Farmlands Horse of the Year Show Update

Farmlands Horse of the Year Show organisers are full of praise for the thousands of competitors and volunteers who spent a very wet night at the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds last night.

While Cyclone Pam has so far not delivered the winds, there has been persistent rain for much of the night.

HOY show director Kevin Hansen estimates there are about 3000 people and 1100 horses at the grounds, but by tonight he expects there to be the full 1500 horses and around 8000 people.

All classes today have been postponed. Registration is again open, and the horses who were temporarily moved to the Hawke's Bay Race Course are now returning to the showgrounds.

Another 250 horses who spent the night at the National Equestrian Centre are on their way and expected at the grounds by early afternoon.

Tradespeople are now allowed to stack their marquees with goods in readiness for the show to get under way tomorrow, however access is limited to foot traffic in some areas.

“We are constantly reassessing the situation and have plans in place to ensure the safety of people and horses,” says Hansen.

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