World Class Designer in NZ for WC Final

Kiwi showjumpers heading to the Archibald & Shorter North Shore Show Jumping World Cup Festival later this month are in for a treat with one of the best in the business back in town. 

World class Canadian FEI level 3 course designer Peter Holmes will be at Woodhill Sands to challenge combinations in the main grass arena, including the FEI World Cup New Zealand League Series final. 

Event director, and president of host Show Jumping Waitemata, Emma Buckingham says it is a real boost to have Peter back once again, and particularly for riders.   “He’s one of the best, and designs at some of the biggest shows in North America, Europe, Australia and here,” she says. 

Peter is no stranger to Aotearoa New Zealand, having visited eight times already, and once again is bringing back his wife Danielle and children Brooklyn and Nick.   The Canadian visitors are close friends with former Show Jumping Waitemata president Bruce Wakeling, his wife Michelle and their family, and all are looking forward to another catch-up. 

“I enjoy the people in New Zealand,” says Peter.  But it’s all business at the show.   “The World Cup final is a Paris Olympic qualifier so there are specs on height and material that will be required.” 

He’s been designing courses for longer than he cares to count but will admit it’s been a happening thing since his university days. 

2024 is stacking up to be a cracker for Peter.   After the New Zealand World Cup final he is home for two days then off to Florida for a week followed by Palm Springs for two weeks.   Thunderbird and Spruce Meadows are his main summer shows and he also runs four regional shows on Vancouver Island where he lives. 

Photo Serena Photography