The Crusaders have confirmed their iconic horses will not feature at One New Zealand Stadium, bringing an end to one of Super Rugby’s most enduring traditions after three decades.

The horses have been a symbolic part of the Crusaders matchday experience since the competition’s inception in 1996, leading the team out onto the field at every home game.

However, the design and limited space at the new $672 million venue has made it impossible to safely accommodate the animals.

With limited space around the field, the six horses would not have been able to avoid the playing surface, compromising their own safety, the condition of the turf, and creating potential injury risks for players and others in the venue.

Crusaders Chief Executive Colin Mansbridge said the decision had not been taken lightly.

“This is a decision that really hurts because the horses have been part of who we are from the very beginning, and we know how much they mean to our fans. That feeling of watching them run out in front of a packed crowd, while Conquest of Paradise plays, is a feeling I will never forget.

“We’ve tried our absolute best to make this work, and we want our Crusaders whānau to know we have left no stone unturned. Ultimately, safety must come first, even when the emotional cost is high.”

Significant time, money and effort were invested in exploring ways to keep the horses as part of the matchday experience.

This included turf protection measures, planning new flooring through the horse tunnel, purchasing specialised rugs for the horses, and camera location changes by broadcast partner SKY. Despite these efforts, the constraints of the new stadium proved insurmountable.

Unlike Lancaster Park, which as a cricket ground allowed for significant space around the field, and Apollo Projects Stadium, which had stands set further back, One New Zealand Stadium is a multi-use venue built for the whole community and designed to bring crowds closer to the action.

The six horses each represent one of the six provincial unions of the top of the South Island: Tasman, Buller, West Coast, South Canterbury, Mid Canterbury and Canterbury.

Generations of supporters have grown up watching them lead the team out as a visual reminder of Canterbury’s heritage and strength.

Mark Donald, spokesperson for the riding group, said the decision was devastating.

“The infrastructure at the new stadium is simply not compatible with the Crusaders horses which is incredibly disappointing.

“We have been through everything with this team. From the earthquakes, then the mosque attack and Covid.

“The Crusaders mean everything to us; we aren’t just guys who ride horses around a field, we are an important part of this club, and this is what hurts the most.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from the community and the Crusaders themselves. After three decades, this is not how we hoped things would end.

“It hurts to say goodbye to something that has been such a big part of our lives. Our commitment to horsemanship, to our riders, and to the people of Christchurch remains unwavering.”

Mansbridge said the move into One New Zealand Stadium represents a new chapter for the club, and that a new matchday tradition would be explored in time.

“We’re incredibly proud of the traditions that have shaped The Crusaders, and the horses will always be a special part of our story. While this decision will take time to sink in, when the time is right, we’ll engage our community on what a new ritual could look like.

“But for now, we want to recognise what the horses and riders have done for us and our club for three decades.”
The club said it is working through how to appropriately acknowledge and thank the riders for their contribution, with further details to be confirmed.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​