European bronze medal-winning show jumpers Ellen Whitaker and David McPherson head the British challenge in the international show jumping classes at the Horse of the Year Show at the NEC, Birmingham later this week (3-7 October).
They will be doing battle against leading international riders as well as top British names, such as Geoff Billington and Robert Whitaker. Unfortunately some of Britain’s big guns will be absent, but this has given other successful riders the chance to win world ranking points on home soil, including four wild card competitors — Robert Bevis, Lee Williams, Graham Lovegrove and Ryan Prater.
The action gets underway on Wednesday (3 October) with national show jumping and showing championship finals across two arenas, alongside top equestrian displays and entertainment including:
- The Metropolitan Police activity ride
- Dutch dressage quadrille on Friesian horses
- Pony Club Mounted Games for the prestigious Prince Philip Cup
- Osborne Refrigerators scurry driving
The international jumping action begins on Thursday with three classes, plus the historic Horse & Hound Foxhunter National Championship and more elite showing finals. The show closes on Sunday evening with the climax of the international show jumping classes, the leading show jumper of the year, and the prestigious crowning of the esteemed titles of supreme horse and supreme pony will be crowned.
Tickets have sold out for Friday, Saturday daytime, Saturday evening and Sunday daytime performances. A limited number of tickets are still available for Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday Evening’s performances. Dogs are not allowed at the show. Camcorders and cameras are permitted, but there must be no flash photography. To book contact the box office (tel: 08700 101052) or visit: www.hoys.co.uk
Visit Horse & Hound at HOYS
Don’t forget to visit the Horse & Hound stand, where you can pick up a free copy of Eventing or HORSE and a goody bag. Take out a subscription to any magazine and save up to 35%, plus walk away with a free Masta fleece rug while stocks last. You can also enter our competition to win a Pessoa Legacy XP3 saddle from Fieldhouse worth £1,600, a year’s free insurance with Amtrust, £500 of Harry Hall and Masta gear and many more fantastic prizes.
Stay up to date with the latest news from HOYS as it happens on Horseandhound.co.uk. H&H reporters will be on site reporting the latest news from the show jumping and showing classes throughout the week.
