A Fresh Judging Approach Returns for Horse of the Year Show 2026 

Ahead of Horse of the Year Show 2026, we are delighted to confirm a diverse and international panel of judges, including representatives from Australia, Canada and Ireland, who will step into the iconic ‘arena of dreams’. 

Following positive feedback from competitors and stakeholders in 2024, Horse of the Year Show will once again adopt this judging format for 2026. Judges for each section will not be announced until the evening before each final, reinforcing our commitment to fairness and transparency.  

As the sport continues to evolve, we remain committed to adapting and modernising. This approach builds on what we have implemented before and continues to bring a fresh perspective to HOYS, ensuring all competitors can perform on a level playing field. 

Alongside these developments, the welfare of horses remains paramount. We encourage all competitors to familiarise themselves with our welfare guidelines and competition requirements, available in the official HOYS Rulebook.

If, as a competitor, you believe there may be a conflict of interest with a judge, please submit details and any supporting evidence to entries@grandstand.co.uk ahead of the event. Clear procedures are in place to ensure any potential conflicts are reviewed and managed appropriately. 

Emma Williams, Event Director said: “We received an abundance of positive feedback when we introduced this judging format previously, and it was clear that competitors valued this fresh approach. By confirming a world-class panel while withholding individual allocations until the finals, we are able to maintain transparency and ensure every competitor enters the arena with confidence in the process.” 

The following judges will make up the core panel for Horse of the Year Show 2026, with further additions to be announced closer to the event: 

• Mrs Deborah Alderson 
• Ms Stephanie Barrington 
• Mr Jonathan Carnduff
• Mrs Glenis Cockbain
• Mr Graham Dunkley
• Miss Lucinda Elliott
• Mr Hayden Hankey
• Mr John James
• Miss Rachel Moore Rooney
• Ms Meg Nicholls
• Mrs Tina O’Brien
• Mr Jim O’Brien
• Ms Ann Rushton Green
• Mr Randy Robertson
• Miss Sacha Shaw
• Mrs Helen Starkie
• Mrs Susan Stockley-Bridges
• Ms Julie Templeton
• Mr Chris Yates

Horse of the Year Show takes place from 7^th – 11^th October 2026, and we look forward to welcoming competitors, owners and spectators to another unforgettable Championships. 

To stay up to date with the latest HOYS news and be the first to hear announcements, sign up to our newsletter at: https://hoys.co.uk/newsletter-sign-up/ 

ENDS 

For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2026, please contact: Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd. 

Tel: 02476 858205 

Email: press@hoys.co.uk 

Image: 1st Class Images