Katy Green and Gorsehill Layla won the Working Hunter of the Year Championship at HOYS 2026, improving on their fifth place last year after jumping one of just five clear rounds.

The seven-year-old chestnut mare took the title on Wednesday 7 October at the NEC Birmingham. Bold Adventure, owned by Vicky Tennant and ridden by Craig Kiddier, finished reserve for the second consecutive year.

Thirty starters contested the Alan Marnie & Family (Meta Lounge Limited and SHB (GB)) Working Hunter of the Year Championship. Colin Ellison’s course tested them with a curved double, water tray and a substantial 1.25m oxer.

With only five horses leaving every fence standing, 10 returned to the Andrews Bowen International Arena for the evening judging. Stephanie Barrington and Chris Yates assessed them before selecting Gorsehill Layla as champion.

A varied preparation pays off

Katy had kept Layla’s preparation varied, combining showjumping with other activities rather than contesting numerous working hunter classes. An early qualification also allowed her to plan towards HOYS.

“We’ve prepped her to perfection; not overjumped her, taken her showjumping and she’s had a lot of fun. We’ve not jumped many worker classes and she qualified really early this year.”

Last year’s performance had given Katy confidence in the mare’s ability. Although a fence down left them fifth, she believed Layla could return and challenge for the title.

This time, a clear over the demanding track put them in contention, followed by a strong performance for the ride judge.

“She was mega,” said Katy.

An Irish purchase with a different future

Katy bought Layla from Ireland without initially intending her to become a working hunter. However, the mare’s genuine nature and jumping ability suggested she could adapt to the job.

By Emerald Van’t Ruytershof out of Gorsehill Amber, Layla is jointly owned by Katy and Charlotte Reading. Her enjoyment of the work has been central to the partnership.

“She absolutely loves her job so it makes my life very easy…”

Meanwhile, Vicky Tennant’s Irish Sport Horse Bold Adventure also jumped clear. With Craig Kiddier in the saddle, she repeated her reserve championship result from 2025.

More HOYS 2026 results and coverage

Katy and Layla’s win added to the opening day’s championship results. Read our HOYS 2026 day one round-up for more showing and showjumping winners.

Horse of the Year Show continues until Sunday 11 October. If you are following from home, our guide to watching HOYS 2026 explains the streaming and recorded coverage available.