A spectacular Sunday Gala Evening Finale in store

This year’s finale is the ultimate celebration of the power of the equestrian community when we all stand together in unity. It has been produced and choreographed especially for Horse of the Year Show’s 70^th Anniversary celebration and will be the first time the ensemble will have performed on stage together.

The group is made up of 30 young equestrians from Wales aged between 10-25 years old who all have connections with Horse of the Year Show, many of whom have competed at HOYS on numerous occasions. Together the euphoria of sharing a great passion for singing as well as horse riding has brought them together to perform. With some unique elements of clog and tap dancing which will build to symbolise the spirit of the horse, the performance will come to life with some incredible solo and group routines. Here we have an ensemble encompassing the talent across Wales and the equestrian community. These young and enthusiastic individuals are a representation of the bright future the equestrian community holds. With the power of unity we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of HOYS. Now join us on this spectacular evening to celebrate and look forward to another 70 years.

The Musical Theatre Soprano Elin Angharad Williams has been to New York to study musical theatre and has come accustomed to performing in front of crowds of people. Elin comments; “I am very excited to be a part of the finale at HOYS; horses have been a huge part of my life growing up and to be able to share a stage with other equestrian members is a real honour.”

Richard and Thomas Jones, sons of Peter and Ann Jones, proprietors of the Menai & Friarly Studs based in the heart of Cardiganshire, are no strangers to HOYS. Richard and Thomas are heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the business and producing the Welsh ponies and cobs in which they breed. Richard has competed the late Menai Cosmopolitan at HOYS for the last three years before he tragically lost his life in a road traffic collision in August this year. “Being asked to perform at the closing ceremony of Horse of the Year Show is such a privilege and a great opportunity for the young people. I can’t wait to enter the ring without being nervous about the competition!”

Noa and Ela Harris are grandchildren of Cerdin and Doreen Jones of the Tydi Stud and also the Synod Stud. Both are Welsh breed enthusiasts who have shown their true potential in the show ring (in-hand and under saddle) over the last few years. The Synod Stud are of course well known for breeding 2013’s Cuddy In-Hand Champion at HOYS, Synod Lady Lillian.

Eleri Wyn Roberts has been a member of the WPCS all her life. She is very passionate about her music and for the breed of the Welsh Ponies and Cobs. She began singing from a very early age in Ysgol Bryn Tabor, Coedpoeth and has been competing in Eisteddfods since she was five years old. She has competed in singing solos, duets and in parties and choirs. Eleri commented: “With the Welsh ponies and cobs being a massive part of my family and my dad being a farrier for a range of breeds, HOYS is the world stage highlighting the best of the best – I can’t wait to perform and be part of the celebration!”

 After the final ensemble, the champions from throughout the week will enter the arena, along with the displays, the Pony Club teams and finally the Hook Norton Dray pulled by Nelson and Lucas. Joining the Hook Norton team on their dray in the Sunday Gala Evening Finale will be British actor and horse enthusiast, Martin Clunes. After his theatrical entrance to the Finale, Martin will then undertake the iconic reading of the Ode to the Horse poem to the HOYS audience.

Want to stay for the full day on Sunday? Check out the Platinum Jubilee Package! Offering a daytime ticket priced at the usual rate, you can upgrade to a full day ticket for just £20, regardless of the ticket band, meaning you can save up to 34% on an evening Premium Ringside ticket!