Charlotte Dujardin, the Whitakers and Big Star to head to HOYS
Top names from the world of dressage and showjumping are entered to compete at this year’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).
British Rio Olympic showjumpers John and Michael Whitaker top the list of household names confirmed for the CSI3* classes on 6-9 October.
Robert Smith, William Funnell, Tim Stockdale, Guy Williams, Nicole Pavitt and Joe Clayton are among the other leading Brits confirmed for this year’s show, held at Birmingham NEC on 5-9 October.
There are a total of 32 spaces for riders in the 11 international classes over the week, with 16 British places available. Sunday’s leading showjumper of the year grand prix feature’s the largest prize fund of HOYS at £40,000.
Riders from Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and the US make up the international contingent.
These include Shane Breen, Denis Lynch, Billy Twomey, Cian O’Connor and Julien Epaillard.
Meanwhile, double Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin heads the line-up for the Arbonne Dressage Future Elite Championship, which showcases Britain’s up-and-coming young dressage horses, on 7 October.
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She will ride the eight-year-old Diamond Hit gelding Hawtins Delicato.
Also vying for the title is Michael Eilberg (Sa Coeur), Emile Faurie (Mount St John De La Beaute), Bryony Goodwin (Hawtins Floriana), Kate Cowell (Samba) Tom Goode (Dior III) and Sonnar Murray-Brown (Erlentanz).
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- Get your Horse of the Year Show 2016 tickets
- Mamma Mia! And 11 other reasons we are excited for HOYS 2016
- Which of these 22 beautiful horses will be crowned Cuddy in-hand champion at HOYS?
What else is on?
Showing, driving, mounted games, displays and a performance from the cast of West End hit musical Mamma Mia also feature on the HOYS timetable.
Highlights will include a parade by Rio 2016 individual gold medallists Nick Skelton and Big Star during the evening performance on 9 October.
Fellow Olympic medallist Carl Hester will be giving a masterclass on 7 October and both Carl and Nick will also be signing autographs in the shopping village during the show.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.