WHAT HOY 2026 WILL DELIVER
A Premier Equestrian Event with a Vibrant Trade Village What we’re focused on for 2026
As New Zealand’s leading equestrian event, HOY offers strong foot traffic, a dynamic atmosphere, and a trusted platform for exposure, sales, and connection.
A street festival atmosphere full of colour, energy, and connection
Attending HOY gives businesses access to a large, engaged audience of equestrian enthusiasts, rural families, and lifestyle consumers. Horse of the Year is committed to delivering a targeted marketing strategy that drives event attendance and builds awareness of the Trade Village as a key part of the HOY experience.
A layout that encourages an cohesive trade village feel, creating a warm and inviting environment
A trade environment that supports growth, discovery, and interaction
OVER 11,500 PEOPLE ATTENDED...
Attendees purchase from a trade site MEDIA TRAFFIC FEB 01 - MARCH 09
Travelled
Region
AGE OF ATTENDEES
You as an exhibitor...
Benefits
Product or discount voucher in rider bags Direct Access
Dedicated education and demonstration area
Trade listing on the HOY website complete with link to your URL Exposure
Branding Toolkit to promote your business through your channels Awards
Trade Awards 2026 will take place once again, to be presented at a dedicated networking trade evening, giving our exhibitors a chance to unwind, have a drink, and connect in a casual, laid-back atmosphere.
Inclusion in the dedicated Trade DL brochure, complete with a map and listings.
A great opportunity for trade site holders to elevate their brand visibility through customised sponsorship or engaging on-site activations.
We’re presenting trade sites as integral partners in the event's success, not simply stallholders, but champions of HOY’s future. Hear directly from our trade community.
Defender Horse of the Year have been a fantastic event for us over the last two years. It has a very positive effect on our cash flow and profitability, as well as giving us great exposure and future leads to follow up with later in the season.
We have found that the opportunity to have all of the different brands from around the country in one spot allows the customers a chance to go and try all of the options and feel confident in their purchases.
I’d highly recommend Horse of the Year to anyone who feels they have a product or service that may be of interest to the wider equestrian community.
Zephania Steele Oakridge Equestrian
HOY is amazing! A superstar on our event calendar and wouldn’t miss it.
It is a very well-crafted event, bringing together the incredibleness of each and every horse, rider, and passionate equine supporter.
We love that people come from across New Zealand, Australia and Europe to celebrate everything ‘Horse’.
HOY has never lost its special Hawkes Bay flavour!
The HOY team are the best of the best – with outstanding communication and an incredible passion for the event, they go above and beyond to ensure each and every exhibitor in the trade village is well supported in every aspect of trading.
Special thanks to Sophie, Deb and the team for making HOY so incredible and creating such a positive trading and equine event.
See you all in 2026!
Helen Thompson-Carter Fabuleux Vous
