It’s that time of year again, what all equestrians have been waiting for, the Horse Of The Year Show!
Here at Naylors we are very pleased to announce that we will be sponsoring the International Showjumping – Accumulator class for the second year running! The class will take place on Saturday 10th October in the Andrews Bowen International Arena.
The Accumulator is a fantastic showjumping round that will have you on the edge of your seat. Riders gain points for every fence they jump clear, no points are gained if they knock a fence down and points are deducted for a refusal. A double point advantage can be gained by taking on the “joker” fence which is a much more challenging fence being both higher and more technical than its counterpart. However this is a risk as double points are deducted if this fence is knocked down!
Last years winner was British rider Nicole Pavitt on Victor Blue.
About HOYS
HOYS began back in 1949 when Tony Collings and Mike Ansell (Chairman of BSJA at the time) decided there was a need for a event to celebrate the end of the equestrian season. HOYS became a combination of showing classes and show jumping with each section having a “Horse of the Year” winner. To this day HOYS remains a finale to the showing year and a climax to the domestic show jumping year and many equestrians aspire to compete in such a prestige event.
Showing
Qualifying classes for showing are held up and down the country throughout the season and only the best make it to HOYS. The Great Scot! Ladies Side Saddle Horse of the Year class is new for 2015 and aims to promote side saddle riding on a variety of horse types, not just the traditional hunter. The class will hopefully create a higher interest in this unique style of riding.
Show Jumping
HOYS features the finals of the National Show Jumping Championships and has a full programme of International classes, four of which carry Longines World Ranking Points. The most popular of the show jumping events include the Leading Pony Show Jumper of the Year, the Horse & Hound Senior Foxhunter Championship and of course the Leading ShowJumper of the Year which shows the top 22 horse and rider combinations compete in the epic final!
The Puissance is probably one of the most famous show jumping events in the world and pushes both horse and rider to the limits. The Puissance sees horses and riders tackle the famous huge red wall that towers at a terrifying 7 feet high!
Other fantastic events on over the 5 days include Virbac 3D Worming Pony Club Mounted Games which are fast paced mounted games played on “pony back” that are great fun for all the family to watch. The Osborne Refrigerators Double Harness Scurry Racing is the ultimate test of speed and accuracy which sees pairs of horses and ponies in harness race a tough coned course and the Mount St John Dressage Future Elite Championship offers an excellent opportunity for British riders to showcase their up-and-coming Grand Prix Dressage horses.
Not just a horse show
HOYS is more than just a horse show. HOYS offers a fantastic shopping experience with over 12 hours a day of shopping to be had and its not just equestrian shopping! Why not visit the 250+ trade stands with everything from arts and crafts to gourmet food.
HOYS 2015
Here at Naylors Equestrian we just can’t wait for HOYS 2015! Our sponsored class The Accumulator is highly anticipated and we will be on the edge of our seats cheering on the competitors this year.
Are you going to HOYS this year? What is your favourite event?
