Source: Radio New Zealand
Horse of The Year 2026 has been cancelled. (File photo) 123
The Horse of the Year show in Hawke’s Bay has been cancelled for 2026 due to a lack of financial support.
Held at the Hastings Showgrounds every March, it’s one of the largest equestrian events in the Southern Hemisphere, bringing in millions of dollars to the Hawke’s Bay economy.
Organisers said the decision was made by their board, shareholders Hastings District Council and Equestrian Sports New Zealand.
“Our small team has chased every avenue possible to secure financial support to meet sustained cost pressures that come alongside reduced commercial and trade partnership revenue.
“We are not alone in this struggle – numerous large scale entertainment all over the country have been cancelled in recent months. Without that financial buffer, we just don’t feel we can deliver the event to the standard expected of New Zealand’s premier equestrian show,” a spokesperson said.
Event organisers said they had to make the call now because December 1 was when schedules were due to go out and tickets went on sale.
“This is as devastating for our team as it is for everyone who loves the show as much as we do, but we will be back!
“Thank you to everyone who continues to support our show. We appreciate each and every one of you and let’s all look forward to hearing the HOY anthem ‘Stand up for the Champions’ in 2027.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
