The first ever parade of stallions will be held just when everyone is heading to the prestigious Hall of Fame dinner on Thursday evening.

Parade organiser Lisa Beck is promising a parade with a difference, featuring only the cream of the crop of stallions from throughout the disciplines. She plans to lead out with her 12-year-old coloured stallion Samista. Beck, who has not long moved to New Zealand from the United Kingdom, has had plenty of experience with stallion parades. “ Historically, they’re not too exciting,” she says. “Well, we’re about to change that!”

Some of the stallions will be in hand, while others will be doing short displays. All riders and handlers are expected to be dressed to suit the stallion’s discipline.

Beck is encouraging people to get their entries in so plans can be finalised for what promises to be one of the highlights of the 2012 show.