Horse of the Year 'lot more than just equestrian event'

New Zealand's premier equestrian event is just around the corner - with the official launch of Horse of the Year last night.

Hosted at Ngatarawa Wines, event supporters enjoyed fine wines and nibbles, mingled with equestrians, and watched as horses and their Woodford House riders strolled around the grounds.

Napier mayor Bill Dalton and Hastings councillor Malcolm Dixon were also at the event to represent their respective councils - both supporters of the event.

With only five days to go, last night events director David Mee said he and his team were working hard, and looking forward to the event.

He told the crowd about the experience they would enjoy at the 2017 Horse of the Year Show.

People could look forward to a "top-shelf" competition - with about 1500 riders and thousands of horses taking part in the week-long show, competing in 14 disciplines.

The show will also feature events such as the Friday Night Extravaganza, Woodford House Cross Country Brunch and Olympic Cup. However the week-long show would also offer punters entertainment, shopping, and delicious food and wine.

While they wanted to retain the essence of the event, Mr Mee said they also wanted to attract the wider public - with events including a dessert degustation with Australia's most celebrated patissier, Adriano Zumbo, and a wine tasting involving four vineyards.

"The equestrian side is solid like its always been," he said. "But it's not only a horse show, its the best horse show in the country, and there's a whole lot more".

"That's the message that we're trying to get across that you don't have to be a hardcore equestrian to enjoy it. And if you're a hard core equestrian you're definitely going to enjoy it."

"We're feeling really positive," he said.

This was echoed by Horse of the Year Hawke's Bay board chairwoman Cynthia Bowers, who said "we're on track to have a wonderful event".

The premier equestrian event brings about $12.5 million to the Hawke's Bay economy and has garnered praise from top equestrians all over the world.

However, it faced criticism last year after incurring a $170,000 loss - meaning prudent insurance measures were taken this year.

Mr Mee said he did not think any negative publicity last year had detracted from the 2017 event.

"The general feel and view is very positive about HOY," he said.

- The Horse of the Year takes place from March 7-12 at Hawke's Bay A&P showgrounds. Single and multi-day tickets are still available for the event online at hoy.kiwi.