His association with equestrian goes further back than the 25 years he has been associated with the local Equestrian Sports New Zealand jumping group. Larsen’s mother Joyce Welsh was a keen jumper in her day and his grandfather Jack Mulvaney imported a stallion from the United Kingdom called Paper Boy, who sired many a good race horse.
“Talk to some of the older ones involved in jumping and racing, and they still remember Paper Boy,” says Larsen.
Larsen has done a fair bit of riding on stations and farms but admits he would not venture into the competition arena.
Business partner Lucy Larsen also has some prestigious equestrian links. Grandfather Bill Iorns bred the famous jumper Saba Sam, who Graeme “Hec” Hansen took to the Tokyo Olympics.
This lineage made it a natural progression for John Larsen to sponsor “something equestrian” 25 years ago. It was suggested to him the January jumping show would be ideal for Larsen and his then one-year-old company.
This year, as part of his quarter-century celebration, Larsen has increased his sponsorship.
“The locals certainly support my business so it works well for everyone involved. For me it is about putting a bit back into the community.”
Larsen Sawmilling also supports other rural-based organisations including the Waipaoa Farm Cadet Training Programme and Ngatapa rugby, and to a smaller extent the charity dog trials.
Gisborne ESNZ showjumping chairwoman Merran Hain, who has been involved for around 43 years, says riders are hugely appreciative of Larsen’s efforts.
“He has constantly supported the show through ups and downs and is a valuable part of our show,” she said.
The championships start tomorrow from 8am and run to Sunday. Many of New Zealand’s top showjumpers are in town including Katie Laurie, Catherine Cameron and John Cottle.
Top Australian course designer John Vallance is charged with challenging the riders in ring number one.
The horse and pony grand prix classes, set to go at lunch-time on Sunday, will close the show.
