A tree branch coming down and the threat of strong wind gusts didn’t stop the thousands of horse-mad revellers strutting their stuff at one of New Zealand’s most revered equestrian events on Tuesday.
The iconic Land Rover Horse of the Year event, which costs about $2.5 million to put on, has been cancelled three years on the trot thanks to Covid and Cyclone Gabrielle.
Cross-country, show jumping and dressage events were all on the menu for the eager equestrians over the six days of fun, as well as plenty of food and drink.
Hawke’s Bay Today photographer Paul Taylor was there to capture some of the action on day one of the event’s triumphant return.
