One of New Zealand’s best to design and coach in Wairarapa

The name Blyth Tait is synonymous with eventing – the elite equestrian sport spanning three very different phases of riding, comprising dressage, showjumping and cross country.

An Olympian many times over and with multiple World Games under his belt, Tait is known across the globe as a force to be reckoned with. His international successes include Golds in Stockholm, Rome and Atlanta, Silver in Barcelona, and Bronzes in both Barcelona and Atlanta.

Eventing Wairarapa is bringing Tait to Clareville to design the upper level cross country tracks for the 2020 Wairarapa Eventing Horse Trials in November, and the organising committee is excited to see what his considerable talents will deliver for this year’s competitors.

“Our Wairarapa annual horse trials are always well attended,” said club president, Sarah Dalziell-Clout. “We continually look to offer something special and, this year, we are looking forward to the added extras someone as talented and experienced as Blyth will bring to the grounds.”

“We are fortunate to have a local course builder, Chris Lever, coming back from building courses in Australia to build for us. His beautiful work and attention to detail, and his wood carved animals, fish and ornamentals that decorate the course are a great feature that riders throughout the country enjoy.”

With Lever’s partner, Donna Harley, designing the lower level tracks the opportunity to learn from Tait will mean Wairarapa benefits going forward.

Blyth Tait is coming next month to start his design planning and Eventing Wairarapa is using the opportunity to offer local riders some professional training. Tait will take lessons for all riding levels over the weekend of 19/20 September and again on Monday 23^rd November immediately following the weekend’s event, which will be held on 21/22 November at Clareville Showgrounds.

“The opportunity to learn from the best is something riders in New Zealand appreciate, and I expect many of our local equestrians will be chomping at the bit to get on the list,” Dalziell-Clout said.

Event Convener, Anna Cardno is quick to recognise the contribution of the wider Eventing Wairarapa team, without which the horse trials “simply wouldn’t run.”

“A huge amount of loyal sponsors are the foundation of our sport and, without them and a good strong committee, we don’t have an event,” she said “ Wairarapa is a special community and our sponsors are loyal. We are so lucky to enjoy the support of so many who have chosen to back us, even in the challenging landscape this year brings.”

People wanting to know more about Blyth’s traing programme can contact Event Convener, Anna Cardno on 027 205 2422 or look for Eventing Wairarapa on Facebook. Entry information will be available on Equestrian Entries from early September.