Dressage returns to HOYS
The Horse of the Year Show (6-10 October) has followed Olympia’s lead by re-introducing dressage to its programme, the first time it has been seen at the show since a World Cup qualifier was held in 1996.
In a unique competition, two teams of seven will perform, between them, an individual freestyle grand prix kür, a pas de deux and a quadrille, all to music.
Team A includes Olympian Nicola McGivern, who performs the individual test, as well as Ian Cast and Anna Ross, who recently brought dressage to London with a pas de deux at Broadgate Circus (news, 12 August). Emile Faurie heads up team B, and Nicky Barrett and Charlotte Edmonds perform team B’s pas de deux.
Judges Stephen Clarke, who officiated at Athens, and David Trott, British chef d’equipe, will scrutinise the performances. A small panel of members of the public will also award scores, and the performance judged most aesthetically pleasing will receive an additional prize. The competition is backed by saddlemaker Jaguar Equestrian.
Other attractions include top-class showing, show jumping and driving.
In addition, top Icelandic horses and riders will show off the breed’s five natural gaits – the extra two are the “pace” and “tölt”. Pace is a two-beat lateral gait which can reach speeds of up to 30mph, while the tölt gives such a smooth ride that riders can carry a drink at speed without spilling a drop.
Mike Gill, Director of show organisers Grandstand Media Ltd, comments; “Horse of the Year Show has traditionally been regarded as a celebration of the nation’s equestrian heritage and encompasses a range of disciplines.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“We are therefore delighted to be welcoming dressage back into the HOYS spotlight in what is sure to be an enthralling competition.”
- With the help of H&H and HHO readers, the winning team of the very first HOYS Mounted Games in 1967 have been traced and have been invited to HOYS this year with their team trainer.
- Although HOYS is not on terrestrial television, Sky Sports is to double its hours of coverage this year, with a 3hr highlights programme followed by repeats.
The programme will be aired on 11 and 12 October – see TV listings in October for details. - For tickets (tel: 08700 101052) or visit www.hoys.co.uk
This story was first published in Horse & Hound (16 September 04)
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
