20/06/2026
Kia ora Working Equitation community,
Are you passionate about Working Equitation and curious about what happens on the other side of the judge’s box? Or perhaps you’re keen to deepen your understanding of the sport while riding, training, or supporting competitors?
✨ Working Equitation New Zealand is thrilled to offer our Judge Training Program — and we’re looking for enthusiastic riders, future judges, and lifelong learners to be part of it!
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🌟 About the Program
WENZ Judge Educators Jody Hartstone and Maggie Lees will be presenting this brand-new scheme, designed to shape the future of judge accreditation in New Zealand.
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📍 When & Where
🗓 Dates: 4th / 5th September – Rotorua (venue to be confirmed)
🗓 Dates: 3rd / 4th October – Christchurch (venue to be confirmed)
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👥 Who Is It For?
✅ Aspiring WENZ judges
✅ Existing WENZ judges to keep their accreditation
✅ Riders who want a deeper understanding of marking and movement
✅ Coaches, competitors, and volunteers keen to learn more
✅ Anyone passionate about the growth of Working Equitation in NZ
📌 Expressions of Interest close: 18th July
👉 Register your interest now:
🔗 mailto:[email protected]
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💻 Online Learning (Starting 20th July)
The pilot kicks off with flexible online modules designed to fit around busy schedules with an online classroom each week on the Tuesday starting from Tuesday 28th July.
Phase 1 – 2 weeks
Introduction and Flatwork Modules
📣 Zoom discussion: 7:30pm, Tuesday 28th July
📣 Zoom discussion: 7:30pm, Tuesday 4th August
Phase 2 – 3 weeks
Ease of Handling (EOH) Module
📣 Zoom discussion: 7:30pm, Tuesday 11th August
📣 Zoom discussion: 7:30pm, Tuesday 18th August
📣 Zoom discussion: 7:30pm, Tuesday 25th August
Phase 3 – 1 week
Speed and General Competition Modules
📣 Zoom discussion: 7:30pm, Tuesday 1st September
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🐴 In Person Clinic & Practical Learning
Day one: Afternoon
Demo riders showing flatwork, Rider position, balance, bend, and posture
- Learn what judges look for in real time
Day one: Evening meeting:
Judges’ responsibilities
Marking scale and expectations discussed
Day Two: Actual Flatwork and EOH rounds by demo riders.
Trainees will mark individual rounds and then discuss as a group why these marks were allocated
Flatwork movements by level
Marked EOH rounds followed by Speed
End of day group debrief and course feedback
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🔮 Let’s ensure future judge education is accessible
As with anything there will be costs involved for the participants, educators and the club hosting.
This is a fantastic opportunity to:
✅ Expand your knowledge
✅ Support the development of Working Equitation in NZ
✅ Be part of shaping national judge education
🗓 Don’t miss out — registrations close 18th July 👉 Register your interest here:
🔗 mailto:[email protected]
We can’t wait to learn, grow, and build the future of Working Equitation — together.
