Fashion, food and fine champagne are on the menu at the Land Rover Horse of the Year (HOY), in a bid to offer more social and hospitality options at the country's premier equine event.
HOY hospitality liaison Maria Gourlie said glitz and glamour was the name of the game at this year's Cup Day on Sunday, March 18, when people were encouraged to don their glad rags to enjoy the Olympic Cup action.
Mrs Gourlie said this was the first year the social event had been run, based on the likes of the popular Hawke's Bay race days.
"We're dipping our toes in the water this year, but we think all the ingredients will attract people to dress up and come along and enjoy the social atmosphere."
She said the afternoon party would be held in a marquee that would be situated five metres within the premier arena so people could be up close to the best show jumping riders in Australasia at the Olympic Cup.