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 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 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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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

5* 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

“I have a heap of mileage now, two world class horses that are ready to go and win!”

Donna Smith

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

“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 Smith is an international event rider and trainer who rode for New Zealand at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. One of the most sportsmanlike and professional riders on the local circuit, Donna has produced many, many horses to Advanced level.
A former champion show jumper at Young Rider level, Donna is the current National 3* 3DE Champion, with her home-produced thoroughbred Balmoral Tangalooma. She is also the current National One-Day Champion with her and Sarah Varley's Just Chocolate.
Donna was based in the US for seven years with Olympic gold medalist David O'Connor, but is now based at her parents' Waerenga property, where she runs her successful business.

NZ Horse & Pony Magazine

“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