Plenty to see at HOY

L-R Julieanne Baynes (campmother) talks with fellow Winton team mate Tracey Stuart, Horse of the Year (HOY), Hawke's Bay Showgrounds, Hastings. PHOTO/BUCKLAND

For seven year-old Isla Ericsson coming to Farmlands Horse of the Year at Hawke's Bay A&P Show is something of a dream.

While she has a horse of her own at her Wanganui home, coming to the annual premier equestrian event stokes her passion to eventually compete in an event herself.

"I like watching the horses," she said.

Her mum, Toni Ericsson said her daughter was obsessed with Amanda Wilson - one of the sisters from the television programme, Keeping up with the Kaimanawas, who returns to the show herself each year.

Ms Ericsson said she had been enjoying the shopping and usually looked forward to the night market which not only sold equestrian gear but also showcased some of Hawke's Bay's finest foods and produce.

Neither herself, nor her friend Chrissy Chambers who had brought her 10 year-old son, Coby, to the show competed but both agreed they enjoyed making the journey down to camp out for two nights.

Coby said he had two horses back home and coming to the show year after year was equally as thrilling for him.

The two mothers had a number of bursting bags in tow and we're just purchasing something else for Isla's pony.

The clouds had finally cleared and the sun was out for the third day of competitions and more people could be seen milling around the stall areas.

Once again riders and their horses, spectators and coaches are in for a jam-packed day with events running from 8am to 6pm tonight.

One key event today is the Bayer New Zealand Lady Rider of the Year.

Another special event set for 6.30pm tonight is the Hall of Fame Gala Dinner dubbed the event for equestrian royalty.

At the event the achievements of the next Hall of Fame inductee will be celebrated, as well as a three course meal and live music.