Families settle in at showgrounds as thousands flock in from afar for Horse of Year

The Fitzsimons family (from left to right) Annabel, Michael, Ella and Katie travelled from Christchurch with their three horses for Horse of the Year. Photo/Duncan Brown

In a matter of days the expansive grass area of the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds was transformed into a makeshift city set to host thousands of people at the 2017 Horse of the Year.

Hailing from Christchurch the Fitzsimons family were just some of many who have travelled for days to spend this week competing at the event.

Annabel and Michael Fitzsimons packed up their three horses into their horse trailer early last Friday morning and hit the road with their two daughters for the journey up to Hawke's Bay.

"It was pretty serious, especially with the Kaikoura earthquakes it made it even worse. We had to go up through the middle of the island which was about an hour-and-a-half longer," Mrs Fitzsimons said.

While the family had been coming to the show for a long time this year was only their second time bringing along horses to compete.

"You have to qualify . . . and then to come here is extremely expensive and a big commitment from my husband and all of us," she said.

"It's great. It makes you proud that you've actually qualified to get here. It's a big thing and you hope to do well."

In a normal day at Horse of the Year, Mrs Fitzsimons says, she feeds and waters the horses, mucks out and even goes for a ride all before she has breakfast.

Much of yesterday afternoon was spent preparing 9 year-old Katie for today's competition in the Welsh Section on Kokako Gold'n'Silk, known as "Sparky" in the paddock.

Mrs Fitzsimons was busy organising for today's competition and all the while preparing for her own showing events.

"Showing is a beauty contest. It's kind of like a Miss Universe contest. The horse has got to be beautiful, move nicely, be elegant, behave impeccably and catch your eye," she said.

While such high standards are a "big ask", she said her horses Taittinger and Totally Confidential had the potential to win ribbons.

"Oh yeah, I hope I get ribbons. That's why you come," she said.

And while Horse of the Year is the big event they travelled hundreds of kilometres for, the family still manage to get out and about in the Bay.

"We love Napier, Havelock North and getting up the peak," Mrs Fitzsimons said