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- By Heather Lieshout, FTVPC Eventing Coordinator
Five young riders from the Franklin Thames Valley made a long journey to compete in the 2025 New Zealand Pony Club Eventing Championships in Blenheim recently.
They returned with a strong third-place finish.
The team, all members of the New Zealand Pony Club for riders 25 and under, crossed the Cook Strait by ferry with their horses before heading south to Marlborough for the event.
Representing Franklin Thames Valley Area Pony Club were: Senior rider (1.10m) Vanna
Johnson of Tuakau Pony Club, intermediate riders (1.05m) Samantha Jones of Waiau Pa Pony Club and Zaria Johnson of Tuakau Pony Club, and junior riders (95cm) Tabby Thompson of Waiuku Pony Club and Jorja Entwisle of Tuakau Pony Club.
The riders competed across the three eventing disciplines (dressage, cross-country, and show jumping), showing consistency and determination throughout the competition.
In addition to finishing third overall, the team was awarded the Horse Management Trophy,
recognising them as the team that took the best care of their horses during the event.
Good horse care is a key part of pony club values and includes feeding, grooming, stable
management, and attention to equine health.
Senior rider Vanna Johnson reflected on the experience: “The experience of managing our horses with extended travel and competing against the best young riders in New Zealand was huge. We all learned so much and came away better riders and teammates.”
Team coach Renee Faulkener said the result reflected the riders’ preparation and teamwork.
“They stayed focused, supported one another, and really looked after their horses. I’m proud of how they handled the whole experience. We’re grateful for the support from our local pony clubs, families, and community that helped make this achievement possible.”
Adding a lighter note to the competition, the Franklin Thames Valley team also presented a
humorous skit for fellow competitors and supporters, poking fun at the challenges of managing an equestrian team. The performance was well received and showed the group’s sense of humour and team spirit off the field as well as on it.
Special mention also goes to Ellie Entwisle from Tuakau Pony Club, who rode as an individual in the 80 cm champs’ class and placed third in New Zealand.
The trip south and the challenge of national competition made for a memorable experience.
The Franklin Thames Valley Area Pony Club can be pleased with how these young riders represented their region.
