New Zealand's Horse of the Year Show Postponed after Devastation Caused by Cyclone Gabrielle

Mon, 02/20/2023 - 09:35
New Zealand
Horse stranded on a roof of a building after cyclone Gabrielle hit the Hawke's Bay area in New Zealand :: Photo ©  NZ Equestrian Scene

New Zealand's premier national equestrian event, the Horse of the Year Show, in Hawke's Boy has been postponed until further notice following the devastation caused by cyclone Gabrielle in the Hawke's Bay area. 

The New Zealand Horse of the Year in Hastings is one of the biggest and best horse events in the country and was celebrating its relaunch since Covid cancelled it over the last two years.

The event was scheduled to run  from March 7-12, 2023.

Cyclone Gabrielle

Cyclone Gabrielle hit the island's northernmost region on 12 February and tracked down the east coast, inflicting widespread devastation.

The death toll in New Zealand climbed to 11 on Sunday as thousands of people remained missing a week after the storm struck the country's North Island.

The cyclone disrupted telecommunications, caused shortages of fresh water and damaged roads still restricting access to some areas. Supply chains were disrupted causing problems moving goods, many crops had been destroyed, and 28,000 homes were still without power.

ESNZ Equine Relief Fund

Equestrian Sport New Zealand has established a relief fund to help the two and four-legged friends who have been struck by unimaginable devastation from Cyclone Gabrielle.

"If you'd like to help with providing horse feed and veterinary support, as well as further support as and where it is needed, you now can. ESNZ will donate 100% of the proceeds to those on the ground in these regions who need our country's support the most during this time," ESNZ posted. 

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