HOYS SENIOR FINALISTS 2023
Previous contenders and winners and the offspring of famous names and former winners themselves (both horse and rider!) are amongst the finalists chasing for glory in the National Championships at the 2023 edition of the Horse of the Year Show.
BRITISH HORSE FEEDS SPEEDI-BEET HOYS GRADE C CHAMPIONSHIP
Steve Garrod and the 14-year-old former eventer Ufonzo won the Grade C qualifier at Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
Hannah Bate claims two chances with the 10-year-old Hannah Van De Kapel and the Vigo D’Arsouilles 8-year-old Kingfisher VI.
John Crippen is another with two rides – the 7-year-old Bennys Kelly (and Kim Barzilay’s Irish-bred 7-year-old You Two Touchdown.
Ben Bick and the 7-year-old Diamonds Diabolo Z won the Grade C qualifier at Herts County for their finalist place.
Ella Dalton and the 10-year-old Cajou Van Overis Z qualified at Dorset County.
Jonathan Dixon and the 9-year-old Jack JL picked up HOYS qualification at Royal Highland.
Mark Edwards and the 10-year-old Jafabalou won the Grade C qualifier at their local Vale of Glamorgan Show to earn their pass to HOYS.
Ronnie Lee Jones takes two 8-year-olds into the Grade C Final, the stallion Key West III and Kaleche.
Joe Fernyhough and the 7-year-old mare Calcourt Countdown secured second place at Dorset County to claim their place in the Final.
Richard Howley and the 8-year-old Kolwa claimed victory at Bramham to book their ticket to HOYS.
Rebecca Marsh and the 11-year-old Stevie G finished second at Bramham to claim a Grade C finalist place.
Derek Morton and the 8-year-old Hereabouts earned their qualification at Ashby-de-la-Zouch show in Leicestershire.
Hollie Pearce and the 9-year-old James O Hara H will make an appearance in the Grade C Final.
Fraser Reed and the Irish-bred 10-year-old Westbank Rio also contend the Grade C Championship.
Nicole Lockhead Anderson has Tom Williams’ consistent 7-year-old Conthargo PS through to the Grade C Final.
Michaela Scott and the consistent 7-year-old Eddie G Z will contend the Grade C final.
James Smith and the 10-year-old Jazmin II claimed second at Royal Highland to gain access to HOYS.
Philip Spivey and the 8-year-old NBE Jenny Don’t Be Hasty won at Bicton Arena to book their HOYS ticket.
Alan Thomas picked up his HOYS Grade C qualification at the Vale of Glamorgan Show with the 9-year-old Jack XII.
Angela Thompson and her home-bred 7-year-old pocket rocket Sanavisto claimed their Grade C finalist ticket at Vale of Glamorgan.
Lucy Townley qualified the Billy Congo x Billy Mexico 7-year-old Billy Hustle at South of England.
Alex Barr and 11-year-old Talkabout Me won the Grade C qualifier at Royal Highland for their HOYS place.
Ben Walker and the 8-year-old Klinton II finished second at Herts County to ensure a place in the HOYS Grade C Final.
Kayleigh Watts and the British-bred 8-year-old Be Oboe I claimed their HOYS qualification at Bicton Arena.
James Whitaker and the 8-year-old Just Call Me Henry also contend the Grade C HOYS final.
Chloe Winchester and the 7-year-old mare Tisara Quality Cruise hope to challenge in the the Grade C Final at HOYS.
James Winter and the Dutch-bred 9-year-old Jargon K secured their Grade C qualification at Bicton Arena.
EVENTS THROUGH A LENS TALENT SEEKER FINAL INCORPORATING THE 7-YEAR-OLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Chantelle Duggan and the 10-year-old Linton De La Chapelle won the qualifier at Chard Equestrian to contend this final for the third consecutive year – they won in 2020 and finished fourth in 2021.
Lorraine Allen and the 13-year-old mare Somethin Else claimed their HOYS place at Field House.
Jessica Botham and Jane Starkey’s home-bred 9-year-old mare Manzanita are aiming for glory in the Talent Seeker Final.
Allana Clutterbuck and Michael Bates’ home-bred 10-year-old Dirk IV will contend the Talent Seeker Final.
Kelly Connor and the 12-year-old Glamour Boy H finished third at the Scottish Summer Extravaganza to take their place at HOYS.
John Crippen and the 7-year-old Bennys Kelly are aiming to top the Talent Seeker Championship.
Steve Garrod and his 14-year-old former eventer Ufonzo contend another HOYS Finals after winning the Talent Seeker qualifier.
Leo Lamb and the eye-catching 7-year-old Gmail claimed the magic three in a thrilling weekend at Wales and West, qualifying for the Talent Seekers, Newcomers and Foxhunter Finals.
Ronnie Lee Jones takes two through to the Talent Seekers Final, the handsome 8-year-old stallion Key West III and the 10-year-old Thomascourt Emirates.
Serena Kullick and the 7-year-old Benfields Victory also contend the Talent Seeker Final.
Nicole Lockhead Anderson is another to bid for the Talent Seeker title with Tom Williams’ 7-year-old Conthargo PS.
Laura Mantel and the 8-year-old mare Klein Stargette – one of several Big Star offspring to contend a HOYS national final – finished second in Wellington Riding Centre’s qualifier.
Derek Morton contends the Talent Seeker title on the 8-year-old Darcon V & V.
Sandy McLean qualified two rides at Northcote Stud for the Talent Seekers Final, winning with the 11-year-old Non Such Z and placed on Lea Brash’s home-bred 7-year-old Castlehill Kopa.
Ryan O’Sullivan has two through to HOYS and rides his Wellington Riding Centre winner, the 13-year-old mare Déjà Vu V, and the 8-year-old Kilroy V.
Nicole Pavitt and the 10-year-old Irish-bred mare Loughan Special won at Codham Park to take their place in the HOYS Final.
Thomas Pritchard and the 9-year-old Cevann IV finished second at Field House in Staffordshire, to secure a finalist place.
Emily Sage and the 10-year-old stallion I Am A Harley jumped into third at Chard Equestrian to claim their HOYS ticket.
Michaela Scott and the 7-year-old Eddie G Z picked up their Talent Seeker qualification at Wellington Riding Centre.
Annabel Shields and the 11-year-old Elgrando PS claimed victory at the Scottish Summer Extravaganza to secure HOYS status.
James Smith and John and Laura Renwick’s home-bred 7-year-old Angelina VII picked up their qualification at the Scottish Summer Extravaganza.
Angie Thompson and Wiliam and Deborah Gilder’s 9-year-old mare Kokonut Van De Nethe Z finished third at Wellington Riding Centre to claim their HOYS finalist spot.
Harry Wainwright and new ride of three months, the 7-year-old Lady O claimed Talent Seeker qualification at Field House.
George Whitaker and the 8-year-old mare Zirocca Zoom jumped into second at Northcote Stud’s HOYS Talent Seeker qualifier.
Chloe Winchester and the 9-year-old Jupiter PX secured their HOYS place at Codham Park.
FOXHUNTER CHAMPIONSHIP
Max Routledge highly rates Sue and Tim Evans’ Ascadina PPZ and the 7-year-old mare justified his faith by winning the Arena UK qualifier and the National Championships’ Foxhunter Masters.
Nicole Pavitt has won the Newcomers Final four times, but the much-coveted Foxhunter title has so far eluded her. This year she has the 8-year-old Nobelle Casscania and the 7-year-old stallion Genial Du Dalot in the Final.
Leo Lamb hit a purple patch at Wales and West, qualifying for the Foxhunter, Newcomers and Talent Seekers Finals in one bumper weekend with the talented 7-year-old Gmail.
Nicole Lockhead Anderson and Tom Williams’ speedy 7-year-old Conthargo PS also contend the Foxhunter Final.
Jack Whitaker is hoping to emulate his father Michael – winner in 1991 (Henderson O’Flynn) and 1995 (Everest Ashley) and add his name to roll of honour on the 7-year-old Partner In Crime II.
Alexander Bragg and the Irish-bred 13-year-old Quindiva won the Bicton Arena qualifier to register their intent to jump in the prestigious Foxhunter Final.
Mark Bunting and the 8-year-old mare Kiaminka booked their HOYS place at the British Showjumping National Championships Foxhunter Masters with second place.
Allana Clutterbuck and British Showjumping President Michael Bates’ home-bred 10-year-old Dirk IV picked up their Foxhunter ticket at Area 30 Warwickshire Show.
Anthony Condon’s 7-year-old ride Ashdale Allstar has big-name former winners in his pedigree with 2016 Olympic champion Big Star as a sire and Billy Twomey’s former top ride Luidam – 1999 Foxhunter champion with John Popely – as grandsire.
Emma Crawford and the 8-year-old mare Cliftons Adelaide claimed their qualification at the Scottish Summer Extravaganza.
Joe Davison and ride of six months, the 8-year-old Fledder Z, won the qualifier at Vale View to claim their HOYS pass.
Liz Forrester and 8-year-old stallion Kensington missed out by one at Vale View but deservedly claimed their HOYS place with third at the National Championships’ Foxhunter Masters.
Ronnie Lee Jones targets the Foxhunter Final with his Area 30 Warwickshire qualifier winner, the 8-year-old mare Kaleche.
Serena Kullich and the 7-year-old Benfields Victory claimed their Foxhunter ticket at Wales and West and contend the Talent Seekers Final.
Rebecca Marsh and the British-bred 11-year-old Stevie G won the Foxhunter Second Round at South View.
Jake Myers and the 7-year-old Gamin Des Rondets picked up their HOYS pass at Bicton Arena with second place.
Hollie Pearce and the 9-year-old James O Hara H secured finalist places in the Foxhunter Championship.
Fraser Reed and the Irish-bred 10-year-old Westbank Rio also bid for the Foxhunter Final.
Eventer and sometime showjumper John-Paul Sheffield donned his showjumping hat to qualify the 10-year-old Be Careful As for the Foxhunter Final with second place in Cherwell’s qualifier.
Grace Shuddall Hughes and the 8-year-old stallion Firefly XII picked up their HOYS pass with second place in the Second Round at Hickstead.
James Smith and the 9-year-old mare Juno Rose 23 have notched up several international wins in Britain and Europe since her acquisition from fellow Scot Emma Crawford in January and duly won the Foxhunter qualifier at the Scottish Summer Extravaganza.
Newlywed James Whitaker also has the 8-year-old Just Call Me Henry in the Foxhunter Final after qualifying at South View.
James Wilson and Vuitton of Picobello Z claimed their pass into HOYS at the National Championships’ Foxhunter Masters.
NEWCOMERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Four-time winner Nicole Pavitt is out for her fifth Newcomers title with the reigning Prestige Italia Big Star 6-year-old Champion Cornet of Follyfoot, also winner of the Newcomers Masters, and the 8-year-old Kensis N.
Sandy McLean has two chances in the Newcomers Final – Old Selui De Semilly and Lea Brash’s home-bred 7-year-old Castlehill Kopa.
Michaela Scott and the 7-year-old Eddie G Z won the South View Newcomers qualifier.
Faye Adams and the 8-year-old Renkum Buster won at Bicton Arena to ensure of their HOYS place.
Simon Buckley and the 7-year-old mare Calixte Heartbreaker Z gained qualification in the British Showjumping National Championships’ Newcomers Masters.
Jodie Burchmore Eames and the Latvian-bred 7-year-old Contessa Z II finished second in the Area 30 Warwickshire qualifier to collect their HOYS ticket.
Callie Chant and 7-year-old Dutch-bred mare Larette netted second place at Felbridge Showground to earn their HOYS pass.
Tom Dovkants is another Newcomers contender with Aaron Jones’ 8-year-old Paparezzo De W&S.
Gemma Ellison and the 11-year-old Hummer III won the Newcomers qualifier at Area 30 Warwickshire to gain their HOYS place.
Megan James and Kevin Sleap’s 7-year-old Balouish finished second in Pyecombe’s qualifier to take their place in the HOYS Newcomers Final.
Daniella Johnston and the British-bred 6-year-old Tina IV claimed second at Vale View to book their place in the HOYS Newcomers Final.
Leo Lamb and the consistent 7-year-old Gmail also contend the Newcomers Final after a bumper weekend at Wales and West saw the pair qualify for three Championships.
Nicole Lockhead Anderson and the 6-year-old Quanthargos PS secured HOYS qualification in the Newcomers Masters at the National Championships.
Rachel Proudley and the 9-year-old Apollo Van De Kattevennen Z won the Newcomers Second Round at the Scottish Summer Extravaganza to earn their HOYS ticket.
Annabel Shields and the 7-year-old Lapstan jumped into second at Arena UK to claim their HOYS place.
Emma-Jo Slater and Kim Barzilay’s You Two Touchdown won the qualifier at Pyecombe Horse Show.
Lottie Tutt and the 7-year-old mare Billy Dash claimed second at Bicton Arena to earn their HOYS place.
Harry Wainwright and the 7-year-old Lady O won the Newcomers Second Round at Vale View.
Sam Ward and the 8-year-old mare Prowess De Muze won the Felbridge Showground qualifier to claim their place in the HOYS Newcomers.
Emily Ward and the home-bred 7-year-old Wild Star HF – by Big Star and out of the Oklund mare Wild Rose – a winner for Emily, Joe Clayton and William Whitaker – earned second place in the Scottish Summer Extravaganza qualifier.
Jack Whitaker will bid on the Newcomers title on his Arena UK winner BonnieIV – a 7-year-old by Rori who traces back to Michael Whitaker’s former top ride Portofino on the dam side. Jack hopes to follow in the footsteps of his father Michael – winner in 2002 with Alcina.
Chloe Winchester and the Irish-bred 7-year-old mare Tisara Quality Cruise claimed second in the National Championships’ Newcomers Masters.
NAF FIVE STAR SUMMER SILVER LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP
Katie Robinson, winner of the 2022 Bronze League title with Mervs Thanks A Million II, is aiming for back-to-back wins as she moves up and level takes the German-bred 15-year-old Lucky 3 to bid for the Silver League title.
Lucinda Stewart hopes to regain her 2018 Silver League title with her seasoned campaigner and former 14-year-old champion Cancun II.
Sarah-Jane Brown takes her Veteran European Championship Team Silver medallist Dolmen Du Concorde to HOYS.
Tamsin Conyers and Westlife, fourth individually at the Veteran European Championships in France in September, will contend the Silver League Final.
Lucy Gilbertson and the 15-year-old Hip Girl qualified for HOYS with second place at Chard Equestrian.
Charley Hamilton can take one from a choice of two after qualifying Kung Fu Van’t Heike and Loretta Blue MFS.
Phoebe Jefferies and the 10-year-old Zipwire claimed their HOYS qualification at Chard Equestrian.
Stevie Jenkins and the 9-year-old Kilmanahan Cobra travelled from South Wales to Northcote Stud to take their HOYS qualification.
Holly Johnstone and the French-bred 11-year-old Carquois Du Ceve stepped up from Bronze League and won the Silver League Semi-Final at Northcote Stud to claim their HOYS place.
Dee Kennedy and the British-bred 9-year-old mare Don Luxury picked up their HOYS qualification at Northcote Stud.
Scarlet Lilley and the 11-year-old Holly Blue I claimed third at Chard Equestrian to gain access to the HOYS Final.
Emily Morris won the Bronze League Final at HOYS in 2016 on Ultimatum II and is now targeting the Silver League Final on the 7-year-old Westpoint Foreign Affair after qualifying at Northcote Stud.
Kate Ward jumped a treble clear at Chard Equestrian on the 13-year-old Arianna to guarantee their place at HOYS.
Kristina Yeoman and the 7-year-old Grimm De La Butte jumped into third at Northcote Stud to gain their HOYS qualification.
NAF FIVE STAR SUMMER BRONZE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP
Rachel Hall (nee Edmunds) last jumped at HOYS in 1987 and won the Pony Foxhunter Final on Arapaho. She returns 36 years later to contend the Bronze League Final after winning the Northcote Stud Semi-Final on the 9-year-old Renkum Balousina.
Jassy Pyke will make her HOYS debut after jumping a treble clear at Chard Equestrian on the 12-year-old Bon Amego.
Mandy Dexter jumped the piebald 10-year-old Cavalier Gold into third at Chard Equestrian to qualify for HOYS.
Terri Hill and the 12-year-old mare T J Toy claimed fourth at Chard Equestrian to secure a place in the 2023 Bronze League Final.
Chelsea Jones sped into second place at Northcote Stud’s Bronze League Semi-Final to claim a HOYS place on the 16-year-old Xavier V.
Abigail Leadbetter and the 8-year-old mare Hearts Cruise finished third at Northcote Stud to book their HOYS place.
Leah Lynch and the 16-year-old Midnight Time posted a treble clear to earn a place in the HOYS Bronze League Final.
Louise McDonald and her consistent 13-year-old winner Fanta-Astic finished third in last year’s HOYS final and won the Bronze League Semi-Final at Chard Equestrian and are aiming for a win at this, their third consecutive HOYS appearance.
Hannah Thorne and the 15-year-old Cinderella jumped into second place at Chard Equestrian to claim their HOYS finalist place.
Gemma McKay (nee Dennis) won in Britain and Europe with the famed coloured JA Strawberry Mojo and finished third in the 1993 Daily Mail/Christy Beaufort Pony Showjumper of the Year. She returns with her 2021 Bronze League contender, the 13-year-old mare Cobracorde, to aim at the Bronze League title 30 years later.
Danny Nicholson and the nine-year-old Oriana Van Het Wilderhof picked up their HOYS finalist place with a treble clear at Northcote Stud.
Gail Smith and the Irish-bred 17-year-old Lachain Lass are on form with victory in their last two classes as they head to HOYS following qualification at Northcote Stud.
Ruth Tatam and the 16-year-old Visual Impact clinched fourth place at Northcote Stud to claim their HOYS finalist place.
Amelia Wood and the 9-year-old Arkans Lass SL booked their HOYS ticket with a treble clear at Chard Equestrian.