Bareback ride sure to be a showstopper

Logan Massie and Kiwi Ludo competing at a Horse of the Year Show in Hastings.

One of the country's top free riders will perform on her mount without saddle or bridle at tomorrow's Horse of the Year Showcase.

Horses have always been part of Alycia Burton's life, growing up in the Far North. Her career as a public performer started by accident, when she posted a photo of her jumping her horse without any of the traditional aids.

She will ride Classic Goldrush, a horse with an "extra dose of personality", at the Horse of the Year showcase.

Another special guest, from Gisborne, is Tumanako "Tui" Teka. His horse Kingston, which he has described as "a real character", sits, bows, lies down and rolls over at the smallest signal of command.

Mounted Games riders, who take gymkhana sports to a whole new level, will also put on an action-packed display.

For those who want to get up close and personal, there will be horses to be petted, from the smallest miniatures to a Clydesdale.

The afternoon at Civic Square kicks off at 1pm with music, face painting, crafts, a bouncy castle and the "Great Wardini".

From 3pm the horse action will include demonstrations by Burton, Teka and the Mounted Games team, as well as a presentation on the work of the Leg Up Trust, which uses horses to help at-risk youth.

It's just days until the Farmlands Horse of the Year Show.

• General admission, multi-day and VIP tickets are still available through www.hoy.kiwi