He has performed many roles over the years. He has run all three showjumping rings and the show hunter ring at both the Poverty Bay A&P Show and the showjumping championships. He oversaw the purchase and construction of the rail trailers still in use today.
In 1997 he was the chef d’equipe to South Africa when daughter Jenny rode in the Children’s FEI final. In 2000 he took over the timing equipment from Geoff Mossman as well as the gear maintenance.
Tombleson has always followed up “incredibly well” any tasks for which he has volunteered and is known for quietly getting on and doing what needs to be done.
He is active in working bees and is a key member of the gear-shed packing team after shows.
More recently he has been seen assisting judges at the writer’s desk.
His wife Robyn is supportive in Geoff’s equestrian work.
Jenny Holden was recognised for her ongoing support to the area organisation.
In 1994, she became secretary, a position she held for 23 years. Over that period seven people chaired the organisation, and Holden’s work was invaluable to them and the organisation. She was unflappable under pressure.
Everything was done by hand. Entries to shows came in a little earlier, scratchings were rubbed or twinked out, and carbon copies were used.
In 1996, Main Events computer software became available.
Holden was also involved with the pony club for years, and is regarded as a mine of equestrian information.
As well as performing her secretarial duties at shows, she has been known to mind babies under her desk while their mother was riding in competition.
Her husband Jim is acknowledged for his support during the years of his wife’s contribution to equestrian sport.
Merran Hain’s commitment to equestrian sport was honoured last year with the presentation of the Pilmer Plate — Equestrian Sports New Zealand’s volunteer lifetime award.
Hain is the only rider to have represented New Zealand in all three Olympic disciplines — dressage, eventing and showjumping.
She has won all the major Horse of the Year titles and has ridden more horses in more competitions than any other New Zealand rider.
In 2014 she was inducted into the Horse of the Year Hall of Fame and is an honorary life member of Equestrian Sports New Zealand.
The Gisborne area has a showjumping and show hunter series organised for winter. It will be run over four days in June, July and August, and will be followed by three showjumping practice days in August and September. Details can be found on the Facebook page of Gisborne ESNZ Area Equestrian.
