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HOYS

Discover the latest HOYS (Horse of the Year Show) news, results, and coverage from Britain’s most prestigious equestrian event. Follow qualifying updates, championship results, and behind-the-scenes stories from the NEC Birmingham. Everything Horse UK brings you comprehensive coverage of showjumping, dressage, showing, and all HOYS disciplines with expert analysis and exclusive interviews.
joe whitaker HOYS 2026
Horse NewsShowjumping News
Suzanne Ashton

“Thankfully Jack didn’t get me today!” Joe Whitaker wins HOYS thriller

Joe Whitaker had cousin Jack hot on his heels as he rode Vagalenco GF to victory in the Dallamires Stables Cup on day three of Horse of the Year Show. Just 0.15 seconds separated the cousins in a thrilling jump-off on Friday evening, with Jack and D&H Valmy De Le Lande finishing second as the class brought the day’s competition to a close. Seven strong combinations from 26 starters progressed to the jump-off, with Max Routledge and Me The Rebel R.T completing the podium. The result rounded off another successful day for the Whitaker family, following William’s victory in the

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Raphaela Dawson doubles at HOYS with second major title riding in the STX-UK Pony Foxhunter Championship aboard MHS Glow. Image credit 1st Class Images This time it was Woody Van Duyversputten’s turn in the spotlight as Raphaela guided him to victory with an immaculate first round followed by a smooth, fast jump-off. A strong first round showcased the calibre of young riders rising through the ranks, with 11 combinations from 20 starters securing their place in the jump-off. Pony championships such as these provide valuable experience for riders aiming to progress onto the international circuit. William Whitaker, a previous Pony Foxhunter champion, and Jodie Hall McAteer, who enjoyed a successful pony career before moving into senior competition, illustrate where that pathway can lead. Raphaela’s time of 28.82 seconds secured victory ahead of Olivia Brightmore riding Flore Des Islots, with Portia Taylor-Wilson finishing third on Olivia W. The small chestnut gelding took the tight turns confidently, maintaining a smooth rhythm as Raphaela steered him around the course. “We’ve had the pony for five years now, and I am the only one who has ever jumped him in the ring,” Raphaela said. “When we first brought him home he used to go around our fields and jump the fences, so we always knew he could jump, but he was very difficult to break in, so he was actually kind of a year behind every other pony of his age.
Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

Raphaela Dawson doubles up at HOYS with second major title

Raphaela Dawson completed a memorable double at Horse of the Year Show with victory in the STX-UK Pony Foxhunter Championship. The Berkshire rider, a European Pony Championship team gold medallist for Great Britain this summer, had already been crowned Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year aboard MHS Glow. This time it was Woody Van Duyversputten’s turn in the spotlight as Raphaela guided him to victory with an immaculate first round followed by a smooth, fast jump-off. A strong first round showcased the calibre of young riders rising through the ranks, with 11 combinations from 20 starters securing their place in

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William Whitaker HOYS 2026. Image credit First Class Images
Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

William Whitaker Wins HOYS Grandstand Welcome Stakes Aboard La Vie Est D’Or

William Whitaker made a winning start to international competition at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2026, claiming victory in the Grandstand Welcome Stakes aboard La Vie Est D’Or. The Huddersfield-based showjumper produced a quick round in the two-phase competition, stopping the clock at 30.06 seconds to secure the opening international victory at Birmingham’s NEC. Drawn fourth from 27 starters, Whitaker set an early benchmark that proved impossible to beat. Madison Heath came closest, finishing second aboard Ivory in 30.98 seconds, while Chris Smith completed the top three with Messarado Blue. A Winning Debut Partnership Remarkably, the victory came in

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James Smith
Horse NewsShowjumping News
Suzanne Ashton

James Smith and Juno Rose 23 Race to Victory at HOYS 2026

James Smith claimed an impressive victory aboard chestnut mare, Juno Rose 23 at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2026, heading a competitive British field in The Evoke Stakes (CSI3*) on Friday, 9 October. Competing in the Andrews Bowen International Arena, Smith produced a faultless round in 56.99 seconds aboard the 12-year-old mare, owned by Thomas Carruthers and Gillian Blackburn. Securing first place, the pair rode away with €3,300 in prize money. Joseph Trunkfield came closest to challenging the winning combination, finishing just 0.38 seconds behind with the 13-year-old stallion Darjeeling Desir. Their clear round in 57.37 seconds secured second

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John Whitaker riding over a jump
Horse NewsShowing News
Suzanne Ashton

HOYS 2026 international showjumping line-up revealed with six Whitakers among star names

Horse of the Year Show has revealed the international showjumping riders heading to the Andrews Bowen International Arena at HOYS 2026, with 35 combinations set to contest some of the show’s biggest classes. The line-up features a strong mix of established international names and rising British talent, with no fewer than six members of the Whitaker family on the list. John Whitaker will be joined by Robert, William, Jack, George and Joe Whitaker, continuing the family’s long association with top-level showjumping and Horse of the Year Show. Brothers Shane and Trevor Breen are also among those confirmed, alongside Holly Smith,

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SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifier - Fado Des Bosses
Horse NewsShowing News
Suzanne Ashton

From £280,000 racehorse to Burghley champion: Fado Des Bosses secures HOYS ticket

A former £280,000 racehorse who caught the eye of amateur rider Jeanette Stayt while trotting across a field has secured his ticket to the Horse of the Year Show after winning at Defender Burghley. Jeanette and Fado Des Bosses topped more than 20 former racehorses in the SEIB Insurance Brokers Racehorse to Riding Horse class on Sunday 6 September, with only the winner earning qualification for HOYS. “Every-time Frado goes out he is like clockwork! He loves being in the ring and the attention that comes with it. It’s made it even more special as my daughter Alex and granddaughter

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Image of last year's M&M First Ridden Pony of the Year a palomino - Jemima Makin-Jones & Wernderris Charlie Fox
Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

Brynseion Announced as Sponsor of HOYS 2026 Mountain & Moorland First Ridden Championships

Horse of the Year Show 2026 has announced Brynseion as the new sponsor of the prestigious Mountain & Moorland First Ridden Pony of the Year Championship and Mountain & Moorland Mini Pony of the Year Championship for 2026. The two championships are among the most anticipated highlights of the HOYS showing programme, celebrating talented young riders and their native ponies as they compete for two of the most coveted titles in Mountain & Moorland showing. Celebrating the Future of Native Pony Showing The partnership between Brynseion and HOYS is a natural fit, with Brynseion having a long-standing association with breeding

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The Price Family Supreme In-Hand Championship at HOYS 2026. 1st Class Images
Showing News
Suzanne Ashton

Horse of the Year Show unveils new format for Supreme In-Hand Championship at HOYS 2026

A major format change has been announced for one of showing’s most prestigious titles, as Horse of the Year Show confirms a new structure for The Price Family Supreme In-Hand Championship at HOYS 2026. The update will see all qualified exhibits given the opportunity to compete across both arenas, marking a significant shift aimed at improving visibility, inclusivity and spectator experience at the show. What has changed for 2026 Under the revised format, 20 qualified animals will contest the championship. All exhibits will first undergo pre-judging in the TopSpec Arena before coming together for the final judging and presentation in

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Ridden partbred pony of the year championship
Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

Ridden Partbred Pony of the Year Championship secures new sponsor for HOYS 2026

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

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Blackfort Equestrian HOYS stand awards 2025
Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

Clare Haggas and Blackfort Triumph at Prestigious HOYS Awards

The Equestrian Index HOYS Trade Stand of the Year Awards 2025 have recognised two outstanding exhibitors for their exceptional displays and customer service at Horse of the Year Show. Clare Haggas Fine Art & Design claimed victory in the 20sqm and Under category, whilst Blackfort Equestrian secured the top honour in the over 20sqm category. The awards, designed to celebrate exhibitor excellence in trade stand presentation and customer engagement, automatically enter all HOYS exhibitors into two distinct categories based on stand size. Anonymous judging takes place over Wednesday and Thursday of the show during trading hours, with two industry experts

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Trevor Breen at HOYS 2025.
Showjumping News
Suzanne Ashton

Trevor Breen Wins Leading Showjumper of the Year at HOYS 2025

Remarkable Comeback Victory at Horse of the Year Show In a stunning display of resilience and skill, Ireland’s Trevor Breen secured the prestigious Leading Showjumper of the Year title at the 2025 Horse of the Year Show on Sunday night. Riding his home-bred nine-year-old grey gelding Kannoon Blue, Breen delivered a flawless performance in the Grand Prix jump-off to claim the £16,000 top prize. The victory holds special significance as it comes just 17 months after Breen suffered fractures to his lower neck and back following a fall at the Hamburg Grand Prix. His return to the top of the

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A horse and rider jumping at HOYS
Showjumping News
Suzanne Ashton

Olympic Rider Dominates Grade C Final with Double Podium Finish

Holly Smith delivered a masterclass performance at the Horse of the Year Show on Sunday morning, securing both first and second place in the Grade C Championship with her two talented seven-year-olds. The Leicestershire-based rider claimed victory aboard Nike Van Het Singraven, with Sing Z finishing just 11 hundredths of a second behind in the runner-up spot – a remarkable achievement that showcased the quality of her young string. Tight Competition in Final Standings Ronnie Jones and Ultimo Z were third, and less than half a second separated Holly’s winning time from Miles O’Donnell and Jackpot DS in fourth, highlighting

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Rachel Proudley & Easy Boy De Laubry Z and Joe Trunkfield & Locomotion Image credit: 1st Class Images.
Horse NewsShowjumping News
Suzanne Ashton

Proudley and Trunkfield Share Glory in Epic HOYS Puissance Showdown

Puissance night at Horse of the Year Show once again hit memorable heights as star performers Rachel Proudley and Joe Trunkfield produced a classic contest. Joe Trunkfield, who was defending his Ripon Select Foods Puissance title at HOYS on Locomotion, and Rachel Proudley with London, Dublin and Bolesworth champion Easy Boy De Loubry Z, pushed each other every inch of the way. The climax of a thrilling night’s action in front of a capacity crowd at Birmingham NEC saw both riders sail over the famous red wall that had been raised to 2.20 metres. Prolific puissance winner Guy Williams took

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Jane Hemmings and her grey cob, The Boss 2. credit 1st Class Images
Showing News
Suzanne Ashton

Twenty Years After First Qualifying – Amateur Rider Competes and Wins at Horse of the Year Show

Amateur rider Jane Hemmings and her grey cob, The Boss 2, fought off strong competition to win a national championship at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at the Birmingham NEC on 9th October 2025. The Alfreton-based rider shone under the bright HOYS lights to take the win in the SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Cob and Maxi Cob Championship, marking a remarkable comeback two decades after her first qualification. A Dream Twenty Years in the Making Jane’s victory was particularly poignant given her journey to the championship. Speaking after her win, she said: “This is

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Amy Canavan-Smith riding her own Clonfert Melody’s Boy CREDIT 1st Class Images
Showing News
Suzanne Ashton

Valentine’s Day Present Becomes HOYS Champion: Day Two Results 2025

When Amy Canavan-Smith’s husband bought her a foal as a Valentine’s Day present six years ago, he couldn’t have imagined the stallion would go on to claim Championship glory at Horse of the Year Show 2025. Yet that’s exactly what happened on day two, as Amy and Clonfert Melody’s Boy triumphed in the Jacksons of Yorkshire Mountain & Moorland Working Hunter Pony of the Year Championship. From Valentine’s Gift to HOYS Champion The seven-year-old stallion, affectionately known as Dave, won the 143cm section earlier in the day before claiming the overall Championship title. The victory was particularly poignant given Dave’s

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Cob cantering at hoys
Showing News
Suzanne Ashton

Traditional Cob Bought for Under £100 Wins at Horse of the Year Show

Amateur rider Zoe Clarke and her traditional gypsy cob, Marley VI, fought off strong competition to win a national championship at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at the Birmingham NEC. Zoe from Inverness and Marley shone under the bright HOYS lights on 8th October to take the win in the SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Hack Championship. From Cattle Shed to Championship Glory Zoe said: “I couldn’t have asked more of Marley, he thrived off the magical HOYS atmosphere and I am delighted! My mum, Nicola Clarke bought Marley 12 years ago when he was

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Craig Kiddier and Mulberry Lane II (owned by SM Tennant), Supreme Products Supreme Horse Of The Year Champion 2024 Image credit: 1st Class Images
What’s on
Suzanne Ashton

How to Watch HOYS 2026: Live Streaming and Catch-Up Coverage

Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) takes place at the NEC Birmingham from Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 October 2026. If you cannot attend, ClipMyHorse.TV is the platform to watch this year’s competition coverage from home. There is an important distinction for viewers: many classes are streamed live, but some showing classes are available only in the archive after they finish. Check the broadcast listings for your chosen class before subscribing. Where Can You Watch HOYS 2026? Viewing option What is available ClipMyHorse.TV live streaming Live coverage of many classes during the show ClipMyHorse.TV archive Recorded coverage, including some showing

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George Whitaker and Peanut Image credit: 1st Class Images
What’s on
Suzanne Ashton

Channel 4 to Broadcast Horse of the Year Show 2025 Highlights in Exclusive Programme

Channel 4 has announced it will air an exclusive highlights programme of the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2025, capturing the spirit and spectacle of one of the most prestigious events on the equestrian calendar. The 90-minute special, produced by Welsh production company Carlam Ltd, will offer viewers a unique behind-the-scenes look at HOYS, following the build-up, emotional moments, and fierce competition that unfold in the “arena of dreams”. Due to be broadcast two weeks after the event, the programme promises unprecedented access to the early-morning preparations, the riders’ journeys, and the electric atmosphere that defines the show. The

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Thistledown Elite Pony Auction HOYS
Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

Thistledown Stud Launches Inaugural Elite Pony Auction at Amateur of the Year Show 2025

Thistledown Stud is proud to announce the launch of the Thistledown Elite Pony Auction, taking place on Saturday 29th November 2025 during the inaugural Amateur of the Year Show (29–30 November 2025). This prestigious new sale will present an exclusive collection of elite ownership opportunities from one of Britain’s most respected and prolific pony breeding programmes. Celebrating 35 Years of Breeding Excellence Celebrating 35 years of breeding excellence, the Thistledown Elite Pony Auction marks a bold new chapter for the world-renowned stud. Over the years, Thistledown has produced generations of ponies celebrated for their elegance, temperament, and success in the

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