New opportunities at individual qualifiers for HOYS 2019

As the countdown begins to the start of the most sought-after HOYS qualifiers, Horse of the Year Show organisers, Grandstand Media Ltd, are delighted to be able to update competitors with the latest updates, developments and changes for the 2019 season.

Some exciting new developments have been given the go ahead for Horse of the Year Show 2019 and to the format to some of the preceding qualifiers. All eyes will be on the Mountain and Moorland Large Breed qualifiers throughout the season as we see an increase in the amount of individual qualifying opportunities for the Fell, Dales, New Forest and Highland ponies, by opening out one of the combined classes to now be individual breed qualifiers. This will allow the opportunity for each of these breeds to see a higher minimum number represented at the final.

Not only that, but at Horse of the Year Show  itself, we are thrilled to announce that  in the NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds sponsored finals, the Fell and the Dales classes will each have an individual final as opposed to the previous joint Fell/Dales class. This is a triumphant step forward for the Mountain and Moorland breed classes which have proved a popular part of the Show since their introduction in 1999, and will provide both the Fell and the Dales Breeds their individual moment in the spotlight.  Those looking to find a HOYS qualifier near them should visit https://hoys.co.uk/competitor-zone/showing-qualifiers/

These changes have been as a result of the ongoing collaboration between Grandstand Media Ltd and the showing societies, which includes an annual review meeting of the season where together we discuss potential developments and rule changes for the upcoming season and future years.  The 2019 HOYS Rule Book can now be found online at https://hoys.co.uk/competitor-zone/

In line with this, Horse of the Year Show continues to support the new initiatives of the showing societies for the benefit of all those involved with showing.  As a result of this year’s review, and following the judge’s observation pilot scheme introduced by CHAPS (UK) for the 2018 season, 2019 members of showing societies can be confident that more schemes of this nature are ongoing and being implemented by showing societies for this upcoming season.

Event Director, Emma Williams, commented: “As host of the most prestigious national showing Championships, we have listened to feedback and are delighted to have responded to such popular demand by amending the qualifying opportunities for these native breeds and seeing both the Fell and Dales Breed individually have their moment at HOYS. This move is part of Grandstand Media’s long-term commitment to see each individual native breed represented with their own Championship at Horse of the Year Show. We always value feedback from competitors and societies and each year we evaluate the number of animals coming forward so that we can allow the show to continue to move forward and expand. Our continued work with the showing societies is fundamental to improve showing for all, and we are proud to be supporting the initiatives which they are implementing for the upcoming season. I am very excited to see the HOYS qualifiers get underway this year and I wish all potential competitors the best of luck!”

Horse of the Year Show takes place this year from 2nd – 6th October 2019 at the Resorts World Arena, the NEC Birmingham. Tickets and a full timetable of events will be released in February. To stay up to date with the latest HOYS news and to be the first to know what’s happening, sign up to our newsletter here: https://hoys.co.uk/newsletter-sign-up/

ENDS

For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2019, please contact Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd. Tel: 02476 858205. Email: press@hoys.co.uk