For me The Horse of the Year Show marks the end of my showing season each year. A week in Birmingham working for 1st Class Images which means 18 or 19-hour days, damaged feet and a heavy toll on both our minds and our equipment.
In 2026 the organisers have brought in some timetable changes and when the press release hit my inbox I was naturally very keen to see what would change.
There is at least one brand new display influenced, I imagine, by the success of similar performances at the Royal International Horse Show in December each year.
Tickets for this year’s HOYS, as we all know it, go on sale on 24th April, so if you are only going on one day be sure to check out these timetable changes before booking.
The equestrian office at Grandstand Media are the ones behind the organisation of the show, and this year the have had to work hard to incorporate new classes and displays, and decide where they take place.
First of these is the new Veteran Horse Society Ridden Veteran Horse of the Year Championship which will take place in the Topspec arena on Wednesday.
Another change which will be a welcome one for those who have to go to work in the morning is the earlier finish on Sunday evening. The Finale will close at about 9.30pm this year, allowing spectators and exhibitors alike to start their onward journeys a little sooner.
Here’s what’s new for 2026:
Wednesday
The TopSpec Arena, will see the introduction of the Veteran Horse Society Ridden Veteran Horse of the Year Championship.
Also moving into Wednesday’s schedule:
- The NeedleSmart, John Illingworth and Cliff Kirby Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year Championship
- SEIB Search for a Star Riding Horse/Hack
In addition, don’t miss the brand-new Agility Nexus Hunter & Gather Dog Agility Grand Prix, running across Wednesday and Thursday. I reckon that will be particularly popular.
Thursday
In the TopSpec Arena, SEIB Search for a Star Working Show Horse/Pony and Championship has moved into Thursday’s timetable.
Thursday daytime in the Andrews Bowen International Arena now features the Barber Family Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year Championship. This is a very popular class which fills the International Arena seats every year. Not to be missed if you are there on Thursday.
Friday
Friday brings a number of timetable updates, including:
- The UKAMHS American Miniature Horse of the Year.
- All Coloured classes, sponsored by CHAPS (UK), will now take place on Friday.
- The Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year Championship, which will now feature in the TopSpec Arena. This was a surprise to me as the Maxi Cobs are always a great site in the International Arena, wearing their wonderful sashes with pride. The bad news for the Presentation Party is that they now have rather further to carry all those sashes.
Saturday
Saturday’s updates include:
- The Price Family Supreme In-Hand, now taking place in the new format on Saturday with the preliminary judging in the TopSpec Arena, followed by the Championship in the Andrews Bowen International Arena later that day. This will now feature 20 combinations so that everyone gets their time in the spotlights of the main arena, rather than just the champion and reserve from each height division.
- International Showjumping – The Accumulator, is now part of the evening performance, with The Rees Family Cup moving to the daytime performance.
- The Driven Heavy Horse of the Year Championship.
- Colne Mountain & Moorland Lead Rein Welsh Pony of the Year, Mountain & Moorland First Ridden Pony of the Year and Westown Stud Mountain & Moorland Lead Rein Non-Welsh Pony of the Year.
- Colne Mountain & Moorland Mini Pony of the Year Championship .
Sunday
Several classes move into Sunday’s programme, including:
- The Mears-Wood Family Lead Rein Pony of Hunter Type of the Year Championship.
- The Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd. Junior Mountain & Moorland Ridden Large Breeds, Small Breeds and Championship.
- Miniature Horse of the Year Championship supported by the British Miniature Horse Society.
- The Shine Source Footwear UK LTD Show Hunter Pony of the Year classes (TopSpec) also move to Sunday, with the eligible combinations having the chance to shine in the Andrews Bowen International Arena for the Championship.
Other performances throughout the week
Thursday evening will once again be the place to see the Dressage Future Elite Championship followed later in the evening by the Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Championship.
The Ripon Foods Puissance will once again bring an evening of Philip Judge’s dancing to the International Arena on Saturday. The Six Bar will be on Sunday.
The Lemieux Pony Club Mounted Games Prince Philip Cup will now finish on Sunday evening.
With an action-packed timetable spanning showing, showjumping, dressage, and family entertainment, this year’s Horse of the Year Show promises something for every equestrian fan.
Make sure you secure your tickets from 24th April, keep an eye on further announcements and start planning your visit today.