North Island before he was transferred to the South Island. Aby moved home to Canterbury in 2017 and finally got to bring Sid home January 2019. She and Sid travel around the South Island competing on the rodeo circuit and he loves it. He is their family horse who definitely knows he’s the favorite, Aby’s three-year-old daughter rides him in the local barrel racing events and she won her first ribbon with him. Aby said he was most definitely worth waiting for and she couldn’t imagine life without him in it.
