The Thoroughbreds in Equestrian Sport programme (TiES) will receive a significant boost for the 2023/24 season with over $76,000 on offer to eligible competitors across two Series.

Funded by the 1% levy on stakes, the Series was established in 2014 to demonstrate the versatility of Thoroughbreds and increase their uptake into equestrian sports.

Previously known as the TiES Series, the TiES Accumulator Series will have a total prize pool of $41,500 up for grabs for Thoroughbreds of all ages competing across a range of equestrian sports.

Run in partnership with Equestrian Sport New Zealand (ESNZ), Thoroughbreds gain points in eligible classes across the season. The disciplines included in the Series are eventing, dressage/para-dressage, show jumping, show hunter and new for this season – endurance/competitive trail riding (CTR).

This series also awards the TiES Accumulator Best Performed horse, sponsored by NZTR, and the TiES Accumulator Newcomer Award, sponsored by New Zealand Bloodstock.

“The TiES Accumulator Series has proven to be popular and gives riders a clear pathway during the competition season to gain points,” NZTR Welfare Coordinator Alice Riggins said.

“It really is a fantastic initiative that encourages riders to have thoroughbreds as their sport horse of choice and creates an opportunity to demonstrate their brilliant adaptability across a variety of disciplines.”

New for the 2023-24 season is the TiES Futurity Series, developed specifically for horses in their first or second year of ESNZ registered competition.

With a prize pool worth $34,800 the Series is restricted to show jumping for its first year with scope to develop.

There will be 14 qualifying classes held at a maximum of 1m throughout the country at ESNZ Showjumping shows, followed by two finals, one each in the North and South Islands at a maximum of 1.10m.

There will be an additional bonus in each qualifier and final for the highest placed horse sourced directly from an NZTR Acknowledged Retrainer.

“The newly established TiES Futurity Series is a great way to reward those who have given thoroughbreds an opportunity at a career after racing while they are in their first two years of competition,” Riggins said.

“It’s important to continue to increase the participation of Thoroughbreds in equestrian sports and support the riders who compete them.

“As thoroughbreds continue to showcase how adaptable, versatile and competitive they are in a range of disciplines we felt this was the right time to introduce the Futurity Series and though it will only encompass show jumping this season we look forward to expanding it in the future.”

To be eligible for both the TiES Accumulator and TiES Futurity Series thoroughbreds must be registered with the NZTR Stud Book as well as with ESNZ while riders must also be registered with ESNZ to participate.

More information on the Series can be found here or visit the TiES website here.