Some of Australasia's leading showjumping combinations will take to the pitch at Forsyth Barr Stadium next February in the inaugural Dunedin Equestrian Extravaganza.
The February 1 event will be followed by two days of the Otago Show Jumping Championship at the Taieri A and P Showgrounds.
Kevin Hansen, of Event Pro and organiser of the New Zealand Horse of the Year Show, in Hastings, said the extravaganza programme would include showjumping events, leading up to an evening celebration, the highlight being grand prix competition featuring the leading showjumpers in Australia and New Zealand vying for $50,000 in prize money.
"It promises to be an equestrian event unlike anything previously in New Zealand," Mr Hansen said.
Although indoor equestrian events have previously been held in New Zealand, Mr Hansen said there was no venue that compared to the 30,000-seat Forsyth Barr Stadium.
"The stadium will provide a `gladiator-type' electric atmosphere, where the crowd will be able to get up-close-and-personal with the equestrian action," he said.
"It will be a night of family fun and entertainment, from high-paced action and world-class jumping to grace and beauty on horseback."
Mr Hansen said bringing an event like this to Dunedin was a huge risk.
Nonetheless, he hoped to make it an annual fixture.
"There are huge possibilities, but this is only year one and we need to make it viable in the first year.
"Over time, it will get bigger and better."
Mr Hansen said he has been humbled by the initial response.
"I can't believe the support we have received from the Dunedin City Council, the stadium, local businesses and equestrians alike.
"Everybody has got right behind it. I am absolutely thrilled with the response."
