It's all about entertainment

GONE: Former Horse of the Year director Kevin Hansen is now based in Australia. PHOTO FILE

Former Horse of the Year director Kevin Hansen may have left the role and these shores but through his new company Equine Productions is creating more events that will feed into HOY, providing more opportunities for riders to compete and the public to enjoy equine-based entertainment.

Mr Hansen, through his company Event Pro, stepped down as HOY show director after 18 years early in 2015 after the high-profile show's event management was tendered, subsequently picked up by current event director Dave Mee.

Now based in Melbourne, he, son Andrew Hansen and Australian business partner Rod Lockwood have been busy with new events such as Equitana and Equifest that are taking an innovative approach to boost the popularity of equestrian shows like Horse of the Year, and taking them to an international level.

Andrew Hansen said the next event the company is preparing for is Equifest, to be held in Sydney from March 29 to April 2.

It will feature some of Australasia's best show jumping and dressage competitors, including some who will be competing in Hastings next month, he said.

"It's very exciting for the Kiwis to be able to travel and take part in that trans-Tasman competition."

Another event being run in Auckland in November, Equitana, will provide another New Zealand-based opportunity for competitors and spectators, he added.

"It will work with Horse of the Year - it's an elite competition that people come to get the whole equine experience, watching the best and learning from the best."

This week, HOY board director Tim Aitken said a focus for this year's show had been on creating events that would attract a wider audience, and Mr Hansen said this was an example of the changing face of all sporting events.

"You see it in cricket with events like the 20/20 competition - it's all about entertainment and showmanship - all these sporting events are having to find ways to make it exciting and get better bang for their buck."