NZ Horse of the Year Show - Hall of Fame

They bill it as one of the best equestrian social events of the year, and for good reason.

The Horse of the Year Hall of Fame Gala Dinner is a chance to raise a toast to another fabulous season and celebrate the icons of the sport.

This year more people will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but just who, is another closely guarded secret.

The only thing being divulged is that it was another tricky decision to chose who should be honoured.

Horse of the Year Show director Kevin Hansen says they plan to open the honour up to horses as well as riders and those who have made a big impact on one of the Southern Hemisphere's greatest sporting events.

Last year's inaugural event was a sell-out and organiser Maria Gourlie is expecting all 300 tickets to be snapped up quickly for the Thursday evening event, which is being held in the function marquee ringside on the premier arena.

“It's such an exciting event,” she says. “We came away from the 2010 on a real high and have once again created an incredible evening.”

Olympian John Cottle (pictured left), Gisborne cattle breeder Merran Hain, Hawke’s Bay’s Holden family, the late Hugh Thompson and Equestrian Sports New Zealand patron Tiny White were the inaugural inductees into the Hall of Fame.

The honours board holds pride of place at the Hastings District Council.

There's also a new addition to the evening, with the presentation of the David Ross Memorial for the volunteer who shows the true spirit of the Horse of the Year Show, and the work that the hundreds of volunteers put in behind the scenes.

“This is a special award in memory of David Ross, and one we are proud to include in this gala evening.”

David Ross was a long time volunteer at the Horse of the Year Show who died suddenly last year.

The $140 tickets are available now, and Gourlie encourages everyone to gather their friends, sponsors, supporters and guests together to make a night of it. Every ticket-holder goes in the draw to win a $10,000 sports horse insurance policy courtesy of JLT Bloodstock.

Food will be created by Hawke's Bay's award-winning Orton Catering and a true showcase of the region's food and wine. Entertainment is from the five piece dance band Mid Life Crisis, with Stuart McLeod once again Master of Ceremonies. He'll be joined on stage by Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule and ESNZ president Jennifer Millar.

“Dress up if you dare,” says Gourlie. “It's an excellent end to the season and a chance to really kick up your heels and celebrate.”

Tickets can be sourced through maria@eventmanagement.net.nz, or call Maria Gourlie on 06 877 6443.