And her great-grandmother is Gisborne’s Shirley Hyland QSM one of New Zealand’s most beloved and respected equestrian coaches.
Cambridge-based Bindi is competing at her first-ever Gisborne Spring Show where Granny Shirley will be seeing her in live action for the first time.
Poppa Maurice, a long-time supporter of the Show, is also competing.
She may only be seven but Bindi has already had plenty of success in the showing ring.
In Gisborne, she competed in the first year ridden classes.
Horses have been her passion since she was a toddler, which is no surprise given her bloodlines and that her parents run a successful breaking, pre-training and retraining business in Cambridge.
Chanel says Bindi’s love of horses began when she was only just walking. She would head out to the paddock to fuss over her first pony Sparky and share afternoon tea with it.
Grandmother Chrissie gave her the money for Sparky who was a fabulous first pony for her.
Keen to get into the competitive arena, Bindi was out in the lead rein classes as soon as she was of age — four years old — and she duly won.
Not much has changed since then.
Bindi picked up a garland for winning a Fashion in the Field lead class for which she convinced her mother she could run in heels, carry a handbag and lead the pony at the same time.
Bindi brought with her to Gisborne BoarderShow Brandy Alexander aka Alex, and Silverlock Armistead, or Tommy as he’s known at home. Tommy is new to the team. Gisborne was his first A&P Show outing while Alex is tried and true in the competitive environment.
Chanel knows Bindi will end up showjumping at some stage — much to Maurice’s delight — but for now she’s happy her daughter is building strong foundations in showing.
She’s trained by Natasha Otto, who is not related so minimises any family “discussions” over style and training.
It was a fleeting Gisborne visit for Bindi and her mum. They arrived in time to see the Christine Beatson Memorial class on Wednesday night, competed yesterday and drove home last night to make Ag Day at her school today.
Maurice, New Zealand’s most decorated Grand Prix winner with 211 victories and counting , has a busy Show lined up with his team of four.
The Dannevirke farmer has been competing at Gisborne since he was a teen and it’s one of his favourites.
“It’s always been a good show to come to,” he says.
He’s done very well here over the years.
With him this time is his World Cup hopeful Central Park who has been ultra-consistent for him in recent seasons.
He will be starting the horse in the top class of the show, the Property Brokers Horse Grand Prix (held in conjunction with East Coast Wools) tomorrow afternoon.
The class has attracted a line-up of nearly all of New Zealand’s best showjumpers, many of who are using it as a lead-in to next week’s opening FEI World Cup qualifier in Hastings.
“You need a few good shows early in the season to get going,” says Maurice.
“The money is always good here, too, and us riders really appreciate that given how expensive everything is now.
“The Grand Prix is the premier class of the Show and a good one to win.”
Maurice has also brought with him Gold Locks, Central Edition and Central Zone.
All four of his horses are home-bred.
He was chuffed about Bindi competing at Gisborne.
“It’s great to see the next generation coming through and I’m hoping to get her on a jumper soon.”
