Source:  News Release

Champion of Champions Crowned

Sunday 11th October was the day of Champions at “The World’s Most Famous Horse Show”

Riders work throughout the entire year to qualify for the coveted places at Horse of the Year Show, and today saw the best of the best recognised.  

To start the day off it was Maidenhead's Jayne Ross and Broadshard Simplicity who won the Colosso Family Riding Horse of the Year Championship.

The pair successfully defended their title having won the same class in 2014, this earnt them their place in this evenings Ripon Select Foods Supreme Horse of the Year.

“Today I am elated.

“This time I was able to enjoy every minute of it, the horse gave me the most amazing ride. Felt fantastic and everything just went perfectly so it was just a joy, a complete joy” said Ross.

Directly following the Colosso Family Riding Horse of the Year Championship was the Topham Barnes Show Hunter Pony of the Year taking place in the Andrews Bowen International Arena.

The impressive winners of the class were Sadhbh O'Connor and Valentine Dignity. The idea of this class is that the exhibits should ideally be scaled down hunters, while maintaining pony characteristics. Valentine Dignity demonstrated these qualities beautifully to claim the prestigious title.

The popular Coloured Horse and Pony of the Year Championship sponsored by CHAPS (UK) was decided in style as Allister Hood and Our Cashel Blue were declared the winners.

The combination came forward from the Coloured Ridden Native/Cob/Traditional Horse of the Year sponsored by CHAPS (UK). The striking blue and white gelding impressed both the audience and the judges to beat out horses and ponies from three other sections.

“I am absolutely delighted it’s such a thrill to win at a big occasion like this and especially with a horse that you’ve bought from virtually unbroken all the way through its career

He has such a way of going that when he preforms he makes everyone look at him” said Hood.

Rippon Select Foods Supreme Horse of the Year Championship - Jayne Ross and Broadsheet Simplicity. Credit and copyright: E.S. Photography

The first Championship to be awarded in the evening performance was the prestigious Rippon Select Foods Supreme Horse of the Year Championship. This exciting class is the climax to the prestigious ridden showing classes at HOYS.

After a suspenseful judging it was finally Jayne Ross and Broadsheet Simplicity who were crowned Supreme Champions for the second consecutive year.

“It’s a moment to savor and we are very lucky that we have had the opportunity to do it.

“It’s certainly a true testament to his ability and his lovely temperament and attitude”

The Ruckleigh School Supreme Pony of the Year Championship was the next title to be decided. The class saw nine of the Show’s champions come forward to try and secure the accolade.

Ruckleigh School Supreme Pony of the Year Championship - Sarah Parker riding Sarum Rembrandt . Credit and copyright: E.S. Photography

When the final judging came to a conclusion it was Sarah Parker riding Sarum Rembrandt who were victorious. The winning combination progressed from the NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds Mountain and Moorland Ridden Pony of the Year Championship earlier in the week.

“He gave it all, he went in there, he shone, he was just up for winning it and he’s just an amazing pony” said Parker.

The final Showing title at HOYS to be awarded was the Shire Horse of the Year Championship supported by the Shire Horse Society. This iconic class reflects tradition and strength and is widely regarded as one of the most prominent breed classes in the country.

The winner was Metheringham Upton Hamlet handled and owned by Paul Bedford. This achievement was made even more impressive by the fact that this is the second year in a row that Metheringham Upton Hamlet and Paul Bedford have claimed the prestigious title.