The superstars of the New Zealand eventing scene will have their time to shine at the Land Rover Horse of the Year Show this morning, when the dressage takes place, followed by the crosscountry tomorrow morning, and the final showjumping phase on Sunday morning.
Clarke Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation, the 2016 Eventer of the Year, who went on to place sixth and best of the Kiwis at the Rio Olympics, heads a strong line-up of 23 entries in the CIC3* class vying for the 2018 title. This class is part of the year-long ESNZ Eventing Super League series.
An impressive line up of overseas officials will be judging this year, with the Ground Jury comprised of Christian Landolt, from Switzerland, and Annabel Scrimgeour from England, both of whom have judged at the highest level throughout the world. They are joined by Helen Christie, from Southland, who has extensive overseas experience.
Read more: New features set to raise the bar for Hawke's Bay's Horse of the Year
Horse of the Year show kicks off at Tomoana Showgrounds, Hastings
All hands on deck for Horse of the Year show in Hawke's Bay
Second day done and dusted for Land Rover Horse of the Year
Course designer Chris Ross, of Helensville, is making his mark with several highly regarded crosscountry courses. Ross worked with the team who built the Olympic track at Rio. The technical delegate is Christian Persson, who has officiated throughout Europe.
