As part of their 40th Anniversary celebrations the RDA will be organising the “World’s Biggest Riding Lesson” on 30th September, which is predicted to attract over 5,000 riders to take part. 63,000 visitors are expected to HOYS in October. In a bid to assist raising funds for the RDA, Show Organisers, Grandstand Media Ltd, will donate 50% of all profits made at the Collection Point, located in the HOYS Retail Village, to the RDA. The RDA will brand the Collection Point and promote the charity at the Show. HOYS has also supported the RDA’s fund raising events, including the World’s Biggest Riding Lesson and the National Championships, by donating a VIP package and ticket prizes.

Chief Executive of RDA, Ed Bracher, commented, “We are delighted to be working with Horse of the Year Show as a part of the celebrations for our 40th Anniversary.  It is very exciting to be working with such a prestigious equestrian event and we are very grateful for the support.”

RDA is reliant on voluntary help and voluntary donations to deliver its services. For more information please visit www.rda.org.uk.

To book for HOYS 2009  click here or call 0844 581 8282.

The Clayton Transport Shire Horse of the Year Championship is widely regarded as one of the most prominent breed classes in the country and is affiliated to the Shire Horse Society. Horses in this class will have successfully qualified at numerous county shows across the country to secure their coveted place in the Championship at HOYS. Last appearing in the HOYS line-up in 2001, the Show is delighted to bring this class back where the final will take place under the spotlight in the prestigious Andrews Bowen International Arena.

Helena Pettit, Managing Director of Show organiser, Grandstand Media Ltd, commented, “We are delighted to welcome the Clayton Transport Shire Horse of the Year Championship back to HOYS for 2009. This class will play an important role in recognising and raising awareness of this special and celebrated breed. Clayton Transport is the ideal partner for the class with a true passion for the breed and a deep understanding of the prominence of the class.”

For show information, including the full show timetable and timings, and to book call 0844 581 8282 or click here.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Requirements: 
• Totally computer literate – MS Word and Excel essential
• Excellent “people skills”
• Flexible approach to work
• Able to work within a team environment as well as being able to use own initiative
• Good time keeping essential
• Excellent English/writing skills
• An understanding of the Equine industry, whilst not imperative, would be a distinct advantage

Duties:
• Generally supporting the Commercial Department with various duties including:
- Collation of sponsorship material
- Administration
- Collation of presentations
• Assisting where necessary other departments within the office
• Taking hospitality bookings
• Taking hotel bookings
• Assisting with telephone and email enquiries from sponsors
• Maintaining the sponsorship contacts within the Grandstand database
• Proof reading
• Assisting the Commercial Sales Manager and Commercial Sponsorship Assistant

Tasks at HOYS:
• To assist in the set up of the Commercial Office
• Assisting with on site sponsorship queries
• Assisting with accreditation queries
• General duties as directed

Hours of Work:
• Monday-Friday inclusive 9.00am – 5.00pm
• Working at the event will require weekend days
• The applicant must understand the requirement for extra hours (within the basic salary contract) both prior to and during the Event.

Salary:
• £1,000 pcm

If you are interested in the position, please apply with your CV and a cover letter detailing why you are suitable for the role to press@grandstand.co.uk quoting the reference “COA.”

Deadline: 15th July 2009

Daniel Naprous has followed in the footsteps of his father Gerard as a great horseman and showman and, with his team, has worked on numerous film and TV projects including The World is Not Enough, The Tenth Kingdom, Troy and The Last Princess to name a few! Daniel started riding at a young age working alongside Gerard in live shows from the age of eight and by the time he reached his teens was acknowledged as one of the best trick riders in Europe. Daniel will showcase his talents alongside the Devil’s Horsemen and will be unveiling an all new theatrical performance unique to this year’s HOYS.

For the average ten-year old, performing an intricate equestrian musical ride in front of a live audience of 9,500 is not something you do every day. However, for members of the Cheshire Hunt North branch of the Pony Club it will be a dream come true. Eighteen members of the Cheshire Hunt North Pony Club will perform their HOYS School Musical during each performance at the Show. The branch has been training for the event every week since December last year and are ecstatic at the prospect of being part of this year’s Broadway themed HOYS.

Helena Pettit, Managing Director of Show organiser, Grandstand Media Ltd, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Daniel Naprous & the Devil’s Horsemen and the Cheshire Hunt North Pony Club to Horse of the Year Show 2009. We are all extremely excited about this year’s Broadway theme and the stunning new performances both acts have planned will be nothing short of spectacular.”

To book tickets call 0844 581 8282  or for full show information, including the full show timetable and timings, and to book online click here to access the website.

The world’s most famous horse show is also renowned for its world-class international show jumping, with Saturday Evening’s performance playing host to the famous Puissance and the climax of the show, the HOYS Leading Show Jumper of the Year (Grand Prix), taking place during Sunday’s Gala Evening performance. The stunning line-up of displays will be shaped with a musical theme and include the HOYS School Musical ride to music by the Cheshire North Hunt Pony Club and a dramatic Phantom of the Opera performance by Daniel Naprous and his team of stuntmen.

In 2009 as part of the NEC’s huge £28 million venue redevelopment, HOYS visitors will also be treated a more comfortable visitor experience. The newly refurbished LG Arena (formerly the NEC Arena) will benefit from increased capacity and superior catering and customer facilities.

Following its successful relocation in 2008, the Caldene Arena will remain in Hall 1. The ever-popular HOYS Retail Village, now in the heart of the show between the Andrews Bowen International Arena and the Caldene Arena, will be bigger than ever featuring hundreds of retailers. With over 12 hours of shopping each day and an even greater selection of trade stands selling everything from equestrian merchandise to clothing, gifts and jewellery, HOYS offers a unique shopping experience. 

To book online and keep up with the very latest Show news check out the website or call the NEW Box Office number on 0844 581 8282.

Visitors are advised to book their tickets early to avoid disappointment.

For hospitality and hotel bookings, exhibition sales or general enquiries, please call: 01582 711 411

Ticket Information
Tickets
From £25.50 for adults and £21.00 for children and senior citizens.

Groups
Groups of 12 or more will benefit from excellent discounts and groups of 30 or more will receive even bigger discounts. All group bookings will also benefit from a reduced booking fee.

Season Tickets
Season tickets valid for every day and performance are available. Prices range from £248.50 for adults and £204.00 for children under 15 and senior citizens.

Season Ticket Sales: 01582 711 411

The two hour programme provides equestrian fans with another chance to catch the best action from HOYS 2008 including the Top Show Jumping Classes, Pony Club Mounted Games for the Prince Philip Cup, Scurry Racing and the HOYS Dressage Masterclass featuring Katie Price.

This year’s HOYS at Birmingham’s NEC attracted over 56,000 visitors and was hailed as one of the most magnificent shows to date. Highlights included one of Britain’s favourite riders, Robert Whitaker, clearing the famous brick wall at 7ft 3inches on Finbarr V to win the Puissance and Ireland’s Billy Twomey winning the prestigious ‘Leading Show Jumper of the Year’ with Je T’aime Flamenco.

Highlights from this year’s Horse of the Year Show will be shown on Sky Sports at the following times:

 DATE                   TIME               CHANNEL

01/01/09             9.00am            Sky Sports 3 & HD 3 

01/01/09             4.00pm            Sky Sports 2 & HD 2

01/01/09            11.30pm           Sky Sports 2 & HD 2

Horse of the Year Show 2009: 7^th-11^th October
Box Office (opens January 2009): 08719 45 45 00

Anyone looking for the perfect Christmas present for their family members and friends need look no further. We are offering a £5 discount off all adult tickets and £2.50 off all concession tickets, for Thursday’s all-day performance on 16th April only, to anyone who purchases their tickets before 25th December 08 via the British Open Box Office on 0844 581 1301 or www.britishopenshowjumping.com. Why not also treat yourself and book a room at the official hotel, the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, and take advantage of our special rates, please call 01582 711 411 for further information.

Also new for 2009 will be a student discount! The British Open will be offering students £5 off all adult tickets and £2.50 off concessions for Thursday only. This offer will be available until 16th April 2009. To take advantage of the student discount, simply quote Student 09 promo and your student ID number when booking via the Box Office on 0844 581 1301.

Bring a group to the British Open Show Jumping Championships and save 20% on tickets! Just book for 12 or more people on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday daytime performances to receive the discount.  Group adult tickets are available from £20.00! Call the Groups Box Office on 0800 358 0058 to book.
 
If you’re a member of the Pony Club and book your tickets before 5th March 2009, you will receive £5.00 off adult tickets and £2.50 off concessions when booking for the daytime performance on Saturday 18th April.

Please note that the student discount is not available when booking online and neither of the special offers available can be used in conjunction with each other.

The British Open Show Jumping Championships is a unique Championship competition where world-class riders from Britain and abroad are invited to compete over four days from 16th -19th April 2009. Leading British rider and two times Champion, Robert Whitaker, will return to defend his title as the 2008 British Open Show Jumping Champion and compete in the top speed and jump-off classes on offer.

As well as top-class show jumping a number of exciting displays will headline the Show. Jean François Pignon is back by popular demand! Witness a totally unique and inspiring display of unsurpassed horsemanship. The sensational Metropolitan Police Activity Ride is also back and will consist of eight active Metropolitan Police Officers and their horses demonstrating their unrivalled level of skill and agility. On Saturday evening, the world’s top eventers will compete at Britain’s most prestigious indoor cross country event. Famous faces such as Pippa Funnell, William Fox-Pitt and Zara Phillips will be invited to participate in this hugely popular discipline.

New for 2009!:

New Parelli Zone
A number of activities have been planned for the Parelli Zone including seminars and demonstrations on Natural Horsemanship and Parelli training methods.

New Shopping Pavilion
The Show layout has also been improved! Trade stands will now be located in the new, enlarged Shopping Pavilion which will be situated directly adjacent to the Andrews Bowen International Arena and the Parelli Zone. Selling everything from tack to tweeds under one roof, it’s the perfect place for all your equestrian needs.

New Classes
NATIONAL SHOW JUMPING - Amateur Championship
SHOWING - Working Hunter Grand Prix
PONY CLUB - Home International Team Show Jumping

For show information and to book visit www.britishopenshowjumping.com or call the Box Office on 0844 581 1301.

Tickets are now on sale for one of Britain’s premier indoor equestrian events, the British Open Show Jumping Championships.

Following the hugely successful Diamond Jubilee Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), Grandstand Group, the team behind HOYS and the British Open, has today announced that tickets for the British Open Show Jumping Championships 2009, 16th – 19th April at Birmingham’s LG Arena, have hit the NEC Box Office and are already exceeding previous sales records. Anyone looking for the perfect Christmas present for their family members and friends need look no further than www.britishopenshowjumping.com.

World-class riders from Britain and abroad will be invited to compete in this unique Championship competition held over four days next April. Leading British rider and two times Champion, Robert Whitaker, will return to defend his title as the 2008 British Open Show Jumping Champion and compete in the top speed and jump-off classes on offer. The crowd favourite Puissance competition, featuring the legendary red wall, will also take place during Friday’s performance.

A variety of new features and classes have been arranged for the 2009 event, including an additional arena, the Parelli Zone.

NEW FOR 2009

New Parelli Zone
A number of activities have been planned for the Parelli Zone including seminars and demonstrations on Natural Horsemanship and Parelli training methods.

New Shopping Pavilion
The Show layout has also been improved! Trade stands will now be located in the new, enlarged Shopping Pavilion which will be situated directly adjacent to the Andrews Bowen International Arena and the Parelli Zone. Selling everything from tack to tweeds under one roof, it’s the perfect place for all your equestrian needs.

 New Show Layout 

New Classes
NATIONAL SHOW JUMPING - Amateur Championship
SHOWING - Working Hunter Grand Prix
PONY CLUB - Home International Team Show Jumping

Displays:

Jean François Pignon
Back by popular demand! Witness a totally unique and inspiring display of unsurpassed horsemanship by the world-famous Jean François Pignon and his magical white horses. His spectacular display of horsemanship will provide headline entertainment with an all new performance unique to the 2009 British Open. Jean François will perform two different displays in every performance. His phenomenal display has captivated audiences throughout the world and never fails to astonish.

Johnny Francome, “One can only marvel at the months and years that have gone into it. It is a performance really worth going to watch ….a really wonderful display.”

Horse & Hound “The best equestrian display ever to visit this country.”

Metropolitan Police Activity Ride
Also headlining this year is the sensational Metropolitan Police Activity Ride. Consisting of eight active Police Officers and their horses, the Metropolitan Police will return to demonstrate their unrivalled level of skill and agility. Don’t miss this stunning Ride as these incredible serving officers and their horses jump through rings of fire, a solid paper wall and complete impossibly fast crossovers to music.

British Open Indoor Cross Country
On Saturday evening the world’s top eventers will compete at Britain’s most prestigious indoor cross country event. Famous faces such as Pippa Funnell, William Fox-Pitt and Zara Phillips will be invited to participate in this hugely popular discipline.

For show information and to book visit www.britishopenshowjumping.com
Box Office 0844 581 1301

Today provided even more thrilling action including the Grand Prix class, Leading Show Jumper of the Year, with over £22,000 of prize money on offer. Irish rider Billy Twomey produced a double clear in Bob Ellis’s technical course on Je T’aime Flamenco to be crowned Leading Show Jumper of the Year. Top British rider Michael Whitaker on Insul Tech Wonami Van Den Aard had to settle for second place with only 0.23 seconds separating him from the winner. Ben Maher also rode a double clear on Robin Hood W to take third place. Robert Whitaker received the Penwood Forge Mill trophy as the most successful British rider at the Show. Guy Williams was Leading Gentleman and Ellen Whitaker received the award for Leading Lady of the Show.

Fifteen year-old Roberta Roe was in great form today in the www.myhorseclub.com Leading Junior Show Jumper of the Year. She had two rides in the jump-off and took the title on New York Spritzer and also came fourth riding Aroldo. Second place went to James Smith on Mr Nice Guy.

Brits ruled the roost in this morning’s Grandstand Classic, securing all of the top five slots.  William Whitaker took the lead early on with his compact little Puissance horse Insul Tech Leonardo, but his time was quickly squashed by Geoff Billington.  Stellar performances from crowd favourites such as Geoff and Helen Tredwell just weren’t enough to catch Paul Barker on Sue Clark’s Darco mare Elegant C.  The extremely agile little chestnut put in some nail-biting turns to take the lead with a blistering time of 31.71seconds.

The National Grade C Championship is a true indicator of the young talent coming through and gives us a glimpse of the horse and rider combinations that are going to be contesting the A and B grades next season. This year was no exception, some top-class horses were showcased here today.  Laura Renwick built on the fantastic form she has shown all week to put in solid clears and claim the second spot with Roller Coaster III.  Louise Whitaker looked a very strong bet but had to settle for third spot. The worthy winner, with a display of pure class, was Phillip Miller on Di Cornish’s beautiful stallion Univeau by the world famous Numero Uno. 

Competition was fierce in the Zinc Management Speed Horse of the Year but no one could get near the blistering pace set by Ellen Whitaker and Kanselier who is Ellen’s long term campaigner. The combination proved to be unbeatable with a time of 52.13 seconds.  Twenty-five top class speed horses lined up but many struggled to get the perfect balance between speed and accuracy.  Only three of the 25 riders managed a clear with fence two causing most of the trouble.  Favourites such as Guy Williams, the Whitaker men and Ben Maher all came to the table guns blazing, but it was the women that had this class all wrapped up. Laura Renwick and Beluga came second with a time of 53.84 and Cian O’Connor took third riding Baloufina in a time of 55.98.

Lightweight Hunter Fin McCool III claimed the Horse Deals Supreme Horse of the Year title.  The 8-year-old bay gelding was ridden by  Somerset’s Guy Landau and owned by J L Dunlop OBE.
“He’s a rare horse, and a real showman who enjoys his job. I left him alone to do his work, and he never missed a beat” said Guy. This prestigious class was judged by Champion racehorse trainer Paul Nicholls and Jim McTiffin. The Supreme Pony of the Year for the Timberwolf Trophy went to mini show pony, Chagford Lewis. The 5-year-old bay gelding was ridden by Poppy Marie Carter and owned by Mrs K Carter. Paul Nicholls was awarded the prestigious award of HOYS Equestrian of the Year for his contribution and success in racing.

For show information and results visit www.hoys.co.uk

 A packed house on the penultimate night of the prestigious Diamond Jubilee Horse of the Year Show wowed crowds with thrilling world-class show jumping combined with the very best of equestrian entertainment. From youngsters to the professional show jumpers, audiences were kept on the edge of their seats throughout the day starting with the Xerox Special Event Service Cup. Michael Whitaker kicked-off the day with a thrilling win on Fairviews Mirabelle D’or. He set an unbeatable time, although Guy Williams on Onyx V was hot on his heels with only 0.01 seconds separating the two maestros. Young talent William Whitaker, took third place on It’s Super Girl in this exciting speed class.

The youngest show jumpers at HOYS competed in the 128cms Championship class which is only open to riders under 12 years of age.  Millie Allen had a truly outstanding round, winning the class on Matthew’s Girl. Amy Inglis took second place on her pony J’s Junior. Third place went to Imogen Pinney riding Show Me Again. Next came the bigger ponies and bigger fences in the HOYS 138cms Championship. With only two in the jump-off, last year’s runner up, Jessica Crosby with Fountain Ranger, stole the limelight in the fastest time of 33.61 seconds. Laura Robinson and Orlando XI’s round was not quite fast enough, with a time of 34.33 seconds and she had to settle for second place. Lara Whiteway riding My Bugsy Malone followed in third place as the fastest rider with four faults.

The Bob Hurford Memorial Cup proved to be tough competition for first place with five clears in the jump-off. Jurgen Stenfert from the Netherlands is having a fantastic run here at HOYS and took the lead with a lightning round of 34.65 seconds.  The Brits were close on his heels in 2nd and 3rd place, Robert Smith and Paul Barker respectively, both with extremely fast times. 

To emulate the words of Mike Tucker, ‘What a great start to Saturday evening’s performance!’ Robert Whitaker produced an electrifying round on Mandy Hall’s Rusedski II in tonight’s Accumulator class.  He set what proved to be an unbeatable time of 43.49 seconds. Jurgen Stenfert came the closest to threatening Robert’s time but had to settle for 2nd place.  Competitors accumulate points for every jump they clear; double points are for the taking if they clear the Joker which is the biggest fence of the course. British riders were very strong in this International competition, securing three of the top six places.  Andrew Davies who gained a Wildcard entry to HOYS has been in the money all week, and put a valiant performance to get 6th on the extremely sharp Wonderful Melody Van de Helle.

The highlight of Saturday evening’s performance was undoubtedly the Puissance. The crowd were treated to an unusually large class of 23 riders in the 1st round. By the 5th it was down to two from the same family, Robert and Ellen Whitaker. Ellen gave her all to clear the wall which stood at seven foot and three inches but was unlucky to have a brick out. Robert however, cleared the wall to a rapturous applause of an enthralled NEC crowd. He was crowned HOYS Puissance Champion 2008 in front of the 8,000 capacity audience

Box Office 08719 45 45 00