Meet the Wallingford Equine Team
Gareth Dunkerley
Horses were always going to be a great influence in my life. My mother was a keen horse woman and her cousin Tony Webb represented New Zealand in Europe on his wonderful New Zealand bred horse Reservation.
I first became aware of Wallingford Station as a very young child when mum took me to the Wallingford Sports each year hosted on the old cricket grounds at Wallingford. After many years visiting Wallingford John Ormond invited me to the house for a drink. I fell in love with the homestead and gardens and all the wonderful NZ history that surrounds it. I knew that one day I would be spending more time at this wonderful property.
Lisa coupe
Wallingford Equine is excited to be working along side the very talented rider Lisa Coupe. Lisa began riding at an early age, and turned to showjumping in her early teens. She is a former National Young Rider champion, represented New Zealand in numerous teams as a Young Rider and later as a Senior at Trans-Tasman, Tri-Nations and Nations Cup level.
Lisa has produced numerous horses to Grand Prix level, and has won many young horse titles and classes both in New Zealand and abroad. She is a two time winner of ‘Lady rider of the year’ at the New Zealand Horse of the Year show. Lisa has also won the Norwood Gold Cup and competed successfully to 4**** level internationally whilst based in Europe.
Since returning from a riding focused career in Europe, Lisa has established an equestrian coaching and training business here in New Zealand with a focus of helping riders reach their goals and training and producing horses for competition and sale.
While still planning European and other overseas riding and training stints Lisa appreciates that the New Zealand lifestyle is the best place to bring up her son Finn.
Lisa’s future hopes are to represent New Zealand again on the World Stage.
Rhianna Marshal (Rhi) Stud Groom
Rhi has been working in the thoroughbred breeding industry for 22 years. During that time she has been a broodmare manager at Trelawny Stud, yearling preparation at Coolmore Stud in Australia and has worked two breeding seasons in Ireland. Most of her career has been spent focused on foaling, educating and working with young horses.
Rhi moved to Matamata in 2010 with her partner and two sons Kaden and Jacob. Family is a big focus for Rhi and she enjoys getting away on family adventures and spending time with her boys.
Travel has always been a passion and Rhi hopes to do more overseas trips once the boys are older. She also misses her riding and is looking forward to having the time to get back in the saddle one day.