APR / MAY 2024
NEW ZEALAND’S ULTIMATE EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE
LAND ROVER
HORSE OF
THE YEAR
INTERVIEWS
AND MORE!
CONQUERED
HEARTS AND
COURSES
SOPHIE
SCOTT
HEALTH
FEATURE:
EQUINE
MYOPATHY
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10 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
We're thrilled to present interviews from Land Rover Horse of the Year. It was exhilarating to
witness competitors giving their all at the event. Despite slightly lower spectator numbers,
seeing the show back on our equestrian calendar is fantastic.
Continuing our tradition, we feature Olympic Cup winners Sophie Scott and Benrose Waitangi
on our cover. Sophie's double victory, with clear rounds in both the first round and the jump-
off, marks a historic moment in the sport in New Zealand, and that is not to mention that she
did the same thing in the Cavillion Silver Fern Stakes!
We picked Sophie in 2021 as a competitor who would rise to the top of show jumping, and she
is certainly proving our prediction correct. She is incredibly calm at the helm with her talented
team of horses, and with the guidance of her family and her trainer, Jeff McVean, we are sure to
see her on the international stage before long.
After a worrying start to the season, Makenzie Causer also made us proud and surprised us
with her grit and determination. Despite being laid up in bed for a long time due to a virus, she
too soared to great heights in the show jumping arena.
The young riders emerging in our sport are so exciting to watch, and Johanna Wylaars and
Molly Smith are perfect examples of the talent in the sport. Johanna, the Young Rider series
leader, was jointly named Young Rider of the Year with Charlotte Conder. We'll feature an
interview with Charlotte in our next issue.
Molly won the Pony of the Year on Kabo Fortune Cookie, with the combination having had
only one start in Grand Prix before LRHOY. Molly was fortunate to be offered the ride on this
exceptional pony, owned by Jesse Linton, when her own pony, Vapour Trail NZPH, was ruled
out due to injury, making this win even more special.
We also caught up with Allie Harper. Her stunning Hi D’Zine MH claimed Riding Horse of the
Year as the culmination of an exceptional season. This combination competes in Advanced
Medium dressage, and watching a horse perform so elegantly and correctly was a pleasure.
What a thrill to see Sarah Jocelyn win Show Hunter Horse of the Year! Despite her struggles
with a long-standing brain injury, she has shown that nothing can stand in her way, and the title
is a testament to the bond she has with her special horse, Curioso.
We have other interviews from around the country, including Deanika Vink, showcasing her
talent with Havanah DHU in the Pro-Am classes. They are certainly ones to watch! The same
can be said for Deanna Horsburgh, who competes in Pro-Am classes under the guidance of
Vaughn Jefferis.
Lilly Jefferies is no stranger to the dressage arena, and we caught up with her before the Bates
National Championships. Seeing such dedication from a young rider on her talented horse,
Diaz MH, is great.
Mother-daughter team Luce and Sofia Williams are inspirational. Both are incredibly talented
show jumpers, with Luce competing in Pro-Am and Sofia competing in Junior Rider and Pony
Grand Prix classes. It's heart-warming to see families supporting each other in our sport.
Grace Gormack is another talent to watch, following in the footsteps of her dad, Giles, on the
South Island eventing scene. Riding two exceptional horses under his guidance, there's no
doubt she's destined for international competition.
Finally, we enjoyed catching up with MVS/Equibreed and getting the story on their recent
merger. Their contribution to the New Zealand breeding industry cannot be overstated. Their
new facility is state-of-the-art, and they remain the only
MPI-approved facility for semen collection for freezing
for export. Learn more about their fantastic team and
what's happening in the business.
Until next time, happy riding everyone.
WELCOME
WAIATA PUBLISHING LTD
111 Stan Wright Road, RD1,
Papakura, Auckland 2580
EDITOR
Pip Hume
editor@showcircuit.co.nz
DESIGN
Sheryll Davies
CONTRIBUTORS
y Ashleigh Kendall
Christine Cornege Photography
Diana Dobson
Denise Flay Photography
Jamie Halpin
Julia Murch Photograpy
Michelle Clarke Photography
Rebecca Greaves
ADVERTISING
Sheryll Davies
sheryll@showcircuit.co.nz
MAGAZINE ENQUIRIES
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DIGITAL MAGAZINE
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WEBSITE
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ABOUT US
Show Circuit magazine is published bi-monthly.
The articles reflect the personal opinion of
the author and not necessarily the view of
Waiata Publishing Ltd. This publication cannot
be reproduced in whole or in part in any
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permission. All contributions are submitted
at the sender’s risk. Waiata Publishing Ltd
accepts no responsibility for loss or damage.
© SHOWCIRCUIT Magazine 2024
All rights reserved.
FROM MY DESK
COVER IMAGE:
Sophie Scott and WAITANGI SKYNET
Bred by Jocelyn Bayly
BY CASSINI II / ABERLOU
Image -Christine Cornege Photography
Sheryll Davies - Publisher
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12 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
52
82
14
SOPHIE SCOTT
A Unified Team
22
MAKENZIE CAUSER
From Trauma to Triumph
30
MOLLY SMITH
Unveiling Success
38
ALLIE HARPER
Nothing in her Path
44
SARAH JOCELYN
The Essence of Equestrian Life
52
JOHANNA WYLAARS
The Dream Becam a Reality
66
DEANNA HORSBURGH
Eyes on the Prize
74
LILLY JEFFERIES
Balancing Academics, Work, and Horses
IN THIS ISSUE
APRIL | MAY 2024
14
22
30
38
82
LUCE & SOFIA WILLIAMS
A Shared Passion
94
DEANIKA VINK
Driven to New Heights
102
MVS/EQUIBREED
Excellence in Breeding Services
118
RETAIL SHOPPING
The Best of the Best
124
HEALTH
Equine Myopathy
44
14 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
At the heart of successful show jumper Sophie Scott’s
world are her beloved horses and her mum, Tania.
A former eventer who once made the long list for the Olympic
Games, Tania channelled her love of horses to her more-than-
willing young daughter - and she is still very much involved in all
22-year-old Sophie does.
When Tania was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, Sophie
experienced a feeling she’s not used to – fear.
“She’s just so strong and determined,” says Sophie. “She
has been unwell lately and had to have a mastectomy, but just
soldiers on through.” So when Sophie looks for inspiration, she
doesn’t need to look much further than her mum.
Dad, Mark – the least horsey of the family but with a connection
to eventing through his sister Jo, who competed at 5* level – had
to step up to play groom and truck driver.
Fittingly, at the 2024 Land Rover Horse of the Year Show, both
parents were there to witness history being made as Sophie took
the quinella in the two most significant classes of the show – the
Cavallino Silver Fern Stakes and then the Olympic Cup.
ON THE COVER
Claiming the quinella in the two most significant
show jumping classes at this year’s Land Rover Horse
of the Year, Sophie Scott completely owned the
show. But that’s just the beginning for the pint-sized
equestrian powerhouse from Palmerston North. She
shares her future aspirations and emphasises the
significance of surrounding oneself with the right
support network.
WORDS- Diana Dobson
IMAGES - Christine Cornege Photography
A UNIFIED
TEAM
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE - 15
WHO WOULD HAVE
THOUGHT THAT WOULD
HAPPEN! AS A KID, YOU
WATCH THE OLYMPIC CUP
AND THINK ‘ONE DAY’,
BUT WHEN IT HAPPENS,
IT IS JUST INSANE.
16 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE
A GREAT SUPPORT TEAM AROUND
YOU AND TAKE THEM ON YOUR
JOURNEY. I AM SO INCREDIBLY
LUCKY WITH MY TEAM. I CAN’T
IMAGINE DOING ANYTHING ELSE –
I LIVE AND BREATHE HORSES,
AND I LOVE THAT.
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE - 17
“Who would have thought that would happen! As a kid, you
watch the Olympic Cup and think, ‘one day’, but when it happens,
it is just insane.”
Not one to get nervous, Sophie says she rides all the big classes
like they are just a run-of-the-mill event. “If you put too much
pressure on in one class, things hit the fan. I like to ride them like
an ordinary class, and it works. I go in there, get in my zone, and
shut the noise out.”
She had her star line-up at the show – 11-year-old Benrose
Stellar, who joined her this season and who she says has the
sweetest personality; 15-year-old Waitangi Skynet, who is the
wise old man of the team and is cheeky and sometimes flighty
on the ground and can’t bear to be left alone; and eight-year-old
Normandy GHP. At home, she’s also got four-year-old Calisay
VWNZ, who has just been backed; Glenbrooke Rich as Roses,
who she produced to World Cup level but who has been out for
Above, a jump-off to remember: BENROSE STELLAR navigates the
changed course with absolute ease.
Below left, Mum and Dad proudly watch as Sophie takes the Olympic
Cup, with BENROSE STELLAR and WAITANGI SKYNET creating
history. It’s a moment to cherish.
18 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
22 months with injury and is just coming back into
competition; and seven-year-old LT Holst Eloquent
who has been out with injury this season.
The whole set-up is not so different from when she
was knee-high to a grasshopper – just on a bigger scale.
“I had lots of little ponies when I was younger,” says
Sophie. “My grandparents bred them, and I would
help Mum break them in, and then off I would go.”
Her first ‘proper’ pony was Rocket. “He was a bit
naughty, but I think they all have to be like that.”
She did the mandatory Pony Club for a number of
years, then slid into show hunter, where she quickly
became a force to be reckoned with. “Show hunter
really was the best thing I did when I was young.”
Her older brothers, Harry and Jack, dabbled in
ponies but quickly figured out it wasn’t for them. “I
think Mum was really happy I took up riding.”
The family lived on a farm at Pauatahanui, near
Wellington, where Mark and Tania are still based.
Sophie recalls she attended her first Horse of the
Year Show at just six and has never looked back. “I
had very good show hunter mounts – Category A, B, C
and then a show hunter horse.” She won Category B
Show Hunter of the Year aboard Acclaim.
Then came Benrose Playtime, who was ‘pretty
special’ but a little crazy for show hunter, so Sophie
began to do a little show jumping on the side. The
It was truly a day to remember with two champions in the stables, but Olympic
Cup day was owned by WAITANGI SKYNET, navigated around the course with
precision and ease by Sophie.
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE - 19
JOIN THE WINNERS CIRCLE WITH
Sophie Scott - Winner of the
Cavallino Silver Fern Stakes &
Olympic Cup
The rug choice of champions in and out of the arena
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20 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
rest is history as the little ‘pocket rocket’ started to make
her mark over the bigger, brighter poles.
Sophie produced Benrose Playtime and Benrose Eclipse
to Pony Grand Prix level, where she also competed
aboard Hez Sweet As and Waitohi Bell. “I just adored my
ponies and hated school.”
But she ground it out to the end of Year 12 before
managing to convince Tania and Mark that horses
were going to be her gig. It didn’t quite go to plan,
as Tania insisted she do a rural vet tech degree by
correspondence, just as a backup. “I hated it but did it
for Mum - and I hope I never have to use it!”
Sophie moved through to Junior Riders aboard Benrose
Rockstar, with Tania right by her side. “She really is my
greatest influence,” says Sophie. “She was so successful
in her younger days, and we have always worked well as
a team.”
The Benrose name is from the early days of Mark and
Tania’s marriage. They were living in the South Island,
where they had a dog named Ben and roses around their
property, which then took the name, and Sophie has
continued to use it.
Sophie’s trainer, Jeff McVean, joined the team
around 2020. “When I was living in Wellington, he
was doing clinics nearby, and I did a few of them, then
started getting the odd lesson from him.”
Since then, they’ve become a rock-solid unit.
“When I moved to Palmerston North, I didn’t have
Mum to train me, so I needed someone who could be
there more regularly.”
She says there is plenty to like about getting input from
‘the most successful trainer in the country’.
“We are both so competitive and always want to do our
absolute best. He has so much knowledge, and we work
well together.”
Jeff sees plenty of similarities between Sophie and his
Olympian daughter Katie.
Sophie moved to Palmerston North in 2021, leasing
a property before her parents bought Benrose Park,
where she lives with her partner Blake Davis, a former
showjumper.
She has her team of six there, along with four other
schoolers, and she is riding for other people.
Besides saying Skynet is her ‘ best friend ‘, Sophie won’t
name a favourite in her team. “I couldn’t name one over
the other,” she said.
Her drive to treat each horse equally was put in the
spotlight at the Horse of the Year Show when, as the only
two clear rounds in the Olympic Cup, she got to pick who
she wanted to win on. Since Stellar had won the Silver
Fern, she opted for Skynet just to ‘keep things fair’.
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE - 21
“They both try so hard for me. I am very lucky they are
both very clean with amazing front technique. Sky is so
consistent and careful, while Stellar really strives to be
consistent and do the job.”
Her goals for the future are not small. The 2026 World
Champs at Aachen is the first of the big ones on her list,
followed by the Olympic Games. “I am trying to build my
team with that in mind. Sky will be too old by then, but I
have Stellar and Normandy.”
She’s keen to cross the Tasman this coming winter to get
some international experience and see how the Australian
World Cup Series stacks up.
“I think you always have to believe in your horses and
trainer to make things happen,” says Sophie. “It is so
important to have a great support team around you and take
them on your journey. I am incredibly lucky with my team. I
can’t imagine doing anything else – I live and breathe horses,
and I love that.” n
Left hand page:
Top left - BENROSE STELLAR and Sophie
shine in the Olympic Cup with style,
finishing in second place when Sophie
elected WAITANGI SKYNET for the win.
All other images capture BENROSE
STELLAR’S remarkable performance in
the Cavallino Silver Fern Stakes, edging
out stablemate WAITANGI SKYNET, who
claimed the runner-up spot, to secure
the win.
Below - Sophie proudly hoists the Ian
Nimon Memorial Grand Prix trophy after
triumphing in the Cavallino Silver Fern
Stakes.
SOPHIE’S TOP 5 TIPS
• Do the work and be consistent. Put in the
hard yards, and you will get the results.
• Do the absolute best for your horses – they
are elite athletes, and you can’t do the sport
without them in top condition.
• Surround yourself with good people.
• Always be a good sport – win or lose.
• Be grateful and help others where you can.
22 - SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE
LAND ROVER HORSE OF THE YEAR spotlight
Seven weeks of staring at the ceiling gave
Makenzie Causer a completely different take on life. The
22-year-old from Christchurch was struck down with
a mystery illness early in the season; she says being
unable to even get out of bed, feed herself, speak or do
so much that she previously took for granted showed her
what really is important.
“It was so scary and took them five days to figure it
out,” says Makenzie. “It turned out that it was a bad
virus that stopped my organs from doing their job.”
Her parents, Leah and Graeme, were at her bedside
throughout her ordeal. “They are amazing. They were
there doing very long days at the hospital – from 6.30 am
to 11 pm each day. Mum was my full-time carer, and I
couldn’t do anything for myself.”
It had started with a ‘little’ fever. “Just that feeling that
you are going down with something, and I kept thinking.
‘I will be better tomorrow’. The first show of the season
was the following week, and I had my coaches Toni and
Colin (McIntosh) coming down for lessons, so I was dead
set on toughing it out.”
A rushed visit to an emergency after-hours clinic put
an end to that.
“It really showed me that things I thought were
important just aren’t and how amazing and loving the
people around you are.”
Leah and Graeme are at the top of the list. It was through
them that Leah and her sisters Paige and Cassidy got into
riding, but it’s probably not how one imagines.
“I started riding American Quarterhorses from a young
age, which gave me a good understanding of flat work,”
says Makenzie. When she says riding, she means full-
noise barrel racing. “Mum went to the Methven Rodeo
and thought she wanted to do that, so they imported a
few American Quarterhorses, and then Dad thought that
if he was driving the truck around the country, he might
as well do it too!”
Makenzie started riding at rodeos at around 10. “Mum
understood the importance of mastering the basics, so
I made sure I put in the hours to get the fundamentals
down before starting anything else.”
As a youngster, Makenzie struggled to tell left from
right, and Leah insisted she had to figure that out before
she was allowed to ride. “It all started from there.”
Makenzie started on a horse called Dawson. He won
many national titles with her, Dad and Paige in western
riding and was famous in Australia before he switched
nationalities. “He is about 25 now and the farm nanny.
He’s just amazing. He was always a bit of a Nervous Nelly
and doesn’t like anything above him or buildings. He’s a
funny wee thing!”
Newly-crowned Lady Rider of the Year Makenzie Causer wasn’t sure she would
ever get to ride her horses again, let alone win one of the most coveted titles in
the country. What a difference a few months can make. She is candid about her
journey and her newfound appreciation for life and those around her.
WORDS -Diana Dobson IMAGES - Christine Cornege Photography
FROM TRAUMA TO
triumph
SHOWCIRCUIT MAGAZINE - 23
IT REALLY SHOWED TO ME
THAT THINGS I THOUGHT WERE
IMPORTANT JUST WEREN’T AND
HOW AMAZING AND LOVING THE
PEOPLE AROUND YOU ARE.