HOYS tickets are now on sale for the 2026 show. From 7–11 October, Birmingham’s NEC is transformed into an equestrian bonanza that fills 50 acres of the site with thrills, fun, and world-class entertainment, and we can’t wait.
Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) is a real feast for the horse lover and a major event in the equestrian calendar. Prestigious national and international showjumping classes are at the heart of the show, along with a vast array of showing championships, which for many riders is the pinnacle of their career. There are also hundreds of shops located in the retail village and plenty of food and drink outlets to keep you fuelled throughout the day.
HOYS tickets
General admission
Ticket prices vary throughout the week, depending on which session you attend and where you sit.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday tickets give you access and a seat for the whole day, while Saturday and Sunday sessions are split into afternoon and evening performances. Family tickets (two adults + two children) are available on the Sunday. Ticket prices are as follows:
A season ticket will give you entry on all five days, provide you with entry to the TopSpec Arena public seating, plus an allocated seat in the Andrews Bowen International Arena, and full access to the shopping village.
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Season tickets also include complimentary parking and an official show programme.
The schedule is packed with showing championships alongside international showjumping classes.
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
HOYS timetable highlights
The full schedule is jam-packed, but here are a few highlights to help you decide what day you’d most like to visit the show.
Wednesday 7 October: Working Hunter of the Year Championship, Talent Seekers international showjumping (including 7 Year Old Championship) and M&M ridden breed championships
Thursday 8 October: Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year Championship, Dressage Future Elite Championship, M&M Ridden Pony of the Year Championship and Senior Foxhunter Championship
Friday 9 October: Working Hunter Pony of the Year Championship, Pony Foxhunter Championship, Dallamires Stables Cup international showjumping
Saturday 10 October: Accumulator international showjumping, Double Harness Scurry of the Year Championship, Supreme In-Hand of the Year Championship and Puissance
Sunday 11 October: Speed Horse of the Year and Six Bar international showjumping, Prince Philip Cup Final, Supreme Horse of the Year Championship, Supreme Pony of the Year Championship and Leading Showjumper of the Year
Champions Bar – share drinks and nibbles with friends while enjoying panoramic views of the action in the Andrews Bowen International Arena, plus two course lunch included.
Hospitality – if you fancy a refined hospitality ringside dining experience, whether for a private celebration or networking opportunities, you should opt for the hospitality experience, which starts at £234 per person.
Georgia is Horse & Hound’s deputy website editor and equestrian products expert. She curates content across the website with a particular focus on upcoming equestrian events horse care and buying advice. She also manages all the ecommerce opportunities that allow us to give you easy access to the best products at the lowest prices via our buying guides. Georgia has first-hand knowledge of all the equestrian brands and their ever-evolving product lines, having been working with them closely since she started in equestrian media in 2015.
