Fuelling the fire NRM and McMillan Equine Feeds have been supplying the equestrian circuit with top-quality supplementary feed for generations. From show jumping and polo to dressage and racing, getting equine nutrition right is a priority for many riders looking to make their mark within their respective discipline. In this article, The Farmlander caught up with a couple of riders who work closely with NRM and McMillan and are achieving great success on the competition circuit.
Name: Emma Watson
Name: Simon and Claire Wilson
Location: Morrinsville, Waikato
Location: Waipukurau, Central Hawke’s Bay
Discipline: Show Jumping
Discipline: Show Jumping
Horses: Maddox Letino, Maddox Kiwi Silverkee
Horses: McMillans Ariados, McMillans Chuck
Sponsored by: NRM
Sponsored by: McMillan Equine
As with many top riders in the equestrian circuit, 17-year old Emma Watson began riding before she could walk. With both her mother, Melissa and father, Bruce involved in show jumping and polo, Emma fell into the sport with ease.
Claire and Simon Wilson know their way around a show
A successful pony show jumper, Emma has ridden for New Zealand five times. After winning the New Zealand Pony Grand Prix show jumping series multiple times Emma has now moved onto hacks and enjoyed being competitive in both the Junior Rider (riders aged 12-18 years) and the Young Rider (14-21 years) series before making the step up to Grand Prix level with Maddox Letino.
at the Horse of the Year show in 2006 and 2004, respectively
“It was a real accomplishment to make the New Zealand Young Rider Squad again this season and to have already won a Grand Prix class with Maddox Letino,” Emma says.
jumping arena. From humble beginnings in Pony Club, hunting and jumping, Claire and Simon have enjoyed a huge amount of success in the arena. Both have won the coveted Olympic Cup and have also represented New Zealand. The Wilsons started their relationship with McMillan Equine 10 years ago. “In those early days, we were introduced to start promoting this new South Island feed to the North Island equestrian community,” Claire remembers. They now have regular contact with Equine Nutritionist Luisa Wood, whose expertise has been invaluable in recommending the perfect diet for each of their horses.
“Having a good feed routine has always been a big part of my riding and competing. Mum has fed NRM since she was young, so it has been a product we have trusted and fed for years.
“The whole family are involved — we have horses in a wide
“NRM has been great at doing tutoring sessions with us and have taught us a lot about the difference in the types of feeds and how to get maximum benefits out of them for each individual horse.
perfect condition and this has given us the time and energy to
“I always know what to feed my horses and what will help them feel their best thanks to the team at NRM,” Emma says.
our various initiatives. We are very proud to have been part of
Emma Watson and Maddox Letino. Image credit: Christine Cornege Photography.
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variety of disciplines, from racing and jumping to hunting and Pony Club… no two are the same! The horses have been in focus on all the other aspects of our riding and training. “We are also passionate about encouraging younger riders into the sport and for many years, McMillan Equine has supported this adventure!” Claire says. Simon Wilson and McMillans Ariados. Image credit: Belinda Pratt.
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