From Horsetalk.co.nz (dated 01 October 2010)

Horse owners are to get their own equivalent of Fieldays, the massive North Island showcase of all things agricultural.

The National Fieldays Society plans to run a national equine event, "Equidays".

The inaugural Equidays will be held from November 18-20 next and every two years thereafter at its Mystery Creek Events Centre in Hamilton. Organisers say it will encompass all facets of the equestrian industry, from demonstrations to exhibition stalls, clinic sessions to competitions.

Development kicked off in September 2009 with the National Fieldays Society collaborating with a working group of equine industry heavyweights to explore the event's viability.

The event concept received overwhelming support; identifying the need for a dedicated national equine industry exhibition in New Zealand.

Endorsed by key industry players, Equidays is equipped to not only showcase, but generate interest in New Zealand's equine sector.

Cambridge Stud owner Sir Patrick Hogan, in voicing his support for the event, said he believed it would be well supported and momentum behind it would lead to "a special and wonderful event".

Established over 43 years ago, the National Fieldays Society is responsible for conceiving a variety of successful events including the southern hemisphere's largest agribusiness exhibition, New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays.

The society's not-for-profit status ensures any surplus generated from an event is invested back into the event and property.

Mystery Creek Events Centre business development manager Nicola Greenwell said the society had invested significant time and energy in bringing Equidays to market.

"We see ourselves as unbiased in the industry, therefore we're confident we have the ability to give all 26 equine disciplines equal focus and opportunity."

Equidays aims to be a staple addition in the equine enthusiast's calendar.