A new and enthusiastic committee has taken up the reins for the 2005 Horse of the Year Showing section.

First of all thanks to all those competitors who responded to the questionnaire. Acting on feedback and suggestions from respondents, various alterations to the schedule have been made to facilitate some of the many requests on riders wish-lists.

Some competitors questioned the need to have a five-day show but with most riders enjoying the lead-up classe, it has proved difficult to reduce the current format and timetable. Spectators who work during the week certainly appear to enjoy watching show horses and ponies at the weekend. There is a choice to be made. Either the show section reverts back to scheduling fewer classes featuring elite performers only or it maintains the present 'feel good factor' brought about by being able to award ribbons to a larger nmber of competitors.

Amongst innovations being implemented for 2005 is the introduction of a Hanoverian section. The committee welcomes and encourages new groups to become part of the season finale, as new entries are in effect, the lifeblood of the show.

The committee has invited a panel of very experienced judges from Germany and Australia who will team up with some of our own recpected adjudicators to find this years winners.

The new 'User Friendly' schedule on this web site and in the NZ Equestrian magazine has engendered favourable comment.

We are all aware of how lucky we are to have such a wonderful venue for the HOY and look forward to meeting friends both old and new.