COVID-19 may be putting a halt to fluid offshore travel but that hasn’t stopped an international flavour at Takapoto
Estate Show Jumping.
New Zealand’s iconic boutique show kicks off on Wednesday morning, running through to Sunday. The first week of
competition was cancelled due to COVID-19 Alert Levels but it is all go this week with the nation’s best combinations
heading to Lake Karapiro.
Frenchman Michel Ismalun, who travelled to New Zealand last year for the 2020 show, will be designing the courses for
the silver and gold tours from afar. A writer, trainer and former rider, Michel has designed courses the world over,
including as part of the team for the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2014.
“It’s nice we can still have that international flare given how difficult times are at the moment,” says show director
Mikayla Plaw. “It was super disappointing to cancel the first week but safety was key and given the distances some
riders were travelling, the call had to be made early.”
The Takapoto team have added the young horse classes to the week two schedule, which is starting a day earlier than
initially planned. Riders will compete in tours – gold, silver, bronze and copper – with qualifiers whittling the fields
down to only the best for the finals. Gerrit Beker will design the courses in the Land Rover Premier Arena, with Eryn
Duffy in the Dunstan Sand Arena and Olympic silver medallist Greg Best tasked with the courses for the young horse
classes.
While the competition will be red hot across the grades, the social side of the show is definitely not-to-be missed but
tickets fly out the door. “We look forward to celebrating with everyone at the sell-out APL Cocktail Party on Saturday
night,” says Mikayla.
There is also the very exclusive Farm to Table dining experience on Thursday evening which features locally-sourced
food, including much from Takapoto Estate, matched with wines. The chefs look to use only produce that is organic or
spray free, and sustainable farmed. “These dishes are a reflection of our shared ethos for creating honest, seasonal
creations that are packed full of flavour.”
Sunday’s Grand Prix VIP Finals Lunch is always popular for both corporate hosting or just wining and dining with friends
and family while watching what promises to be a thrilling Gold Tour Final.
Held at Takapoto Estate on the outskirts of Cambridge on the banks of Lake Karapiro, the show brings a taste of Europe
to New Zealand and while a treat for riders, it is equally a destination for those who like to watch top competition in
comfort.
WHAT: Takapoto Estate Show Jumping
WHERE: Takapoto Estate, 90 Finlay Road, Maungatautari, Waikato 3494
WHEN: Wednesday - Sunday, February 24-28, 2021
MORE INFO AND TICKETS: www.takapotoestateshowjumping.co.nz