Fuelling the fire
NRM and McMillan Equine Feeds have been supplying the equestrian circuit with top-quality supplementary feed for
generations. From show jumping and polo to dressage and racing, getting equine nutrition right is a priority for many
riders looking to make their mark within their respective discipline. In this article, The Farmlander caught up with a
couple of riders who work closely with NRM and McMillan and are achieving great success on the competition circuit.
MV
Name: Emma Watson
Name: Simon and Claire Wilson
Location: Morrinsville, Waikato
Location: Waipukurau, Central Hawke's Bay
Discipline: Show Jumping
Discipline: Show Jumping
Horses: Maddox Letino, Maddox Kiwi Silverkee
Horses: McMillans Ariados, McMillans Chuck
Sponsored by: NRM
Sponsored by: McMillan Equine
As with many top riders in the equestrian circuit, 17-year
Claire and Simon Wilson know their way around a show
old Emma Watson began riding before she could walk. With
jumping arena. From humble beginnings in Pony Club, hunting
both her mother, Melissa and father, Bruce involved in show
and jumping, Claire and Simon have enjoyed a huge amount of
jumping and polo, Emma fell into the sport with ease.
success in the arena. Both have won the coveted Olympic Cup
at the Horse of the Year show in 2006 and 2004, respectively
A successful pony show jumper, Emma has ridden for New
Zealand five times. After winning the New Zealand Pony
and have also represented New Zealand.
Grand Prix show jumping series multiple times Emma has
now moved onto hacks and enjoyed being competitive in
both the Junior Rider (riders aged 12-18 years) and the Young
Rider (14-21 years) series before making the step up to Grand
The Wilsons started their relationship with McMillan Equine
10 years ago. "In those early days, we were introduced to
start promoting this new South Island feed to the North Island
equestrian community," Claire remembers.
Prix level with Maddox Letino.
They now have regular contact with Equine Nutritionist Luisa
"It was a real accomplishment to make the New Zealand
Young Rider Squad again this season and to have already won
Wood, whose expertise has been invaluable in recommending the
perfect diet for each of their horses.
a Grand Prix class with Maddox Letino," Emma says.
"The whole family are involved – we have horses in a wide
"Having a good feed routine has always been a big part of my
riding and competing. Mum has fed NRM since she was young,
so it has been a product we have trusted and fed for years.
variety of disciplines, from racing and jumping to hunting and
Pony Club... no two are the same! The horses have been in
“NRM has been great at doing tutoring sessions with us
perfect condition and this has given us the time and energy to
and have taught us a lot about the difference in the types of
focus on all the other aspects of our riding and training.
feeds and how to get maximum benefits out of them for each
"We are also passionate about encouraging younger riders into
individual horse.
the sport and for many years, McMillan Equine has supported
"I always know what to feed my horses and what will help
our various initiatives. We are very proud to have been part of
this adventure!" Claire says.
them feel their best thanks to the team at NRM," Emma says.
Emma Watson and Maddox Letino.
Simon Wilson and McMillans Ariados.
Image credit: Christine Cornege Photography.
Image credit: Belinda Pratt.
18 | THE FARMLANDER
Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited | February 2021. All rights reserved.
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