The 76th Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) got underway with the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse of the Year Championship; a true showcase of the versatility of Thoroughbred horses. From track to spotlights, all 14 starters have raced during their careers and were put through their paces this morning by ride judge and multiple HOYS Champion, Robert Walker, alongside conformation judge, Lucinda Sims.
Among a strong field, Loti Innes-Parry rode her own 13-year-old bay gelding, As I See It, to victory, marking the ‘pinnacle’ of this combination’s partnership having qualified, but not placed, last year.
Loti said: “He’s just beautiful [to ride]. He went in there today and… [said] ‘we’ve got this’. He took me round and, by the looks of it, gave the judge such a nice ride. It just felt like everything we’ve been doing for the past year paid off, he was incredible.”
Previously in training with Harry Fry, As I See It ran 14 times during his racing career with two wins over hurdles.
Now produced for the show ring by Jo Bates, the 13-year-old is by King’s Theatre who also sired the 2021 Racehorse to Riding Horse Champion, Minella Rebellion. Minella Rebellion then made history to be the first ex-racehorse Champion to go on and claim the Riding Horse of the Year title here at HOYS two years later, so watch this space to see if history could repeat itself.
Speaking of the connection between the two horses, Jo said: “They have very similar characters, they’re winners.”
Spectators were later treated to scenes of a bygone era in the following two Championships.
First up was the Harness Horse and Pony of the Year Championship with 15 immaculately turned out horses/ponies and carriages coming forward. As the class drew to a close, the top nine were put through their paces once more as judges Andrew Counsell and Araminta Winn deliberated over their winner.
In the end it was Jessie Dudley Apicella and her mother Marie Apicella’s Palomino Stallion, Hatterall All Gold, who looked the epitome of elegance and took the spoils. Jessie was in the ring grooming for best friend Kelly Searle who was in the driving seat.
“Kelly is my best friend of 22 years and we’ve always done the horses together,” explained Jessie. “We retired her black horse last year, so I said ‘do you want to drive mum’s horse this year?’ and it’s just gone wonderfully.
“He was fifth last year in his first year at HOYS and he’s just gone and won it, what a shock!
“We bought him out of the Welsh Cob sales as a foal and broke him ourselves at home. He breeds at home as well. He’s got stock on the ground because he chucks the Palomino colour; we’ve got some lovely things at home by him… He’s the loveliest horse.”
The Welsh Section D, known as ‘Trigger’ at home, is by Danaway The Jackal out of Ilston Welsh Lady.
From harness to habits, the Mears Flooring Ladies Side Saddle Horse of the Year Championship saw three of the top four placings with producer and HOYS supremo Jayne Ross.
Rose Bailey’s grey Hunter, Bloomfield Greystones (Liam), was crowned Champion with Olivia Minihane in the saddle. Qualified by Jayne at the National Hunter Show, Olivia took the ride on Liam this morning, while Jane piloted previous Champion, Diane Stennett’s KBF Lucia to fourth.
“He [Liam] is lovely in every single way, so I knew I’d have a nice ride, but he was just amazing today”, said Olivia who was celebrating her first HOYS centre line moment.
Jane added: “He has to be one of the most genuine, giving horses ever. He’s been second here in the weight classes, but it’s so lovely he’s now had his moment in the spotlight – he thoroughly deserves it.”
Liam will return to the Andrews Bowen International Arena for the Middleweights on Friday, this time with owner Rose in the saddle.
Rose said: “I’ve been competing here since I was a teenager and it’s our first HOYS winner. He was the only horse I wanted to get on after having a baby, so it just shows what a gentleman he is and what a ladies horse needs to be.”
Charlotte and E Trembath’s nine-year-old gelding Harbour Master II, also produced by team Ross, took Reserve. Reflecting on the morning, Jayne said: “It’s just wonderful because they’re three horses who give their all.”
The inaugural UKAMHS American Miniature Horse of the Year Sponsored by Pandoras Miniature Farm proved that the best things really do come in small packages.
Twelve American Miniatures came forward to contest the new title, but it was Tolga Falahat and Carol Cooper’s DVM Trouly Its OK To Stare who lived up to his name to take the spoils. The three-year-old stallion was presented in the ring by Mike Hlavatovic who had flown over from Texas especially for the show.
Mike used to own his dam, Pecan Grove, and advised Tolga and Carol to buy him two years ago at the World Show in Texas.
“We went to see him and it was love at first sight,” said Carol, who used to have show horses with the late legendary show producer Allister Hood and won numerous HOYS Riding Horse and Hack titles. Tolga, on the other hand, had very little equestrian experience until Mike started to train him and his love for American Miniatures has grown from there.
Reflecting on his first time at HOYS Mike said: “I never expected it [the show] to be this big – it’s been eye opening!”
ENDS
For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2025, please contact Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd. Tel: 02476 858205. Email: press@hoys.co.uk
Image: Mears Flooring Ladies Side Saddle Horse of the Championship – Olivia Minihane and Bloomfield Greystones CREDIT 1st Class Images
