The countdown to Hawke's Bay's annual Horse of the Year Show is officially on - with tickets now on sale and a former Olympian already keen to retake one of the main titles.
Now in its 66th year, the event is expected to attract 1500 riders and 1800 horses with equestrians from all over the country coming to Hastings for six days of action and competition from March 13.
Event organiser Dave Mee said he was looking forward to the 2018 event, describing it as not only a horse show, but the best horse show in the country.
"With such a strong local connection the show will be celebrating its 20th consecutive year in Hawke's Bay and is a highlight of the summer event calendar for equestrians and non-equestrians alike.
"The whole event will have a distinctly international flavour with judges, riders and course designers flying in from all over the world. Returning international course designer Werner Doug is looking forward to his third time at Horse of the Year, and he will be joined by other superstars in the equine world in both official and competitive capacities."
Locals will be drawn to the Friday Night Show which has been totally rethemed and will bring together elements of the community and country with an equestrian twist. High stakes competition, dazzling performances and top talent lead the way for this themed entertainment spectacular.
Mr Mee said classes build in importance and complexity as the week goes on, with the major titles awarded over the weekend. Saturday provides a crowd favourite with the cross-country course winding its way through the showgrounds in a unique opportunity to get up close to the action.
With Kiwi history rich in eventing success, national riders will be aiming to impress selectors for the 2018 World Equestrian Games later in the year, and many previous winners have gone onto international fame and fortune including the 2016 winner, London 2012 Olympian Clarke Johnstone, who has just returned from Adelaide, after winning the 4 star event there.
Sunday is the day that champions are crowned, beginning with the Land Rover 3 star eventing decided after a tough final phase. Later, the dressage horses will perform to music in the GJ Gardner Grand Prix Freestyle with many combinations hoping to qualify for the world championships later in the year.
Finally the afternoon will see the very best show jumpers contest the biggest class in New Zealand, the Olympic Cup, with the hopes of walking away with the trophy, the title, and the impressive prize purse.
Hastings and Napier residents have the opportunity to purchase two adult, any day passes for the price of 1 until January 21, with a special residents-only offer. To purchase tickets visit iticket.co.nz, search "Horse of the Year", and select "HB Resident 2 for 1 offer". Enter the unique code "LOCAL18" to receive the discount.
The Horse of the Year show is held at the Hastings A&P Showgrounds from March 13 to 18. It will see more than 1500 riders and 1800 horses compete.