19/01/2026
We are proud to again support the Waimeha Mandate Cup, the Karioi ride is the first race to kick off 'The Big Three' races for Distance Riding New Zealand - DRNZ.
There are some awesome loop rides, offering distances of 10, 20, 40, 80 and 120km, with stunning mountain views.
This trophy and event honours the legendary Waimeha Mandate, a stallion owned by Noel and Merle Ritchie. He is the forefather of many successful endurance horses, plenty of whom compete today. Mandate was campaigned between the mid 1980's and 1999, ridden by both Noel and his daughter Sharee. Mandate was renowned for his calm demeanour and holds the record for the most qualified kms in the history of NZ distance riding at 9300kms!
Good luck to all on the Anniversary Weekend of 24–25 January 2026, enjoy those incredible views of Mount Ruapehu.
📷 from Distance Riding New Zealand - DRNZ