We've been really busy in the HOYS office with lots of qualifiers coming up, posting out our marketing partners info and having Pete the Pony from Pony Club come visit!

Today we got the official confirmation of the first British Ridden Heavy Horse Qualifier, Stacy..

Read the full story below

Stacy Fletcher of Gentle Giant Shires rode Catwg Black Velvet to victory as she became the first to qualify for Horse of the Year Show 2016 in the British Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year Championship at the National Shire Horse Show at Bingley Hall on Friday 18^th of March 2016. Stacy bought Catwg Black Velvet as a yearling and has produced her to not only be ridden but also to drive.

This was Stacy’s first ever HOYS qualifier, as she held off putting Catwg Black Velvet in foal to attempt the qualifier “We decided to enter her in the HOYS qualifier as we were already competing at the show and thought we would give it a go. We had decided that we would only attempt the one qualifier class and if we weren't successful she would be put in foal. This plan has now been put on hold for a year!”

The British Ridden Heavy Horse is a new Championship for HOYS in 2016 and will showcase these large beautiful animals. Horse of the Year Show have introduced the Championship to not only celebrate the breeds but also increase awareness, as some of our heavy horse breeds are now endangered or on the rare breeds list.

With such an impressive win Stacy has shared her Top Tip for competing in showing qualifiers. “Enjoy. At the end of the day regardless if you qualify or not you have the best horse in your eyes! My one main tip is to get as many different people as possible to ride your horse in different situations so they get used to a ride judge and can perform to the best of their ability!”

Richard Todd Show Director at Grandstand Group praised Stacy on her win when he presented her with her prizes at the National Shire horse Show. “We would like to congratulate Stacy and Catwg Black Velvet on this great achievement and we look forward to receiving Stacy and Catwg Black Velvet at HOYS in October and the final of this new Championship.”

The British Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year Championship will be held in the Andrews Bowen International Arena on Sunday 9^th October at HOYS 2016. Special tickets for Heavy Horse enthusiasts can be purchased via the box office on 0844 581 8282 or via the Ticket Factory at www.theticketfactory.com

We offer all different types of ticket packages at HOYS from Mountain & Moorland, Heavy Horse, Champions Bar and Hospitality. We have all types of people attend; from celebrities, magazines, horse breeders to your everyday horse enthusiasts.

Lots of hard work and effort goes into organising our VIP experience at the show, sending out exclusive invites, food tasting for the gourmet menu and ordering in over 2000 bottles of champagne.
With our commercial and operations teams doing the bulk of the work, they work non stop all year round working with suppliers, sponsors and catering companies to ensure that all the VIP areas are to the highest standard.
VIP hospitality tickets start from just £139 and include; a Champagne Reception, VIP Parking, a three course gourmet meal in a fine dining environment (You'll need to bring your tux), a dedicated hostess team, access to the Shopping Village and a complimentary Show Programme. As well as all of this, of course, the best seats in the house! So close you can smell the Show Sheen....

A lot of work goes in to ensuring that these tickets offer the best VIP experience around. Emma and her team are constantly on hand at the show to make sure all our guest are having The Best Time Ever!

Emma Cowan Commercial Manager says "Come and join us at HOYS in Hospitality; great food, amazing atmosphere, and the best seats in the house. Come and see and be a HOYS VIP"

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

HOYS are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Metheringham Upton Hamlet, owned by Paul Bedford.
'Hamlet' was the Shire Horse of the Year Champion at HOYS three times in 2011, 2014, and 2015. He had also won the prestigious King George V Trophy on three occasions as well as winning at many county shows.
Hamlet was out of Kerrial Hester, a daughter of Walton Supreme and one of the fifth generation of Philip Shipman’s home-bred mares. Hamlet was sold as a foal to Geoff Robinson, who named him. The following April, Paul was visiting Geoff while he was turning out horses. Paul took a shine to Hamlet and took him home the same day. As a yearling Hamlet was never beaten in his class, and went on to win the end-of-season championship at Marchington. 

We would like to offer our condolences to Paul Bedford, his family and his breeder Philip Shipman. 
Credit to Shire Horse Society for information featured

Our Senior Newcomers Series Sponsors; Connolly’s RED MILLS has an exciting competition on our website to win a Saddle Cloth, a Softshell Jacket as well as Trial of their new nutritional Sport Horse range.

 To enter, head over to our website >> http://hoys.co.uk/index.php?cID=273

Welcome to the Horse of the Year Show Blog!!

We'll be giving you behind the scenes access from the Press Office here at HOYS and will be sharing Breaking News, Rider Stories and Behind the Scenes photos and videos in the build up to HOYS 2016.

If you would like to share a news story with us drop us an email to press@hoys.co.uk

Tickets for HOYS are on sale now! Click HERE to buy online