A whole new dimension met visitors to Horse of the Year 2009, premier event of the New Zealand equestrian calendar. Recognising the growing desire of New Zealanders to increase their ability through improved understanding of horses and horsemanship, from this inaugural year, education will be a key feature on the agenda.

Jane Taylor-Young, creator of the renowned Herdword programmes and proprietor of the Tararua based New Zealand Centre of Equine Psychology and Behaviour was selected as the feature educator at HOY 2009.

In the outdoor Education arena, each day of the show, Jane demonstrated elements from her One Tool – "The Living Line™ for Resistance Free Riding" programme that was so well received in November at Equitana 2008.

In addition to these sessions, Jane shared her thought provoking presentation "Why Horsemanship Doesn't Happen By Chance" in the indoor classroom suite.

Herdword programmes incorporate many peripheral aspects of equine development and training that, whilst fundamental in the life of the horse are often overlooked in conventional equestrian education packages.

For more information, visit www.hoy.co.nz