Bundy Philpott and Tresca NZPH - 2019 CCI4* winners at the 2020 Land Rover Horse of the Year
As the equestrian is reeling from the cancellation of Badminton Horse Trials and the cancellation of international events in 10 countries on the European mainland until 28 March due to the rapid spread of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1), New Zealand also has some sad news to impart.
Areas of New Zealand, one of the countries now relatively Covid free, went into a snap seven-day lockdown on Sunday night following the discovery of a case linked to the more infectious UK strain.
Auckland moved to Alert Level 3 for the week, while the rest of New Zealand is at Alert Level 2, resulting in the cancellation of the 2021 Land Rover Horse of the Year due to take place from 9th -14th March.
The multi-discipline equestrian event at Hastings, Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s North Island normally attracts over 1400 riders and 1900 horses. The event would have featured a CCI4*-S and CCI3*-S from 12th – 14th March, one of the early highlights of the New Zealand eventing calendar.
In 2020, the eventing competition was the last to take place just before New Zealand’s first lockdown
“We know there is huge support for us to go ahead however there are many factors we have had to consider” say the Event Organisers
“These include financial implications for our show and its ongoing sustainability, the travel and time pressures for riders, the experience we can deliver for our riders and spectators, and most importantly of all, the health & wellbeing of everyone who attends the show. With that in mind we have made the heart-breaking decision to cancel the 2021 show. This is not a decision we have made lightly, particularly when the majority of our expense has already been incurred, however we feel it is the right thing to do for our riders, stakeholders, exhibitors and spectators.”
“We are truly devastated and send all our best wishes to our Land Rover Horse of the Year family from all corners of New Zealand”
