Can anything beat the feeling of riding down the centre line in the spotlight at Horse of the Year Show? Being crowned champion is one of the ultimate achievements, so it’s time to revel in these happy showjumpers’ success as we bring you 19 of our favourite winning moments…
1. Yes, I did it!
Rachel Proudley riding PAINTED LADY IV owned by Paul Proudley, winner of the 128 cm Championship (Class 7) during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 8th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Rachel Proudley punches the air on Painted Lady IV having been crowned 128cm champions
2. ‘This one’s for Mum’
Can O'Connor riding Super Sox, winners of Class 22 during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 9th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
After one of the most exciting jump-offs seen at HOYS, Cian O’Connor and Super Sox are crowned leading show jumper of the year and the Irishman dedicates his win to his late mother
3. Best foot forward
Julien Epaillard riding CRISTALLO A LM, winner of Class 16 during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 7th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Frenchman Julien Epaillard and Cristallo A LM stride out in style after winning Friday’s NAEC Stoneleigh Stakes
4. One last time
Jodie Hall-mcateer riding TIXYLIX owned by Sarah Mendoza, Winner of the Leading Pony Show Jumper of the Year during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 6th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Jodie Hall McAteer takes centre stage at HOYS for the final time on Tixylix after claiming the leading pony show jumper of the year title
5. Back down to earth
Holly Smith riding QUALITY OLD JOKER, winner of The Thistledown Puissance during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 8th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
All eyes are on Holly Smith and Quality Old Joker after they cleared 7ft 3in to win the puissance
6. Synchronised celebrations
Emily Morris riding ULTIMATUM II owned by Emily Morris winner of the Bronze League Championship and Rachel Walker riding BO GI owned by Rachel Walker winner of the Silver League Championshipduring HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 5th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Bronze and silver league winners, Emily Morris (Ultimatum II) and Rachel Walker (Bo Gi) ride out in perfect harmony
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7. Slightly more sedate
Shane Breen riding Accoustik Solo Du Baloubet, winners of Class 21 during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 9th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
After being crowned speed horse of the year, Accoustik Solo Du Baloubet settles for a slightly more sedate pace with Ireland’s Shane Breen on their victory lap
8. Ears pricked
Louise Saywell riding FEIGTLING, winners of Class 20 during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 9th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Feigtling takes his turn to reward Louise Saywell in the international arena
9. Victory salute
Joe Whitaker riding LAVARNO, winner of the ReadySupp Cup (Class 12) during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 6th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Joe Whitaker and the mare Lavarno enjoy every moment as they take the international curtain opener on Thursday
10. Big pats
Nicole Lockhead Anderson riding SHAPPEN PILGRIM owned by Claire Lockhead, winner of the 138 cm Championship (Class 8) during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 8th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The new 138cm champion Shappen Pilgrim receives oodles of praise from proud jockey Nicole Lockhead Anderson
11. In full flight
Lottie Tutt riding MARKET ANGEL owned by Derek Ricketts winner of the Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Championship during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 5th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Lottie Tutt and Derek Ricketts’ home-bred Market Angel celebrate in style after taking the pony newcomers title
12. Purple patch
Guy Williams riding CASPER DE MUZE, Winner of Class 14 during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 7th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Guy Williams enjoys a winning double at HOYS — here on his speed class victor Caspar De Muze, who looks to be enjoying his moment in the spotlight
13. All smiles
Louise Simpson riding HELLO VIVENDI owned by Caroline Breen, winner of the Speedi-Beet Grade C Championship during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 9th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Louise Simpson and Caroline Breen’s Hello Vivendi enjoy their victory parade as grade C champions
14. International victory
Louise Saywell riding PEITER VI, winner of Class 17 during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 8th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
It doesn’t get much better than international glory for Louise Saywell and borrowed rider Peiter VI on Saturday
Guy Williams riding DEPARDIEU VAN T KIEZELHOF, Winner of Class 15 during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 7th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The tactical five fence challenge goes to Guy Williams and Depardieu Van’t Kiezelhof
16. Hat’s off
Karel Cox riding CATEN VAN HET HOBOS, winner of the Grandstand Welcome Stakes (Class 13) during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 6th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The Welcome Stakes on day one of the international showjumping classes goes to Belgium’s Karel Cox with Cayen Van Het Hobos
17. Thundering home
Joseph Clayton riding LEXI III owned by Michael Whitaker winner of Senior Newcomers Championship during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 5th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Joe Clayton and Lexie III cruise in to top gear as newcomers champions
18. Wearing the sash with pride
Laura Pritchard riding HORSE VICTORY"S FAYOT owned by Tracy Pritchard, winner of the Senior Foxhunter Championship during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 6th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Foxhunter champions Laura Pritchard and Horse Victorys Fayot return to Wales with the coveted sash
19. Ready, set, go!
Robert Murphy riding UNCANNY owned by Kellie Hounslow, winner of the Pony Foxhunter Championship (Class 9) during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 8th October 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Robert Murphy, no stranger to the victory lap, selects top gear to make his exit on pony Foxhunter champion Uncanny
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Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
