Horse of the Year 2026 cancelled due to funding issues

Wednesday 3 December 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 3 Dec 2025, 2:54pm

The 2026 Horse of the Year show in Hastings has been cancelled. Organisers cited rising operational costs and a lack of major sponsorship as reasons for the decision. The event is considered one of the largest equestrian events in the Southern Hemisphere.

How they headlined it

2:07pm2:48pm

1. NZ HeraldWed 3 Dec 2025, 2:07pm

   Horse of the Year 2026 cancelled amid funding issues, lack of major sponsor (opens in new tab)

2. RNZWed 3 Dec 2025, 2:48pm

   Hawke's Bay's Horse of the Year show cancelled for 2026 (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsWed 3 Dec 2025, 2:54pm

   Horse of the Year cancelled for 2026 due to rising costs (opens in new tab)