Sue Hobson new president for Equestrian Sport New Zealand

Sue Hobson.

International dressage judge Sue Hobson from Pahiatua, was recently elected as president of Equestrian Sport New Zealand.

"This is the big one, it's huge," said Sue.

"The position covers all disciplines under the Equestrian Federation: Eventing, Showjumping, Endurance and Dressage - which are all Olympic sports. Above ESNZ is Sports Foundation of New Zealand, which is a government agency.

Sue and Solo winning the 4yo Dressage Horse Title.

"The result is very special, it was quite a tough race, there were two nominations for the position of president. I managed to win two thirds of the votes, which was quite an honour.

"The campaign was quite tiring, it was political (that's not me at all.) I'm not into running campaigns.

"In one respect, I'm lucky in that I have 200 judges that I am Judges' Officer over, so I was able to ask them to support me," she said.

Sue is responsible for the training and development of all New Zealand national judges. She has been finance officer for Dressage NZ in the past. Sue has had international experience as both an FEI 4* dressage judge and also has been a rider on transtasman teams in Australia at PSG and Grand Prix level. She has also competed in World Dressage Challenges over the years in New Zealand and has been on the New Zealand team.

She has acted as Head of Ground Jury at Horse of the Year for Dressage over the past 10 years. Sue has acted as Foreign Judge internationally in Australia.

"Over three weeks of campaigning everyone was very positive and the people that got back to me on my facebook campaign were people I didn't even know in some cases. They said 'what you stand for is what we want.'

"The president had asked me if I would stand last year. It was something I had never even thought of. It's a figure-head role. You're the mediator between the members and the board. There are a lot of people I need to get to know, to put a face to a name.

"I haven't relinquished my Judges' Officer job, so will still look forward to travelling for my judging (when we are allowed to.)

"You have to be very communicative with your members. I've been in the sport for over 43 years. A friend of mine who is on the Dressage Board and is an international lawyer, said 'I don't think you realise what a big deal this is. This is huge.'

"You wouldn't do it if you weren't passionate about it. It's something you do because you love the sport. If it wasn't for the volunteers, there wouldn't be a sport.

"Current topics that relate to NZL competition will be discussions as to 'if' the Olympics will take place or not. I don't think it will ever be the same again. If it goes ahead, there probably won't be any spectators, I think," said Sue.