Teaches nationally

Donna and Elise teach nationally reaching a wide demographic, giving back to their sport & youth

Sportsmanlike

Donna & Elise are renowned for both being extremely sportsmanlike & professional riders on the local circuit. They are often seen helping others, walking courses & warming up fellow competitors.

Since forming DSE Donna & Elise have been fully dedicated to leaving a positive imprint on event riders here in New Zealand, through encouragement, support and mentoring they strive to inspire their team into not only becoming  international level athletes, but also being great people at the same time too.

Largest eventing team in nz

DSE runs the largest eventing team in NZ.  We have about 30 horses on our property, and compete 6 of them at each event,  plus we have our extended team which includes our current and past groom interns with their own horses.

Waerenga Equestrian

DSE are based in the picturesque valley of Waerenga, Te Kauwhata in the Waikato, New Zealand. Alongside riding event horses, Donna and Elise run the family’s 500 acre dry stock farm. This can actually be quite a useful contrast of environments as they combine their stock work with mustering on their young horses which teaches them vital quick and solid footwork skills, and also keeps them earning their keep!

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Prolific Producer

Producer of over 30 upper-level horses. Donna has produced many, many horses to advanced level, such as Balmoral Sensation, Call Me Clifton, DSE Cluny, DSE Tangalooma, DSE Mr Hokey Pokey, Henton Executive, Just Chocolate to name a few!

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DSE Team

“We are only as good as the Team behind the scenes that support us.” 

Thanks to all the people behind the scenes, you know who you are!

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Home

Welcome to Donna Smith Eventing!

Donna & Elise Edwards-Smith are based in the picturesque valley of Waerenga, Te Kauwhata in the Waikato, New Zealand. At Donna Smith Eventing our aim is to represent New Zealand at the Olympics and World Equestrian Games. To enable this we have built a business based around coaching, horse schooling & competing and preparing quality event horses for sale both in New Zealand and Internationally.

DSE Team

Donna

Donna Edwards-Smith has been a force to be reckoned with in the eventing world since a young age and she has never looked back…

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Elise

Elise Edwards-Smith has become a key part of Donna Smith Eventing and has brought a wealth of experience to the team.

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Owners

A big thanks to all DSE owners who have invested their time and effort helping achieve our dreams and sustainable long term success!

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Sponsors

The following businesses and individuals have committed to assisting Donna & Elise in their quest to be the best in their field and for that they are extremely grateful. Their support is a true asset and we encourage you check out their businesses and websites so as you too can benefit from the products and expertise they offer!

“Our ambitions and goals are high, but we are dedicated to reach them, without our team of workers, owners, sponsors, supporters, family and friends, success would not be possible!”

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Recent News

Testimonials

I have been lucky enough to train with Donna over the last few years with both my 2 star horse Kingston Time and my young horse Astek Guardsman. My results this year especially in the cross country are a credit to Donna's wonderful coaching and advice. THANKS Donna!

Chanel Campbell

“Donna has a great ability to problem solve issues a horse or rider are having. She gives practical solutions that are easy for a rider to understand and implement”

Liz Anderson

“Donna’s attitude is always professional, not only with her dealings with the horses she produces and rides, but also in the way she deals with officials and her fellow competitors. I regard her ability as a rider and competitor with great respect.”

4* dressage judge

Anne Tylee

Donna's training program is exceptional. She possesses a gentleness that puts young horses at ease and has immeasurable knowledge of various training methods that she effectively employs to maximize training benefits. Her results with my championships horses were truly remarkable and I would welcome an opportunity to have her work with me again.

Andrew Nicholson

“I am very privileged to have a fantastic team of people behind me, that support me in every direction, making it possible to concentrate on my competitive career.”

Donna Smith