The Alan Marnie & Family (Meta Lounge Limited and SHB (GB)) Working Hunter of the Year Championship brought forward 30 talented starters to contest the title, 75 years on from its inception here at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).
Technical questions came thick and fast over Colin Ellison’s bold course; from the curved double to the water tray and the huge 1.25m oxer. It was going to take a very special horse to leave the course standing and, with just five clears, 10 horses returned to the Andrews Bowen International Arena this evening.
Judges Stephanie Barrington and Chris Yates put them through their paces one last time before crowning the seven-year-old Chestnut mare Gorsehill Layla, owned and ridden by an absolutely delighted Katy Green.
Finishing fifth last year, the pair were back with a bang today clinching the title with a brave clear round and impressive ride earlier this afternoon.
“She was mega,” said Katy, who enjoys giving both herself and Layla a variety of different things to do in order to keep boredom at bay.
“We’ve prepped her to perfection; not overjumped her, taken her show jumping and she’s had a lot of fun. We’ve not jumped many worker classes and she qualified really early this year.
“She was so good [at HOYS) last year. She had one down and I knew she had it in her, so I wanted to save her for this… It was a tough track and took some jumping.”
“She absolutely loves her job so it makes my life very easy… I’m thrilled for the horse and for Charlotte [Reading] who jointly owns half of her with me.
Katy bought Layla from Ireland, not originally as a worker, but she knew she had a good jump and was genuine, hence Katy knew she could turn her into what she needed to be. The mare is by Emerald Van’t Ruytershof out of Gorsehill Amber.
Vicky Tennant’s Irish Sport Horse, Bold Adventure, once again lived up to her name as she clocked up a brilliant clear to defend her Reserve Champion title from last year, this time with Craig Kiddier in the saddle.
ENDS
For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2026, please contact:
Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd.
Tel: 02476 858205
Email: press@hoys.co.uk
Image: 1st Class Images