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A petition has been kicked off in an effort to keep the popular Crusaders’ match-day horses on the field at Christchurch’s new covered stadium.
The club said the confined layout around the field meant the six horses, which have led out the Crusaders at every home game since 1996, could not operate without risk.
The petition, which had over 400 signatures this afternoon, says the horses are a tradition “deeply tied” to the identity of the club and its supporters.
“For nearly 30 years, the horses have been more than just a pre-game spectacle,” it reads.
“Conquest of Paradise ringing out over the loudspeakers, those horses running around the field while the crowd stand and cheer, creating long-lasting memories for children and adults alike.”
The Crusaders confirmed on Tuesday that the horses will be retired because the new ground is too cramped for them to run safely.
The petition also says fans have already seen other changes to the club’s identity, including the loss of the Crusaders logo.
“For many supporters, this feels like more than change - it feels like parts of the club’s identity and shared memories being slowly removed.
“Now, another long-standing part of match-day history is at risk of being lost.”
It says it understands the realities of modern stadiums, but the tradition carries “emotional and cultural value” that cannot be replaced or dismissed.
The petition aims to see the horses recognised as an important part of the club’s identity, and a commitment to keeping them in future.
“This is about protecting what makes Crusaders rugby feel like Crusaders rugby - not just a team, but a legacy built over decades.”
In 2019, the Crusaders underwent a full review of their name and brand in the wake of the Christchurch mosque terror attacks which left 51 dead, prompting many fans to question the appropriateness of the team’s name.
Historically, the crusades were a series of religious and political wars between Christians and Muslims fought in the 11th and 13th centuries.
The name was labelled by many as offensive and inappropriate, especially at a time when the Muslim community and the rest of the country were reeling from the devastating attack.
The branding and pre-game mascots, which featured knights riding on horseback in chainmail, were also criticised.
After the brand review, the swords were removed from the Crusaders’ branding entirely.
