Tears of delight on day one of Horse of the Year Show

The curtains opened on the 75th edition of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at Birmingham’s NEC with the Mears Flooring Ladies Side Saddle Horse of the Year Championship; an elegant spectacle of horse and rider that set the tone for this special celebration of HOYS’ rich history.

22-year-old Phoebe Price held her own in a very strong field of 17 starters to pilot Heather Rothwell’s 12-year-old Warmblood cross, Happy Valentines, to victory in only their second season together.

“He was on top form”, exclaimed a delighted Phoebe, who finished sixth with the gelding last year. “He loves it in that ring and always knows it’s time to show off.” 

Phoebe is no stranger to the HOYS limelight, having clinched numerous pony titles including the prestigious Supreme Pony of the Year. Reflecting on her move to contesting horse classes, Phoebe said: “It was a big step and quite daunting, but the persistence and hard work has paid off”.

The combination will return to the Andrews Bowen International Arena on Sunday for the Epiony Large Riding Horse of the Year, and have already secured their spot in the Supreme Products Supreme Horse of the Year Championship.

Reserve was Heather William’s eight-year-old Sports Horse Shudehill Bertie ridden by Kate Nicholson.

A horse who has been only very lightly shown this year scooped the Harness Horse and Pony of the Year Championship under the direction of Neil Wray; a seasoned HOYS competitor whose impressive career has seen him maintain the title consecutively since 2018 with three different horses.

Ray Townsend’s Brookeborough Reflection has had six seasons off and been shown just three times this year. The 16-year-old Hackney showed natural ability and true class to seal the deal for judges Paul Mills and Caroline Dale Leech MBE.

“We’re absolutely over the moon,” said Neil. “We’re very fortunate we’ve had some lovely horses and we put the work into it, and that’s what it takes.

“[His owners] have not had him out showing for six years and for them to come here will be an absolute thrill.”

Sonny Hillier’s striking pair of Friesians Ulbe & Tjomme W took the Reserve title.

The SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse of the Year Championship showcases the versatility of Thoroughbred horses and this year’s 14 runners and riders included ex-racers who have had very successful careers on the track, including Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Native River.

Tori Thomas’ 14-year-old gelding Wonga Swinger has been knocking on the door of this Championship for a few years, and today was his turn to take the spoils after giving ride judge Kate Halliday a strong-scoring performance.

By Lucky Story out of Chippwea, Wonga won two races while in training with Tori’s husband, Sam, before his career took a new direction. “He didn’t enjoy it [racing] that much,” explained Tori, “so my husband let me have him and I started off doing a bit of hunting and then got into showing through my mum and auntie”.

Tori gave birth to her daughter just nine weeks ago and labelled the win “completely unexpected” at just their third show together this season. “I was a bit nervous in the warm up here this morning, but he was just foot-perfect in there… His temperament is amazing, we’re so lucky to have him”.

Over in the TopSpec Arena the Mountain & Moorland ponies had been competing since dawn and, for the younger riders, all eyes were on the Colne and Sweet Dreams Show Confectioners Mountain & Moorland Mini Pony of the Year Championship. Four combinations were invited back; the first and second placed combinations from the Lead Rein and First Ridden sections.

It was the Sweet Dreams Show Confectioners Mountain & Moorland First Ridden Pony of the Year winner, Ashley Patterson’s Welsh Section B Celton Avallon (Alfie) who took the overall title with Ashley’s son Prestyn in the saddle.

The family have owned Alfie, as he is known at home, for just over a year and narrowly missed out on their first trip to the Arena of Dreams last year.

A delighted Ashley said, “We were second three times, so we just missed the ticket last year but got it this year… it’s better than Christmas he [Prestyn] said!”

By Heaton Romeo out of Celton Nimue, the eight-year-old gelding is produced by Kirstine Douglas up in Dumfries and the family go to the yard everyday.

The team plan to try and collect their golden HOYS ticket again next year, but will do a little bit of workers and some dressage over the winter. “Prestyn also does a lot of fun rides on him with his friends”, said Ashley. “Alfie’s an absolute treat, he’s never grumpy and always greets you with a big neigh. He’s an easy character all round.”

Prestyn and Alfie will return to the TopSpec Arena on Friday in the Westown Stud Junior Mountain & Moorland Ridden Small Breeds Pony of the Year.

Today’s Champions under saddle will all go forward to Sunday’s Supreme Products Supreme Horse or Supreme Pony of the Year Championships on Sunday.

ENDS  

For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2024, please contact Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd. Tel: 02476 858205. Email: press@hoys.co.uk