The Crusaders horses have been spotted at Christchurch’s One New Zealand Te Kaha stadium today, after the team previously announced it would be canning the three-decade tradition.

The team said last month that the horses would be retired, citing safety concerns tied to the design and limited space at the new venue.

The club said the confined layout around the field meant the six horses could not operate without risk.

However, today, a group of horses were seen running around the turf at One NZ Stadium.

Flags waved in the air as Conquest of Paradise played over the loudspeakers.

After questions from the Herald, the Crusaders said there had been a test run for the horses in the new stadium, and there was “still lots to work through”.

The horses being led away from One NZ stadium after their test run. Photo / Kurt Bayer

Mark Donald, spokesperson for the riding group, confirmed they were having a run around, testing the grounds, but nothing is confirmed for their return.

Last month, the club said the confined layout around the field meant the six horses could not operate without risk.

Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said at the time the call had been deeply emotional.

“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,” he said.

The Crusaders horses after their test run at One NZ stadium. Photo / Kurt Bayer

“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.”

The Crusaders explored multiple options to preserve the tradition, including turf protection measures, new flooring through the horse tunnel, specialised rugs and adjustments to camera positions.