HOYS Expands Its Line-Up as Four-Legged Stars Put Their Best Paw Forward

Horse of the Year Show is delighted to announce an exciting new addition to its 2026 line-up, as the Agility Nexus Hunter & Gather Dog Agility Grand Prix makes its debut in the ‘arena of dreams’.

Brought to HOYS by Agility Nexus and proudly sponsored by Hunter & Gather, the display will showcase the very best dog and handler partnerships in a fast-paced, high-level agility championship.

Agility Nexus is a forward-thinking organisation committed to evolving the sport through inclusivity, progressive competition formats and uncompromising standards in dog safety, judging and competitor experience.

Supported by Hunter & Gather – a brand recognised for its commitment to nutritional integrity and its focus on supporting health, wellbeing and high-performing lifestyles – the new Grand Prix reflects a shared vision of care, excellence and innovation.

The competition will feature two headline finals at HOYS – a Large Dog Final, and an Extra Small/Small Dog Final. In a landmark step for the sport, the small dog championship will combine extra small and small categories, creating the first major UK final of its kind to include extra small dogs at flagship level.

Qualification begins in April with five heats running through to August, culminating in semi-finals on Sunday 2nd August. From there, the top 10 Large dogs and the top 10 Extra Small & Small dogs will secure their place at HOYS, promising a true best-of-the-best championship.

Emma Williams, Horse of the Year Show Event Director said:
“We are thrilled to introduce an exciting new dog display to this year’s programme. The Agility Nexus Hunter & Gather Dog Agility Grand Prix promises fast-paced, high-energy entertainment for spectators, adding another thrilling element to HOYS and giving audiences the chance to witness these incredible canine athletes in action.”

Neil Ellis & Dave Munnings, Co-Founders of Agility Nexus said:
“We are so excited to bring the Agility Nexus Hunter & Gather Grand Prix to Horse of the Year show. In 2026 this will see the best extra small, small and large dogs in the country race against the clock over an agility course to be crowned the Grand Prix winner.

“Agility Nexus is an organisation which upholds the highest standards in dog safety, judging and competition, and we are proud to join the prestigious HOYS lineup.

“Get ready to watch some talented dogs and handler partnerships in action!”

Jeff Webster, Founder and CEO of Hunter & Gather, said:
“At Hunter & Gather, we are passionate about championing health and wellbeing through nutritional excellence, so we are proud to support a trailblazing and pioneering event like the Agility Nexus Hunter & Gather Dog Agility Grand Prix at HOYS. Agility Nexus is helping to raise the bar for the sport through its commitment to innovation, inclusivity and the highest standards of care, and we’re delighted to support an event that celebrates performance, partnership and wellbeing in such an exciting way.”

With speed, precision and electrifying energy at its core, this exciting new addition is set to bring a new four-legged spectacle to Horse of the Year Show – where spectators may need to blink quickly or risk missing the action.

Keep an eye out for tickets, they go on sale on 24th April 2026. Or if you want early access to the best seats in the house, sign up for pre-sale access on 22nd April 2026 here – Newsletter sign up – Horse of the Year Show

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

To find out more about Agility Nexus and join, you van visit their website https://agility-nexus.com/
Email: contact@agility-nexus.com

To find out more about Hunter & Gather, you can visit their website https://hunterandgatherfoods.com/