Can anything beat the feeling of riding down the centre line in the spotlight at Horse of the Year Show? Being crowned champion is one of the ultimate achievements, so it’s time to revel in these happy showjumpers’ success as we bring you 19 of our favourite winning moments…
1. Yes, I did it!
Rachel Proudley punches the air on Painted Lady IV having been crowned 128cm champions
2. ‘This one’s for Mum’
After one of the most exciting jump-offs seen at HOYS, Cian O’Connor and Super Sox are crowned leading show jumper of the year and the Irishman dedicates his win to his late mother
3. Best foot forward
Frenchman Julien Epaillard and Cristallo A LM stride out in style after winning Friday’s NAEC Stoneleigh Stakes
4. One last time
Jodie Hall McAteer takes centre stage at HOYS for the final time on Tixylix after claiming the leading pony show jumper of the year title
5. Back down to earth
All eyes are on Holly Smith and Quality Old Joker after they cleared 7ft 3in to win the puissance
6. Synchronised celebrations
Bronze and silver league winners, Emily Morris (Ultimatum II) and Rachel Walker (Bo Gi) ride out in perfect harmony
7. Slightly more sedate
After being crowned speed horse of the year, Accoustik Solo Du Baloubet settles for a slightly more sedate pace with Ireland’s Shane Breen on their victory lap
8. Ears pricked
Feigtling takes his turn to reward Louise Saywell in the international arena
9. Victory salute
Joe Whitaker and the mare Lavarno enjoy every moment as they take the international curtain opener on Thursday
10. Big pats
The new 138cm champion Shappen Pilgrim receives oodles of praise from proud jockey Nicole Lockhead Anderson
11. In full flight
Lottie Tutt and Derek Ricketts’ home-bred Market Angel celebrate in style after taking the pony newcomers title
12. Purple patch
Guy Williams enjoys a winning double at HOYS — here on his speed class victor Caspar De Muze, who looks to be enjoying his moment in the spotlight
13. All smiles
Louise Simpson and Caroline Breen’s Hello Vivendi enjoy their victory parade as grade C champions
14. International victory
It doesn’t get much better than international glory for Louise Saywell and borrowed rider Peiter VI on Saturday
Continued below…
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15. White lightening
The tactical five fence challenge goes to Guy Williams and Depardieu Van’t Kiezelhof
16. Hat’s off
The Welcome Stakes on day one of the international showjumping classes goes to Belgium’s Karel Cox with Cayen Van Het Hobos
17. Thundering home
Joe Clayton and Lexie III cruise in to top gear as newcomers champions
18. Wearing the sash with pride
Foxhunter champions Laura Pritchard and Horse Victorys Fayot return to Wales with the coveted sash
19. Ready, set, go!
Robert Murphy, no stranger to the victory lap, selects top gear to make his exit on pony Foxhunter champion Uncanny