DRNZ Youth Scholarship 24/25 Rider

Another outstanding season for our Youth Scholarship Rider, Sarah.

A cool highlight to add to her story below was her and Mariu Navi’s final 20km loop at the Waimeha Mandate Cup 120km completed in 1 hour and 4 minutes, with an exciting gallop finish with her sister taking out the win. I think it had been brewing from last season

Well done Sarah! an amazing effort. A determined rider who continues to grow, shine, and keep chasing her goals. We can’t wait to see what you have planned next, and thank you for sharing your journey with us!

1. What’s your name and where are you from? My name Sarah birkett and I’m from Taumarunui.
2. Tell us a bit about your horse – what’s their name and what are they like? My horse is Navi, he is a gelding. He is a sweet horse, but can get really keen going home. He was originally dads horse but, he is now mine and I’m really happy about that.
3. What did it mean to you to be chosen as the DRNZ Scholarship recipient this season? I was really happy to be the scholarship for this years DRNZ season. Getting this scholarship was one of the best achievements I have done other than the big three.
4. How did you get started in distance riding? Actually I don’t remember since I started, I have been doing distance riding for so long now all I remember is what horses I have done distance riding on.
5. How did your season go as a scholarship rider? (What did you learn, enjoy, or achieve?) I love being a scholarship rider, one thing I learned is riding fast is really hard and there is a lot of planning behind every ride,I know every rider like me has done a lot of hard work to get where they are now.
6. Who was your mentor this season? My mentor for this season was Chris Bailey, and I would like to thank him for being my mentor for this season.
7. What’s one highlight or memorable ride so far in your DRNZ journey? I think my most memorable moment in DRNZ was the 2023/2024 season, when I finally comply the big three after three attempts I finished it on my third attempt and if I didn’t finish it I know I would have tried again this year.
8. What would you say to someone thinking about giving DRNZ a go? I would say that DRNZ is a great club and the rides are beautiful, and I would tell them if they don’t complete their ride don’t give up keep trying until you get what you want to complete.

Photo cred: Selena Wright Creative

Article added: Wednesday 25 June 2025