FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 October 2013

The Waikato region to see an influx of horse enthusiasts this week

Over 400 horses, some of New Zealand’s top riders, and thousands of visitors will make their way to Mystery Creek Events Centre this week for Equidays, held 18 to 20 October.

While only in its third year, Equidays is already acknowledged as a world-class equine event and visitors can expect three packed days of all things equine plus two impressive indoor night shows.

Mystery Creek Events Centre’s 113 hectare property is well suited to large multi-day events but still requires a unique infrastructure for Equidays; including the creation of 4 demonstration areas and a derby course.

The multi-discipline arenas set up around site include a 40m x 70m indoor sand arena and a 50m x 70m outdoor sand arena.

Well known Fieldays landmark, the Tractor Pull area, will include part of the derby course - set up in association with Showjumping Waikato. The Hyundai Horse Derby takes place on Saturday afternoon and the $10,000 first prize and chance to ride in the thrilling event has attracted top New Zealand riders such as: Katie McVean, Donna Smith, Maurice Beatson, Sarah Broughton, Matthew Gilmore, Samantha Felton, Vicki Wilson, and young gun Logan Massie.

On Sunday the Derby course will see up to 50 young riders competing in the Honda Pony Derby. The derby events are a rare feature on the NZ equine calendar and visitors are urged to come and view these high intensity, fast paced competitions.

Equidays Fast Facts
• Over 300 riders
• Over 400 horses
• Over 100 staff and volunteers
• 35 Pony Club Camp participants
• Over 40 truckloads of arena sand
• Over 1km of fencing
• $2800 grandstand seats
• Over 100 exhibiting companies
• $2ver 200 campers
• $20 onsite stables
• $224 horse yards
• 20 jumps in the 1km Derby course
• Unlimited FREE car parking

Visitors can take advantage of an exciting new feature for Equidays 2013 and get their ‘bums on saddles’ on one of the bookable horse treks departing the event four times a day and featuring a visit to the local winery for drinks and nibbles. Visit www.equidays.co.nz/activities for more information and to pre-book a trek.

Clinicians featuring at Equidays 2013 are: Adelinde Cornelissen; Katie and Jeff McVean; Sean Cubittt; Mark Chamberlin; Vicki Wilson; Christine Weal; Sarah Milne; Bryan McVicar; Donna Smith; Simone Kann; Ken and Jane Dromgool; Jody Hartstone; Trisha Wren; Leigh Wills, Sally King and Equus Education; and Jo Evans.

Equidays is proudly endorsed by Equestrian Sports New Zealand and Sir Patrick Hogan. The event patron is Sir Mark Todd.

ENDS

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