Making Their Mark in Equestrian Sport
Rangi Ruru Girls’ School has a strong tradition of nurturing talented equestrian athletes, many of whom have gone on to achieve outstanding success across multiple disciplines.
From international representation to national titles, these alumnae continue to make their mark in show jumping, dressage, and eventing. Their journeys reflect not only dedication and skill, but also the values and resilience fostered during their time at Rangi Ruru.
We were lucky to recently catch up with some of these talented equestrians, as they shared their journeys in the industry since leaving Hewitts Road. These alumnae exemplify the strength and depth of equestrian talent fostered at Rangi Ruru. Their achievements across show jumping, dressage, and eventing highlight not only competitive success but also perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous growth. As they continue to progress in their respective careers, they serve as inspiring role models for the next generation of riders, demonstrating what is possible with passion, hard work, and dedication.
We hope you enjoy hearing from them as much as we did.
Molly Moffatt (Class of 2019) – Show Jumper
In August and September 2025, I was fortunate to be selected for the New Zealand Young Rider team travelling to Sydney, which was a huge highlight of my equestrian career. It was my first time both flying a horse and competing internationally, making it an incredibly valuable learning experience.
While in Sydney, I stayed with a family I had not met before, which required me to quickly adapt to a new environment and become more independent, as I was travelling without my family for most of the trip. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of a supportive New Zealand team and gaining exposure to high-quality facilities and competition.
The team was very successful, winning all three competitions in closely contested events. It was an unforgettable experience that has contributed significantly to my development as a rider and taught me many important life skills. Representing New Zealand was a very special achievement.
Mikey Wildermoth (Class of 2020) – Dressage
I am currently competing at Advanced level on my horse Donnerock EH, and I am aiming to step into Young Rider classes next season. My recent successes include winning Elementary Horse of the Year (2024) and Reserve Advanced Medium Horse of the Year (2025).
This season, I have also been the overall Young Rider points winner at Canterbury Dressage camps, the South Island Dressage Championships, and the Masterton camps. I was part of the South Island team at the Young Rider Championships and was Reserve Champion at Advanced level. I was also the Advanced Champion at the Masterton Dressage Championships.
Earlier this season, I was fortunate to be selected for the New Zealand High Performance Talent ID Squad. Earlier in my career, I represented New Zealand in the FEI Dressage World Challenge, where I placed third in the Youth division with a score of over 71%.
Alongside this, I have been developing my young horse, Ellanbrae Dante’s Peak, who is already scoring over 70%.
Sonya Benison (Class of 2019) – Eventer
After leaving Rangi Ruru, I have gone on to build my career in equestrian sport, earning selection to the Equestrian Sports New Zealand High Performance Squad for eventing. I have had the privilege of winning the National Show Jumping Championships (1.20–1.30m) with MF Lexicon and the National Eventing title with MF Titan. I was also selected as reserve to represent New Zealand in show jumping and competed in the South Island vs Victoria team.
Other highlights include winning the Springston Trophy on MF I Spy and taking out both of my three* eventing starts.
I am based in Christchurch and operate Sonya Benison Equestrian, where I work as a rider, coach, and trainer. I specialise in eventing, show jumping, and dressage, with a strong focus on starting and producing young performance horses.
Holly Hanson (Class of 2018) – Dressage and Showing
Since finishing at Rangi Ruru in 2022, I have continued to pursue my passion for equestrian sport alongside my studies in Psychology and Sport Management at university. I am currently working with two horses at different stages of their careers.
My top horse, Odie, is competing at Level 7 and has been a very special partner, with us earning both the Under 25 Level 5 and Level 6 National Titles. Alongside him, I have a young horse, SF Fürstin Star (Freya), now training at Level 4 and beginning her competitive career in the show ring, where she has been gaining confidence and enjoying success.
With Freya, highlights include Grand Champion Paced & Mannered Horse and Grand Champion Adult Rider at the Wānaka A&P Show, along with Champion and Supreme titles at Northern A&P, Ashburton A&P, and the Christchurch Royal Show. She was also named Overall Winner of the 2025 Spring Series Show Horse.
It has been incredibly rewarding to develop a young horse while continuing to compete at a higher level, and I feel very fortunate to be supported by my coach, family, and the wider equestrian community. The Equestrian Sports New Zealand High Performance programme has been an integral part of this process over the past three years, supporting my development through both training and wider educational opportunities.