Feature image: Emma Harker and Rotherwood Fantasia, 2025 Ridden Partbred Champions. Image credit 1st Class Images

Horse of the Year Show has announced The de la Hey Family as the new sponsor of the Ridden Partbred Pony of the Year Championship for HOYS 2026.

The championship, which celebrates versatility within the ridden partbred pony classes, will form part of the prestigious Horse of the Year Show programme when the event returns in October 2026.

The de la Hey Family brings a long-standing personal connection to HOYS, having competed at the show for more than a decade, and their sponsorship reflects a continued commitment to supporting the sport and its traditions.

A meaningful partnership

Samantha de la Hey said the family was proud to be supporting the championship for the first time.

“Having been lucky enough to compete at HOYS for over ten years, the show has given our family many happy memories,” she said. “We’re pleased to be supporting it for the first time and to play a small part in an occasion that means so much to so many people.”

Supporting the future of HOYS

Grandstand Media, organisers of the Horse of the Year Show, welcomed the new sponsorship and highlighted the importance of family support to the event’s continued success.

“We are delighted that The de la Hey Family have taken up sponsorship with us by supporting the Ridden Partbred Pony of the Year Championship,” a spokesperson said. “The generous support of families such as the de la Hey Family is fundamental to the success of HOYS, and we look forward to welcoming them to the show in October 2026 as a sponsor.”

Horse of the Year Show 2026 will take place from 7–11 October 2026, bringing together top-level competition, championship classes and equestrian excellence across disciplines.

Those wishing to stay up to date with the latest Horse of the Year Show news and announcements can sign up to the official HOYS newsletter via the event website.