Annabel Shields’ amazing HOYS qualification haul

Durham-based showjumper, Annabel Shields has shown brilliant form on the national showjumping circuit this year, becoming the only showjumper to gain eight Horse of the Year Show qualifications for 2018. Annabel will join the party at Horse of the Year Show to celebrate its 70^th Anniversary as it returns to the Genting Arena at Birmingham’s NEC from 3^rd – 7^th October.

Annabel started of her successful campaign with the chestnut mare Gerona, who confirmed her potential by qualifying for the Equitop Myoplast Senior Foxhunter and Talent Seekers inc. 7 Year Old Championship on her first attempt this year. She is also qualified for the British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet HOYS Grade C Championship. Owned by Robert Shields, Gerona is the “princess” of the yard and is naturally quick over a course allowing Annabel to use the mare’s carefulness and long stride to her advantage during jump offs. Chloe Page’s black gelding Epke ridden by Annabel, has also qualified for the British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet HOYS Grade C Championship after coming second to Gerona at Fife Agricultural Show.

Another of Annabel’s rides with multiple qualifications for HOYS 2018 is the grey mare Creevagh Carisma who has qualified for the Equitop Myoplast Senior Foxhunter and Connolly’s RED MILLS Senior Newcomers Championship. The mare previously competed in eventing and is a recent addition to Annabel’s string of horses, but Annabel believes Carisma is ready to step up to bigger classes.

Rubin VHS came third at the Royal Highland Show to see Annabel qualify another one for the Talent Seekers inc. 7 Year Old Championship. It will be a return visit to HOYS for the eight year old gelding as he competed for two national titles at HOYS 2017. Rubin VHS and Gerona will be joined in the Talent Seekers by Capriole II, a 10 year old bay gelding owned by Robert Shields, who qualified at the North Yorkshire Area Show.

“Riding at HOYS is always an honour and to have eight qualification tickets is just brilliant! You have a great feeling of pride riding at this fantastic show and it’s a super testament for my family run yard and the effort everyone puts in,” explains a delighted Annabel.

The National Showjumping classes run throughout the week at HOYS from Wednesday – Sunday. The International Showjumping at HOYS starts on Friday 5^th running over the weekend until Sunday 7^th with classes such as; the Five Fence Challenge, the Puissance and the Leading Showjumper of the Year Grand Prix. The British riders confirmed so far include; Michael Whitaker, Robert Whitaker, John Whitaker,  Guy Williams, Julie Andrews, Jessica Dimmock, Joe Clayton, Paul Barker, Mennell Watson, Helen Tredwell and Robert Murphy.

To get your showjumping fix be sure to purchase your tickets to #HOYS2018 and join in the 70^th Anniversary celebrations. Call the Box Office on 0844 581 8282 or visit https://hoys.co.uk/tickets/