Crusaders and Ace the horse say no (and neigh) to schoolyard bullying

The Crusaders are teaming up with a horse named Ace in an attempt to rein in schoolyard bullying.

The Crusaders have helped launch the picture book "Ace, a horsey tail of courage" as part of an anti-bullying campaign aimed at school children.

The book follows the journey of Ace, a young horse who is bullied by his peers and grows up to become one of the Crusaders horses to feature at all home games.

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The Crusaders are leading an anti-bullying campaign aimed at school children.

The launch of the book coincides with Bullying-Free NZ week, which started on Monday and runs until pink shirt day on Friday. The Super Rugby team are also a part of an anti-bullying video released on Monday.

Ace also made his debut on Saturday night when he ran out with the other Crusaders horses ahead of the Waratahs match in Christchurch, which the Crusaders performed a giant comeback to win after being down 29-0. 

Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach said the club was proud to be associated with the project.

"Our commitment to connect with the people of this region has inspired this initiative to support young people in Canterbury and we are grateful for Bayleys' support in addressing such an important issue.
 
"The book will draw on the proud history and tradition of our team with the inclusion of the Crusaders Bayleys horses, and we hope that this will engage our young fans and deliver a powerful message," Riach said.

Books will be sold at the Crusaders home games against the Highlanders on Friday July 6 and the Blues on Saturday July 14, for $20 each.