Treats in-store at final day of HOY

Wet weather is not expected to dampen the mood at the final day of Horse of the Year. PHOTO/DUNCAN BROWN

Hundreds of people are already making the most of the final day of the 2017 Horse of the Year show today.

Crowds are gathering at the Hawke's Bay showgrounds to enjoy their last chance to watch world-class competition, browse equestrian stalls and enjoy a family day out.

Saturday tickets are still valid today, where spectators can witness the prestigious Olympic Cup and Dressage Horse of the Year title, as well as the Pony of the Year and Junior Rider of the Year showjumping classes.

Event director Dave Mee said they were "looking forward to a big day today".

"We're extremely pleased there's no rain. The ground is starting to dry up quite well which will be good for the competition, and everythings open and operating," he said.

While conditions had improved, he advised those coming to the show today to bring gumboots.

Metservice forecast showers would clear this morning. However rain would develop this afternoon, possibly becoming heavy and thundery. It will be a balmy day with a high of 26C expected.

A severe weather watch has also been issued for the ranges, where a lot of rainfall is expected to fall over a short period this afternoon.

Torrential rain and flooding at the showgrounds yesterday did not dampen spirits, even for the 3000 people camping on the grounds.

Conditions yesterday forced the cancellation of the cross country phase of the eventing and showjumping in all arenas.

WHAT'S IN STORE TODAY

Dressage - Premier Dressage Arena from 8.00am

Show Jumping - all arenas from 8.30am

Para-Equestrian - Premier Dressage Arena / Polo Grounds from 7.30am

Pleasure Horse - Showing Arena from 10.00am - 3:00pm

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS

Farmlands Pony of the Year - Land Rover Premier Arena - 10:30am - 12:00pm

Olympic Cup - Land Rover Premier Arena - 2.15pm - 3:30pm

Fiber Fresh Junior Rider of the Year - Alltech Arena One - 8:30am - 11:00am

Harrison Lane Horse Championship 1.25m -Alltech Arena One - 11:30am - 12:30pm

Aspiring Rider 16-21yrs - Alltech Arena One 1:00pm - 2:30pm

NZ Speed Horse of the Year 1:30 - Alltech Arena One - 3:00pm - 3:50pm

NZ Speed Pony of the Year - Show Jumping Arena Three 2:00pm - 3:00pm

FEI Grand Prix Freestyle 2009 (Non Title)- Premier Dressage Arena - 8.00am - 10.00am

CDIY FEI Young Rider Freestyle 2009 (Title) - Premier Dressage Arena -10.00am - 10:18am

Level 8 Intermediate Freestyle (Title) - Premier Dressage Arena - 10.30am - 11.50am

GJ Gardner Homes CDI *** FEI Grand Prix Freestyle 2009 (Title) - Premier Dressage Arena -12:10pm - 1:20pm