REVIEW OF HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW. SATURDAY,9TH OCTOBER 2021
For some years now, my wife and daughter have been waxing lyrical to me
about how wonderful the Saturday of the Horse Of The Year Show (or
“HOYS,”as it is generally known) is. Their enthusiasm had fired my
curiosity and so, when I had the opportunity to review this year’s event
for WhatsOn U.K., I seized this with excitement and anticipation. I was
not to be disappointed. It proved to be an excellent day out and the
whole event was organised and run in a highly competent and efficient
manner by the enthusiastic team from Grandstand Media, who also made us
very welcome and made sure that we had everything we needed before the
day’s action began. I hasten to say that I also had the benefit of help
and advice from my wife, who has a much greater knowledge of things
equestrian than I have.
Two things struck me particularly as we watched the well-planned
programme. One was the variety of content. Showjumping for different age
groups and in various formats, Pony Club games, the Household Cavalry,
double harness scurry, musical rides, Cob and Children’s Riding Pony of
the Year. Everything ran like clockwork, with each event beginning and
ending on time. The commentary team provided clear and helpful
information and also added to the atmosphere by encouraging us to sing
and sway along and/or wave our phones to well-known songs between items.
I had been told that the Puissance would be particularly exciting and
it was certainly a fitting climax to the day. It was simply incredible
to see this go right down to the last two competitors, who were clearing
the wall at 7ft.1in.
All in all, this was a marvellous experience and thanks again to all the
team from Grandstand, who did so much to make the day the success that
it was. This writer, for one, will be very happy to return and to
recommend the event to anyone else.
Rating. *****
Colin McIlwaine.
