This time next week the first ribbons will already have been presented at the 2014 NRM Horse of the Year Show in Hastings and the winner of our 4* Member competition will be looking forward to a day of VIP treatment on Saturday 22nd at the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds
For the first time ever, the cross country component of the eventing competition has been moved to the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds; it’s been a somewhat controversial move but course designer John Nicholson – brother of world number one eventer Andrew Nicholson – and competitors are all excited about the prospect.
The entire show will shut down on Saturday afternoon as a record field of competitors take on the course that winds its way throughout the showgrounds, including through the picturesque Waikoko Lake.
Rumour has it too that the event organiser Kevin Hansen is on the cusp of announcing an international superstar who will compete in the eventing. He or she will be joining two other stars at the biggest equestrian event in New Zealand - the current world champion showjumper Philippe Le Jeune of Belgium who will compete in the premier classes of the event and Sir Mark Todd who will captain the New Zealand team in the Country TV Tri Nations competition against China and Australia
So, who is the lucky winner of our two VIP passes? Congratulations to Amanda Douglas who will be enjoying gourmet BBQ food and sampling many of Hawke's Bay’s top wineries while enjoying a close up view of each horse and rider as they make their way through the challenging course.
Libby Law will be at the 2014 NRM Horse of the Year Show and bringing us daily photo galleries from what is going to be a very exciting event
