Horse show on track to grow

SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: Cynthia Bowers, HOY board chairwoman (left), and Toni O'Kane, Equestrian competitions manager, pictured at the Hawke's Bay showgrounds in Hastings. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR

Hawke's Bay's biggest equestrian show is set to become even bigger with a new team at the helm of the premiere Australasian horse show.

Horse of the Year (HOY) is worth $12 million to the Bay, making it the event that generates the greatest economic benefits for the region.

In sum, next year's $2.5 million event will see 2600 horses ridden by 1800 riders on 28 arenas in front of 84,000 spectators, all of whom will be assisted by 400 volunteers.

According to organisers there will also be 8000sq/m of shopping.

HOY Board chairwoman Cynthia Bowers said this event was "hugely important" to Hawke's Bay.

"The last economic impact study, that was done for the 2014 Show, showed that it has an economic impact of just over $12 million," she said.

"For Hawke's Bay that is pretty significant really and very significant for Hastings.

"But it is important for New Zealand, too, as it is billed as being the biggest equestrian event in Australasia."

HOY chief executive officer Dave Mee said preparations for the event were right on track.

SMC Event, which is headed by Mr Mee, was chosen last June to manage the event, replacing long-time HOY frontman Kevin Hansen.

Mr Mee has managed major national events including the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon, the Ellerslie International Flower Show, Big Boys Toys and Auckland's ASB Polyfest, which attracts 90,000 spectators over four days.

"Within four months and preparation wise we are really pleased with where we are at," he said.

"Plans are advanced to where we think they should be at the moment.

"There is nothing that is worrying us at the moment in regards to the organisation."

Earlier this year HOY Equestrian competition manager Toni O'Kane said she was passionate about the event staying in the Bay, where it belongs.

Mrs O'Kane plans to acknowledge the foundation past events have laid while moving it forward.

She wants to "jazz up" the entertainment for next year's show as in previous years it "hasn't been what it could and should be".

Ms Bowers said she was satisfied Mr Mee and his team were going to deliver a really good event.

"Certainly we are looking to ensure that the competition is of a really high standard," she said.

"But what I am really hoping for is a show that is better than the past three shows that the HOY has been involved in.

"I am excited about it all."

At the end of the day Ms Bowers said she wants a successful HOY.

"From a board perspective I guess what that means initially is fine weather and a profitable show," she said.

"Also, there are a lot of things that go into making a profitable and successful show. It means good competitor numbers, a good number of trade sights - All the ingredients that go into making a great show."