Press Release – For Immediate Release
11th July 2006
Tielcey on Top
Tielcey Park’s new owners announced today that the equestrian centre, in Aokautere near Palmerston North, is back on the
show scene. The calendar of events is as full as possible – shows or clinic feature every weekend, often more than one
per day. As Margo Aasen, Managing Director, says, “We have three arenas, making multi-events possible!” Confirmed for
the coming summer season are registered and unregistered dressage series, registered showjumping series (of two one-star
shows and an Easter show), unregistered showjumping series, combined training series, and two HOY qualifying showing
shows. The second of these, the Tielcey Park Supreme Showing Championships, is scheduled the week before the National
Horse and Pony Show, to encourage South Island competitors to make the trip up. “We expect a fabulous turnout by the
country’s top competitors and horses,” said Margo.
In addition to shows, the country’s top trainers are conducting clinics at Tielcey Park: Bill Noble, Grant Cashmore,
Penny Stevenson, Trisha Wren, Chip Johnson and Andrea Raves are a few of those already confirmed. Many of the NZEF
Development squads are also taking advantage of the superb facilities and holding training camps there.
None of this would be possible without the onsite “Team Tielcey” – the staff. Margo credits the professionalism of
events to Mary Craine; the layout and service in the saddlery to Pru Robbie; effective training of horses and riders to
Nicole Bours; the smooth running of the administration to Sarah Smith; and facility management to her husband, Timo.
“The new owners couldn’t ask for anything more; the team is dedicated to ensuring Tielcey Park is the best equestrian
facility in the country and consistently offers the best experience to competitors, officials and sponsors.”
“We were extremely fortunate to have secured Nicole Bours as our trainer,” says Margo. “She is incredibly modest. We
have a world-class trainer right here and she is becoming busier as more people recognize her talent, both in training
horses and coaching riders at all levels.” Nicole has recently arrived from the Netherlands where she learned from Coby
van Baalen (Olympic dressage medalist). She has ridden and trained horses and coached riders at an Olympic standard in
both dressage and jumping. She was invited to train for the USA Dressage Team for the Seoul Olympics, but unfortunately
could not take up this opportunity as her then-husband was transferred to Japan. While she was in Okinawa, she trained
members of the Japanese Showjumping Team for the Seoul Olympics. Nicole has built a reputation of helping riders to
reach higher levels and is currently training riders in the Manawatu and Wellington.
Pupils of Nicole comment not only on her riding ability, but her ability to inspire riders and auditors. Janet Tolo, who
organizes Wellington clinics, noted that Nicole is “extremely talented as a rider and a great communicator. All riders
on the clinic are left with a positive feeling about themselves and their horses and projects to work on. Her clinics in
Wellington are totally over-subscribed.”
“It’s a dream come true for me”, says Tielcey Park’s Margo Aasen. “Not only do I get to I ride beautiful horses every
day, but I train with Nicole Bours three days a week. What I am learning about riding and training horses and students
is immeasurable. We now have some gorgeous horses who are not only used in our riding academy, but also schooled and
shown by ‘Team Tielcey’. These riders form our teams of showjumpers, show riders, dressage riders and eventually
eventers. We have chosen up-and-coming riders demonstrating promise, talent and perseverance. All our riders are trained
by Nicole Bours and we expect to make a real mark on the circuits this year.” Already confirmed in the team is Kristin
Maxwell, showjumper and eventer, and Julian Wood, a young show rider who demonstrates great talent for dressage. Joining
these riders are Sarah Smith, Charlotte Wing and Margo Aasen. Tielcey Park is currently in negotiations with other
Manawatu-based riders and will be announcing the full team shortly.
Tielcey Park has pledged 10% of their profits for the next ten years to the CatWalk Trust, which is dedicated to finding
a cure for spinal injuries. They have raised nearly $4,500 for the Trust in just two months. Half of this was from the
“CatWalk in the Arena” fashion parade which launched Tielcey Park’s support in May, and the other half from members of
the Tielcey Park Club. Club members receive preferential parking and preferential invitations to visiting trainers, and
a discount at The Tack Room (Tielcey Park’s new saddlery store). “Most of our stock is from Europe, USA and Australia
and not available through other retailers. We are proud to be able to bring quality clothing and saddlery into New
Zealand, and to show it off at fashion parades and on Team Tielcey riders.”
ENDS