MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
27 September 2016

EQUIDAYS GROWING IN LEAPS AND BOUNDS

New Zealand’s premier equine event, Equidays, is proving more popular than ever, with ticket sales for 2016 already 21 per cent ahead of this time last year.

Equidays, now in its sixth year, will be held at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton, from Friday October 14 to Sunday October 16.

Equidays event manager Ammie Hardie said ticket sales were humming this year, with less than a month to go. “The Saturday Nightshow is two-thirds sold out, and there are 211 exhibitors confirmed this year, more than previous years,” said Hardie. “We are excited about the growth of the event and the exciting line up in terms of education and entertainment.”

Since its inception in 2010 Equidays has grown into a world-class event, endorsed by Sir Patrick Hogan and Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ), with industry luminary Sir Mark Todd serving as the event patron and the popular Wilson Sisters the event ambassadors.

Last year Equidays attracted almost 22,000 visitors, double the number five years before, and the 2016 event is expected to be the biggest yet. Exhibitors have almost doubled from 109 in 2011.

Hastings horse lover Ros Rowe has attended every Equidays and is excited about attending the event again this year. “Equidays is unique in New Zealand,” said Rowe, who is the founder of Leg-Up Trust, a charity that uses horses to work with at-risk and vulnerable people. “It’s the only place where you can turn up and see world class horsemen showing their skills in one place.”

Rowe said she enjoys the educational aspect of Equidays. “I love it because it’s not primarily competition. It’s about learning, sharing information and exploring other people’s methods.”

This year two new arenas and a dedicated farrier marquee have been added, allowing more than 40 hours of educational clinics and seminars daily. Education of horse and rider is a key pillar of Equidays, and clinics will be led by some of New Zealand and the world’s top equine experts. Among them are Dutch Olympic medallist showjumper Albert Voorn and Western clinician Tom Chown.

Visitors can purchase equine equipment from a variety of on-site specialty exhibitors, and the event is regarded as a must-attend for equine enthusiasts.

There are two Nightshows, featuring top riders racing, jumping and performances from world-leading equine entertainers. Australian horseman Dan Steers of Double Dan Horsemanship will perform at the Saturday Nightshow with his wonder horse, Double Image. Other performers include Warwick Schiller, Tommy Waara, the Wilson sisters (Vicki, Kelly and Amanda) and their kaimanawas, brumbies and Bragg the mustang, and Jody Hartstone with Ali Baba.

This year horse cutting demonstrations are returning, bringing a Wild West flavour to Equidays. Experienced international cutting champion Bryan Lowcay will be giving demonstrations over three days. “We have tried to mix up the programme so we cater to those interested in both English and Western riding styles,” said Hardie. “It’s going to be a fun three days with so much to see, do and learn – if you love riding horses, or just want some family entertainment you won’t want to miss it.”

For more information on Equidays see equidays.co.nz

For tickets visit streamticketing.co.nz or call 07 866 4256.

TASTE OF EQUIDAYS AT CAMBRIDGE TOWN CENTRE
To experience the talent and excitement of Equidays head to Victoria Square in Cambridge Town Centre on Wednesday October 12 from 3.15-4.15pm. The public will have the amazing opportunity to see top performers including Dan Steers of the internationally acclaimed duo Double Dan Horsemanship and his horse Double Image and the popular Wilson Sisters. Don’t miss this opportunity to see this outstanding talent in action for free.

-ENDS-

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