Music and Equestrian Combine for Magical Night of Entertainment

World class equestrian action and enduring English pop legends The Hollies will come together under one roof next February as part of Ride The Rhythm - a magical night of music and thrilling high-action equestrian entertainment.

In what is undoubtedly a world first, equestrian entertainment will take centre-stage with arguably one of the greatest bands of all time for one show only at New Zealand’s newest, largest and most versatile indoor events arena, Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday, 1 February 2013.

“I don’t think I have been as excited about putting on an event for years. I am really excited for the sport,” says event manager Kevin Hansen, of Event Pro, the company behind New Zealand’s premier equestrian showcase the Horse of the Year Show, held annually in Hastings.

The event is part of The Hollies’ 50th Anniversary Tour and is their sole South Island performance. “It doesn’t get any better than this. It adds a whole new dimension to the event. The Hollies are credited with shaping the world of pop music as we know it today. They had more hits than “The Beatles” and their mega hits like ‘The Air That I Breathe’ and ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ are amongst the world’s most-played songs of all time.”

Although there have been indoor equestrian events held in New Zealand before, it’s the first time horses have competed at the Forsyth Barr Stadium. It’s the worlds only permanently covered stadium to boast a grass playing surface, and can seat up to 22,000 fans.

The evening’s entertainment will showcase equestrian at its very best, enthralling the crowd from every angle, says Kevin.

“It will include everything from world class jumping, to the high-paced action of mounted games, to the masterfully crafted grace, power and beauty of dressage to music. The stadium’s intimate feel will only add to the spectacle, bringing its own unique party atmosphere.”

The highlight of the equestrian action will be the McMillian Equine Feeds Super Grand Prix, boasting a $50,000 prize, making it the second biggest Grand Prix in Australasia. Run over two rounds, the competition will feature some of Australasia’s leading jumping combinations, battling it out for supremacy over a track designed by Tauranga-based international course designer Gerrit Beker. A pony grand prix worth $5000 and GJ Gardner Homes Puissance will act as curtain-raisers.

As the equestrian entertainment draws to a close, The Hollies will take to the stage bringing down the curtain on what promises to be Dunedin’s biggest night of the year, adds Kevin. 

“We have been overwhelmed by the support. Such events are only possible with support from organisations and I want to acknowledge their commitment to sharing our vision and to help create something unique for Dunedin.  We hope we can grow this event for the city in years to come.”

“This is a fantastic event for the Stadium which really showcases the versatility of the venue in one evening. The equestrian will take place on the pitch followed by the Hollies performing in the ODT Stand,” says Dunedin Venues, commercial director, Guy Hedderwick.

After Ride The Rhythm, the action will shift to the Taieri A&P Showgrounds for two days of top jumping at the Otago Show Jumping Championships on February 2-3. Thanks to unparalleled local business support, Sunday’s competition will also boast another 2* $50,000 Horse Grand Prix, with many classes offering prize money in excess of $5000.

The showgrounds will also play host to mounted games with the world’s top international teams going through their final preparations for the 2013 World Championships which are being held at the Horse of the Year show next March.

“In all it’s going to be three days of action-packed equestrian action, boasting top flight competition. The event is perfectly timed for riders looking to head south or across the Tasman with the 3* National Jumping Championships and 3* Canterbury Jumping Championships in Christchurch on the weekend’s immediately after the event, giving them a strong line-up of competitions in the build-up to the prestigious Horse of the Year show,” says Kevin.

Expressions of interest are currently being sought for the jumping at the Forsyth Barr Stadium with a full schedule of   classes for Saturday and Sunday’s competition to be in December’s Equestrian Sports New Zealand Bulletin magazine and available through the www.ridetherhythm.co.nz website shortly.

Tickets for the event officially go on sale to Dunedin residents from October 26, and will be released to the general public on November 3. They are available through www.ticketdirect.co.nz or directly from www.ridetherhythm.co.nz. Corporate hospitality packages are also available from Event Pro by phoning 06 8448714.