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2015 Farmlands Horse of the Year Show Not to be Missed
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A little down time for a competitor at at the 2014 show. Photograph by Kerry Marshall, Kampic
There are changes aplenty at the 2015 Farmlands Hose of the Year Show, but director Kevin Hansen is confident they will make for an improved event for all.
It's getting towards the business end of preparations for the show. Hansen and his Event-Pro team have knocked out a full-on year in preparation for the 17th consecutive HOY in Hawke's Bay.
Other big events around Australasia may be struggling, but Hansen says HOY's sponsorship is “tracking along just fine”.
“It's a tough old game out there,” he says, “but we are doing reasonably well. This is an event that people know will deliver – it's recognised throughout the horse world, attracts the best horses and riders, and is New Zealand's pinnacle.”
It will cost $2.1 million to put on the 2015 show. That's slightly down on 2014's figure mainly due to the cross country at the showgrounds now built, the absence of a visiting Chinese showjumping team, an extensive health and safety plan in place and a few other tweaks.
Hansen says health and safety is huge priority for the show.
“We clamped down on a lot for the 2014 show, and those rules will be strictly adhered to in 2015. Our biggest aim is to keep everyone safe at HOY.”
That includes road rules applying throughout the showgrounds.
“We are very pro-active in identifying hazards around the grounds. One of those was the lack of helmets being worn by those on motorised bikes, and the age of some of those riding them.”
That means if you don't have a licence, you can't ride a motorised bike at the grounds.
Showgoers will notice a few discrete shifts around the grounds too, with the bar and VIP areas moving to the grandstand, even more trade sites and arenas also moved.
Trade interest continues to be very strong, and Hansen was buoyed by comments from Kiwis and Australians at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, that the shopping at HOY remained the best.
“That was nice to hear,” says Hansen with a chuckle. “The whole showgrounds are very, very full and even though we have managed to increase the number of stands, we still have a waiting list. The 2014 VIP area opposite the grandstand is now full of trade sites.”
Entertainment has also had a shake-up, with finer details due to be released soon.
“And we will definitely have plenty of food for sale and toilets on site to make it a comfortable and fun show for all.”
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