Dunstan. On your side all the way
Biggest Equestrian Accomplishment:
Nakeysha:Placing sixth in the Hawke’s Bay A&P Word Cup qualifier in 2023 on “little Rocky”, a horse who I produced through the grades.He’s a special horse who has allowed me to achieve many great things throughout my time partnered with him.
Matt:
The accomplishments that stand out for me are winning the North Island Premiere Grand Prix, Premiere Stakes, Young Rider of the Year, and Pony of the Year. These were all achieved through the support of my family, great horses/ponies, Dunstan Nutrition (of course) and an overall team approach.
The one horse to watch?
Nakeysha: Flamenco is set to be my horse to watch this season. He is very scopey and athletic.Matt: Keep an eye out for Fernando CSNZ this season. He’s a big unit at 17.3 HH, so is hard to miss!
Name Four People You Would Invite for Dinner:
Nakeysha: Jessica Springsteen, Richard Vogel, Ben Maher, and my husband - Mat. I imagine each of them would provide invaluable tips and advice. Being able to share such an experience with my husband would make it even more special.Matt: Richard Vogel, Ludger Beerbaum, Ben Maher, and my wife - Nakeysha. Some serious Show Jumping chat!
Speaking of Dinner Can you Share a Horse Feeding Tip?
Nakeysha: Feeding horses small but often meals as this aligns with their natural grazing behaviour and supports optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.Matt: Check in with your horse diet nutritionist at least once a year, or if you notice behavioural changes in your horse. You only get out what you put in!
So then, what is Your Number One Tip for Travelling Horses?
Nakeysha: We always give our horses a good Dunstan Horse Feed before travel as a proactive measure to support their physical and mental well-being during their journey.Matt: Give your horses a good feed with lots of fibre before travel. I typically feed a scoop of wet Dunstan Horse Feed, with chaff or Betabeet.
Can you tell us who inspires you?
Nakeysha: Numerous people inspire me, each contributing uniquely to my journey. My husband is my main inspiration, with his unwavering determination and motivation, qualities that fuel my own aspirations daily. In high-level show jumping, Ben Maher would have to be my greatest inspiration.Matt: My inspiration are my family and my wife.
What is your favourite riding accessory?
Nakeysha & Matt: Our Butet Saddles!Do you have a good luck charm?
Nakeysha: I must keep this a secret, so it remains as my good luck charmMatt: having my wife and family cheering me on at the shows!
Disciplines:
ShowjumpingHow did you get started in your equine career?
Nakeysha: I began my equine journey at the age of five, inspired by my mother’s love for horses and her involvement in showing and dressage. Initially, I started out at pony club, where I participated in ribbon days.
I then went on to compete at one-day events and within the showing and show hunter rings, before transitioning to show jumping around the age of nine.
Matt: My Mum, Dad, and Sister were all into hunting and show jumping, so I grew up as part of the scene, and was lucky enough to have some great ponies that got me started with the support of my family.
