http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.equifest.co.nz en-us Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:57:19 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/post/165800/equifest-2026-ticket-sales-update/ We've got a quick update for everyone eagerly waiting to secure their tickets for Equifest 2026.To give our team a little more time to put the finishing touches on some exciting additions to next year's event, we have moved our ticket on-sale date to Monday 8 June 10am.One of the reasons for the change is that we're currently working on a very special announcement for our Friday Nightshow. While we're not quite ready to reveal all the details, we can promise it's something we're incredibly excit... Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:40:53 +1200 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/#post165800 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/post/165606/brett-parbery-makes-a-flying-visit-to-equifest-2026-for-exclusive-masterclass/ Equifest 2026 is thrilled to welcome internationally respected Australian dressage rider and coach Brett Parbery for an exclusive Masterclass appearance this October.Known for his horse-first philosophy, practical coaching style and ability to connect with riders of all levels, Brett has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most influential dressage educators. His career spans everything from rodeo and horsemanship through to representing Australia on the world stage in dressage, including... Sat, 30 May 2026 09:21:41 +1200 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/#post165606 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/post/165607/councilbacked-events-bring-sport-culture-and-crowds-to-hamilton/ Hamilton is set to welcome one of New Zealand’s largest equestrian lifestyle events, with Hamilton City Council confirming a three-year sponsorship agreement for Equifest through its Major Event Sponsorship Fund.The funding announcement comes as Council celebrates another successful year of major events across the city, with thousands of visitors attending Council-supported sporting, cultural and community events throughout 2025–26.Deputy Mayor Geoff Taylor, Chair of the Major Events Subcomm... Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/#post165607 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/post/160347/equifest-new-zealands-largest-equine-event-announces-major-move-to-hamilton/ Equifest, New Zealand’s Largest Equine Event Announces Major Move to HamiltonEquifest, New Zealand’s leading equine event, is preparing to deliver three days of action-packed education, shopping, competition and nighttime entertainment this October 2026, with organisers confirming a major move to Hamilton, where the event will be hosted at Claudelands Events Centre for the first time.The relocation marks a significant milestone for the national equine festival, enabling the event to grow and... Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:37:19 +1300 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/#post160347 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/post/153919/carriage-driving-at-equifest-2025/ Carriage driving competitions in New Zealand offer a wonderful mix of tradition, skill, and excitement. Drivers and their horses compete across a range of events: Dressage, from the basics through to advanced movements, showcasing harmony and precision; Cones, our version of showjumping, where teams weave through 20 sets of cones just 20cm wider than the carriage; and the Marathon, an action-packed endurance phase covering around 16km with 5–7 obstacles driven at speed. Other competitions incl... Sat, 11 Oct 2025 16:01:05 +1300 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/#post153919 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/post/134755/future-proof-your-saddle-fit-with-smart-saddles/ Are you going around in circles and coming up against the same saddle fit issues time and time again, leading to training problems, sore backs and expensive, often unexpected, saddle bills? Wave goodbye to the limitations of traditional saddle designs with a fully flexible SMART Saddle!... Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/#post134755 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/post/151694/show-hunter-joins-equifest-for-the-first-time/ For the first time ever, Show Hunter will feature in the Equifest lineup, adding another exciting discipline to the festival programme. The Show Hunter competition will take place on Friday and Saturday in the Hippo Health Arena, located amongst the Shopping Village. This central location will allow visitors to enjoy the action while soaking up the Equifeest festival atmosphere.Show Hunter challenges competitors to maintain a consistent rhythm, accuracy, and balance throughout the course. Equife... Fri, 05 Sep 2025 12:44:09 +1200 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/#post151694 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/post/151402/beyond-the-bit-announced-as-sponsor-of-friday-nightshow/ Equifest is thrilled to announce Beyond The Bit as the official sponsor of the Friday Nightshow – Festival of Speed, a high-octane evening of competition and entertainment.Taking place on Friday night at Equifest 2025, the Festival of Speed promises an adrenaline-charged showcase of equestrian sport, featuring showjumping, barrel racing, and the fast-paced thrills of scurrying. This unique mix of events guarantees a night of excitement for horse enthusiasts and families alike.“We’re excite... Tue, 02 Sep 2025 11:11:59 +1200 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/#post151402 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/post/151401/rare-breeds-display/ Equifest 2025 will showcase some of New Zealand’s most unique and endangered horse breeds, thanks to the Rare Horse Society of New Zealand. This passionate group was founded by two members of the Rare Breeds Conservation Society of NZ, who shared a dream of focusing exclusively on horses. Their vision has since grown into a thriving network of dedicated people united by their love for rare and heritage equines.The Society’s mission is clear: to promote and preserve rare pure horse breeds liv... Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/#post151401 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/post/151399/new-sunday-family-fun/ Equifest is set to welcome families in a whole new way this year with the launch of Sunday Family Fun, a fresh addition to the 2025 programme. The initiative has been created to offer an fun-filled day out where families can enjoy the excitement of horses, equestrian sport, and festival entertainment together.The Sunday Family Pass is priced at just $90 online and includes entry for two adults and two children. Organisers say the pass has been designed to make Equifest more accessible for famili... Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.equifest.co.nz/blog/#post151399