The winners have been decided for the first HRNZ/ESNZ competition for standardbreds.
Run by Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) and Equestrian Sport New Zealand (ESNZ), the competition is all about recognising and rewarding the achievements of standardbreds competing in ESNZ disciplines.
Points were accrued every time a standardbred, registered with ESNZ, competed between August 1 2024 and May 31, 2025.
Results could be from Show Jumping and Show Hunter, Eventing, Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding, or Dressage and Para Dressage or a combination, with points allocated to the horse, not the rider.
The top four are :
The Winner – Kat Gardiner & Dream Major (“Vinny”)
Taking top honours and the winner of $500 was Kat Gardiner and her cheeky, banana-loving gelding Dream Major, affectionately known as Vinny. Once a promising young racehorse with just two starts (and a win to his name), Vinny’s career was cut short by a knee injury. Fortunately, Kat spotted something special in him and decided to give him a new start.
Since then, Vinny has flourished. From learning the ropes in dressage to tackling cross-country fences “like a duck to water,” he has proven himself to be a true all-rounder. Together, Kat and Vinny have conquered 80km endurance rides, competed in Young Dressage Horse classes, and are now working towards their first 95cm eventing start.
Kat says, “He is such a willing guy. He trusts me and I trust him. He’ll give anything a go – and even switches gears to be a safe beginner’s pony for my son.”
Winning this new competition is recognition not just of their results, but of the countless hours of work that go into retraining and developing a Standardbred. “It reinforces all the effort has paid off,” Kat says, “if you want to put the work in, you’ll get the rewards out. Standardbreds can do anything.”
Runner-Up – Rena Johnsen & Laila Franco
Rena and her fiery mare Laila Franco took second place (and $300), showcasing the grit and determination of both horse and rider. At just 14.2hh, Laila was once considered too small for a broodmare career and never made it to the races. But in endurance, her natural high energy and ground-covering stride have made her a star.
Their partnership has been full of highs and lows, from dramatic moments at vet checks to the elation of completing their first 80km ride. Rena describes Laila as “naturally dramatic, but with incredible courage and a work ethic that carries us through.”
This season, the pair secured top placings at Nationals and South Islands, and now Rena has her sights set on clocking up 1000 lifetime endurance kilometres. For her, the competition provided the perfect chance to “recognise Standardbreds who are already out there competing successfully against all breeds.”
Third Place – LaDene Legg and Sundons Kadillac (“Kat”)
Rounding out the top three and winning $200 was LaDene and her mare Sundons Kadillac, known simply as Kat. Originally considered “too hot” after a fence injury, Kat found her forever home just before lockdown in 2019. Since then, the pair have formed an extraordinary bond.
“She isn’t your typical mare – she’s cheeky and full of character,” says LaDene, “we’ve been through so much together, and she’s become my rock.”
Kat has excelled in dressage, placing fourth at the Bronze Novice level at Bates Dressage Nationals earlier this year, and now third in this Standardbred-only competition. Despite quirks like hating water or stealing her rider’s cider, Kat has proven her determination and versatility.
For LaDene, the recognition means everything: “This gives riders something to aim for – something just for Standardbreds. I can’t wait for the day when people see them as no different to any other sport horse.”
Fourth Place – Holly Field & Kingsclere (“The King”)
Just over a year ago, Holly Field brought home a fresh-off-the-track Standardbred called Kingsclere, now affectionately known as The King (or Blue Hawaii in the competition ring). With only two weeks under saddle after racing, The King’s future was uncertain – but Holly quickly discovered his quiet temperament and natural flair.
In their first season together, The King has impressed both in competition and at home, where he has safely carried everyone from complete beginners to Holly’s 79-year-old friend on beach rides.
Their competition highlights include winning the Open class at their local club championship ride. Looking ahead, Holly hopes to combine endurance with Working Equitation and even has her sights set on the Trek for Life 2026.
“I love anything that showcases this versatile breed,” Holly says, “for King to place in his first season out competing is an amazing outcome.”
