Warwickshire riders are hoping to shine at Horse of the Year Show equestrian event
Riders from Warwickshire are gathering at the NEC next week for the UK’s premier equestrian event – the Horse of the Year Show.
Sue Deakin of Kineton counts herself incredibly lucky to be showing ‘superstar’ Hazelrock Twist – a ten-year-old Connemara mare – for owners Claire and Danny Flynn.
The pair qualified for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at the British Connemara Pony Society Show at Moreton Morrell, where she was also Overall Supreme Ridden Champion.
“Emily, as she is known at home, had a great 2026 season so far, most notably causing huge excitement when she won at The Royal International Horse Show in July,” said Sue.
“She has been with me nearly four years.
“This will be her fourth HOYS – she was third in 2023 and best mare three times.
“She is a very much-loved, beautiful pony with an incredible track record, many wins and placings at county and championship shows.
“She also qualified for the London International Horse Show last year.”
The Richardson family, of Napton, continues their remarkable record of producing and showing top-class ponies by preparing for another busy
HOYS with sisters Lilly and Penny Richardson qualifying for no less than ten classes between them.
Familiar names in the showing world, sisters Lilly, 14, and Penny, 11, have enjoyed remarkable success from a young age.
Lilly has an impressive record which includes six Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) wins, four Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) wins and being named Best of Breed at the London International Horse Show on two occasions.
Penny has also made her mark winning pony classes at Burghley and the Royal International Horse Show.
Lilly competes Archie in the Open A and Junior sections; Emily in the large breed junior; Ernie, a 133cm heritage worker and Princess in the Open A class.
Penny rides on Betty in the heritage First Ridden class alongside Princess competing in First Ridden and Junior, as well as Billy - a heritage 122cm Worker and Fox – a Junior Heritage 122cm Worker.
The HOYS takes place from next Wednesday (October 7) to Sunday (October 11).