Businesswoman, Horsewoman and Mum Backs Super Classic

Trudi Duncan knows the horse industry inside and out. She’s been a rider, an owner at the highest level, on executives and committees, and always a huge supporter of the sport.

This time she has stepped up her business Gyro Plastics as a gold sponsor of the inaugural Cartown Kiwi Super Classic.

“We all know it gets harder and harder to put on a show,” says Trudi, “and even harder to make a show economically viable. I had a bit of involvement in Horse of the Year when Kevin (Hansen) was running it and the group who followed through my time on the show hunter executive.”

She knows exactly what a good “show vibe” could be like and she’s hoping the new show on the block will deliver just that.

“Manfield is on my back doorstep and I have been really hoping to see this facility develop and be utilised more. I was pretty excited when I heard Kevin was coming in as I know he has always been energised to get things off the ground. He always has a good rallying cry!”

Gyro Plastics is a family business that Trudi bought off her father around 15 years ago. It manufactures products for the electrical infrastructure industry from its Feilding base. Alongside this, Trudi also manages their other family businesses Delta Stock Crates and Nationwide Stock Crates which manufacture stock crates for livestock transport out of Mount Maunganui, Feilding and Timaru.

Her world is very busy, but that’s always the norm. Trudi got into horses as a youngster. While she came from a non-horsey family it was on the back of friends having ponies that she found herself in the thick of it and successful to boot.

Trudi Duncan out on the hunting field with her daughter. Photo by Petapix

“It ended up becoming a bit of a family hobby,” says Trudi.

Show hunter was where she found her groove after discovering that “high and fast” didn’t suit her. That’s not to say she didn’t have horses that were super at that game.

“Having our horse Apollo van Evendael travel to the States to represent New Zealand at the World Champs with Maurice Beatson was a highlight I will never forget.”

Her eyes were opened to the overseas horse show experience too. “I competed a little in Colorado for a short time while I was there visiting Apollo and in Europe working for Grant Wilson.”

For some years she sat on the Show Hunter Waitmata Committee, was on the executive, going on to become the chair. She also sat on the jumping board. “I feel I got a good look at how challenging it was to keep things running behind the scenes.”

She’s still riding but these days is more likely to be found on the hunt or on the sidelines watching her own children compete.

“I have visions of returning to the show hunter ring but for now, I am content with judging show hunter including judging at the Horse of the Year, which is a real pleasure.”

Trudi is mum to four. Her oldest Isabella (10) is in her second season riding and competing successfully in show hunter. “I am very much enjoying being a pony mum and have met a great bunch of parents who have supported us in joining the travelling show hunter community after so many years out of it.”

Kiwi Super Classic show director Kevin Hansen has nothing but admiration for Trudi’s drive. “It is great to have successful people and businesses backing our show,” he says. “I know Gyro Plastics will be part of our plan to make Manfeild Park an equestrian venue of choice in the future.”

For more information on Gyro Plastics, head to https://www.gyroplastics.com/ 

WHAT: Cartown Kiwi Super Classic

WHEN: December 19-21, 2025

WHERE: Manfeild Park, Feilding

Words by Diana Dobson - The Black Balloon