HOY considered a success despite the rain

Despite the rain a full grandstand watched the Olympic Cup in the Land Rover Premier Arena at Horse of the Year yesterday. Photo/ Duncan Brown.

Despite the challenging wet weather, organisers of Horse of the Year are pleased with the numbers through the gates.

FromTuesday last week about 1800 horses and 1400 riders descended in Hawke's Bay to put on one of equestrians finest spectacle's.

HOY event director Dave Mee said without knowing the exact numbers the indication was that they were on par with last year.

"We went in to the event about 30 per cent up on pre sales from last year but then during the event most days we were on par."

He said Saturday was the only day numbers were significantly down with rain pouring for most of the morning.

In the 20 years of working in event management Mr Mee said this was the wettest six days he had experienced.

"The weather was unkind and when the weather is against you it becomes really challenging but we continuously worked to find solutions."

Organisers were kept on their toes and the amount of rain that did fall did affect events but only four ended up being cancelled.

The big cancellation was the Cross Country component on Saturday.

"It was a big call to make but then it was simple as the safety of the riders and horses come first. Once we had feedback that it wasn't safe it was a straight forward decision," Mr Mee said.

He took his hat off to the riders competing in the tough conditions and said part of their decision to limit the jumping was about protecting the main arena for Sunday's top events.

One of these was the Olympic Cup which 20-year-old Lily Tootill took out on Ulysses NZPH.

Ms Tootill described her horse as a mud lark and said she was pretty lucky that he didn't feel any different to when the ground is perfect.

Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule, who was attending his last Horse of the Year as mayor as he attempts to become the next MP of Tukituki, was pleased with the turn out and felt the event ran well considering the challenging conditions.

"I have spoken to a number of competitors and spectators and everyone seemed happy."

"The managers of the trade stalls also seemed pleased as more people were inclined to spend more money with some equestrian action down."

Without knowing the financial figures Mr Yule felt the high number of pre sales would help reduce the effect the rain had on numbers.

He said mother nature was something you could not control and was pleased with the way everyone adapted accordingly.

Spectators Tim and June Perfect were just two people in the packed grandstand yesterday watching the battle for the cup.

The weather didn't dampen the pair from Cambridge's spirits as they got right among the action everyday since Thursday.

"The Olympic Cup was so exciting, we loved the dressage and the Friday Night Extravaganza was also a highlight," Mrs Perfect said.

They also attended one of HOY's new additions this year the dessert degustation run by internationally acclaimed dessert chef Adriano Zumbo on Saturday.

It was a part of the organisers plan to broaden the event in to more than just equestrian.

The couple said it was a good afternoon with five amazing desserts and about 15 different teas to choose from.

"You got a glass of champagne on arrival and then got to listen to the chef while having as much as you wanted of nice teas and desserts," Mr Perfect said.