Every medal-winning partnership begins somewhere. Long before championship podiums and recognition on the sport’s global stage, there is a young horse taking its first steps into the world of elite competition.  For many of Britain’s future dressage stars, that journey begins with the Dressage Future Elite Championship at Horse of the Year Show.  This year, eight horse and rider combinations will take to the Andrews Bowen International Arena, all hoping to follow in the footsteps of previous champions and make their mark at HOYS.  The 2026 combinations are:  Last year’s championship was won by Becky Moody riding Magic Dream JB, with Becky also taking the title in 2022 with her

Horse of the Year Show is delighted to announce Redwings Horse Sanctuary as its Official Charity of the Year for 2026, bringing together two organisations united by their passion for horses and a commitment to their welfare.  Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 7 – 11 October, HOYS will work alongside Redwings throughout this year’s show to raise awareness of equine welfare and support the charity’s vital work rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for horses, ponies, donkeys and mules across the UK.  Redwings is one of the UK’s largest horse welfare charities, responsible for more than 1,000 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. Its work ranges from urgent welfare rescues