From:  www.horsetalk.co.nz

In just under two weeks New Zealand’s largest horse show will be well under way.

Around 2600 combinations are expected to take part in the six-day Kelt Capital Horse of the Year Show in Hastings, starting on Tuesday, March 17, and building up until Sunday, March 22 when the Bell Tea Olympic Cup will be presented to the New Zealand Showjumper of the Year.

The class has attracted some of the best names from both sides of the Tasman. It is also a qualifier for the FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, in 2010, thanks to a push from Equestrian Australia.

“It is tremendous to have this available for our riders,” said show director Kevin Hansen. “It opens up so many possibilities for riders and also takes a lot of pressure off them if they can qualify this early.”

Competitors must finish the first round of the course with eight faults or less to qualify, and Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios (Venezuela) is expected to build a very tough course.

Meanwhile, Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds is abuzz, with marquees going up, paint brushes hastily adding last minute touch-ups, and all eyes are on the finest attention to detail on everything connected to the show.

The first trucks are due at the grounds on Monday and competition starts on Tuesday.

Competitors will do battle in 17 different disciplines, catering to pleasure riders right through to the elite.