International profile through selling horses & competing internationally
Donna and Elise teach nationally reaching a wide demographic, giving back to their sport & youth
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.
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.
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!
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!
“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!
Our business is to train horses, riders and grooms to the best of their ability
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.
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…
Elise Edwards-Smith has become a key part of Donna Smith Eventing and has brought a wealth of experience to the team.
A big thanks to all DSE owners who have invested their time and effort helping achieve our dreams and sustainable long term success!
Our business is to train horses, riders and grooms to the best of their ability
Donna & Elise run a large team of horses, check out their current event team, horses for sale and produced and sold.
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!
Jess de Lautour, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
There’s a waitlist for who has the worst hoof abscess to enjoy the dry for a night or two 🙂
We knew we had a great team around us but competing in Adelaide at the CCI 4* showed us just…
“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
“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.”
. We are just so thrilled with him and how he has matured and so so sensible. The difference is just amazing, so thank you so much for your wonderful encouraging way with the young horses. We are rapt!!!“There’s only one person I know that keeps smiling when things goes wrong! And Donna has the best smile I know!”
Donna Smith Eventing 