The 2025 Oliver Road Queenstown Show Jumping Classic’s being held at Queenstown Polo, on Malaghans Rd, on January 4 and 5, and has attracted competitors and judges from across the country.
Event director Jan Hunt says the event is affiliated with Equestrian Sport New Zealand — which means Horse Grand Prix, Pony Grand Prix, amateur riders and pro amateur riders will be competing at a national series.
"It’s a big deal for local riders as they can get points towards overall national titles for the first time in Queenstown — before now, the nearest shows were in Gore, Waimate or Christchurch, so it is nice to have it in our own backyard.
"We’ve had really good support from our sponsors and people that want to be involved, so we’re thrilled — we’ve got judges flying in from Gisborne, [and] we’ve got horses coming in from the North Island."
The polo farm will be transformed into three different jumping arenas, including the top jumps in the NZ national circuit which are between 1.4 and 1.5 metres high, and 75cm jumps for little ones.
Additionally, Hunt says, there’ll be plenty of entertainment away from the arenas, too.
Ayrburn Wines is erecting a marquee on site, in which it’ll host a long lunch on January 5, from noon till 3pm — tickets to that cost $128 each, via Eventbrite, with proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Foundation.
Hunt’s delighted the event can support the charity — "shows don’t usually do that, but we thought, because we’re in Queenstown, we have to do it the Queenstown way".
There’ll also be food stalls, entertainment, and activities for all ages, creating a family-friendly experience beyond the serious competition.
Organiser Tessa Silcock says she’s excited to see the sport take off in the Whakatipu, and hopes the Queenstown Show Jumping Classic will create a benchmark.
Looking ahead, the real estate agent says she’s found a property which could be a hub for riders and horses for future events.
"If I can get someone to purchase those grounds, this could be a huge international success.
"It would be the perfect spot to see international riders compete and, with local backing in the area, the event would be large enough to be worthwhile for international riders."
Entries for the Queenstown Show Jumping Classic, which will be free for the public to watch, close tomorrow.
To enter, or for more info, visit qtsjc.co.nz.
