Horse lovers are well-served by the Bayleys Country team with tangible support offered across the country.

The strength of the pony club movement around New Zealand and the popularity of riding at all levels and disciplines underpins demand and competition for equestrian-suitable property throughout Bayleys’ rural network, with salespeople well-versed in horse speak.

The nationwide rural and lifestyle sales team supports numerous former and current riders, dedicated pony clubs and eventing parents, and loyal supporters of equestrian activities.

Reflecting its community focus, Bayleys also proudly sponsors a number of horse-related groups and shows across the country – from humble grassroots clubs to elite national events.

The Bayleys National Young Horse Show is one event that stands out with Bayleys Hawke’s Bay director James Macpherson saying its principal sponsorship of the show aligns with the family values and community commitment that the firm has fostered.

“Being part of this prestigious event gives us the opportunity to meet with like-minded people, supports our agents who are closely involved in the sport, and lets us be part of the competition and camaraderie.”

“Rural and lifestyle agent Luke Dee from our Havelock North office is a seasoned and awarded equestrian who has represented New Zealand on the international showjumping stage at the elite level and remains active in the sport today – including competing in the National Young Horse Show, so we have strong local connections.”

The annual event is run by a team of volunteers and will take place on the second weekend in December, in a bigger and better format this year.

To be held across four days at Tōmoana Showgrounds in Hastings, the show will be open to the public with free entry and showcases horses from four to seven years old.

Former co-chair and now active committee member of the Bayleys National Young Horse Show, Lara Baker said the event celebrates the development and production of young horses in New Zealand, with Hawke’s Bay awarded the hosting rights for the next three years.

“I love the synergy between the Bayleys Country team and the event, which gathers people from around the country and champions young horses, riders and breeders.

“The event is attracting more profile and greater support which really helps lift the profile of the sport.”

The Baker family has a lifestyle property in the small rural community of Raukawa, near Hastings where husband Sven designed and had stables and an arena built for their personal use.

“It’s become a bit of a social hub with neighbours and friends joining in with lessons and using the arena on an informal basis,” said Baker.

Equestrian property demand

In South Auckland, Bayleys Pukekohe sales manager Sharleen Buchanan has put high-level, medal-winning showjumping days behind her and now favours muscle cars and mountain bikes for recreational thrills.

She heads up a team of skilled salespeople in the rural and lifestyle markets, with the broader Pukekohe area popular with buyers looking for land suitable for horses.

“Having an equestrian background and an ability to ‘talk equine’ really helps when clients are looking to sell or buy property,” said Buchanan.

“That depth of knowledge means I can assist my team to identify properties that could support multiple horse boxes and stabling, have suitable surfaces for creating an arena, and room for floats and other paraphernalia that come with owning horses.”

Buchanan said there’s always good interest and activity for equestrian properties, with something to suit all price points and equestrian interests.

“Horses need land, and quality dedicated equestrian properties do come with a reflective price tag as infrastructure like post and rail fencing, day yards, stables, wash-down bays and arenas is costly.

“However, people are prepared to buy semi-developed or large properties where they can custom build infrastructure to suit their individual requirements.

“Whether they are eventers, showjumpers, hacking, hunting or social riders – or simply looking for grazing for the family pony, there’s a property out there for them.”

Buchanan said the lifestyle story has blossomed post-pandemic for those wanting to escape the city and come back to what they love with some land for a horse/s, the family dogs, and space for kids to ride.

Meanwhile, Bayleys Taupō is actively looking to add another equestrian property specialist to its sales team as enquiry for dedicated horse-friendly properties is rising.

Branch manager Yvette Westerman said the Taupō/Tūrangi area is ideally suited for equestrian property given the free-draining pumice soils, central location, availability of flat land and relative affordability of lifestyle property.

“World-class equestrians the Wilson sisters have set up base in Taupō where they run equestrian retreats for young people and adult riders, along with a retirement and nursery facility for horses on their large rural property.

“This demonstrates that the region is eminently suitable for horses and our team understands the infrastructural needs, can identify suitable property for horse-loving clients and tap into specialist knowledge from other colleagues throughout the country.”

For details about the Bayleys National Young Horse Show visit nzequestrian.org.nz/

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