NZRHA National Show

The NZRHA National show is the highlight show of the season for New Zealand Reiners.

Our members have been working hard throughout the season to compete for 20 different National Titles. These classes range from Green Rider (beginner Reiners) through to our more seasoned Open Riders.

Our National Show is an important time of year for our upcoming young horses who are competing for the Futurity title in either Open Futurity or the Non-Pro Futurity sections.

During the National Show we may host featured classes such as ‘Run For A Thousand’ and the ‘Inter-Island Challenge’. Both events are a crowd favourite.

This is the show of the season to attend! We look forward to seeing you in the sand pit!

1/9

2026 National Judge

Lee Thomson

From English Riding to Becoming a Reining Enthusiast

Lee's equestrian journey began with an English riding background. As a young adult, she carved out a name for herself in the agricultural show circuit in South East Queensland. Her talent and dedication did not go unnoticed, and she was eventually invited to compete at the prestigious Horse of the Year event.

However, Lee's passion for riding led her to explore new horizons. She left the world of English riding and embraced the excitement of rodeo. Barrel racing, steer undecorating, and breakaway roping soon became her new arenas of success and enjoyment. Lee thrived in these events, honing her skills and achieving some success.

A significant turning point in Lee's equestrian career came when she relocated to the United States and attended the remarkable Equifest Wichita in 1999. There, she had the privilege of observing some of the greatest clinicians, including John Lyons and Al Dunning. It was during Al Dunning's demonstration of reining with his upcoming futurity filly that Lee found her new sport. The combination of finesse and speed in reining captivated her, and she knew she had found her true equestrian passion.

Upon returning to Australia in 2000, Lee faced the challenges of raising young children and managing full-time work, which delayed her start in reining until 2007. The wait, however, proved to be worthwhile.

Lee has been a proud member and subsequent judge for reining Australia for over 10 years. She has also had the great privilege of scribing for the NRHA Futurity in Oklahoma 7 years in total. Here she got to sit with some of the most experienced judges in the world. Next to them she enjoyed watching the greats like Shawn Flarida and Andrea Fappani.

Venue: Egmont Showgrounds, Hawera

Address: 8 Burnside Avenue, Hāwera 4610

Egmont Showgrounds provides facilities for a range of sports in Hawera.

Our National show is held inside the TSB Indoor Arena (65m x 35m). With covered yards available for horses and shower / toilet facilities within a short distance from the float parking.