Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) organisers have confirmed some of the 2026 judges – but will not reveal who is judging which class until the evening before.
In a return to the 2024 system, competitors will not know in advance of qualifying who they will come under until the show, a move that HOYS organisers Grandstand Media said maintains transparency and fairness, and has had mixed reactions from riders.
Pony specialist Gill Thompson told H&H: “I think the format is really refreshing. When we had the Australian judges, it was exciting as no-one knew what they would like or be going for so there were no preconceived ideas about who was going to do well. It was exciting to watch as spectators too.
“I also think that the atmosphere in the collecting ring was nicer as again, with no preconceived ideas on placings and preferences, it felt as if we were all on a level playing field. This year, where there are British judges, there may be some idea of preferences once the judges are released, but it’s still refreshing to have a different format.”
The judges already confirmed include those from Australia, Canada and Ireland as well as the UK. Some exhibitors, such as H&H columnist Rebecca Penny, are concerned that not knowing who is judging what means they may not be able to compete.
“Establishing that you or your horse or pony has a connection on the list leaves you in a very strange position, almost a state of limbo,” she told H&H.
Significant costs
“There are significant costs associated with running a pony on the HOYS circuit for a season, whether you produce it yourself or keep it at a professional yard, and those expenses continue regardless. In many cases, it is possible to make an educated assessment and narrow down who is likely to be appointed for your section.
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“At that point a difficult decision arises: do you continue to spend thousands of pounds attending qualifiers, knowing there is a real possibility of the disappointment of not being able to compete on the day? Or do you conclude that such a financial commitment cannot be justified and instead choose to direct your time, energy, and resources elsewhere?”
For producers reliant on campaigning exhibits for multiple owners, it is particularly concerning. One such producer is Harrison Taylor, who last year rode a horse belonging to one of this year’s judges, so may not show under her this year.
“It’s tricky for us all not knowing who is judging and fearing someone’s going to be disappointed on the day,” he told H&H. “For me, it’s a really tricky situation – as it will be for many other people. I’m just hoping they don’t end up judging any of my classes as it would be so sad for my owners.
“I obviously have so many different types and I can’t hold them back for the fear of ‘what if?’ The only option I have is to crack on and keep my fingers crossed.”
HOYS encourages any competitors who believe they may have a conflict of interest with a judge to submit details and any evidence to entries@grandstand.co.uk ahead of the event so any potential conflicts can be managed.
One home-produced exhibitor, who does not want to be named, told H&H she has already contacted Grandstand Media as she attempts to plan her daughters’ season.
“I never take it for granted we will qualify, but with ponies who have previously qualified, I would hope that if we have them looking and going well enough, they will qualify again,” she said.
“HOYS said they will try their best to accommodate everyone, so I am waiting to hear whether I can compete or not. I accept conflicts can appear in any year, but with entries for qualifiers now opening, it would just be good to know whether I can enter as it makes a big difference to our summer as a family.”
Positive feedback
Event director Emma Williams said Grandstand had “an abundance of positive feedback” when this system was introduced, and “it was clear competitors valued this fresh approach”.
“By confirming a world-class panel while withholding individual allocations until the finals, we are able to maintain transparency and ensure every competitor enters the arena with confidence in the process,” she said.
A spokesperson for HOYS told H&H that in 2024, the team identified a small number of competitors who had possible connections to judges.
“Three qualified combinations were unable to compete: one due to declaring the connection only after qualification, and two who had been advised before the season that they would be ineligible under the appointed judge. An additional three competitors were informed prior to the season that they would not be eligible to compete under their allocated class judge.
“It is important to note that even if all judging allocations were published in advance, unavoidable connections would still occasionally occur. While we take every reasonable step to reduce conflicts of interest, some situations are unavoidable, and eligibility rules must be upheld to ensure fairness for all competitors.”
2026 HOYS judges confirmed so far:
Mrs Deborah Alderson
Ms Stephanie Barrington
Mr Jonathan Carnduff
Mrs Glenis Cockbain
Mr Graham Dunkley
Miss Lucinda Elliott
Mr Hayden Hankey
Mr John James
Miss Rachel Moore Rooney
Ms Meg Nicholls
Mrs Tina O’Brien
Mr Jim O’Brien
Ms Ann Rushton Green
Mr Randy Robertson
Miss Sacha Shaw
Mrs Helen Starkie
Mrs Susan Stockley-Bridges
Ms Julie Templeton
Mr Chris Yates
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Bethan joined Horse & Hound as showing editor in January 2025, after spending two years as Editor for Showing World. Having adored ponies since childhood, she started showing as a teenager and has enjoyed wins at major shows up and down the country, including Royal Highland, New Forest, and the Royal Welsh, as well as HOYS, RIHS and London. She is particularly passionate about Welsh breeds and is also a Welsh language commentator.
