Qualifying Stories 2025!

Have you qualified for HOYS? We’ve been celebrating your incredible stories – from you and your horse or pony’s journey together, to the highs and challenges along the way.

Now, we’re thrilled to announce we have a winner!

Horse of the Year Show honours the most inspiring qualification journeys through our HOYS Qualifying Story competition, chosen by public vote. This year’s winner is Lindy Winship, whose Higher View Charlie earned his place in the Barber Family Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year Championship at the Lincolnshire County Show.

Ridden by Emma Green, Charlie’s powerful performance – crowned by a grand ring extension to rapturous applause – sealed his qualification. For Lindy, who had not seen him since HOYS 2024 due to health challenges, the moment was deeply moving, made even more special when the award was presented by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

The Barber Family Ridden Heavy Horse Championship is one of HOYS most prestigious fixtures, Lindy and Charlie’s story captures the true spirit of HOYS – the bond, brilliance, and inspiration behind every journey to the Arena of Dreams.

And we’re not stopping here – we want to hear your stories from May 2026! Whether you qualify in showing or showjumping, we want to celebrate your journey with you.