Behind every competitor and every captivated visitor, there’s often a mother, or mother figure whose support helped spark the love of horses in the first place.
In the leadup to Mother’s Day, we invited you to tell us about the mothers and mother figures who have shaped your HOYS experience – whether from the saddle, the stable or the seats. Your stories reminded us just how deeply family sits at the heart of HOYS. Here are some of the moments you shared.
Jemma & Grace Millman
2025 was a special year for Jemma Millman. Not only did she win the Osborne Refrigerators Double Harness Scurry of the Year Championship, but she also shared the centre line with her daughter, Grace – 16 years after previously winning in 2009 when she was six months pregnant with her.
Jemma said: “I was 6 months pregnant with Grace when I won the 2009 Scurry Driver of the Year. Grace has been by my side ever since and I really couldn’t do what I do without her. This year was a dream come true when we once again got to share the centre line moment when we won the scurry driver of the year title.”
Imogen Strathern and her mum
For many families, Horse of the Year Show is about far more than competition – it’s about shared dreams, dedication and the people who make the journey worthwhile. For Imogen Strathern, HOYS has been a long-term ambition she and her mum have pursued side by side, progressing from local shows to the iconic HOYS arena together.
Their partnership reached a special milestone in 2024 when they finished 4th in the National Pony Society/Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland Ridden Welsh A Pony of the Year with Thistledown Jambo. The result reflected years of hard work as a home-produced team. With her mum acting as groom, supporter and constant presence, the experience created memories far beyond the rosettes.
Imogen said:
“HOYS has always been more than just a show for us – it’s a dream side by side for years. That moment felt so amazing – all the early mornings and hard work paid off. Seeing how proud my mum was honestly meant more to me than the rosette itself. My mum is my groom, my biggest supporter and sometimes the person I argue with in the lorry before we go in the ring! We don’t always get along (especially under show pressure), but at the end of the day we both want the same thing, and that shared dream is what makes it so special.
“HOYS has given us memories we’ll treasure forever – the nerves, the laughter, the tears, and the proud hugs afterwards. No matter what the future holds, sharing this journey with my mum is what makes it truly special.”
Victoria’s three-generation HOYS tradition
It’s not just competitors who cherish memories with their mums. Victoria Honey first visited Horse of the Year Show with her mum when she was 13 years old.
Victoria said:
“I loved it – I loved watching the showing classes, the jumping and looking at all the stalls. I remember buying a beautiful red head collar for my pony, Lady.”
In a full circle moment, Victoria returned last year with both her mum and her 12-year-old daughter. They arrived first thing to make the most of their day.
“We were all on the edge of our seats for the show jumping, cheered on the Pony Club Mounted Games and picked our favourites for the showing classes. We loved the stalls and did some Christmas shopping. My daughter bought a head collar for her pony, Munchkin. We can’t wait to get tickets for HOYS 2026.”
Jade & Reeva Gardner
Last year, Jade Gardner led her daughter, Reeva, and her Shetland pony, Latijn VD Helling, to win the first ever Westown Stud Mountain & Moorland Lead Rein Non-Welsh Pony of the Year.
“It was an experience that will live with me forever. Not only did I get to lead Reeva, but I was also 11 weeks pregnant, so I actually had 2 children in the ring with me,” said Jade. “We produce our ponies from home, and after qualifying at the Royal Highland Show, never expected to go on and win! It really was a dream come true,” said Jade.
Amy Lilley and her daughters
2025 was a year to remember for Amy Lilley’s family. She watched her eldest daughter, Alexia, take the win in the Coloured Junior Ridden Pony of the Year Sponsored by CHAPS (UK) / Broom and Sleight Family with their coloured Shetland, Briar Puzzle.
Later that day, Amy led her 3-year-old daughter, Sophia, back through the curtains with the same pony, placing 7th in the Westown Stud Mountain & Moorland Lead Rein Non-Welsh Breeds Pony of the Year.
“They made me the proudest mum in the world. How could I forget the million games of I Spy and chitchat me and Sophia shared, as I worked tirelessly to keep her awake after our 4am start to watch her sister that morning! Two girls, one patchy pony, a proud mummy and a whole lot of dreams come true,” said Amy.
At Horse of the Year Show, we know everyone’s story is different. While many celebrate special memories with their mums or mother figures, we also recognise that Mother’s Day can mean different things to different people. Whether it’s family, friends, mentors or supporters who stand beside you, HOYS is about the partnerships, encouragement and shared moments that make the journey meaningful – both in and out of the ring.
And if you are looking for a thoughtful last-minute way to say thank you to mum – or that special person supporting you – HOYS gift Vouchers are available now and make the perfect surprise – Gift voucher for Horse of the Year Show
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
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