Following the recent announcement of this year’s judging line-up, Horse of the Year Show takes a closer look at some of the names joining the panel – a group whose combined experience spans showing, dressage, and racing. Bringing fresh perspectives alongside deep-rooted traditional horsemanship, the selected judges reflect the breadth of talent within the equestrian world today.
Meg Nicholls brings extensive hands-on experience from a lifetime in racing. The daughter of Champion National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls, she rode over 100 winners during her career in the saddle, including notable victories at Aintree and Glorious Goodwood, before moving into bloodstock and media roles. Now a familiar face on ITV Racing and on major international broadcasts, Meg combines deep practical knowledge of the horse with a professional and balanced eye.
Meg said: “I’m thrilled to be judging at Horse of the Year Show this year. It’s a real privilege to be part of such a special event and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Irish judges Jim O’Brien and Tina O’Brien also bring a wealth of practical experience from the professional racing world. Tina’s role as Travelling Head Girl for leading Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien saw her responsible for the preparation and presentation of elite racehorses, earning recognition within the Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards. Together they combine practical horsemanship with a strong eye for quality, turnout and presentation.
Blending showing success with international dressage experience, Lucinda Elliott adds another dynamic perspective to the panel. Originally from North Yorkshire, she enjoyed major wins at Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International before progressing through the Team GB dressage pathway.
“I feel incredibly honoured to have been asked to judge at HOYS this year. HOYS was always such a special show to me growing up,” said Lucinda. “I have wonderful memories of riding there as a child so to now be asked to judge is a real privilege. I’m very excited for the opportunity and very much looking forward to being part of it from a different perspective this year.”
Joining from overseas is Randy Robertson of Toronto, Canada, whose extensive international judging and showing experience across the North American showing circuit brings a valuable global outlook. He judged at the 2022 Clydesdale Roadshow in Scotland and spent his childhood travelling with his dad as Head Horseman for Carlsberg.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity of judging at Horse of the Year Show in the UK, I have shown horses for over 50 years, my first RAWF champion was in the 70’s and recently had the supreme champion this past year. I have had the great pleasure of judging multiple world championships on both sides of the Atlantic and I am anticipating the same excitement in Birmingham,” said Randy Robertson.
Another international name is Australian show rider Stephanie Barrington whose achievements include winning the prestigious Garryowen Championship twice, in 2011 and again in 2025. Steph has successfully competed at Royal, National and Grand National level for 25 years enjoying many champion wins on Show Ponies right through to Show Hunters and Hacks. Her current mount Global PPS has won the Barastoc Horse of The Year for four consecutive years.
Stephanie commented: “I’ve heard wonderful things about the Horse of the Year Show; it has been on my bucket list to go and be a spectator. I am very honoured to have been asked to judge at such a prestigious show and am very much looking forward to it.”
Alongside these featured judges, Horse of the Year Show is proud to welcome an outstanding line-up of experienced judges including Mrs Deborah Alderson, Mr Jonathan Carnduff, Mrs Glenis Cockbain, Mr Graham Dunkley, Mr Hayden Hankey, Mr John James, Miss Rachel Moore Rooney, Ms Ann Rushton Green, Miss Sacha Shaw, Mrs Helen Starkie, Mrs Susan Stockley-Bridges, Ms Julie Templeton and Mr Chris Yates. Collectively they represent decades of knowledge drawn from across the showing and equestrian world.
With a panel that blends international influence, competitive success and lifelong dedication to the horse, this year’s judges promise to bring expertise, fairness and a deep appreciation for traditional standards to Horse of the Year Show.
As previously outlined in our competitor guidance, anyone who believes there may be a potential conflict of interest involving a judge is asked to notify us as early as possible. Please send details, along with any relevant supporting information, to entries@grandstand.co.uk ahead of the qualifying season.
ENDS
Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd.
Tel: 02476 858205
Email: press@hoys.co.uk
Image: 1st Class Images
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