Listen to Rowena Duncum interview Horse of the Year board chair Tim Aiken on The Country below:
The HOY spokesperson said:
"We worked through all possible scenarios for Land Rover Horse of the Year 2021 during NZ's ever changing Covid19 situation.
"We know there is huge support for us to go ahead however there are many factors we have had to consider.
"These include financial implications for our show and its ongoing sustainability, the travel and time pressures for riders, the experience we can deliver for our riders and spectators, and most importantly of all, the health & wellbeing of everyone who attends the show."
The spokesperson said it was a "heart-breaking" decision to have to make, "particularly when the majority of our expense has already been incurred".
"We are truly devastated and send all our best wishes to our Land Rover Horse of the Year family from all corners of New Zealand.
"Rest assured we already have 2022 firmly in our sights and will come back bigger and better than ever."