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A competitor’s guide to the 2026 HOYS showing qualifiers – including judges and closing dates

Everything you need to know in one place and frequently updated
Bethan Simons Bethan Simons

    • This page contains a large amount of information to ensure we can cover all of the 2026 HOYS showing qualifiers, so may take longer than normal to load – thank you for your patience

    I know first-hand how hard it is to find qualifier details and keep on top of planning your season, so I’ve collated your need-to-know information for the 2026 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers in one place.

    While the HOYS qualifier shows have been announced for 2026, many of the hosts are waiting for their judges and schedules to be confirmed. I’m frequently updating this page with all the new details as they are released (most recently the confirmed judges and closing dates for the Fell pony spring show, Stirling Agricultural Show, Staffordshire County Show, the Scottish Horse Show and New Forest and Hampshire Show) so it can be your one-stop-shop for planning your Horse of the Year Show qualification. Not only will we have the complete list of qualifying fixtures for each class, but we’ll be sharing the confirmed judges and entry closing dates, too, as soon as they become available.

    For more information about your 2026 HOYS qualifier options, find your class and follow the link straight to the details below.

    2026 HOYS showing qualifiers by group

    Coloureds

    Driving

    Heavy horses

    Horses

    In hand

    Natives

    Plaited ponies

    Veterans

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    Bethan Simons
    Bethan Simons

    H&H showing editor
    Bethan joined Horse & Hound as showing editor in January 2025, after spending two years as Editor for Showing World. Having adored ponies since childhood, she started showing as a teenager and has enjoyed wins at major shows up and down the country, including Royal Highland, New Forest, and the Royal Welsh, as well as HOYS, RIHS and London. She is particularly passionate about Welsh breeds and is also a Welsh language commentator.
    Bethan Simons

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