Even if showing isn’t your discipline of choice, if you’re spectating at the world famous Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) next week (9–13 October) you’d be a fool to miss out on seeing the country’s best show horses and ponies (and riders) take to the stage at the biggest showing show there is. So if you want to know exactly what you’re looking for, check out our HOYS bluffers guide so you can discern exactly what’s what.
Combinations have worked tirelessly all year in all weathers to qualify for their moment in the NEC spotlight, so why not settle down at one of the seats in either the International or Top Spec arenas, grab a catalogue and see if you can pick out this year’s winners?
You’ll have caught the showing bug before you know it…
1. The first section is called a go-round
While this portion of a class is not marked or scored on paper, the initial go-round is important so take note. The go-round is the first time the competitors get to make an impression on the judges. Horses will enter on the right rein. The judges will be looking for the animal which catches their eye the most. Of course, exactly what type the judges will be drawn to depends on which class you’re watching. For example, in the hunter ranks a horse a with a ground covering and forward yet rhythmical way of going will be favoured as opposed to the show pony first ridden class where you’d ideally want a pony going steadily and sweetly for the young jockey. The go-round is a good place to pick out your favourites so note down the back numbers of your choices so you can inspect them during their individual shows.
2. There are usually two judges (and a heap of stewards)
It can be hard to separate the judges and the stewards in the middle of the ring, as all will be dressed in super-smart attire. After you’ve eyed up who’s officiating, you’ll notice that once the competitors are lined up after the go-round, one judge will remain in front of the line ready to assess performance and the other will head off to another part of the ring to inspect conformation. The stewards are there to ensure the class runs smoothly, to take down the judges’ marks and basically to keep the show on the road. These individuals will usually be on the go from the very first class in the ring just after dawn until the curtain comes down after the last lap of honour in the early evening.
3. Riders will then do a show, or the ride judge will ride each horse
In pony classes, each jockey will be required to perform a show for the judge. At HOYS, this is usually a short set show with certain requirements each combination will need to perform. After each performance (signalled by the salute of the rider), the judge will award a mark out of 50, in secret to the steward who will be in charge of noting down each mark on a sheet. At the end of the class this score will be added together with the score awarded during the conformation section. And ta dah, the pairing with the most points wins! The horse classes get a slightly different assessment; each rider will be asked to dismount and the ride judge will jump on and take each horse for a spin around the arena.
4. The conformation section
The rider will remove the saddle from their horse and then present him to the judge in-hand, ensuring he is stood up correctly. On the judge’s request the horse will be led away at walk and then turned and trotted directly back. The judge will then award another 50/50 mark for each horse’s conformation.
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5. The prize-giving
HOYS has a unique placing structure which adds to the tension of the prize giving. When the class is complete, the highest placed 11 combinations will be pulled forward in no particular order using back numbers to form a new line. The rest of the unplaced competitors leave the ring. The commentator then reveals the top nine placings in reverse order, counting down all the way to the winner who will be asked to come and stand in-between flowery pillars for the presentation. To be placed at HOYS is a huge achievement for all riders, owners and breeders and to win is the ultimate dream. Showing competitors dedicate their whole lives to the cause so remember what you’re witnessing and expect a lot of tears!
6. The iconic lap of honour
You’ll have the victory lap theme tune stuck in your head for the next week. The HOYS lap of honour sees the competitors head out in trot or canter before the winner completes their own lap of the arena before leaving down the centre line. Some choose to trot out and others opt for a gallop. Make sure to join in with the clapping.
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Former H&H showing editor and deputy features editor
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
