Standfast at the Ngātiwai Horseman’s Challenge – 14–15 November

Standfast is heading north, riding with pride at the Ngātiwai Horseman’s Challenge, led by kaupapa, heritage, and horsemanship. Our four riders are ready to test their mettle across an action-packed weekend of competition, community, and coastal whenua.

Event Overview (Friday 14 – Saturday 15 November)

While the full festival unfolds over two days, Standfast is focusing on the main event: the full-day challenge on Saturday 15 November, following Friday’s opening pōwhiri and horse trek.

Saturday 15 November: The Challenge Unfolds (official details will be out later on the Ngatiwai website)

• 7:30 am – Course walk-through for cowboy challenge obstacles and judging criteria

• 8:30 am – Official Karakia and Mihi – whenua and wairua open the day

• 9:00 am – Cowboy Challenge starts:

  • Featuring youth (14–17) and open (18+) divisions across 13 obstacles based on coastal workhorse tasks—float loading, bush navigation, surf wading, and more

• 12:00–1:00 pm – Lunch break & gear shift; horsy prep for sports

• 1:00–4:00 pm – Horse Sports Events:

  • Pole bending

  • Stock horse challenge

  • Flag race

  • Medley

  • Mystery event – a surprise that’s always a crowd favourite

• 4:30–5:15 pm – Thrilling Beach Races:

  • Youth, bareback, and open divisions thunder along the sand

• 5:30–6:00 pm – Prizegiving & closing karakia wraps the day

• 6:30 pm onwards – Hakari & Western Kanikani at the woolshed – eat, dance, connect under the stars

Standfast’s Four Competitors

We’re backing four Standfast riders heading into this epic kaupapa-led challenge. The riders competing are Aroha Grant, Ellen Wairua, Tracey Davis and Kiritapu Jamison.

Why It Matters

• Kaupapa & Heritage: Driven by Ngātiwai’s enduring connection between people, land, and horses

• Skill & Grit: These events test balance, speed, strategy, and spirit

• Mana & Support: Our whānau gathering on the sidelines, cheering and rallying behind our crew

Want to Join Us?

• Riders ➝ Official regs open through Ngātiwai organiser Manaia Armstrong

• Spectators ➝ Kia kaha—bring your whānau, bring your wairua, and back Standfast!

• Overnight ➝ There’s designated camping by the Mimiwhangata wool shed (vehicle/horses welcome)

• If you want to support us from a distance, you can donate to Standfast Riders 12-3155-0272282-00 REF NHC.

  Thank you for your support!

Standfast in the arena, Standfast on the sand — Standfast unstoppable.