International Showjumpers confirmed to compete at Horse of the Year Show

Get ready to take your seats to witness the greatest names of British Showjumping compete at this year’s Horse of the Year Show. HOYS is delighted to announce the International Showjumpers who will be competing at “The World’s Most Famous Horse Show”, held at the Genting Arena, Birmingham’s NEC from 4^th – 8^th October 2017. There are a total of 32 spaces for riders competing in the CSI3* classes here at HOYS. Of the 16 places available to GB competitors, the following riders have been confirmed including the British Showjumping National Champion 2017 and the Wild Card recipients.

• John Whitaker
• Michael Whitaker
• William Funnell
• Robert Smith
• Nigel Coupe
• Guy Williams
• Robert Whitaker
• Phillip Miller (British Showjumping Gold League Winner)
• Mennell Watson (British Showjumping Gold League Winner)
• Holly Smith (HOYS Wild Card League winner)
• Louise Saywell (HOYS Wild Card League winner)
• Annabelle Shields (British Showjumping National Champion title 2017)
• Helen Tredwell (International Stairway League winner)
• James Smith (HOYS Wild Card League winner)
• Pippa Allen (Winner of the Under 25 HOYS Wild Card)
• Amy Inglis (Highest placed individual medallist at the Young Rider Europeans)

From the 16 spaces available to Foreign International riders, the following 16 competitors have confirmed that they will be competing at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show.

• Harrie Smoulders (NED)
• Patrice Delaveau (FRA)
• Lauren Hough (USA)
• Jos Velooy (BEL)
• Billy Twomey (IRE)
• Shane Breen (IRE)
• Karel Cox (BEL)
• Francois Mathy (BEL)
• Angelie Von Essen (SWE)
• Emma Augier de Moussac (CZE)
• David Simpson (IRE)
• Paul Kennedy (IRE)
• Johnny Pals (NED)
• Paris Sellon (USA)
• Sameh El Dahan (EGY)
• Vincent Voorn (NED)

There are nine International classes held at HOYS throughout the week, commencing on Friday 6th October and finishing with the prestigious Leading Show Jumper of the Year Grand Prix on Sunday 8th October. This class, in addition to two other classes, carries Longines Ranking points and has the biggest prize fund of Horse of the Year Show at £40,000. Taking place during the Sunday gala evening performance, it will provide exhilarating competition ahead of the HOYS Finale. New for 2017 is the Leading Athlete Award which will be presented to the leading Horse/Rider combination taken from the points awarded in each international class, excluding the Puissance. The Leading Athlete will be awarded a prize of £2000.

Want a chance to meet and greet some of these international riders? Head to the HOYS Live Zone in the Retail Village where the celebrity rider signings will be hosted each day with selected International riders. The Sunday Gala Evening is one not to be missed; with live music from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, a guest appearance from Miss England and celebration of the HOYS champions as the winners are crowned. If you’re yet to book your tickets then there’s still time, call the Box Office on 0844 581 8282 or visit www.hoys.co.uk/tickets

ENDS

For more information please contact Horse of the Year Show Press Office: Tel: 02476 858205 or Email: press@grandstand.co.uk