Celia Pickens Obituary-Death: Veteran New Zealand Horsewoman Dies in Fatal Showjumping Accident

PAPATOETOE, Auckland, New Zealand — Celia Pickens, a respected and experienced member of New Zealand’s equestrian community, has died following a showjumping accident at Papatoetoe Pony Club on Sunday, October 18, 2026. She was in her 60s.

Her death has brought sadness to fellow riders, friends and members of the wider equestrian community, where she had been a familiar presence for decades. Tributes from Show Jumping Waitematā and Equestrian Sports New Zealand have remembered Pickens as a dedicated horsewoman, loyal supporter, determined competitor and cherished friend.

Pickens remained active in the sport she loved, continuing to compete and share her experience with younger generations of riders. Her passing has left a significant void among those who knew her through competitions, horses and years of shared experiences in the showjumping world.

Remembering Celia Pickens and Her Love of Horses

For Celia Pickens, horses were more than a hobby. They were at the centre of her life and a source of lasting connection with friends and fellow competitors.

In a tribute reported by the New Zealand Herald, Show Jumping Waitematā described Pickens as a familiar and much-loved figure who had been part of the equestrian world through generations of horses, riders and competitions.

The organisation remembered her as someone with grit, resilience and a generous spirit. She was known for her determination and independence, qualities that helped make her a distinctive presence at events.

Her passion for showjumping remained strong throughout her later years. Even as an experienced competitor, she continued to participate and challenge younger riders, demonstrating her enduring enthusiasm for the sport.

A Respected Competitor in the Showjumping Community

Pickens enjoyed competing at Woodhill Sands and was particularly associated with the Masters League, where she and her horse Coco were remembered fondly by fellow equestrians.

Show Jumping Waitematā highlighted the pair in its tribute, recalling their appearances in competition and the impression they made on those watching.

Beyond her competitive ability, Pickens was remembered for her willingness to help others. She was described as someone ready to lend a hand and support the people around her, reflecting a generous nature that extended beyond the arena.

A photographer from Shots Photography, who had photographed Pickens at equestrian events over the years, also remembered her as a lovely and cheeky woman.

These recollections paint a picture of a rider whose influence extended beyond results and competition. Her personality, commitment and familiarity made her an important part of the community she loved.

Fatal Showjumping Accident in Papatoetoe

According to reporting published by the New Zealand Herald on October 22, 2026, Pickens died following an accident at a showjumping event held at Papatoetoe Pony Club on Sunday, October 18.

The accident took place in Auckland, on New Zealand’s North Island, rather than Christchurch on the South Island as suggested in some circulating headlines.

The precise circumstances of the accident have not been established in the sources reviewed for this article. No further details about how the incident occurred should be assumed without an official statement.

Her death has prompted condolences from members of the equestrian community, including Equestrian Sports New Zealand, which acknowledged her as a valued member of the sport and extended sympathy to her family, friends and fellow competitors.

Celia Pickens Personal Details

Celia Pickens Death and Accident Details

Tributes From New Zealand’s Equestrian Community

Following Pickens’ death, Show Jumping Waitematā shared a tribute reflecting on her decades of involvement in the sport and the relationships she had built along the way.

The organisation described her as a true character, a loyal supporter and a wonderful horsewoman. Its message conveyed how difficult it would be to imagine future competitions without her familiar presence.

Equestrian Sports New Zealand also expressed condolences to her family, friends and fellow competitors, acknowledging the wider community affected by the loss.

The tributes reflect not only the sadness surrounding her death but also the respect she earned through years of dedication, competition and friendship.

For riders who shared arenas with Pickens, and for those who knew her through their mutual love of horses, her absence will be deeply felt.

Funeral and Memorial Information

As of the latest reports reviewed, specific funeral arrangements and memorial service details for Celia Pickens had not been confirmed.

Any information regarding a funeral, memorial gathering or family tribute should be added when announced by her family or an authorised funeral provider. Readers seeking updates should consult official statements from the family or the relevant equestrian organisations.

A Lasting Legacy in Showjumping

Celia Pickens will be remembered as a dedicated horsewoman whose enthusiasm for showjumping endured throughout her life. Her continued participation, love of her horses and willingness to help fellow riders made her a valued member of the equestrian community.

Her partnership with Coco, her Masters League appearances and her presence at venues such as Woodhill Sands will remain part of the memories shared by those who knew her.

Although her life ended following a tragic accident, the tributes to Pickens reflect the lasting impression she made on fellow competitors and friends.

For New Zealand’s equestrian community, her passing marks the loss of a familiar and much-loved figure whose passion for horses never faded.

Disclaimer

This article is based on reporting published by the New Zealand Herald and tributes attributed to Show Jumping Waitematā and Equestrian Sports New Zealand. The reported accident occurred at Papatoetoe Pony Club in Auckland, not Christchurch. The precise circumstances of the accident, personal family details and funeral arrangements have not been independently confirmed in the sources reviewed. Further details should be added only when supported by reliable official information.