Sign In / Register
Warkworth equestrian competitor Mandy Moon has returned from the United Kingdom with a silver-medal performance after finishing second at the International Carriage Driving Competition in Chepstow, Wales, earlier this month.
Moon competed in the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) pony single two-Star division and exceeded her own expectations with the result.
“I was simply hoping to complete the competition, so to finish in such a strong position overall was fantastic,” she said.
The achievement marks another milestone in a career that has seen Moon compete in carriage driving for more than a decade. She has won multiple national open classes and has also enjoyed success in competitions across Australia.
Moon, who has worked as an animal osteopath for more than 35 years, said her focus was now on progressing to the sport’s highest level.
“I intend to keep working to move up to the three-star, which is the highest level, and qualify for the 2029 World Championships,” she said. “That is my main goal, but there is still a long way to go.”
Carriage driving is an equestrian discipline that tests the skill, precision and partnership between horse and driver. Competitors navigate a series of dressage, marathon and obstacle challenges while maintaining control and communication with their horses.
Moon said her lifelong passion for horses had shaped both her professional and personal life, eventually leading her into competitive carriage driving.
While she remained deeply committed to the sport, she believed there was room for modernisation, particularly when it came to animal welfare.
“I like to keep welfare top-of-mind when carriage driving,” she said. “I do believe it is definitely possible to compete with animals humanely, but you have to be prepared to listen to them and make it enjoyable for them.”
Over the years, Moon has explored a range of techniques aimed at strengthening the bond between people and animals, including acupuncture, veterinary chiropractic treatment and mindfulness practices.
She believes further advances can be made in how drivers communicate with their horses.
“We need to refine our aids – the way we communicate with the horses – so that we don’t have to rely on whips,” she said. “The next level of refinement is exploring telepathic communication with horses through educational videos.”
Moon’s international success has come despite the challenges faced by New Zealand competitors in a sport that receives little recognition locally. International campaigns are largely self-funded, making overseas competition an expensive undertaking.
She acknowledged the support of sponsors and donors who helped make the trip possible.
“A big shout out to ITSS Engineering Warkworth, and to Lisa Smith and Chris Farrand, who have made private donations,” she said.
Reflecting on her achievement, Moon hopes her story will encourage others to pursue their ambitions.
“I think the main message is that it is never too late to follow your dreams,” she said. “You just have to take action, and where there is a will, there is always a way.”
