Our Coaches

Rebecca Merrick

Head Coach

Hi, I'm Kate and I'm happy to be returning for a second season as Head Coach. My aim within this role is to inspire fun and learning with horses while promoting values of kindness, inclusivity and friendship among our young riders. I have been part of Wainoni since 2020 and love it here. I am a qualified Junior coach and C examiner and am excited to be back out there with a C rally group this season. My main goal as a coach is to build solid foundational skills so that riders can progress up the levels with confidence, a keen respect for their equine partners and our sport.

Kate Tobeck

Assistant Head Coach - Junior Division

Symantha Pope

Hi everyone! I’m Symantha Pope, a show jumper based in Waitoki. I also dabble in a bit of dressage, which I believe is an important part of producing a jumping horse.

I get the most enjoyment from producing young and green horses, problem-solving, understanding how horses think and work with their natural instincts. But, most importantly, loving the animal and always doing what is best for them.

I’ve been coaching for several years and am qualified in the USA, where I first began my coaching journey. I’ve also been a member of Wainoni Park since 2018, so this club holds a very special place in my heart.

I’m super excited for this season! We have an awesome group of riders, parents and horses, and I’m really looking forward to making this our best season yet.

Assistant Head Coach - Adult Division

David Ringwood

Coach

I started riding when I was about 8 and got my own pony when I was 10. I dabbled in everything equestrian but found success in eventing and specifically showjumping taking my pony to Pony GrandPrix before selling him to Japan. I was lucky enough to ride, train and compete internationally before taking a 20-year break from horses.
I came back to riding 9 years ago and my passion is now dressage. I have a wonderful advanced dressage horse Zak and my goal is to take him to GrandPrix in the near future.
I enjoy dressage training and coaching and helping rider and horses progress. I’m currently a NZ listed dressage judge.

Carolyn Wall

Coach

Hi I’m Carolyn. I’ve been involved with Pony Club and RDA for over 30 years. I’ve completed in most disciplines but have a love of Eventing and competed at 2* prior to having kids (I have 2 boys…neither have any interest in horses). I fell in love with Gypsy Cobs a number of years ago and nowadays, can be found astride a hairy GC competing in low level events and Working Equitation. I’m a qualified D/D+ Coach and Examiner who strives to ensure every pony club rally is challenging, positive and fun! I might be familiar to some of you as I was Head Coach for WPPC in its inaugural season.

Marisna NuNu Roodt

Coach

Hi there, my name is Marisna. I’m really looking forward to coaching at Wainoni Park Pony Club where I hope to impart what I’ve learned to the next generation. I’m passionate about teaching others and helping them gain confidence in both their knowledge and equine skills (whether on or off the horse)!

A little bit about my riding background: my focus was three day eventing where I competed at 2* level. I obtained my A and H certificates and was fortunate enough to represent New Zealand at the Inter Pacific Exchange. I have also represented both my district and area in eventing, dressage, show jumping and mounted games.

Though I don’t ride anymore, I know how joyful and rewarding the PC experience can be and hope I can make a positive contribution to your season.

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Hi, my name’s Madi! I’ve been riding horses for most of my life and currently compete in eventing and occasionally dressage, I also enjoy hunting!! I love seeing a passion for horses grow in the younger generation and really enjoy being able to encourage and facilitate that love through the Riders Without Horses programme. I am all about creating an environment where kids safely can learn and enjoy everything horsey!!

Madi De Wet

RWH Coach

Lotte De Groot

Assistant Coach

Hi! I’m Lotte de Groot and I’m excited to be coaching here at Wainoni this season! Prior to coaching Ive been a part of pony club since I was 10. I’ve been at Wainoni for 4 years and previously Chelsea pony club starting doing the Riders Without Horses program, then moving into owning my own horse.

I’ve competed to 105 eventing (which is my main passion!), 110 show jumping and L2 dressage. I’ve also been the rider representative for the wider Waitemata Rodney area pony club, as well as Wainoni and Chelsea.

I have my D/D+ coaching Qualification. I am super passionate about growing and developing younger riders and I hope to make a positive difference to the start of their riding journey! I am all about riders having fun with their ponies and building trusting relationships with them. I believe a good partnership with your pony is essential in riding!