Only in its second year, Equifest the festival of all thing’s equine is set to up the celebrations thanks to funding success from The Thermal Explorer Regional Events Fund.
Equifest is returning to the National Equestrian Centre in Taupō from 29-31 October 2021 giving the country’s equine community three days of testing competitions, dazzling entertainment and valuable education.
Equifest is the only national event of its type where people come together to connect and share their passion for all equine disciplines and event organisers are committed to growing and improving the event each year.
The strong industry support, advocacy and expertise behind Equifest has ensured the event is returning for 2021 and receiving this funding will give us an incredible boost to make it better than ever,” says Equifest Managing Director Ammie Hardie.
“We are really aware of the important role Equifest plays in providing a platform for the equine community to learn and celebrate the fantastic industry".
The funds received from the Thermal Explorer Regional Events Fund will be used to attract visitation from the wider regions around the North Island to bring visitors to TaupĹŤ along with developing the strategic direction and growth strategy of the event to build on the successes of last years event.
Despite launching the event last year amidst Covid-19 and border restrictions Hardie was determined to hold the event that attracted over 11,000 people. With exhibitor enquiries already exceeding their expectations and new disciplines and educators locked in, the 2021 event is set to turn Taupō into an equine lover’s dream.
“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and support and I am committed to bringing the wider equine community together”, says Ammie.
Deputy mayor Christine Rankin said Taupō is looking forward to welcoming Equifest and its visitors to the district. “We’re thrilled to have the National Equestrian Centre in Taupō offering a world-class facility for many different equestrian disciplines and pursuits.
“Once visitors have enjoyed celebrating and exploring all things equine, we hope you’ll get the chance to dine out at some of our spectacular cafes and restaurants, explore our boutique shops, or enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot pools.”
The 2021 event will see some of the country’s most well-known and knowledgeable educators sharing their skills and expertise through clinics and demonstrations, with several fan favourites returning as well as a few new faces being added to the mix.
The weekend also includes jumping, dressage, western competitions and visitors can also shop till they drop with avenues of exhibitors selling everything from horse tack and horse floats to lifestyle products.
To top it off two nights of evening entertainment will make sure your weekend at Equifest really is a celebration of all things equine.
