Alan Duncan won’t be back to defend his Hygain Feeds Supreme Saddle Hunter Horse of the Year (over 148cm) title this year . . . but he'll definitely be making his presence felt at the show.

The Rotorua real estate agent last year rode Commodore (owned by Aliesha Deans) to victory, surprising many.

"It was a great thing to win," he says. "I wasn’t even supposed to be competing! I got talked into riding again and I was lucky to have such a lovely horse to ride."

Duncan is no stranger to shows  but he is usually there in a supportive role for wife Shona and daughters Kelsey and Ashley.

Until last year, Duncan hadn’t been seen in a ring for quite some time.

"I have always just helped Shona and the girls, so I guess I just popped out of the woodwork! I competed right up into my early 20s and then gave it a miss for a number of years before coming back into showing 20 years ago or so. I did a little round the ring jumping and then Shona came along. Many people didn’t realise I even rode!"

This year though, Duncan is on the other side of things, as a judge.

It is the first time the list one internationally-ranked judge has judged at HOY.

"I am really looking forward to it." 

PHOTO CREDIT: Lesley Warwick/Show Shots