The history of the Horse of the Year Show

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The Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) was introduced by Captain Tony Collings in 1949. It fast became the pinnacle of all horse shows as well as the climax of the national show jumping and equestrian showing year.

The concept for Horse of the Year Show

Following research into horse shows on the continent such as �Le Jumping' in Paris and discussions with then Chairmen of the British Show Jumping Association and the British Horse Society, Tony Collings showed Great Britain the beginnings of the BSJA jumping show.

This combination of stunning equestrian displays with national and international Show Jumping is where the cream of show jumpers compete and aspire to hold the title of Horse or Pony of the year, in their class.

The venue for Horse of the Year Show

Since the end of the equestrian season falls in autumn, the need for an indoor arena soon came to light. The HOYS was originally hosted in Haringey, in conjunction with the Greyhound Racing Association, but was moved to Empire Pool, Wembley after ten years. In 2002, the HOYS was relocated to the NEC in Birmingham, giving it a more logical layout and fresh look, and it has continued to triumph.

It holds reign as Britain's largest indoor equestrian event and promises to grow both in size and in popularity among horse lovers nationwide, over the forthcoming years.

The Horse of the Year Show today

The HOYS has been organised by Grandstand Media Ltd since 1997. They brought a modern slant to a classical sport and even planned a spectacular commemorative event to celebrate 50 years of the Show of Champions the following year.

This great event features over 120 hours of competition and entertainment held over 5 days, and generates more than 150,000 entries at horse shows all over the country. It is the dream of all professional horse show competitors and has produced 56 champions over the years.

The HOYS is a hit with equestrian fans and horse lovers, from Princess Anne to Jordan, is always a sell-out on Gala Night and remains the horse show to beat all other horse shows.

For more information on major British equestrian events or horse shows in your area see The Dogwood Horse Show and Events Guide 2006

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