New Zealand’s Sophie Scott and Normandy GHP on their way to winning the Tamworth World Cup Qualifier. Image by Arcadia Images.
At just 23 years old, Sophie Scott has already established herself as one of New Zealand’s brightest show jumping talents. From her purpose-built base at Benrose Park in Palmerston North, the Wellington-born rider manages a strong team of horses and is making her mark both at home and abroad.
Back home in New Zealand, Sophie Scott has no shortage of career highlights. Last year, she dominated the jumping arena at the Horse of the Year Show, winning the prestigious Olympic Cup aboard Waitangi Skynet (by Cassini II out of Polly) and also placed second with Benrose Stellar (by Lordano out of Solano) – as well as taking the top two placings in the Silver Fern Stakes with the duo.
Sophie Scott and Normandy GHP, who won the Tamworth World Cup Qualifier at his second-ever World Cup start. Image by Arcadia Images.
The FEI Jumping World Cup circuit has also proven to be a happy hunting ground for Sophie. Her first World Cup Qualifier appearance came in 2021 aboard Glenbrooke Rich As Roses, and in just a few short years she has become a regular on the circuit. She’s claimed no less than seven World Cup Qualifier wins – including the FEI Jumping World Cup New Zealand League Final in 2023 and 2025. Although an overall New Zealand League Series win evades her, it seems that accolade will likely come her way in the not-too-distant future.
“Before we went in,
they said, ‘Put your foot down!’
So we just did…”
AUSTRALIAN CAMPAIGN
Sophie first competed in Australia at Jumping@Willinga in 2023 with now 17-year-old Waitangi Skynet, where they contested the World Cup Qualifier. This season, she has returned to Australia for a longer run of shows — and the trip has already been rewarding.
At the AELEC Tamworth World Cup show, Sophie and the youngest of her elite team, Normandy GHP, produced a thrilling win. With one time fault from the first round, Sophie had to go clear and faster than Queensland’s Sam Overton and Cha Cha Blue GHP in the second.
Event Director Martin Gostelow caught up with Sophie following her win, and in an interview for ClipMyHorse.TV, Sophie explained how she secure victory. “Before we went in, [the NZ support team] said, ‘Put your foot down!’ So we just did and he jumped amazing. It was an awesome result for us.”
Emma Gillies and Lafayet Ego Z, Chef d’Equipe Jaime Campbell-Ward, and Sophie Scott aboard Normandy GHP were part of New Zealand’s winning Senior Trans-Tasman Test team at Tamworth. Image by Arcadia Images.
Prior to Tamworth, Sophie competed at Waratah World Cup Show in Sydney, where Normandy GHP jumped his first ever World Cup Qualifer and placed third with a double clear. She was also part of the New Zealand team that claimed victory in the Senior Trans-Tasman Test at Tamworth with a clear round aboard Normandy, and the pair also jumped clear for the NZ team at Waratah.
Reflecting on the Australian campaign so far, Sophie said: “It’s been an amazing show for all us New Zealanders. Everyone has jumped super throughout, both actually Waratah and Tamworth. And you know, it’s been a great campaign so far for all of us New Zealanders.
“It’s a great experience coming [to Tamworth]. The crowd cheering… it all helps and brings the atmosphere up and the horses really pick up on it. And you know, they all jumped super.”
NORMANDY GHP: A HORSE FOR THE FUTURE
Normandy GHP, by Nabab de Reve out of Sundance GHP (Stolzenberg), was bred at Glen Haven Park by Queenslander Olivia Hamood. Sophie is grateful to those involved in the horse’s journey: “Olivia Hamood has bred an absolute superstar. We’re thankful that she bred Norman and that we were able to buy him from Oliver and Brooke Edgecombe.”
Sophie is full of praise for her rising star: “He’s phenomenal. It was his second World Cup start [in Tamworth] and it honestly couldn’t have gone any better. He’s just gone from strength to strength. We’re very excited.
She also believes ten-year-old Normandy has the makings of an international contender. “We bought him with the mindset that he would be international. Hopefully within the next year, we’ll head over to Europe and see how we go.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Sophie has her eyes firmly set on the future. “It’s been a great couple of seasons so far. And hopefully our future is just as bright.”
Her next stop will be Jumping@Willinga at Bawley Point in NSW, where she hopes to continue her World Cup form. And with Australia and New Zealand’s Senior Trans-Tasman teams currently sitting at a win apiece, Sophie’s also hoping she can help the Kiwis secure an overall Test Series victory.
Beyond that, Europe beckons and an international championship start is the big goal. “Our ultimate plan would be to do the FEI Jumping World Championships next year [in Aachen, Germany]. We’ll just aim for that and hopefully we can get there.”
Benrose Stellar at Tamworth with Sophie Scott’s mum, who is a great support. Image by Arcadia Images.
GRATITUDE AND SUPPORT
Sophie is quick to acknowledge the people who support her journey: “A big thank you to mum and dad and my partner, Blake. They’re my biggest cheerleaders in all that I do. My grandparents as well are huge supporters.
“I couldn’t do this without Normandy’s owners. Thank you for supporting us on this journey. I’ve got an amazing team of sponsors and supporters at home who support us every step of the way.
“I’m so thankful to have such a great team behind me. My coach, Jeff McVean at home. He’s been messaging support and advice throughout this Australian campaign and he’s always there with me. Also a big thank you to [NZ Chef d’Equipe] Jaime Campbell-Ward.”
With her dedication, her talented horses, and the backing of a strong support team, Sophie Scott is on an exciting trajectory — from New Zealand’s arenas to the world stage. EQ
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