This year the Horse of the Year Show is running from the 5th until the 9th of October
Horse of the Year Show remains a National Institution, the finale to the showing year and the climax to the domestic show jumping year. It is a place to which all horse owners and riders aspire, as top show jumper John Whitaker highlights, "Winning at HOYS is the pinnacle of every equestrian's career."
In 2002 HOYS moved from Wembley Arena, its home for over 40 years, to the NEC Arena, Birmingham. Logistically this was very complicated as the show takes up over 50 acres of the NEC complex, but with record attendance figures and outstanding competition, it was described by Horse & Hound as a 'Triumph' and was heralded a resounding success with sell out performances throughout the show.
Since the move to the NEC, HOYS has developed and expanded experiencing record numbers visiting the Show every year. Celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2013, today’s show welcomes 1,600 horses and ponies, 1,500 competitors and 65,000 spectators. Each year, Sunday’s Gala Evening Performance concludes with the emotive Ode to the Horse, while this year,
the welcome return of the Cavalcade will add to the special celebrations.
