A
Mini Guide To Horse Of The Year Show 2003
NEC Arena, Wednesday 17th to Sunday 21st September
Horse
of the Year Show (HOYS), which started at Haringay Arena in 1949,
and moved to Wembley ten years later, found a new home at the NEC
last year in a move that was heralded a 'triumph'. Record crowds
of 55,000 converged on the NEC Arena and adjoining exhibition halls
to enjoy one of the country's most traditional sporting occasions.
On
the eve of this year's event, the organisers of Britain's largest
indoor equestrian show announced the future plans. Grandstand Media
Limited, who took up the reins of running Horse of the Year Show
in 1997, have confirmed that they have signed a new three year contract
with the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, which means that
the event will take place at the venue until at least 2006.
THE
SHOW OF CHAMPIONS
Legends
were made here. Both horses and riders became heroes and household
names after passing through the famous curtains to the International
Arena at this legendary event. Riders such as Harvey Smith, Caroline
Bradley, David Broome, Paddy McMahon, John & Michael Whitaker
along with horses like Milton, Stroller, Penwood Forge Mill, Ryan's
Son and Super Ted are but a few. It was Horse of the Year Show that
provided a vital stepping-stone in all of their illustrious careers.
THE
COMPETITION
All
the national showing and show jumping championships are held here
and everyone who rides at HOYS has qualified to compete. Over 150,000
competitors enter qualifiers all over the country each year and
in some cases less than one percent winning a coveted place in the
championship.
Every day there will be top show jumping competitions, fast and
furious Scurry Racing and the Pony Club Mounted Games.
DAZZLING DISPLAYS
Long
established as the pre-eminent event for unique displays and family
entertainment, Horse of the Year Show's tradition of innovative
ideas will continue this year with three bespoke specially choreographed
displays:
·
The Magical World of Horses - For the average 8-12 year old, having
a major role at Britain's premier equestrian event of the year is
hardly part of the daily routine. But for members of the Cheshire
North Branch of the Pony Club it will be one of the biggest occasions
in their young lives when they present a spectacular mystical musical
display of synchronised riding and horsemanship, at HOYS.
·
La Garrocha - Leading Spanish equestrian Jesús Maroles Sánchez
will perform at this year's event every day. The display will be
a special adaptation of traditional Spanish Riding. Jesús,
from Cordoba in southern Spain, was hailed by many as the star performer
at the Equitana event in Germany last March. Featuring Spanish guitarists
playing live in the Arena, the display is both fast and intricate
and demonstrates exquisite horsemanship whilst working with the
traditional Garrocha.
·
The headline display, which is billed as a 'HOYS Epic' is the moving
story of Equitis Virtus (The Brave Horseman). Set in the days of
the Roman Empire, this action-packed feature presentation tells
the story of a peasant farmer who is enslaved and trained to be
a gladiator. Amazing stunt riding enters a new era in this specially
choreographed display, performed in full Roman costume and starring
Ian van Temperley whose screen credits include Sleepy Hollow, Jason
& the Argonauts and Gladiator. It boasts some of the country's
leading professional stuntmen from both film and television who
have been brought together for this unique performance across several
scenes which produce an exception piece of equestrian theatre.
All
three displays will take place during every evening performance
and also during the afternoon performance on Friday, Saturday and
Sunday.
GALA
NIGHT
A
host of celebrities are expected to celebrate the final performance
at Britain's greatest indoor equestrian event during a Gala Night
hosted by actress Susan George.
The
evening opens with a stunning show opening featuring the world's
first ever opera band, Amici forever. Widely tipped to be a huge
phenomenon in contemporary classical music, the band have already
conquered audiences and performed at a number of high profile events
including the opening of this year's Champions League Final at Old
Trafford in front of a world wide audience of over 500 million.
Sunday's
Gala Night performance is for the first time to host separate Supreme
Titles featuring the Champions from each of the HOYS showing classes.
Those
who qualify for the Supreme Pony of the Year Championship will be
competing for the coveted Timberwolf Trophy whilst the Supreme Horse
of the Year Championship, sponsored for the first time by PricewaterhouseCoopers,
will be the top HOYS showing title for horses.
Sunday's
Gala Night Performance also includes the Celebrity Hurry Scurry
featuring National Hunt jockeys, Harness Championships, the Horse
of the Year Show Grand Prix and the final of the Robinsons Pony
Club Mounted Games for the Prince Philip Cup, which this year will
be presented by HRH The Princess Royal.
A
SHOPPERS PARADISE
A
record number of over 160 stands in the shopping pavilion will provide
visitors with excellent retail therapy. From gifts to fashion and
everything equestrian there will be something for everyone amongst
the packed stands. Also on offer is a new extended range of Horse
of the Year Show merchandise
WHAT'S
NEW IN 2003
·
A number of special presentations will be made during the star studded
Gala Night performance on Sunday 21st September:
· The Equestrian of the Year Trophy will be awarded to the
team or individual who have attained a unique achievement in the
equestrian world. This may involve an unsurpassed performance or
string of victories or may be in recognition of a lifetime achievement.
· The Leading Rider in the international classes at this
year's show will receive a special prize. The rider with the most
points throughout the thirteen International classes will be presented
with a new saddle worth £1350.
· Traditionally, Britain's greatest indoor equestrian event
has also recognised the achievements of the top Lady and Gentleman
rider of the show by awarding the HOYS Spurs, which will be presented
once again this year and will be sponsored by Neil Jones Equestrian.
· There will be a special demonstration of Parelli Natural
Horsemanship at this year's show. The demonstration will take place
in the Horse & Hound Arena at 11.45am on Saturday 20th September.
· Philip Ghazala from Somerset has been crowned the winner
of the Hartpury New Equestrian Voice of the Year competition - a
nationwide search to find new equestrian commentators. Philip will
now join the Horse of the Year Show commentary team.
· 'The Shires Best Turned Out Award' will be awarded in each
of the 56 showing sections recognising the efforts of the grooms'
hard work behind the scenes.
TICKETS
Tickets start at £17.50, to book call the dedicated Horse
of the Year Show booking line: 08700 10 10 52. Alternatively book
online at www.hoys.co.uk where
visitors can also find out all the latest news and information on
Britain's greatest indoor equestrian event.
.
|