H&H’s showing editor shares her thoughts on the new judging format at HOYS 2024 as she signs off from her role
There was plenty of anticipation ahead of the 2024 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), mainly around how the judging format adopted for the 75th anniversary edition of the show would play out.
On this occasion, a list of respected judges from across the globe was revealed at the start of the year. However, exactly who would be officiating each final at HOYS wasn’t known until the night before each class.
There was definitely some apprehension about the change, mainly as it was the unknown, something different to what we were used to. Usually, at the beginning of the season, many decide if HOYS is a show they want to aim an animal for given who will be judging them in October.
Throughout the year, there has been very little speculation about who was set to take to the centre line, and a few surprise, yet thoroughly deserving, wins and placings were sprung in real time during our week at the NEC.
It made for an interesting and engaging watch, and the general consensus among spectators was that the change was refreshing and it revitalised viewing.
The judges were all of the necessary calibre expected at a premier championship, and they were certainly kept busy during the week, with most officiating several sections.
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The ride judging was nothing short of exemplary, with every single exhibit being given a lovely ride, even if it wasn’t to be their day in the final line.
I’m constantly impressed by the standard of riding displayed by our own young riders too, across the classes, particularly in the working hunter sections, and this year’s tracks were a testing challenge that each rider took on with bravery and determination.
It’s hoped the standard format of inviting our own experienced panel judges to judge will be back on the agenda for next year, but this change was an exciting way to commemorate the famous show’s 75th anniversary and perhaps it could return in some way in the future.
Leave it in the lorry park
Grumblings on social media after some classes were still present, and it was disappointing to see remarks akin to the unwelcome trend of “judge bashing” being thrown out on threads.
This new format was always going to welcome discussion, but some of the comments from unhappy competitors perhaps should have been left to the horsebox debrief where you can say what you like.
Ultimately, HOYS is just another show and each mark is given on the basis of one individual’s opinion on a set day. It would be a very bad job if we all liked the same thing and thought every animal in the class to be the winner.
We all have preferences. What one may deem steady and well-mannered, others may say stilted and not going on enough. What one may regard as flashy and forward, the other may say unrhythmical and hurried.
Of course, each exhibit at this show is of a certain standard just to be here, but attention to detail and using a fine-tooth comb is essential at this level if we are to have a final line-up.
Goodbye!
This was my last HOYS as H&H’s showing editor after almost seven years at the helm. What a time it’s been and I must say a massive thank you to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing and interacting with over the course of my time in the role. I wish everyone a restful winter before we do it all again next season.
I hope to be a HOYS finalist again myself in the future and I wish everyone the best of luck with your own horses and ponies. Over and out!
● What did you think of the new judging format at HOYS 2024? Let us know by emailing hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine
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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.
