Takapoto Equestrian Team welcomes Doog

We're thrilled to have Alison Rowland (aka ‘Doog’) on board, heading up the Takapoto Equestrian Team.

The Takapoto Team is a facet of the equestrian vision at Takapoto Estate that represents an elite show jumping breeding and training center near Cambridge racecourse. The goal has always been clear - to uplift the show jumping scene here in New Zealand. 

Doog has a vast amount of international experience and a passion for developing both horses and riders. This combined experience will empower the squad to not only produce world-class horses but also help develop New Zealand riders. 

Doog has an impressive track record competing in over 90 world qualifiers on self-produced horses - all but one. She’s also an experienced coach, helping riders from novice level to Grand Prix. 

When it comes to the training ethos, Doog says it’s all about getting the basics right and teaching the horse to be in balance. Pedantic about flat work, Doog’s goal is to teach a horse to be rideable so that it can speed up or down, and jump, all while in balance. 

The future view is to impart this vast knowledge and experience to riders in local clinics and help reduce the learning curve for riders once they compete overseas.

Doog currently has ten Takapoto-bred horses in work, including younger ones coming through the ranks. The current goal is to keep producing the young ones in preparation for the Takapoto Classic, the major summer show jumping event every February.  

Many more horses are based at the breeding property on Maungatautari Rd, all managed by the collective Takapoto Team. 

Look out for Doog and the Takapoto Team at the next show!