Make sure you have your comfy shoes packed! There is up to a 10-15 minute walk from the lorries to the stables, so it’s always handy to pack a trolley.
Where your horse will be used to their creature comforts, naturally a temporary stable in Birmingham will be a little different! If you can find some lightweight stable mats, it may be worth bringing them with you (but make sure to take them home at the end of your stay!).
Bedding can be purchased from the Stable Managers Office on arrival.
If you’re competing at HOYS for the first time, the Arena Familiarisation times will come as a bit of a shock! Warning – pack your alarm clock!
You will get a chance to warm up in the TopSpec Arena the evening before your class. These times will be sent in your competitor information packs and will be written on a board in the Stable Managers Office at the show. Try to walk down to the arena with someone you know – it’s a long walk down, and if you’re nervous your horse will pick up on those nerves. Having a chat will keep you relaxed!
The morning of your class, you will be allocated 20 minutes at some point between 5am and 7am. These slots are called Arena Familiarisation for a reason! This is like no other show, use your time wisely.
The atmosphere is fantastic, and so are the crowds, however it may be daunting for your horse if they’re not used to it or if they are noise-sensitive. Using a radio in your stable, your school or even out hacking is a great wau to prepare.
*Top Tip* Record some cheering on YouTube and play it in your stables!
Despite the long walk into the show, the NEC is luckily in a great location for food. There is a wealth of food options within the show during the day, and a famous toastie van at the top of the horse walk. Don’t worry if you’re after something tasty late at night, as you can pop over to Resorts World for some post-riding refuelling!
We suggest packing the lorry with some on-the-go snacks and some breakfast, just in case.
Your normal show gear is all you really need, and if you’re superstitious it may be all you want to pack!
However, if you’re lucky enough to be in a Championship, you’ll need a navy or black jacket and stock tie. There will inevitably be someone willing to lend you one if you don’t bring one, we’ve all been there for the panic jacket scrabble – you won’t be the first and certainly won’t be the last!
Horse Passports must be presented for veterinary inspection on arrival at the show. You will be given a veterinary certificate at this point, which will be needed to receive your competitor pack from the office.
These are collected from the Stable Managers Office. One person will not be able to collect wristbands for all members of your party – each person will need to collect their own wristband as they are placed on each recipient’s wrist.
You will not all need to collect your wristbands together, but do give yourself plenty of time to do this. The mornings can be busy, and you don’t want to be stuck in a queue when you’re in a hurry.
The reality is, every horse is different!
You may already know how long your horse’s coat will take to grow back, but if you don’t, don’t panic. Ask an instructor or friend for some advice.
You may know that your horse doesn’t grow much at all through the Winter, and in which case don’t feel pressured to clip. On the other hand, you may know that they hate being hot and sweaty, in which case clipping may be the best option.
Whatever you decide, keep grooming and keep calm! If your horse is fit and healthy, their coat will shine regardless under the lights.
Last but not least…enjoy!
There really is no other show like HOYS, so enjoy every minute of it. Buy an abundance of photos, and whatever the result, remember that qualifying alone is an enormous achievement. Photos can be purchased from 1st Class Images at the top of the horse walk.
GOOD LUCK!
