HOYS

Horse of the Year Show – or HOYS as it is more commonly known within the British equestrian world – is underway.

Day two's showing action includes hacks, small hunters, ridden heavy horses, M&M working hunter ponies and the M&M ridden pony of the year championship, among others.

For showjumping fans, there is the pony newcomers and the prestigious leading pony showjumper of the year championship during the day, with the famous Foxhunter final this evening.

Thursday evening's action kick off with the Dressage Future Elite Championship, in which future equine stars of the sport will demonstrate their potential.

The end of summer show that everyone wants to compete at is held indoors at the NEC in Birmingham. The show includes end of season national championships for showing and showjumping competitors, as well as international showjumping of the highest calibre.

Alongside two arenas of top-class competition, spectators can enjoy outstanding displays and entertained by crowd-favourites including scurry driving and mounted games.

Horse & Hound’s team of expert equestrian journalists are on hand to keep fans up to date with all the news throughout the show, including up-to-the-minute showing reports, interviews and more.

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Your essential guide

For competitors

What date is Horse of the Year Show 2026?

The Horse of the Year Show 2026 (HOYS) will take place from Wednesday 7 October until Sunday 11 October.

Where is Horse of the Year Show held?

The Horse of the Year Show is held in October each year at the NEC in Birmingham. Some 50 acreas of the exhibition centre is transformed into a home-from-home for those taking part, including stabling for some 1,600 horses and ponies, while around 60,000 spectators can be expected to attend across the five days.

Is HOYS held at Olympia in London?

No. The horse show that used to be held at Olympia in December each year is called the London International Horse Show. It is a different horse show to HOYS. The Olympia show has now moved to the Excel in London’s docklands as the Olympia exhibition centre in Kensington is being redeveloped.

Does HOYS support any charities?

The official charity of Horse of the Year Show 2026 is Redwings Horse Sanctuary.

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