Horse of the Year cancelled

Horse of the Year has been cancelled for 2026. Photo / Connull Lang

Horse of the Year, one of Hastings’ biggest annual events, has been cancelled.

Organisers say they could not secure the funding required to deliver the nation’s premier equestrian event.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Horse of the Year (HOY) board, which said sustained increases in operational costs, combined with reduced commercial and trade revenue, had made the March 2026 show “financially unviable”.

They said the show, one of New Zealand’s largest sporting celebrations, cost about $2.2 million to put on.

The annual gathering draws thousands of riders, supporters, spectators and tradespeople to the Tōmoana Showgrounds and contributes millions of dollars to the local economy.

HOY board chair Tim Aitken said his team had worked extensively to find a solution.

“This was an incredibly tough call, but we could not deliver the show to the standard expected of a national flagship event,” Aitken said.

“We needed to make the decision before entries opened and before infrastructure, accommodation and other major commitments were locked in.”

Established in 1953, the Horse of the Year Show is considered the pinnacle of New Zealand’s equestrian calendar.

It spans 14 disciplines and is where some of the sport’s most prestigious national titles are won.

The event is regarded as a rite of passage for many riders and a showcase of top-level equestrian talent from here and abroad.

More than 400 volunteers, international judges and riders from across New Zealand and Australia contribute to the week-long competition.

Rights holder Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) said it remained committed to the long-term future of the event.

Chief executive Julian Bowden expressed confidence in a 2027 return.

“This is a devastating blow for our equestrian community, from riders to sponsors and of course our trade partners,” Bowden said.

“We will work collaboratively with key stakeholders to bring the show back in 2027. That will include assessing whether changes to the format may be needed to deliver the Horse of the Year experience in a more financially viable way.

Hastings has hosted the event for more than 20 years, but the show was not held between 2021 and 2023 due to Covid lockdowns and Cyclone Gabrielle, before returning in 2024.

Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said the cancellation would be felt widely.

“We are saddened not to welcome the national equestrian community in March 2026,” she said.

“The show delivers significant value to local businesses and the tourism economy, and provides enjoyment for our wider community.

“Hastings District Council remains a committed partner and we look forward to working with ESNZ to host the event again in 2027.”