International profile

International profile through selling horses & competing internationally

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Teaches nationally

Donna teaches nationally reaching a wide demographic, giving back to her sport & youth

Sportsmanlike

Donna is one of the most sportsmanlike & professional riders on the local circuit she is renowned for helping others, walking courses & warming up fellow competitors.

Largest eventing team in nz

DSE runs the largest eventing team in NZ. Our truck takes 10 horses, so at any given show we have at least a team of 10 plus working students 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 work on the family’s 500 acre bull farm. This involves mustering on horses, teaching the youngsters vital footwork and 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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Working Students

We welcome working students to our team. Under the conditions that all working students are team players and hard working.

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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

4* event rider

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

DSE manager & organiser

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

Gaye McClunie

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 in her quest to be the best in her field and for that she is 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

  • “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!”

    Donna Smith

  • “Donna is recognised on our Future Potential Recognition group which are talented kiwi riders capable of producing high performance horses. It is out of this future potential recognition group that we hope to see some of our high performance combinations of the future.”

    NZ HIGH PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR

    Sarah Dalziell-Clout 
  • Donna Smith has been riding for Henton Lodge Hanoverians for a number of years.  From CCI*** with Henton Executive to newly broken three year olds.  We have always found Donna to be very professional both on and off a horse, she is a very skilled and experienced horsewoman, especially in the discipline of horse trials.  We would highly recommend Donna, and have done so, to any prospective owners.  We look forward to working with Donna to produce our horses for many years to come and the ever smiling face is always welcoming. Dave and Bridget Sutton www.hentonlodge.co.nz
    Henton Lodge Hanoverians
  • Dave and Bridget Sutton recommended Donna Smith to us when we bought Henton First Edition (Fraser) as a 3 year old. Under Donna's  supervision and expertise, he is developing the confidence and skills to move up the grades. He has talent but it has been  Donna's skill and professionalism and her calm manner which is giving Fraser confidence. Donna loves what she does and has a great connection with horses. As owners, we are really enjoying the experience of seeing Fraser develop under Donna's very thorough approach to bringing out the best in our young horse.
    Dean, Mandy & Anna Beverley
    Beverley Family

  • “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