Date: March 5th 2013

Parade will welcome Sir Mark Todd to Hastings

A parade of horses will bring the excitement of the Horse of the Year show to Hastings CBD and honour the fantastic performances of New Zealand double Olympic champion Sir Mark Todd.

The parade will be held on Friday March 15th starting at 11.30am. Sir Mark Todd will be at the head of the parade, riding on a wagon drawn by two Clydesdale horses. He will be followed by riders from local pony clubs who will be accompanied by children carrying flags from the ten nations competing in the 2013 Mounted Games World Teams Championship at the Horse of the Year show. The parade will also include a second Clydesdale drawn wagon, western riders and members of the adult riding club.

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says “The HOY show is one of the biggest events held each year in Hawke’s Bay and it is important that it is showcased and embraced by the whole community. It is also appropriate that we hold the inaugural parade in the same year that the show plays host to the Mounted Games World Teams Championship.”

Lawrence Yule says “This is the chance for the public to welcome the riders who come to Hastings and provide such a great spectacle each year at the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds. We are confident that it will bring the flavour of the Horse of the Year show to the people.”

At the end of the parade, a presentation will be made to Sir Mark Todd by Mayor Lawrence Yule and that will be followed by a special demonstration of equestrian skills by one of New Zealand’s top dressage riders. There will also be the chance to win tickets to the Friday night extravaganza at the Horse of the Year show.

The parade will start from Russell Street South and head down Lyndon Rd into Warren St, then along Heretaunga St, Russell St, Queen St, King St and back into Heretaunga St before pausing at the clock tower. The presentation ceremony for Sir Mark Todd will begin in Civic Square at around 12.25pm.

The parade and presentation is being organised by Hastings District Council with support from Hastings City Business Association and Event-Pro.

More information on the 2013 Horse of the Year show is available at http://www.hoy.co.nz/
Click here to view: HoY Parade_Map.pdf
ENDS

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