March 17, 2010

The New Zealand team to take on Australia in the Nations Cup challenge at the Horse of the Year Show in Hastings on Friday night has been announced.

Robert Steele (Hawera) aboard Gospel leads an experienced team comprising Olympians Katie McVean (Mystery Creek) on Dunstan Delphi and Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) on Jedi Warrior, with former New Zealand representative Simon Wilson (Waipukurau) on Swinger. Reserve is Catherine Cameron (Cambridge) on Kahurangi Valentino with Ross Coles the chef d'equipe.

They'll go head-to- head against an Australian team that is a mixture of youth and experience with Australian Young Rider of the Year Jamie Winning aboard the stunning Vangelo des Hazalles, Jono Berry on Quincy Z, Clem Smith on Dark Ages and former Australian World Cup series winner Billy Raymont on the New Zealand-owned Cortaflex Nicalette NZPH.

Raymont is riding all of Anna Trent's horses at the show. The full time NZPH rider and former NZ World Cup series winner broke her ankle three weeks ago.

More than 3200 people are camped at the 100-acre Hawke's Bay Showgrounds in Hastings, in everything from vans to tents, salubrious trucks and everything in between.

They're here to support the 2600 horses and riders who will compete over 18 disciplines in 28 arenas over the next five days. The show culminates with the crowning of the Showjumper of the Year on Sunday afternoon when the winner of the Bell Tea Olympic Cup is found.

There are plenty of highlights at the show, including the induction of the first Horse of the Year Hall of Fame inductees on Thursday evening, the Nations Cup against Australia and more.

Show director Kevin Hansen was a happy man as the first classes got underway in perfect conditions and pristine grounds.

"I am thrilled to see the trucks, the people, horses and everything all clicking into place," he said.