When Nick Pyke opted to step down as chairman of the ESNZ board this year you might have thought he would take a little time out. . . however, he has now been appointed a national performance selector for eventing.
It’s no surprise the sport didn’t want to lose him completely. Afterall, he’s competed at the highest national level, been chair of both the eventing and ESNZ boards, vice-president of ESNZ, is a level 3 FEI course designer and builder and just generally has a very holistic understanding of the sport.
The Canterbury-based businessman figures he has been involved with the sport for around 18 years in both course design and governance.
He comes from the era of Blyth Tait, Vaughn Jefferis, Tinks Pottinger and Trudy Boyce. Sir Mark Todd and Andrew Nicholson were already in the UK. “I was there or thereabouts and would make training squads but get no further.” Probably unsurprising considering the company. “It was a very cool and great era to be a part of.”
He now joins Mitty Forsyth and Vicky Glynn as a national performance selector. “I think I bring solid knowledge and plenty of experience in eventing, with a particularly good understanding of cross country and expectations around that,” says Nick. “I am impartial and part of a team who each bring a range of skills to it. I am looking forward to it.”
The national performance selectors are responsible for talent ID, talent development and Oceania young rider teams and squads.
By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison