What are Champs Weeks?

Champs Weeks are one of the pinnacle competition events of the New Zealand Pony Club Association (NZPCA) calendar. Held each January in both the North and South Islands, these weeks bring together Pony Club members from across the country to compete in Dressage, Show Jumping, Games, and Quiz at a national level.

Each discipline is contested as both an Individual and an Area Team Competition. The North Island has 11 Areas and the South Island 4, with riders representing their home Areas. Because both Champs Weeks mirror each other – with the same courses, similar rails and fillers, and judges officiating across both events – results can be combined. This allows NZPCA to award National Individual Titles and National Team Titles at the conclusion of the two weeks.

More than just competition, Champs Weeks celebrate the skills, teamwork, and friendships developed through Pony Club, showcasing riders’ dedication to horsemanship and horse welfare. They are a highlight for riders, coaches, families, and supporters – a true festival of equestrian sport and community.

Champs Week 2026 – Key Updates - Sept 25

Following the Technical & Events Committee review of Champs Week and member feedback, NZPCA wishes to confirm the following updates for the coming season:

Riding member eligibility extended (effective immediately)

• Members remain eligible until the end of the season in which they turn 25 years old. If a rider turns 25 on or after 1 August, they may continue to participate in Pony Club activities until 31 July of the following calendar year.
• This provides a smoother transition for young adults and extends participation opportunities.

Dressage – Trial removal of age requirements

• For Champs Week 2026, the age requirements of riders will no longer apply in Dressage.
• Riders will compete at the level that best matches their horse/rider combination.
• Team and individual classes are combined: one entry covers both the  individual and team competition.
• Warm-up classes: offered as part of the local competition running alongside Champs Week (optional).
• If your Area cannot make a full team, riders may be combined into composite teams by NZPCA.

• Refer to the regulations for Team Composition, as there may be options to form Area Alternative Teams.
• Fair play: riders may not change levels during the event. Riders are expected to enter at the level (1, 2 or 3) they are usually riding at.

Note riders riding higher than Level 3 are to enter the Level 3 classes.

• NQS: remain unchanged and can be found in the event regulations. Please note no dispensations will be granted.
• Scholarship note: ESNZ/NZPCA High Performance Scholarships will go to the highest-placed rider in Level 3 Dressage who meets the criteria (17+, hack, never previously on any ESNZ Discipline High Performance Squad).

Show Jumping – Classes

Please note that Show Jumping has no age requirements.

Riders may enter both individual and team competitions. These are two separate entries.

Individual Classes

• Riders may enter one of the following: 95 cm (new), 1.05 m, or 1.10 m.
• Format: a warm-up round, followed by a two-round competition; equitation will be judged in conjunction.
• Fair play: Riders must enter at the level they are usually competing at. However, 95cm Individuals may ride at 1.05m for the Teams Competition.

Team Competition

• Separate Teams Competition will be held at 1.05 m and 1.10 m, with a second round 5 cm higher.
• Teams consist of 6 riders: 3 at each height, with at least 2 riders required at each height.
• If your Area cannot make a full team, riders may be combined into composite teams by NZPCA.
• Scholarship note: ESNZ/NZPCA High Performance Scholarships will go to the highest-placed rider in Level 3 Dressage who meets the criteria (17+, hack, never previously on any ESNZ Discipline High Performance Squad).

Games

• Following review, the entry fee for the individual section has been reduced to $50.
• Riders may enter both individual and team competitions. These are two separate entries.
• If your Area cannot provide a complete team, riders may still enter – we will place them into composite teams where possible, made by NZPCA.
• Should a composite team not be possible, riders will be refunded.

New – Area Quiz Teams

• From this season, Quiz is added as a discipline and Area teams are to compete.
• One team per Area, if your Area cannot make a full team, riders may be combined into composite teams by NZPCA.
• Proposed timetable: Quiz will run from Monday afternoon through to Wednesday afternoon during Champs Week (to be confirmed).
• Timetabling will be structured as best as possible, so that riders competing in both Quiz and other disciplines can be catered for.
• More details will follow in a separate update.

Encouragement to Areas – Supporting Riders

In Dressage, Show Jumping, Games, and Quiz, Areas are expected to ensure riders are represented as individuals and/or as teams.

The team limit is 2 teams per Area for Dressage, Show Jumping and Games but there is no limit on additional individuals participating. 

If an Area has an additional team, they need to discuss this with NZPCA, we may be able to accommodate.

Team and individual riders are to be entered by the Area and the managers responsible for the riders.

Areas are entitled to appoint one team manager for every six riders entered. This ensures that if your Area has more than six riders, you may include an additional manager for each group of six.

There are individual titles in every discipline.

Composite teams offer opportunities to still compete for team placings.

Supporting riders to attend not only strengthens competition but also recognises their hard work in reaching this standard.

Areas may not add any extra selection criteria outside of the regulations.

This is a top event of the year for NZPCA– if riders have achieved their NQS, please help remove barriers and support them to get there.

We’re pleased to welcome Emma Barker as an Event Contractor to coordinate the 2026 Championship Week Events. If you have any questions about Championship Week, please contact her at events@nzpca.org.

Please note - the Regulations are being updated and will reflect the above changes by 1 October 2025.  

NZPCA AREA QUIZ CHAMPIONSHIP - CHAMPS WEEKS 2026

All About Quiz at Champs Weeks

Purpose
The Quiz is designed to:

• Involve as many members as possible.
• Give opportunities to those not riding at Champs.
• Build teamwork, knowledge, and national spirit.

Who can enter?
Any Pony Club member under 25 years old as at 31 July 2026. You don’t need a horse to take part – this is about being part of the Champs experience.

Teams

• One team per Area (4 members).
• North Island: up to 11 teams (44 participants).
• South Island: up to 4 teams (16 participants).
• If an Area can’t field a full team, NZPCA will create composite teams so everyone has a chance to be involved.
• If an Area has more than 4 riders, the extra names will be used to make composite teams for Areas without full teams – so every Pony Club rider has the opportunity to be part of this.
• Each team must have a Team Manager, who will also act as a marker.
• No entry fee.

When & Where - TBC

• Monday: Barn phase, 12.00 – 4.00 pm
• Tuesday: Quiz team exam, 4.00 – 5.00 pm.
• Wednesday: Mega room and stations.

Placings

• Island placings will be awarded first.
• National placings at the conclusion of the two Champs Weeks.

Quiz Level

• Questions from D/D+ through to C, C+, B, A, and H.
• No certificate is required, but questions in the barn and written phases will be pitched to your highest certificate level.
• The written exam is based on your level.
• Young Riders can join – it’s open to all!

Uniform

• Team uniform in your Area colours.
• Covered shoes required.
• Eventing bib with a team number must be worn.

Selection

• Each Area decides how to select their team.
• Suggested process: if more than 4 riders are interested → run an Area cohort competition, with the top 4 making up the team.
• Extra names or individuals from Areas without a team should be sent to NZPCA for inclusion in a composite team.

Questions and Answers:

What level are the questions?
Questions range from D/D+ through to C, C+, B, A, and H.

Do I need to hold a certificate?
No – but the questions in your Barn Phase and Written Exam will be pitched to the level of your highest certificate.

What if I don’t have my C yet?
That’s fine – you’ll still be part of the team.

Can younger members join?
Yes – absolutely! The quiz is open to all who meet the age rule.

What is the age rule?
You must be under 25 years old as of 31 July 2026.

What if I’m not confident writing?
That’s ok – we can allocate a writer to help you or support you with assistive technology so you can take part fully.