The Crusaders horses are coming home
The Crusaders have confirmed the Crusaders horses will join the match day experience at One New Zealand Stadium. Following proper testing and refining some processes, the ritual will now be able to be delivered safely at the new venue.
With more time available, the horses have now been carefully tested at One New Zealand Stadium. This testing allowed all parties involved to identify and address specific risks that couldn’t be fully assessed prior to Super Round.
As a result, several operational adjustments have been made to address those risks.
The entry and exit tunnel has been changed from the NE corner to the loading dock to ensure the horses have sufficient height and space to move safely (the NE tunnel was too low) all tunnel exit points on the field will be roped off to prevent horses from accidentally exiting through the wrong location, and rubber flooring will be placed in the tunnel to provide secure footing and reduce the risk of slipping on concrete.
The horses will also adjust their match day routine to accommodate the new venue. They will complete two laps rather than the usual three and will remain in a continuous canter, as stopping increases the likelihood of the horses becoming unsettled. Their speed will be carefully managed, particularly around corners, to navigate broadcast camera placements and ensure the horses avoid the field of play, protecting the condition of the pitch.
The horses were retired on 14 April after genuine challenges were identified around space, safety and operations at the stadium. It was a decision made with safety as the overriding priority, and one that carried a significant emotional cost for the club, the horsemen and Crusaders fans.
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge says the decision at the time was the right one with the information available.
“Prior to Super Round, as a club, time simply wasn’t on our side. Without the opportunity to properly test the horses at full capacity in the stadium before such a major event, it would have been irresponsible to have them feature,” says Mansbridge.
“We said we would engage our fans on what a new match day ritual could look like. They made it very clear to us how they felt after we announced the horse's retirement. That gave us an opportunity post Super Round to look at this again.”
Since then, the club has continued working closely with its horsemen, operations teams and key partners to explore options. We’ve now found a way forward – which is why we’re able to bring the Crusaders horses back.
“Key stakeholders leaned in, and everyone involved accepted that some operational compromise would be required. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to safety.
“This outcome shows what happens when multiple people take responsibility and they care enough to keep working at it.”
The Crusaders horses have been part of the club’s match day tradition for more than three decades and hold deep significance for players, staff and supporters.
“We know how much the horses mean to our people,” says Mansbridge.
“They’re woven into the history of this club and into so many memories for our fans. The six Crusaders horses also represent the six provincial unions of the top of the South Island – they are an important part of our club’s legacy, so we’re proud to retain this special part of our match day experience and what they represent.”
Bringing the horses back does not change the challenges presented by the new stadium, but it does reflect the club’s willingness to revisit decisions when circumstances allow.
“This club is prepared to make tough calls when required, even when the emotional cost is high. We’re equally prepared to revisit decisions when new information makes a different outcome possible.”