The ever popular and celebrated Horse of the Year Show returns to the NEC this autumn from 9th-13th October 2024.
Now in its 75th year, this world-famous event is the pinnacle of the equestrian calendar and brings the very best in equestrian excellence to the West Midlands.
To recognise this special anniversary, we’ve pulled together 7 things you might not know about the show:
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The first Horse of the Year Show was held way back in 1949 in Harringay, London. It was invented by Captain Tony Collings to mark the end of the equestrian season and is now the world’s most famous horse show.
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As the show takes place in autumn, at the end of the equestrian calendar, the event has to take place inside for the comfort of competitors, horses and fans!
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The programme is packed with showing finals and showjumping competitions. Showjumping was added from the very first event as it’s so popular with crowds.
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The Horse of the Year Show moved to the NEC in 2002 meaning this year marks 22 years of calling Birmingham its home.
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Every year, the show welcomes 1,600 horses and ponies, 1,500 competitors and over 60,000 spectators.
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A crowd favourite is the Puissance, a high jump competition where horses jump barriers taller than 2m.
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The Sunday Gala Night always ends with a reading of Ronald Duncan’s poem The Horse, recognising the special bond between horses and their riders.
To find out more about the Horse of the Year Show and to book tickets, take a look here.
