The Sport Horse Breeding of GB Working Hunter of the Year Championship has been an integral part of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) since 1951 and competition this year was as fierce as ever. 34 combinations started out over David Cole’s course of rustic fences, with marks available for both jumping and style. The testing track soon narrowed the field down to 12, who were all invited back to the Andrews Bowen International Arena for the ride and conformation judging. Ride judge Jessica Stalling, one of Australia’s most accomplished show riders, worked her way through “a very strong field” while conformation was judged by HOYS-winning producer Simon Reynolds. After

Maisy Williams delivered a trademark family masterclass as she had a Horse of the Year Show debut to savour by winning the Senior Newcomers Championship. Maisy, the 18-year-old daughter of Great Britain European team bronze medallist Guy Williams, produced a thrilling jump-off performance with Billy Heinz to deny Charlotte Ash and Air Sandulay by just 18 hundredths of a second. Guy, a renowned top-level performer against the clock, looked on at Birmingham NEC as Maisy and Billy Heinz clocked 30.93 seconds to land a class that was first contested at HOYS 39 years ago. The podium places, meanwhile, were completed by Miles O’Donnell and Jackpot DS. “She is really fast

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.” 

Julia Helm and Lucy Gilbertson topped the winner’s podium as the 2024 Horse of the Year Show got underway at the NEC Birmingham. A stellar cast of showjumpers have assembled across national and international classes, including triple Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher, his fellow Olympian John Whitaker and last year’s HOYS Leading Showjumper of the Year Jodie Hall McAteer. First to take centre-stage in the Andrews Bowen International Arena were riders from Kent to Cumbria who had qualified to contest the NAF Five Star Bronze and Silver League Championship. The Bronze Championship saw just three combinations make the jump-off from 14 starters, and it proved a special occasion for Warwick-based

Horse of the Year Show is delighted to announce the Blair Equibuild Ltd and Clean Round Ltd International Showjumping Grooms Award. This accolade sets out to recognise the dedication, skill and effort that goes into the care and training of our beloved equestrian athletes. International showjumping is a demanding sport, meaning the management of the horses competing must be of the highest standard. HOYS is passionate about commending the hard work of not only our riders, but those behind the scenes who are integral to the success of the sport, and we are thrilled to partner with Blair Equibuild Ltd and Clean Round Ltd to present this award.   CleanRound™ is

Every year, Horse of the Year Show choose our Official Charity of the Year. After much deliberation of the many worthy causes to consider, we are proud to announce our partnership with The MND Association; a charity that, amongst many other missions, champions the search for a cure for Motor Neurone Disease.  Motor Neurone Disease is a fatal condition that deteriorates the nerves responsible for controlling muscle movement. The messages sent from motor neurones will gradually cease to reach muscles, leading to weakness, stiffening and wastage. Movement is affected, as well as the ability to talk, eat, drink and even breathe. The disease is ultimately unpredictable, as progression symptoms can