Event wrap-up
Returning after a three-year hiatus was always going to pose challenges. To ensure we hosted an event that met our goals and respected our stakeholders and competitors, we needed to approach LRHOY2024 with a fresh perspective and plenty of flexibility.
Overall, it was great to finally get an event behind us. This would not have been possible without the amazing support of the HOY Event team, Horse of the Year (HB) Ltd board, the ESNZ Sports Managers, and our incredible officials. It was a tough one, but I am so very grateful for your commitment and dedication to HOY.
We would like to recognise the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, including our officials, volunteers, riders, and supporters. It was a week for celebration, reconnection, and most importantly, observation and learning.
It was valuable for the HOY Team to witness firsthand the changes, expectations, and new requirements in the world of equestrian sports that have evolved over the past three years—from competition, resource management, and delivery.
To ensure we plan for a future that supports not only our stakeholders but also the sport itself, it was essential for us to listen, learn, implement, and improve our event so that it can grow and benefit all involved. Our survey responses were humbling and overwhelmingly filled with great ideas and suggestions across the entire event. Together with the disciplines’ equestrian committee, we worked our way through these to ensure we mitigate what we can.
Equestrian is not the only area in which we have made improvements. This year, the hospitality and on-site experience will be lifted to the next level. With increased support and resources for our valued officials and volunteers, layout changes and improvements, and enhanced seating and viewing options, we are looking forward to DEFHOY2025 with great anticipation.
We are also incredibly thankful for our sponsors. Their unwavering support and generosity have been instrumental in making this event a success. We deeply appreciate their contributions and look forward to continuing our partnerships in the future.
Sophie Blake Event Director
Hastings District Council
Tim Aitken - Chair
Trust Funding
Grassroots Trust Central
Pub Charity Limited
New Zealand Community Trust
PakLine
BioFresh
Harrison Plants
Show
Hansen Family Horse of the Year (HB) Ltd Board
ECR Equipment Mitre 10 Hastings Nelson Family
Firstlight Community Trust
John Holt Memorial Trust
Stevenson & Taylor
Independent Directors
Diane Humphries
James Nilsson
Holden Family
Mico Plumbing
HB Crane and Platform hire
Don Price – Gecko
The 2024 Event
There were so many highlights and celebrations at HOY2024. Reclaiming our significant date on the equestrian calendar, we once again created lasting memories.
The event saw strong international attendance, including 13 combinations from Australia competing in eventing and others riding in Mounted Games teams. Standout achievements included showjumper Sophie Scott placing first and second in both the Olympic Cup and Silver Fern Stakes. We also hosted the Oceania Challenge in both 3* & 4* eventing, showcasing top-tier competition. It was great to see so many new and familiar faces. Witnessing firsthand the commitment and support for Horse of the Year truly helped everyone navigate a challenging week, promising a very bright future for the event.
New Zealand’s Great Wine Capital
In 2023, Hawke’s Bay, and the twin cities of Napier and Hastings, was awarded Great Wine Capital status.
As just the 12th destination to be inducted into this elite global network, Hawke’s Bay now sits alongside 11 other prestigious wine regions such as Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (USA), Bilbao (Spain) and Adelaide (Australia).
Admission to the Great Wine Capitals Global Network follows a stringent selection process that looks at a region’s winegrowing industry, its history, its wine tourism, educational opportunities, business, and travel, as well as the cities and region itself.
It requires a region to be truly excellent in a global context. Hawke’s Bay achieved this and is now New Zealand’s Great Wine Capital.
NAPIER COMMEMORATES 150 YEARS! NAPIER COMMEMORATES 150 YEARS!
A time to reflect and acknowledge our city’s rich heritage, resilience and bright future ahead!
Home to approximately 67,000 residents and cherished by countless visitors, Napier, our bustling seaside city, commemorates a significant milestone this November as it marks 150 years since becoming a borough in 1874.
We encourage locals and visitors alike to join commemoration events that will be held between now and November, celebrating and acknowledging what makes Napier such a special place.
Find out about commemoration events, history and all things 150th at ourplacenapier.nz
1929
1988
2024
Mardi Gras Carnival half mile dash
Napier’s first Art Deco Festival
Tom Jones rocks McLean Park
Quinella Queen Scott Aces Olympic Cup
Sophie Scott has owned the 2024 Land Rover Horse of the Year Show, this afternoon taking the quinella in the Olympic Cup with her greys Waitangi Skynet and Benrose Stellar.
Earlier in the show the 22-year-old from Palmerston North had placed first and second in the Cavallino Silver Fern Stakes, with Stellar taking the win and Skynet the runner-up.
She was again the toast of the town in heading home the 13-strong field in the jewel in the crown of the show.
The opening round of the $80,000 class saw clears from Sophie’s two and local hope Julie Davey aboard her imported grey mare Just D.
Ten combinations came back for the second round where an equality of faults would have forced a jump-off.
But it was only Sophie who managed to leave everything up – despite a few rattles – while Julie was terribly unlucky when the top rail of the final fence delicately tipped out of its cups to give her four faults to place fourth behind Logan Massie
In accepting the cup, which was filled with red roses, Sophie said it was the ultimate dream. “As a kid you watch this and think ‘one day’. I am not sure this has sunk in.”
(Dannevirke) aboard Bravado Ego Z in third who was also on four faults.
As both double clears were Sophie’s, it was up to her to choose a winner and given Stellar had won the Silver Fern Stakes, she opted for Skynet to take the very prestigious win, just to make sure she “shared it around”.
“Fittingly, it was Peter Holden, the very first winner of the Olympic Cup in 1953, who proudly presented it to her. “It is very special,” said the 90-year-old from Hawke’s
Bay who has twice hoisted the trophy. “It is not often you see that. It is 71 years since I first had the privilege of winning the cup.”
It was the first time Sophie had started in the cup.
“I never get nervous. I just trust my horses and know they will do their absolute best for me. It is up to me to give them the best possible ride.”
She knew Julie and her two greys would be very dangerous if they had to jump-off against each other.
Sophie was hugely grateful for the ongoing support of her parents Tania and Mark, her grandparents and all her friends. “It has been an amazing show for us and just a dream come true.”
Her coach Jeff McVean, who has also won the Olympic Cup and coached his daughter Katie Laurie to victory five times, says the thrill of winning never grows old. “It is still the same thrill,” he said. Jeff sees plenty of similarities between Sophie and his Olympian daughter Katie.
Sophie Scott wins the Olympic Cup riding Waitangi Skynet.
Williamson Wows in Dressage Oval
Wendi Williamson has added a second Dressage Horse of the Year trophy to her trophy cabinet after a successful 2024 Land Rover Horse of the Year Show.
She and Don Vito MH won the top prize, but she also picked up the Medium Horse of the Year title with Danseur MH and was second and third with Fugato SW and Ducati MH in the FEI Small Tour Horse of the Year. “It was very busy but great,” said Wendi.
She was absolutely chuffed with 11-year-old Don Vito MH who has been with her since he was a three-year-old. The combination won the FEI Grand Prix CDI3* on 71.413%, took out the 4CYTE Grand Prix Special with a personal best of 74.383%, and the Harrison Lane Grand Prix Freestyle on 72.96%.
“I was really pleased with the (Grand Prix) Special, he was so soft and expressive.”
Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH winning the 2024 Dressage Horse of the Year trophy.
Luxury, Lifestyle & Equestrian Construction
But things are right on track now. “I was disappointed after Takapoto where I didn’t ride to my training but I have these last few days so I am happy to be able to show he is capable of decent scores.”
Expression is Don Vito’s thing… and that can be both good and bad. “He is sometimes known as Sharkie and bit the top of my finger off when he was unwell.”
The horse was out for nine months from early 2022 with a nasty infection and for a while it was touch and go as to whether he would pull through.
For her there is nothing quite like winning at LRHOY with everyone there for the week. Next up for the Waimauku combination is the National Champs and then in late April the Sydney CDI.
“When you have a horse at that level you may as well do it,” she says, “and I feel in a good place with my training.”
Wendi, an environmental scientist, previously won the Dressage Horse of the Year crown in 2019 with Don Vito’s full brother Don Amour MH.
Design, build and develop your rural or lifestyle property with Harrison Lane, for a seamless construction experience.
Dedication Recognised with Volunteer Trophy
Events like the Land Rover Horse of the Year Show simply wouldn’t happen without those who work quietly away behind the scenes. One of those is Dawn Lau who is the recipient of the Ray Burmester Equestrian Jewellery Trophy for the HOY Volunteer of the Year.
For 20-plus years Dawn has been beavering away in the background. In the early 2000s, she helped in the office and used to organise the showing sorting the timetable across all the disciplines, but she then moved into organising the ribbon and rugs, and ensuring every discipline’s prizes were lined up and ready each morning.
Horses have long been a part of her life and even included training trotters. Her involvement with the show started through her grandson Aiden who rode firstly in the lead rein and going through to successfully competing in the six bar.
Her grandson Ben Guild says they are all extremely proud of their grandma. “She puts in 100% and while she comes away every year very tired, she always goes back the next year to help,” says Ben.
Congratulations Dawn, we all appreciate the many hours you have selflessly given to the show.
Trade Awards
Each show, the best of the best are crowned –both inside and outside the arenas.
The trade awards for the 2024 LRHOY went to:
• Big Red’s Stable Snacks – Best Presented • Eco Horse - Most Interactive Award
Lucinda Perry, General Manager of Hastings City Business Association joined us on site to present the awards.
the
Above: Dawn Lau (left) recipient of the Ray Burmester Equestrian Jewellery Trophy for the 2024 LRHOY Volunteer of the Year with LRHOY Event Manager, Sophie Blake. Sunday, March 10, 2024
Copyright Photo: KAMPIC / Kerry Marshall
Above: Big Red’s Stable Snacks - recipient of the Best Presented Award with Lucinda Perry, General Manager of Hastings City Business Association. Copyright Photo: KAMPIC / Kerry Marshall
Below: Eco Horse - (right) recipient of
Most Interactive Awards with Lucinda Perry (left), General Manager of Hastings City Business Association. Copyright Photo: KAMPIC / Kerry Marshall
Trade and shopping
If you enjoy a spot of shopping, then HOY has plenty to choose from with 200+ sites. There’s beautiful jewellery, clothing, shoes and everything in between. HOY is a shopping destination in itself.
Aussie Bags Hattrick in Oceania
Australia ruled in the Land Rover CCI4*-S, with the visitors claiming a hattrick in the Oceania Eventing Challenge and Olympian Shane Rose riding off with the individual title.
Finishing behind Shane and Virgil’s 30.8 penalty score, was Oliva Barton (AUS) in second on 33.9, with Andrew Cooper (AUS) and Sharvalley Thunder in third on 38.2. Diane Gilder was the best of the Kiwis in fifth on 47.4.
Australian chef d’equipe Stuart Tinney said there was plenty to love about their Land Rover Horse of the Year Show. “It is a wonderful show,” he said. “The cross country was a great track and it is just what we need to get into this sort of environment. It is so valuable.”
He was excited for the future of their riding coming through. “They all did a great job out there.”
The challenge of the cross country course not being able to be walked in full until just before the class added another layer of learning for all.
“It is a great learning curve and something you only see at big events and all good experience.”
He was confident there was plenty to take away for all from the event, including experiencing travelling with horses and being part of the whole team environment. Having Shane Rose there too was also a real bonus especially as all of those who had made the trip have a desire to represent Australia at World Champs or Olympic Games in the future.
“It is a fantastic effort for Shane to win for his journey in preparation for the Olympic Games. I am very proud of our training programme and coaches moving for the future.”
Steve Kenchington - Land Rover NZ CEO, Stuart Tinney - EA Snr Team Chef d-equipe, The Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon
New Zealand chef NZ chef d’equipe Jock Paget reiterated his words, saying it has also been a great opportunity for the senior riders to experience the pressure of a team environment at LRHOY which had a real international feeling.
“This is part of the bigger picture for our programme and it is at these types of events that you get the hardest lessons. Now it is up to us as a programme and the riders to look at what we do, find the gaps and close them.”
In the end, Australia finished on 161.3 penalty points for their best three combinations, with New Zealand on 203.
Just two combinations – Shane Rose and Olivia Barton (AUS) aboard Hollyander HG – finished on their dressage scores, with five combinations coming home clear in the show jumping including New Zealand’s
Madison Seivwright aboard Waitangi Pinterest and individual Donna Edwards-Smith with DSE Mendoza.
On hand to see Shane Rose win was Virgil’s owner and breeder Michelle Hasibar. It was his first-ever win at LRHOY. “This was a massive part of my Paris programme and it was key to get my qualification here.”
He figured LRHOY would be perfect for the 18-year-old horse to get it ticked off and allow them to continue with their programme. “If he goes well, he is normally pretty competitive,” said Shane, who loved that the cross country was so late in coming together due to it sweeping through the whole showgrounds.
He was chuffed to receive the Sir Mark Todd Trophy. “It’s pretty special that Mark has so generously given his 1994 Badminton trophy for this.”
Shane would love to see more competition between Australia and New Zealand including a Trans-Tasman series that could run over a season.
Shane Rose rides Virgil in the CCI4* Cross Country.
Sweet Success for Cadbury
It’s New Zealand for the double in the Fiber Fresh CCI3* eventing with the young rider team winning the Oceania Challenge and Kiwi Abbey Thompson aboard Cadbury KSNZ winning the individual. Riders came back in reverse order with barely a change in the top seven combinations, albeit a shuffle of placings.
Australian Molly Lines and Tadpole posted the first clear of the class for her final tally of 38.2 penalty points, which was quickly bettered by Abbey added nothing to her 36.9 score. Last to go was overnight leader and New Zealand Oceania team member Bridie Quigley aboard Oranoa Greyson who were dreadfully unlucky to take the last and finish on a score of 37.4 for second placed behind Abbey with Molly in third. Bridie’s calm riding saw the New Zealanders hold on to the Oceania 124.7 penalty points to the Australian’s 130.2.
New Zealand chef d’equipe Lizzie Green was very proud of her crew. “They are such a great bunch and a very tight knit group,” she said. “It is very important to have that unity in a team. They are all very good riders and exciting for the future.”
She again underlined the importance of team competitions for the future of both New Zealand and Australia.
Individual winner Abbey, who heads to the UK after competing at the Adelaide next month, was rapt. “He tried his heart out,” she said. “He was a bit tired after yesterday as I don’t usually go that fast on the cross country but I decided I needed to get into that rhythm.”
It’s eight-year-old Cadbury’s first LRHOY and Abbey says he coped well with the atmosphere and pressure.
“He is so sweet and easy to have around and is a very genuine horse.”
She was doubly happy for the win, given she’s been second more times than she cares to count at New Zealand’s bigger competitions.
“I certainly didn’t think I would be winning at the beginning of the week.”
She and Cadbury head to the UK on a oneway ticket and will base with Harry Mead in Wiltshire.
Best presented horse was awarded to Australian Olivia Shore aboard Dreamcatcher with Cadbury’s groom Poppy Reid also collecting a prize as the charge of the winning horse.
New Zealand Young Rider eventing team, winners of the Oceania Challenge.
Behind the scenes
Kabo Can Do in Pony of Year
It couldn’t have been a more exciting jump-off with three combinations going head-to-head after two full rounds of jumping in the Pony of the Year.
Geraldine rider Molly Smith was first out aboard her new ride Kabo Fortune Cookie and knew she had to go clear and fast to put the pressure on Emily Oliver (Kapiti Coast) aboard Doctor Jones, and Jade Miller (Canterbury) aboard Eleanor Rigby.
She posted the perfect result, going clear in 46.02
seconds. Next out was Jade who had two down in her 45.25 second round, followed by Emily Oliver who dropped the first fence to finish on four faults in a speedy 43.73.
Earlier, the 25-strong field had been whittled to six, with three clears and the fastest four faulters for the second round, where the top three then tied on eight faults, forcing the jump-off.
Molly Smith was lost for words. Having her top
Molly Smith rides Kabo Fortune Cookie to win the 2024 Pony of the Year.
horse sidelined with injury just a month ago, she stepped Jessica and Karen McCann’s Kabo Fortune Cookie up to the top spot in her team. It’s no mean feat as Molly and Vapour Trail NZPH have won 10 of 11 pony grand prix starts this season and look to be unbeatable in the series.
The last time Molly competed at LRHOY was in 2018 when she won the Cat A Show Hunter of the Year way out the back of the showgrounds. “I never expected to win this. It is so special.”
The two had a challenging start to the show, taking a number of rails in the Saba Sam Teams’ competition, so she said she came into the top pony class with no expectations. Helping her today was Jesse Linton who told her to just keep a cool head and ride it like any other class. “I was nervous watching the other two go as I hadn’t been that fast. It is amazing to win!”
She says none of it would be possibly without the support of mum Kelly Evans who trained her on a daily basis, with top-ups from Jeff McVean.
In winning the Pony of the Year, she has her name added to a very special list of riders on the Sommerset Fair Cup.
The HOY Experience
Cheeky Curioso Claims Top Crown
There’s nothing like the sweet taste of success on a horse you have done absolutely everything on ... just ask Open Show Hunter of the Year winner Sarah Jocelyn.
Sarah bought her winning horse Curioso as a ninemonth-old from a Craighaven Stud auction. “I remember the day so clearly,” she says of the big trip she had made from Wellington to Whakatane. “I went there with an idea in my mind of what I was going to buy ... and it wasn’t a nine-month-old but I took one look at him and I just fell in love.”
Curioso stood out in a pen of youngsters, not only because Sarah says he was so beautiful but while the others were all skittish, he was calm beyond his years.
He was the first well-bred type horse she had ever bought and she was excited for what the future held. Sarah has produced many a horse over her long equestrian career but has generally sold them to enable her to continue her journey.
Fast forward a whole lot of years and after a successful show jumping career she decided that at 18 it was time to focus Curioso a bit more on show hunter. They had dabbled in it and it was a discipline Sarah still believes sets both horses and riders up to do well. “I enjoyed it and he was very good at it,” she says. “I think show hunter courses are lovely and I take my hat off to a lot of the course builders. They are such a great bunch of people in show hunter too and everyone is made to feel so welcome.”
Sarah Jocelyn and Curioso, winners of the Open Show Hunter of the Year.
Fittingly, it was 2024 show hunter Horse of the Year convenor June Berrington who with her late daughter Melonie Purcell had helped Sarah transport Curioso from Whakatane to Turangi where she met them and continued the trip home to Wellington.
This was Sarah’s first full season at show hunter and it couldn’t have been better with them winning both the open title and the NRM Open High Points Series.
“I am so proud of my horse,” says Sarah who with partner Gavin Halkett lives on 100 acres at Mauriceville near Masterton. “He is my mate. There have been tears and tantrums from both of us and many times I have said he would be sold to wherever there are flies and no grass . . . but to win, I am just so elated. I can’t believe what we have achieved together. It is absolutely a dream come true.”
She did tilt him for the open title and opted to save his legs and not start in the amateur. “He is older and I wanted to make sure I didn’t over jump him. He was fresh and frisky going into the week and a bit naughty in his earlier classes but I knew we were there for five days and I needed him to be jumping out of his skin on Friday.”
The track was big and she admits it has been quite some time since he had jumped a 1.15m course.
“The nerves were up there!”
They were fourth in the top 10 call back and Sarah said she was rapt with that. “I was pretty dam happy with fourth. I knew the three ahead of me were very good horses and riders and I was accepting that we were there. My aim had been to give him every opportunity to do our very best.”
Waiting ringside while the judges debated was stressful and emotional. “I got a little anxious.”
Gavin, a former professional rugby player, was there to calm her nerves – as he has done all season.
“I couldn’t believe I had won when it was finally called out.” She and her “spoilt child” of a horse headed home the title class nine points ahead of runner-up Jasmine Priest on Meersbrooke Big Ears.
Sarah has no thoughts of retiring Curioso just yet, and he doesn’t seem keen on the either, so expect to see them out again next season chasing more dreams and ticking things off the bucket list.
Make sure to follow us on www.hoy.kiwi for the latest information on Defender Horse of the Year 2025! Thank You –that’s a wrap! X
A huge thank you to all the teams working behind the scenes, dedicating countless hours to make Land Rover Horse of the Year truly special.
Dressage Young Rider of the Year, Gemma Lewis riding Ruanuku R
Show Jumping
Show Jumping
Show Jumping
Colleen Crous rides Castiel Xtreme in
Matisse Masterson rides Jay-Z
GNZ winning the Elanco Junior Rider of the Year
Dressage
Vanessa Way riding
NZC Furst Rock DW in the 4CYTE™ Small Tour FEI PSG
Dressage
Brina Carpenter riding Parkridge
Dressage
Dressage
Para Dressage
Jodie Thorne in Grade I Para riding
Ira Hayes
Eventing
Oceania Eventing Challenge Senior Team 4*
Oceania Eventing Challenge Young Team 3*
Scout Lodder (NZ) Mia Gilbert (NZ)
Mackenzie Marlo (NZ)
Quigley (NZ)
Abbey Thompson rides Cadbury KSNZ in the CCI3* Cross Country
Shane Rose rides Virgil in the CCI4*
Show Jumping
Show Hunter
Show Hunter
Showing
Lauren Phillips showing Broadwater Park Neverland
Showing
Dorothy
Showing
Paced & Mannered Show Pony of the Year not exceeding 138cm Rivelin Christian Dior Trophy
Millie White Leeara Park First Edition 1st
Charli Sabine Windermere Tiara 2nd
Ellie Entwisle Linden Heavenly Music 3rd
Paced & Mannered Show Pony of the Year over 138cm & not exceeding 148cm Rivelin Aramis P&M Trophy
Addison Paton Windermere Gems Twist
Charlotte Baxter Jamaican Me Crazy 1
Lucy Jackson Linden Sweet Success
Rising Star Saddle Hunter Pony, not exceeding 148cm
Celia Davis Dragonbach Belle Boyd 1st
Poppy Tatham TF Small Torque
Mindy Malone Lugar
351 Rising Star Saddle Hunter Pony of the Year, not exceeding 138cm Amberley Falkor Trophy
Olive Cronin Coroview Gift Of Art
Olivia Baker Aphrodite’s Harmonia
Millie Limmer riding Hollybank Blue Belle
Showing
Jaymee Robb
Junior Rider of the Year, 12, 13 & 14 years Jane Thompson Cup
Jorja Entwisle Donnertaire
Charli Sabine
Rider of the Year
Lillie Wallace
Blue Belle
Millie Limmer Forever RN
Mounted Games
Colin Carson Piper Trophy
Kiwiroos Sigred
Cade
Improved Veteran Rider
Katrina Powell & Emma Costello
Invited and Breeds
Sidesaddle
Side Saddle Concours d’Elegance (Open to Jnrs & Snrs) Jenny Pearce
Steel
452 Junior Side Saddle Combination (Under 17yrs-Age taken at 31/3/23) Jessica
Glenda Thomson with Hawk
Invited and Breeds
Pleasure Horse
Invited and Breeds
544
Pony & Rider Combination 12yrs and Under
Britta Oliver Goodview the Whistle Blower
Sarah Carter Hall with Chatto Creek Clooney
Invited and Breeds
Bindi Beatson riding Silverlock Amistad
Invited and Breeds
Pinto
Chanelle Dickie with You Can Fly Arden
Paige Fitzgerald riding Greenmoor Euphoria