NEW Zealand's Horse of the Year Show has become an important event for Australian showjumpers.

The Australian team has a standing invitation to send a team to one of the richest events on the Australasian calendar.

The team this year will see Tim Clarke (Caltango), Billy Raymont (Ocean Beach NZPH), Brett Warren (Vheezy Z) and Sheridan Manuel (Renmarno) competing.

Reserve riders Jamie Winning (Congo Z) and Evie Buller (Yalambi Landor) will compete as individuals, as will Clarke's wife, Ingrid.

There will be two team events held over two shows, the first at the Taranaki Show (March 2-4) and the second the Horse of the Year Show (March 13-18).

The Australian team will be under pressure as it is the defending champion.