Epic battles between Pony Clubs at HOYS – who will come away victorious?
Visitors to Horse of the Year Show at the NEC, Birmingham from the 6th 10th October 2010 will witness epic battles demonstrating skill, determination and team spirit in The NFU Countryside Pony Club Mounted Games. Six Pony Clubs will battle it out over the five days but only one team will come away with the spoils!
Mounted games were first introduced at the 1957 Horse of the Year Show as an enduring challenge trophy and has been an integral part of this world famous equestrian event ever since. Young riders from across the country give their all, racing against rival teams to win the historic Prince Philip Cup the cup donated by Prince Philip himself. At Prince Philips own request, the competition was designed for ordinary children on ordinary ponies and that objective has remained to the present day.
For each race, the atmosphere is electrifying as crowds cheer for their favourite team. A high degree of athletic ability, hand-to-eye coordination and a competitive spirit is needed alongside the ability to work as a team. The skill and expertise of the riders, vaulting on and off their ponies often at high speeds, is incredible to watch.
Over 250 teams from across the country challenge for the six finalist places at HOYS each year. Qualifying rounds are held in 19 areas across the UK. The top teams from each area then go on to compete in the zone finals in July. This year sees the most Northern branch of the Pony Club, Orkney, competing for the first time and making the 14 hour journey to the NEC!
The Qualified Teams for HOYS 2010:-
Badsworth Hunt
Berwyn & Dee
Devon & Somerset
Oakley Hunt West winners 2008, 2002, 2001, 1997 and 1989
Orkney
Rockwood Harriers
Competing for the NFU Cup, all six teams will compete in each session over the first three performances at HOYS. The teams are awarded points according to their placing in each round and the winner of The NFU Countryside Cup will be the team finishing with the most points after Thursday afternoons round. This competition gives each team time to relax into the event and get some last minute practice in. The six teams then go on to compete for the NFU Countryside Pony Club Mounted Games Prince Philip Cup with four teams competing in each performance on a rota system, with points awarded according to placings in each of the games. The competition starts on Thursday evening and the four teams which have accumulated the most points in the competition by the end of Sunday afternoon go forward to meet in Sunday nights prestigious final, where double points are awarded in each game.
Visitors are advised to book their HOYS tickets early to avoid disappointment (please note that certain days and performances have already sold out!). For show information, including the full show timetable and timings, and to book general tickets visit www.hoys.co.uk or call 0844 581 8282
Following the most successful show ever, Horse of the Year Show 2010 promises to be another exceptional event not to be missed! This years show will take place from 6th 10th October at Birminghams NEC and will host the finals of the most highly regarded showing and show jumping championships, alongside an exciting line-up of equestrian entertainment. From spectacular displays to tense competition, Horse of the Year Show is not to be missed.
As well as featuring the finals of the most prestigious national showing & show jumping championships, HOYS also runs a full programme of international show jumping classes, five of which offer world ranking points. The crowd favourite Puissance class returns during Saturday evenings performance, with the audience on the edge of their seats as riders tackle the infamous red wall.
Alongside the competition, and exclusive to HOYS visitors, the headline entertainment act will be the much acclaimed Frederic Pignon! Brother of HOYS favourite Jean Francois Pignon, Fredric will perform his very own unique, awe-inspiring display for the first time EVER in the UK!
In addition, HOYS will also play host to the winning H Factor act The Knights of Middle England presented by Equimax and Eraquell. Their exciting display features fast paced stunt riding and jousting by a team of regal and very handsome Knights.
The high speed Osborne Refrigerators Scurry Racing and the thrilling NFU Countryside Pony Club Mounted Games for the prestigious Prince Philip Cup also return to the Show alongside the HOYS Dressage Special (Fridays performance only) and the new Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle during Sundays Daytime performance.
With two arenas, 1,500 horses, 1,400 competitors and a huge variety of shopping at over 250 stands, The NEC is transformed into an equestrian extravaganza with something to excite every visitor.