German greats to lift Horse of Year

Event director Dave Mee, of SMC Events, the new company behind HOY, said such appointments are just one of the ways the new team plans to up the quality of the show. Photo / Warren Buckland

Hawke's Bay's premier horse show is hoofing it on to the world stage with a stellar cast that is set to include German equestrian greats Werner Deeg and Gotthilf Riexinger.

Next year's $2.5 million Farmlands Horse of the Year (HOY) will see 2600 horses ridden by 1800 riders on 28 arenas in front of 84,000 spectators, all of whom will be assisted by 400 volunteers. And, with the addition of the European riding stalwarts, event-goers will be in for a treat.

International showjumping course designer Mr Deeg is making his New Zealand debut while his countryman, Mr Riexinger, will be judging at the premier dressage arena.

Event director Dave Mee, of SMC Events, the new company behind HOY, said such appointments are just one of the ways the new team plans to up the quality of the show.

And with a CV that includes the Olympic Games and the European Championship for Mr Deeg, and five-star judge Mr Riexinger, a recipient of the highest German Equestrian honour - the Rider's Cross in Gold, they do just that.

HOY board chair Cynthia Bowers said she was thrilled about the appointment of the two men as it puts focus on the calibre of the competition.

"We are just delighted that we have been able to secure such internationally-renowned and well-qualified people," she said.

She said while HOY had attracted international course designers in years past, 2016 will lift the game of the event.

In addition to some big names, entertainment for the 2016 show will see plenty of change - a new Wine Village will bring the taste of Hawke's Bay to the showgrounds, while the Friday Night Extravaganza is in for a revamp and the HOY After Party will be back.

However, at the heart of it all is the priority on the equestrian experience.

"We want to improve the impact of the show on equestrians," said Mr Mee.

"We're very enthusiastic about the response so far."

It is also hoped the change in show dates to the first week in March, which appears to fit with the Australian show calendars, will encourage more combinations from across the ditch to attend.