From Manawatu Standard

Manfeild Park is celebrating the windfall of a $423,000 grant from Pub Charities. The funds are to be used for the development of an outdoor equestrian arena which will enhance the park's ability to attract national events.

Two national equestrian events have now been booked because of the new arena and will take place within two months of it being completed.

"Dressage New Zealand has booked the facility for the National Young Rider event in January, and the Bates New Zealand Championship to be held in March," said sports manager for Dressage New Zealand, Wendy Hamerton.

"The two events will attract over 300 riders. The latter event has international status and is also an Olympic qualifier. We are really excited about this new outdoor arena. Coupled with the indoor stadium it will be a true international venue.

"Manfeild is a great location and more central for our South Island competitors. The facilities also provide us with more marketing opportunities, and Manawatu is a very strong equestrian region."

Grassed land directly in front of the southern side of the stadium and current outdoor arena which covers 160 metres by 85 metres will be excavated and developed into a massive outdoor arena. A large proportion of the cost is the haulage of materials required.

Dressage New Zealand is assisting with the development of 70 permanent outdoor yards.

Feilding based former-Olympic equestrian Andrew Scott has worked with Manfeild Park in a consultant's capacity regarding the construction of the arena.

"Andrew has international experience in riding and consulting, and we have made sure we can convert the clay-based soil to an all-weather surface of a quality which will attract top-quality equestrian events," said Manfeild CEO Heather Verry.

"The spin-off for the park and the wider community is enormous. We are incredibly grateful to Pub Charity as it is a sizeable donation.

"It has already secured national events and has also taken a lot of pressure off us. They are also acknowledging that the venue is worth investing that sort of money into."

Pub Charity chief executive Martin Cheer agreed that the donation was significant.

"This represents the Pub Charity Trust Board's, and their partner venues' (pubs), ability to invest in multi-purpose venues. While there is a narrow range of use, it has a much broader value for the wider community. Manfeild is an iconic facility. It has a significant place in New Zealand history and needed some investment to assist with its future.

"We now have the ability to host World Cup Showjumping competitions and are looking at trying to host a Royal Show," Mrs Verry said.

The upgrading work on the arena should be completed during December.