New Zealand's premier equestrian showpiece the Land Rover Horse of the Year Show held in Hawke's Bay is set to host its biggest line-up ever this March, boasting some of the hottest names in world eventing.
The 'power couple' of world eventing - current Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials winner Tim Price and his Badminton-winning wife Jonelle are returning home with the help of The True Honey Co. to spur on the crowds at the event's new Burghley Day.
The Prices will be joined as headline acts across the week by fellow Olympians Blyth Tait and Jock Paget.
Burghley Day (March 16) Presented by Höpt Soda will see Hastings' Discovery Gardens transformed into a 'Baby Burghley' featuring iconic Burghley cross country Jumps, British food trucks, a Beefeater Pink Gin Bar, pop-up Höpt Soda 'Hoptail Bar' and authentic Burghley theming.
Anticipation is already building to see two of the world's top ten eventers in action. Tim Price is currently 3rd in the world FEI Eventing rankings while wife Jonelle sits 7th – her podium finishes earning her a Halberg Sportswoman of the Year nomination.
It's the first time the pair has returned home to New Zealand to compete since 2004 and their inclusion in the line-up was a 'must have' for event director Dave Mee.
"It could be argued many Kiwis underestimate the talent of our top eventers. The cross-country fences these guys and girls face would question anyone's courage. To have such a dedicated and talented young couple like Tim and Jonelle flying our flag on the world stage is great for New Zealand and great for the sport.
"We thought, let's celebrate their achievements by bringing them home to compete. This is our chance as a country to salute and really make a fuss of what they've accomplished."
VIP entertainment during the week of March 12-17 is highly sought after and includes the glamourous Hall of Fame cocktail party, Bayleys Business Lunch, family fun Friday night Hastings Heart of Hawke's Bay Extravaganza and finale events the G.H. Mumm Chamgpagne Cross Country Lunch (Saturday 16th March) and Cup Day (Sunday 17th March).
55,000 people will make an annual pilgrimage to the show, to take in its shopping, wine and food villages and salivating assortment of hospitality experiences. Along with world-class equestrian competition, this six day spectacle is an event like no other.
For tickets and for more information head to: www.hoy.kiwi.