That winning feeling — 12 epic celebrations from HOYS
According to these fantastic images, being crowned champion at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) really is the best feeling in the world. We enjoyed watching celebrations galore as some of the best combinations enjoyed their moments in the spotlight…
1. Pure joy
Oliver Tuff wins the prestigious Foxhunter Championship on his father Justin’s Darino B
2. Red hot
Chilli has long been regarded one of the best young horses in the country and in Birmingham he and Donald Whitaker sealed victory in the newcomers final
3. Making history
Shaunie Greig with the whizzy Casino Royale VIII are crowned Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year for the second year in a row
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
4. Conquering the big red wall
Alfie Bradstock (H D’Or) cannot hide his delight at clearing the puissance wall to share top honours with Guy Williams (Mr Blue Sky UK).
5. Not once, but twice
Trevor Breen and catch ride Diamants Aurora, who belongs to Tracy Priest, proved unbeatable first in the Talent Seekers then again in the grade C championship
6. In the spotlight
Belgian rider Karel Cox and Evert head a competitive field in Sunday’s feature class, the Leading Showjumper of the Year
7. Impressive by name, impressive by nature
The Bronze League Championship goes to Natasha Hewitt and JJ’s Impressive
8. Catch me if you can
France’s Geoffroy De Coligny swoops in to the NEC Birmingham to claim a winning double of CSI3* international classes on Raimondo Du Plessis
9. We did it!
Claudia Moore and Sonas Barney are victorious in the 138cm championship
10. Rug, sash and rosettes galore
Jessica Howard and Tinka’s Gentleman Jim embrace their moment in the spotlight after winning the pony newcomers championship
11. All smiles
The pony Foxhunter final is won by Holly Cooper and Valentine Supreme
12. All white on the night
Izabella Rogers and Whinney Lass claim top honours in the 128cm championship
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
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
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.