Horse of The Year 2026 has been cancelled. (File photo) Photo: 123
The Horse of the Year show in Hawke's Bay has been cancelled for 2026 due to a lack of financial support.
Held at the Hastings Showgrounds every March, it's one of the largest equestrian events in the Southern Hemisphere, bringing in millions of dollars to the Hawke's Bay economy.
Organisers said the decision was made by their board, shareholders Hastings District Council and Equestrian Sports New Zealand.
"Our small team has chased every avenue possible to secure financial support to meet sustained cost pressures that come alongside reduced commercial and trade partnership revenue.
"We are not alone in this struggle - numerous large scale entertainment all over the country have been cancelled in recent months. Without that financial buffer, we just don't feel we can deliver the event to the standard expected of New Zealand's premier equestrian show," a spokesperson said.
Event organisers said they had to make the call now because December 1 was when schedules were due to go out and tickets went on sale.
"This is as devastating for our team as it is for everyone who loves the show as much as we do, but we will be back!
"Thank you to everyone who continues to support our show. We appreciate each and every one of you and let's all look forward to hearing the HOY anthem 'Stand up for the Champions' in 2027."
The show costs around $2.2 million to put on and Horse of the Year board chair Tim Aitken said his team had worked extensively to find a solution.
"This was an incredibly tough call, but we could not deliver the show to the standard expected of a national flagship event," he said.
Established in 1953, the Horse of the Year Show is considered the pinnacle of New Zealand's equestrian calendar. It spans 14 disciplines and is where some of the sport's most prestigious national titles are won. More than 400 volunteers, international judges and riders from across New Zealand and Australia contribute to the week-long competition.
Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said the cancellation would be felt widely.
"We are saddened not to welcome the national equestrian community in March 2026.
"The show delivers significant value to local businesses and the tourism economy, and provides enjoyment for our wider community. Hastings District Council remains a committed partner and we look forward to working with ESNZ to host the event again in 2027," she said.
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