Horse of the Year Show (HOYS): The Highlight of British Equestrian Sport

What is the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS)?

The Horse of the Year Show, often simply referred to as HOYS, is both the most traditional and one of the most modern equestrian events in the United Kingdom. Since its founding in 1949, it has brought together the nation’s top riders, horses, and breeders for the grand finale of the British show season. What originally began as a year-end championship for national showing classes has evolved into an international spectacle, drawing more than 60,000 spectators.

HOYS unites all disciplines of equestrian sport: from elite-level showjumping, to classic showing classes, to spectacular arena displays and a shopping village unrivaled across Europe. Many fans call it the “Wimbledon of equestrian sport.” For competitors, it’s a career milestone – winning here means being among the very best.

What makes HOYS truly special is its emotional dimension: the event celebrates not just performance, but also the deep connection between humans and horses. With features like the “Ode to the Horse”, the Pony Club Games, and the traditional championship presentations, it creates powerful moments that stay with visitors long after the event.

History and Development of HOYS

The history of the Horse of the Year Show began in 1949 with a clear vision: to create a championship event that would bring together the best horses and riders in the country for the season’s grand finale. What started as an ambitious project at London’s Harringay Arena has grown into the most prestigious equestrian event in the UK. HOYS was founded by Captain Tony Collings, supported by key equestrian organisations such as the British Horse Society and the British Show Jumping Association.

In its early years, the event focused heavily on traditional showing classes. It wasn’t long before national showjumping competitions were added – thrilling audiences and drawing in wider crowds. A major milestone came in 1959 with the move to Wembley Arena – a symbolic step that catapulted HOYS into the international spotlight.

However, by the 1990s the event faced severe financial difficulties. A dramatic rescue effort saw it revived under new management. Since 1997, Grandstand Media Ltd has been responsible for organising HOYS, giving it a modern face with professional logistics, a structured schedule, and an advanced ticketing system. Since 2002, the show has taken place at the NEC Birmingham, one of the largest exhibition centres in Europe.

Today, HOYS is a fixed highlight in the calendars of equestrian fans across the country. Thousands travel to Birmingham each year to watch the season’s top performers, follow historical HOYS results, or simply soak up the electric atmosphere of this iconic horse show. Its story is not only a chronicle of British equestrian sport but also a testament to the UK’s enduring passion for horses.

Venue and Dates

Since 2002, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham has been home to the Horse of the Year Show. The NEC is one of Europe’s largest exhibition venues and offers ideal conditions for an event of this scale: spacious halls, a main arena with over 6,000 seats, modern infrastructure, and excellent transport links – by plane, train or car.

HOYS is held annually in October, spanning five days from Wednesday to Sunday. The upcoming HOYS 2025 is scheduled for 8–12 October. During this time, the NEC transforms into a vibrant hub of equestrian sport, welcoming thousands of visitors each day.

The event is carefully structured to appeal to all target groups. The weekdays focus on national finals and the shopping village, while the weekend delivers international competitions, gala evenings, and emotionally charged championship moments. Saturday evening is particularly popular – when the famous Puissance and arena shows bring packed crowds to their feet.

The experience is rounded off by the extensive Shopping Village, featuring over 250 exhibitors offering everything from equestrian fashion and gear to lifestyle products and gifts. Many visitors use the weekend as a mini-break, combining top-class horse sport with the unique flair of one of Britain’s most cherished equestrian traditions.

Competitions and Highlights

Showjumping

Showjumping is one of the core pillars of HOYS and draws the country’s best riders – along with top international talent – to Birmingham each year. The competitions range from national finals to international ranking classes that count towards the Longines World Rankings.

HOYS is especially well known for its thrilling feature classes, which never fail to deliver drama:

• Puissance: The iconic wall-jumping class, where horses and riders clear heights over two metres. A true test of courage, technique, and precision – and a highlight of Saturday night.
• Senior Foxhunter Championship: Often described as the FA Cup of showjumping for novice horses. Only those who qualify through multiple rounds can compete in this prestigious final.
• Leading Pony Show Jumper of the Year: A major title for riders under 16 – promoting young talent and thrilling crowds with fast-paced, technical riding.
• Leading Show Jumper of the Year: The grand finale of the international classes, where the top 28 horse-rider combinations compete for one of the richest prize pots in British showjumping.

The list of past winners reads like a who’s who of British equestrianism: John Whitaker, Robert Smith, Ellen Whitaker, and William Funnell are all closely associated with HOYS history. Many of them claimed multiple wins – often with legendary horses like Milton, Nick Skelton’s Arko, or Romanov II.

Showing and Champion of Champions

Alongside jumping, showing remains the most traditional discipline at the Horse of the Year Show. It’s all about presenting horses and ponies in their best form – evaluating conformation, movement, temperament, and overall impression. Winning here means rising above dozens – sometimes hundreds – of competitors to claim one of the most prestigious titles in British showing.

Finalists must qualify throughout the season via a rigorous qualification system. Across the UK, dozens of qualifying shows determine who earns a coveted spot at HOYS. At the event, the best of each class go head-to-head in the climactic Champion of Champions rounds.

Notable showing categories include:

• Working Hunters
• Show Ponies & Show Hunter Ponies
• Cobs, Hacks, and Riding Horses
• Coloured Horses
• Mountain & Moorland Ponies (including Miniatures)

Since 2000, Miniature Horses have also had a firm place at HOYS. Organised by the British Miniature Horse Society, their classes have featured popular champions like Farthingwood Romeo and Moortown Countryman.

The emotional peak often comes with the Supreme In-Hand Championships and ridden finals, where only the very best of the show compete for the ultimate recognition. The winner may carry the coveted title Best of the Best – a career-defining achievement for breeders, handlers, and owners alike.

Famous participants at HOYS

John Whitaker

KFew riders are as synonymous with British showjumping as John Whitaker. With over four decades at the top of the sport, countless Grand Prix wins, and multiple Olympic medals, he is a living legend. His performances at HOYS — particularly with his iconic grey horse Milton, the first showjumper to earn over £1 million in prize money — are etched in history. Whether in the Puissance, jump-offs, or championship rounds, Whitaker consistently delivered unforgettable moments.

Michael Whitaker

As John’s younger brother, Michael Whitaker has carved out his own formidable legacy. He won his first major competition at just 16 and went on to dominate both nationally and internationally. At HOYS, he stood out for his daring style and partnerships with top horses like Portofino and Viking. Known for thinking fast and riding fearlessly, he became a crowd favourite.

Ellen Whitaker

Continuing the Whitaker legacy, Ellen Whitaker brings her own distinct style and presence. She reached the HOYS finals as a teenager and was part of the British Nations Cup team by 18. A standout in the Leading Show Jumper of the Year class, her riding is powerful yet elegant. Beyond the ring, Ellen is a media figure and role model for aspiring female riders.

Ben Maher

Now an Olympic gold medallist and Rolex Grand Slam winner, Ben Maher’s journey began at grassroots level — including early appearances at HOYS. He demonstrated technical precision and strategic thinking from the start. With horses like Tripple X III and Explosion W, he rose to global fame. Despite his international success, HOYS remains a meaningful venue where his career took flight.

William Funnell

Known for classical, sustainable horsemanship, William Funnell is a familiar face at HOYS — as rider, trainer, and breeder. His triumphs include the Foxhunter Championship, where he consistently showcased young talent. Alongside his wife, Pippa, he runs the renowned Billy Stud, which regularly produces HOYS champions.

Harry Charles

Still in his twenties, Harry Charles is already among the world’s elite showjumpers. The son of Olympic gold medallist Peter Charles, Harry has forged his own path, marked by precision and a deep feel for horses. His rise began in HOYS youth classes, with horses like Borsato and Romeo 88 leading him to Grand Prix victories. In 2024, he clinched Olympic team gold — a milestone for British equestrian sport. As a Rolex ambassador, he represents a new generation: ambitious, focused, and approachable.

Robert Smith

With horses like Mr. Springfield and Kalusha, Robert Smith was a fixture in HOYS finals for years. Known for his bold style and quick decisions, he regularly excelled in top classes. Though he competed worldwide, his HOYS performances held a special emotional resonance.

Geoff Billington

A fan favourite, Geoff Billington combined riding excellence with charisma and humour. He won multiple HOYS titles, especially in the Puissance with his grey, It’s Otto. Even in retirement, he remains connected to HOYS as a commentator and coach — still inspiring fans and young riders.

Jessica Mendoza

A rising star, Jessica Mendoza exemplifies HOYS as a launchpad. She first made waves in the Pony Show Jumper of the Year class and quickly rose through the ranks. Known for her calm, confident style, she later represented Britain at European championships. For Mendoza, HOYS was both a showcase and a school.

Scott Brash

Scott Brash, the first rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, also began his journey at HOYS. With Hello Sanctos, he made history. Renowned for his composure and analytical mind, Brash is often called the “silent champion” — and HOYS was one of the stages where his brilliance first emerged.

Charlotte Dujardin

Best known for her dressage world records, Charlotte Dujardin’s roots lie in showing and pony riding — with early successes at HOYS. These formative experiences shaped her feel for rhythm and precision. With Valegro, she later became a global icon. But HOYS remains part of the foundation of her remarkable career.

Livestream and Broadcast

Can’t attend in person? No problem. The Horse of the Year Show offers a comprehensive livestream experience, broadcast live from the NEC Birmingham arena. From the opening classes to the final championships, you can follow every moment — in HD, with expert commentary and full access to live results.

Highlights include:

• Coverage of all major showjumping and showing events
• Special features like Saturday night’s Puissance and the emotional Sunday Gala with the “Ode to the Horse”
• Multiple camera angles, slow-motion replays, and rider profiles

The livestream is available on ClipMyHorse.TV and includes:

• Real-time access to all arenas
• Expert commentary with insights on horses and riders
• On-demand replays and archive access
• Compatibility with desktop, tablet, and mobile devices

Wherever you are, the HOYS livestream keeps you close to the action.

Live Results

For real-time updates on rankings and placements, ClipMyHorse.TV also hosts all official HOYS live results. The platform provides:

• Start lists and timetables
• Live scoring and final standings
• Judges' notes and comments (showing)
• Timings and penalties (jumping)
• Archives from past years

Whether you’re a rider, breeder, journalist, or fan, ClipMyHorse.TV is your go-to source for accurate, up-to-date results — live from the showground.

Conclusion

The Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) is much more than a horse show – it’s a celebration of equestrian sport, tradition, and community. Whether you're live at the NEC Birmingham or watching via livestream, HOYS offers a unique blend of elite sport, emotion, and spectacle. From up-and-coming young riders to Olympic legends, from majestic ponies to the legendary Puissance – HOYS brings together everything that makes British equestrianism so special.

It is a stage, a career springboard, a gathering point, and an institution all at once. And it remains a place where history is made – year after year, rider by rider, horse by horse.

FAQ

When is the next HOYS?

HOYS 2025 is scheduled for 8–12 October and will take place at the NEC Birmingham, as usual.

Can I watch HOYS live?

Yes. All competitions are streamed live and on demand on ClipMyHorse.TV.

Where can I find the HOYS results?

All current live results and final placements are available via ClipMyHorse.TV – including start lists, standings, and scores.

Who can compete at HOYS?

Participation is generally qualification-based. Riders must qualify through national classes in jumping or showing. Only the top performers are invited to compete in the HOYS finals.

What makes HOYS so special?

HOYS is the UK’s most prestigious equestrian event. It combines elite competition, emotional performances, and a passionate audience. Known as the grand finale of the season, it’s the most important competition of the year for many riders.