The Crusaders, a prominent rugby union team based in Christchurch, New Zealand, announced on April 14, 2023, that they will retire their iconic matchday horses as they transition to a new stadium. This decision comes after officials determined that the design and limited space of the One New Zealand Stadium would pose safety risks for the horses during pre-game ceremonies. The horses, which have been a staple of Crusaders home games since 1996, symbolize the team's heritage and identity. Chief Executive Colin Mansbridge expressed the emotional difficulty of this decision, stating that safety must take precedence despite the tradition's significance. The organization explored various solutions to maintain the tradition but found none guaranteed a safe environment. As the team moves into the new $672 million stadium, they plan to honor the horses and riders while developing a new pre-game ritual that reflects the team’s values and history.