Equestrian: Olympic champion Tait takes new role

Blyth Tait. Herald file picture

Former Olympic and world champion horseman, Blyth Tait, has been appointed team manager for New Zealand eventing teams.

Eventing New Zealand (ENZ) said in a statement today Tait will manage New Zealand's eventers at the world equestrian games in Germany next year and the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Tait was looking forward to the challenge.

"Eventing New Zealand has identified the manager's role as becoming increasingly technical and more detailed," Tait said.

"It'll be good to support the Kiwi riders because I know from experience just how complex these elite events can become.

"My job will be to liaise with riders during their preparation for major championships.

"And at the actual events, I will be in a position to give them the technical support they need."

While public focus was on dressage and jumping performances, issues such as fence construction and competition surfaces often became critical behind the scenes.

"It is a team leader role but one which will have a high input into technical issues related to the horses and riders."

Tait has also been appointed high performance director for eventing and ENZ chairman Andy Pottinger said he was ideally placed to guide New Zealand riders.

"Blyth knows the world scene inside out," Pottinger said.

"He is also a great communicator who commands tremendous respect overseas. Our riders can only benefit from his experience."

- NZPA