DRNZ Awards
Each year, Distance Riding New Zealand (DRNZ) recognises the dedication, progress, and achievements of our riders, horses, and volunteers through a wide range of awards.

To be eligible for any DRNZ award, the horse and/or rider must be a current financial member of DRNZ.
Only kilometres completed at official DRNZ rides will be counted toward the following award categories:

  • Ride to Time (RTT)
  • Enduro
  • Combined Distance awards

For Lifetime Kilometre Awards, DRNZ will also recognise distance kilometres earned through other recognised distance riding organisations, including: ESNZ Endurance / CTR, RADRS, and WATRC.

These contributions will be added to the rider or horse's lifetime total, upon verification.


Rider Awards:
Ride to Time Distance Rider – Senior & Youth
Awarded to the rider with the most RTT kilometres completed during the season.

Enduro Distance Rider – Senior & Youth
Awarded to the rider with the most Enduro kilometres completed during the season.

Total Distance Rider – Senior & Youth
Awarded to the rider with the most RTT and Enduro kilometres combined during the season.

Enduro Best Managed – Senior & Youth
Awarded to the rider with the lowest average Best Managed score across the season.(Minimum of 3 completed Enduro events required.)

Horse Awards:
RTT Distance Horse – Senior & Youth
Horse with the most RTT kilometres completed during the season.

Enduro Distance Horse – Senior & Youth
Horse with the most Enduro kilometres completed during the season.

Total Distance Horse
Horse with the most combined RTT and Enduro kilometres completed during the season.

Special Horse Awards
Standardbred Award
Awarded to the registered Standardbred horse with the most kilometres completed during the season.

Thoroughbred Award
Awarded to the registered Thoroughbred horse with the most kilometres completed during the season.

Non-Arab RTT Horse – Senior & Youth
Awarded to the registered Non-Arab (or Arab-cross) horse with the most RTT kilometres completed during the season

Combination Awards
RTT Horse & Rider Combination – Senior & Youth
Most RTT kilometres completed together as a combination during the season.

Enduro Horse & Rider Combination – Senior & Youth
Most Enduro kilometres completed together as a combination during the season.

Total Distance Combination – Senior & Youth
Most combined RTT and Enduro kilometres completed together as a combination.

Rookie Combination Award
For combinations in their first two years of DRNZ membership at RTT or Enduro 1 level.The best three RTT scores (40km and under) are added, and the lowest total score wins.

Makatea Poto Trophy – Senior & Youth
Awarded to the top rookie combinations in each division (same criteria as Rookie).

The Big Three Challenge
Awarded to riders who successfully complete all three key events in the same season:

  1. The Mandate Cup – 120km
  2. Makahiwi Challenge – 200km (Multi-day Endurance Ride)
  3. The Enterprise Cup – 160km

Special Awards
These awards are selected by the committee, based on nominations or applications from our members:

  • Most Improved
  • Sportsmanship Award
  • Volunteer of the Year
  • Character Award
  • "Horse Butt" Award – Funniest moment on track


100% Completion Award
Awarded to combinations who have qualified in all events started during the season (minimum of 3 events). Applies across both RTT and Enduro rides.


Lifetime Achievement Awards

  • Rider Lifetime Kilometres
  • Horse Lifetime Kilometres
  • Horse Roll of Honour


Some of our events include trophies and prizes that are special dedications to people and horses who hold a special place in our community.