Equestrian: Olympic riders at Taupo event

About 800 horses will be tackling jumps and obstacles during New Zealand's largest show jumping event, held in Taupo.

The Taupo Show Jumping Extravaganza will take place this week from Thursday to Sunday and will feature Olympic riders Katie McVean, Samantha McIntosh and Maurice Beatson.

The equestrian event has been running for more than 20 years and will climax with the Fiber Fresh Grand Prix on Saturday from 4.30pm, which includes the Bayer World Cup and Super League series.

Show director Geordie Bull said the extravaganza catered for everyone and was being held at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre.

"It's a really fun show with a great Christmas feel about it. Riders, officials, volunteers, sponsors and spectators always seem to love coming along to the festivities at the Christmas Classic," he said. "We have classes for everyone. From kids on ponies at their first recognised jumping event to adult amateurs as well as the country's best world cup riders."

The final day will see riders raising the tempo and speed as the challenge is on to find the National Show Jumping Derby champion.

This competition requires riders to tackle an extended course of show jumping fences and natural obstacles, while riding against the clock.

More than 400 riders are expected to take part in the four-day event, which runs from about 9am to 6pm each day.

Aside from the jumping competitions there is plenty of other entertainment on offer, including Santa arriving on Friday.

Spectators are welcome, trade and food stands are available or bring a picnic. Entry is free.