The Hazledine family are half way through one heck of roadie . . . all the way from their Queenstown home to the Defender Horse of the Year Show in Hastings, and back again.
It’s hard to tell who is more excited about the 2419 kilometre return mission – dad Sam or his daughters Zara (14) and Flossie (12).
It’s the first time they’ve headed to HOY and they can’t wait. “We are all super pumped,” says Sam.
Zara will compete in the Cat C show hunter aboard 14-year-old Dingmac Demoiselle, who won the 2024 national title having just joined the family. They turned up to compete in showjumping at nationals only to discover the pony had competed in a Grand Prix earlier in the season so made a quick pivot to show hunter where they scooped the pool.
At HOY, Zara will also compete in showjumping aboard her new mount Redcliffs Bill with whom she is in the Otago team for the Saba Sam Shield. She’s also got an eye on the Pony of the Year class, hopeful she will qualify early in the show.
Flossie was all set to compete aboard her showjumper Benrose Eclipse but he’s just gone out with a suspensory ligament injury. “It’s a shame for Flossie as she only got the pony at the start of the season and have been going so well,” said Sam. “As excited as we are for the trip it is tinged with major disappointment for Flossie, but that’s ponies for you.”
Flossie will be on hand to help Zara now the pressure is off her.
“We try not to be too results focussed, we focus on the process as much as possible,” says Sam. “Results will generally take care of themselves.”
The aim is for Zara to give both ponies the very best chance of success.
Growing up Sam always wanted a pony but they lived all over the world so never really had the opportunity. “When I had daughters I thought fantastic, let’s buy them minis! We’ve still got Bo and Pixie at home. As much as we love them, when Zara started lessons she decided pretty quickly she needed a ‘proper’ pony.”
They bought that first pony and it’s ramped up from there.
“I thought great, I will learn to ride with the kids so got into hacking. I bought a seven thoroughbred – so you’ve got a green thoroughbred and a terrible rider and all we could do was gallop up hills.”
Zara has since banned Sam from riding and she’s taken the horse on as a project.
“I have realised my role is in support, not to be there riding! I love supporting my girls.”
The family usually travel only as far north as Christchurch and south to Gore. “Where else does a dad get to spend 48 hours plus with his wee girls. They put a lot of time and effort into it all too. I make sure they have well-matched ponies so if you have the effort and right ponies in hand, the results will come.”
It’s a world away from Sam’s medical businesses, which include Medrecruit, the largest doctor staffing agency in Australasia, Medworld and his not-for-profit Medworld Institute but still has the same wellbeing ethos at heart.
The family will be travelling in convoy with Amanda Tulloch and her girls Summer and Grace Roy. The four youngsters are as thick as thieves and adore their time together. Grace is also in the Saba Sam team with Zara.
There was plenty of attention to detail as the clock ticked down to departure day, with Sam and the girls making sure nothing was left off the truck for that very special family road trip.
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