It’s full steam ahead for the Mitavite Trans Tasman two test series to be held in Hawke’s Bay next month.

NRM Horse of the Year Show director Kevin Hansen is expecting to be able to announce within the week horses and riders from both sides of the Tasman that will go head to head at both the Holy Grail and HOY, during the McMillan Equine Feeds Silver Fern Stakes on Friday night.

The team will arrive in the country with their horses on Thursday, March 13 and depart on Monday, March 24.

The clash at Holy Grail – on Sunday, March 16 – promises to take rivalry to a whole new level with full throttle jumping.

Hansen is confident the 20/20-like format which pitches combinations from teams against each other in both power and speed, will revolutionise showjumping.

Each of the riders is seeded, with the four top combinations coming back for the ultimate in challenges – the fences go up but the speed has to climb also, making for heart-stopping action from very brave horses and riders.

The full throttle jumping team with the most points from the entire competition will win $2,000, with the runners-up bagging $600. The two members from the winning team who make the final four will each receive $300.

The cash rich Silver Fern Stakes, with a $50,000 prize purse, is always a hotly-contested class, with the Aussies having laid claim to the crown several times over the years.