Armed Forces do battle on HOYS opening night

The opening night at this year’s Horse of the Year Show will include competitions and action-packed displays from all branches of the services and the Metropolitan Police Force.

“The HOYS Spectacular 2001” will be a one-off performance on Tuesday 2 October, celebrating the historic links between equestrianism and the armed forces.

The army, navy and RAF will compete for supremacy in an Inter Services show jumping competition, with other attractions including the Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry and the Metropolitan Police activity ride.

Skills at arms, gun carriage racing and the ceremonial drum horses and trumpeters will complete the fast paced displays.

“The HOYSSpectacular aims to combine the very best of Military Equestrianism with the wonderful atmosphere and occasion that is the Horse of the Year Show,” said Grandstand Media director Mark Wein.

Tickets for the HOYS Spectacular are now on sale, costingfrom £17.50 for adults and £12.50 for children (tel: 0870 121 0125/020 8795 9595). The HOYS Spectacular tickets also include access to the Tuesday afternoon performance.

Carol Phillips

H&H website editor

Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.