The Crusaders have made the 'devastating' decision to retire their iconic horses, ending a cherished Super Rugby tradition that has captivated fans for three decades. The mounted riders, a symbol of the franchise's pride and heritage since 1996, will not be a part of the matchday experience at the new One New Zealand Stadium.
The club announced on Tuesday that the design and layout of the new $672 million covered stadium, also known as Te Kaha, make it impossible to safely accommodate the horses. The decision marks the end of an era for the team and its supporters, for whom the sight of the horses galloping onto the field to the sound of 'Conquest of Paradise' was a beloved pre-game ritual.
For generations of Cantabrians, the horses have been more than just a spectacle. They represented the strength and spirit of the six provincial unions that make up the Crusaders region: Tasman, Buller, West Coast, South Canterbury, Mid Canterbury, and Canterbury. This visual link to the team's provincial heritage has been a constant through years of triumph and adversity.
Safety concerns at new stadium force decision
The core issue lies in the modern, intimate design of One New Zealand Stadium. Built to bring fans closer to the action, the venue has significantly less space around the playing field compared to the team's previous homes.
Unlike the sprawling Lancaster Park, a former international cricket ground, or the more spacious temporary setup at Apollo Projects Stadium, the new arena's tight confines present unavoidable risks. The club confirmed that the six horses would not be able to manoeuvre without entering the field of play, posing a significant danger to the animals, the riders, players, and staff, while also compromising the integrity of the turf.
Crusaders Chief Executive Colin Mansbridge said the organisation explored every possible avenue before making the painful call. He acknowledged the deep emotional connection fans and the club have with the tradition.
'We have left no stone unturned'
According to the club, significant time and resources were invested in trying to find a workaround. Proposed solutions included implementing specialised turf protection measures, installing new flooring through the horse tunnel, purchasing custom-made rugs for the horses to wear on sensitive surfaces, and even working with broadcast partner SKY to alter camera locations.
Despite these extensive efforts, the physical limitations of the stadium were deemed 'insurmountable'. The proximity of the stands to the pitch, a key feature of the new multi-use community venue, ultimately sealed the tradition's fate. The move signals a major shift as the club settles into its permanent post-earthquake home, a venue designed for a new era of sport and entertainment in Christchurch.
The retirement of the horses follows other significant changes in Super Rugby, with SANZAAR recently confirming that Moana Pasifika will be axed from the competition at the end of the current season, reshaping the tournament's future landscape.
Riders 'devastated' by end of an era
For the group of riders who have dedicated years to the tradition, the news has been heartbreaking. Mark Donald, a spokesperson for the riding group, described the decision as devastating, noting the group's deep integration into the club's fabric.
He highlighted the riders' shared journey with the team through some of the region's most challenging times, including the Canterbury earthquakes, the 2019 mosque attacks, and the Covid-19 pandemic. The riders see themselves as more than just performers, but as a core part of the Crusaders family.
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.. 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.
Donald expressed gratitude for the support from the community but lamented the conclusion of a tradition that has spanned a generation. “After three decades, this is not how we hoped things would end,” he said. “It hurts to say goodbye to something that has been such a big part of our lives.”
A new chapter and new traditions
While acknowledging the emotional weight of the decision, the Crusaders are looking towards the future as they begin a new chapter at One New Zealand Stadium. The club has endured a long journey since the 2011 earthquakes destroyed their previous home at Lancaster Park, playing for years at a temporary facility at Apollo Projects Stadium. In similar developments, Auckland Cricket and Rugby quit Eden Park, signaling a trend of sporting bodies reassessing venue agreements.
Mansbridge stated that the focus for now is on honouring the immense contribution of the horses and riders. He confirmed that in time, the club would engage with the community to develop a new matchday ritual to mark the new era. The official Super Rugby competition has seen many teams evolve their branding and matchday experiences over the years, and the Crusaders will now embark on their own journey to create a new tradition.
“We’re incredibly proud of the traditions that have shaped The Crusaders, and the horses will always be a special part of our story,” Mansbridge said. The club is currently planning how it will formally acknowledge and thank the riders, with further details expected soon.
