Looking ahead to HOYS
Following last year’s successful move to the NEC, Birmingham, this year’s Horse of the Year Show (17-21 September), sponsored by Equestrian Surfaces, is set to be better than ever, and has already gained extensive celebrity support.
Actress and Arab horse enthusiast, Susan George, leads the show’s Honorary President’s Committee. She will be joined by football legend Sir Bobby Robson, model and actress Rachel Hunter, “Millionaire” quiz master and radio DJ Chris Tarrant, former racing trainer Jenny Pitman, TV sports presenter Sue Barker, top jockey Frankie Dettori and author Dick Francis among others.
Show director, Mike Gill says: “During the last few years a large number of high profile celebrities have attended HOYS Gala Night, which has become a leading event in the social diary. We are delighted to have such enthusiastic support and look forward to welcoming everyone to this year’s show, which promises to be one of the most exciting yet.”
Search for a star
Amateur showing riders will have their chance to take part in the SEIB “Search for a Star” finals, which gives amateur riders and owners the opportunity to compete at HOYS with their horses.
Horses and riders who have already qualified for the event include a “cut-price” former racehorse named Millimetre, who has a place in the riding horse class; a cob called Flynn, who was “uncontrollable” when his owner bought him a year ago; and a former amateur National Hunt jockey, who has swapped the racecourse for the show ring with her working hunter, Impy.
Three opportunities to qualify remain with selection days at Merrist Wood College, Surrey on 19 July, The College Equestrian Centre, Keysoe, Bedford on 20 July and Richmond Equestrian Centre, Yorkshire on 10 August.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Tickets and schedules
Tickets and schedules for this year’s show are now available. Tickets are available from the NEC box office (tel: 08700 101052) or online at www.hoys.co.uk
Competitors wanting a schedule should send a SAE for 60p to:
Horse of the Year Show
Show Secretary
Avenue A
National Agricultural Centre
Stoneleigh Park
Kenilworth
Warks
CV8 2LG
The first closing datefor entries is the 21 July.
For more information visit: www.hoys.co.uk
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
Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.