Telford Equine Team Impresses At Royal Show

The Telford equine team made a strong debut at the prestigious Royal Canterbury A&P Show held from 13–15 November in Christchurch. This was the first time the team, made up of nine students, two tutors, and two support staff, had competed at the event – and they certainly made their mark.

The Royal A&P Show is one of New Zealand’s most recognised agricultural showcases, and for Telford to take part was a milestone achievement. Equine tutor Casey Evans, who led the trip, said, “To have Telford go for the first time ever and do well is amazing.”

Ms Evans spent last year developing a Level 4 course for equine students, which helped shape the real-world assessment model used at the show. Rather than sitting a traditional exam, students were judged on their performance, preparation, and professionalism across three days of competition.

The journey to the event wasn’t easy. “It was daunting, but I believed we could do it,” said Ms Evans. “I felt the students were ready. They put in a lot of hard work and honed their skills over the year.”

Most students had never attended an event of this calibre before. “It’s all about care at an event, the turnout standard,” she explained. Despite the challenge, the team rose to the occasion, showing strong teamwork, early starts, and excellent grooming standards.

One standout moment came when a student volunteered as a groom for a top Canterbury rider. “The rider said it wasn’t like having a student, it was like having an actual groom,” said Ms Evans, noting that the rider was so impressed they gifted the student a token of appreciation.

Student Caitlyn Forde, completing her New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Sporthorse Groom) Level 4, said, “I took the opportunity; I thought I’d reach out for it and give it a go.” She rode her tutor’s horse, Buddy, in the Pleasure Hack Showing class and earned Reserve Champion. “It’s a combination of horse and rider – how well the horse looks and how well the rider rides,” she said.

Other successes included Holly Hazlett and her horse Indy taking Supreme Champion in the Saddle Cob class, and William Lawrence placing fifth overall with TJ in the Nydfa Cup.

The show ended on a high note with a call from the ringmaster, who knew the founder of Telford’s equine programme. She praised the team’s performance and presence at the event, a moment Ms Evans described as the most satisfying conclusion to their debut.