3 minute read
Sparkle and magic
Sparkle and magic
The first ever Jersey Horse of the Year Show will be held in October, bringing together over 500 qualifying competitors from the equestrian communities within the Channel Islands. By Ruth Le Cocq
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The Jersey Horse of the Year Show has already proved to be a winner, having attracted over 75 sponsors and trade stand businesses. So, there will be plenty of ‘sparkle and magic’ - including a few unicorns!
Home Farm Equestrian (HFE) is hosting the event, which has been extended to six days and now includes carriage driving. A separate day has also been set aside to welcome Riding for the Disabled competitors, who rely on the availability of horses and ponies at Le Claire Riding Stables.
Karen Barette, the chairman of HFE, said the show promises to be a fun day out for all the family.
She admitted, however, to having had a few sleepless nights working through the logistics of staging such a big event, while relying on her ‘fantastic’ committee to ensure any challenges have been identified and overcome. ‘Everything has been a learning curve,’ she said, ‘and there have been a few snowballs to dodge.’
Karen explained that 11 Guernsey competitors had been offered wildcards to compete at JHOYS, but there had been a problem with the sailing times between the Islands.
‘We got in touch with Condor and - bless them - they changed the times so we can get the competitors here and then back to Guernsey.’
Spectators will be able to enjoy watching showing, dressage, working hunter, show jumping and driving split over two long weekends in a floodlit indoor arena decorated in the burgundy colours of the Horse of the Year Show.
‘Every class has got big rosettes and we are placing up to 8th and we’ve got finalist rosettes - and winners get a sash,’ said Karen.
She emphasised that HFE’s ethos is to be an all-inclusive ‘fun, friendly and kind club’ and, with that in mind, the arena has been available for competitors wishing to get used to riding in the different surroundings, decorated with banners and floral arrangements, before the main event.
‘We’ve all got different goals and achievements,’ said
Karen, ‘and being realistic and being the Island that we are, plus the expense of going across to the UK, people are never going to get that magical, special feeling of competing at the Horse of the Year Show at the NEC in Birmingham. ‘I was so lucky to do it and experience it and I see kids here who are really talented, and they love their ponies and it’s so exciting to bring that feeling here.’
Senior qualifier Sam Sahai, who is also a member of the HFE committee, is delighted to be taking part in JHOYS on her new 14.2hh pony, Dude.
‘Since owning Dude I’ve really improved my knowledge, fitness and overall respect for dressage, in particular, as a discipline,’ said Sam. ‘Our relationship at home has blossomed over the past six months and has been reflected in our work together.’
She credits that achievement to the patience, support and humour offered by HFE’s team of trainers who work tirelessly to support all equestrians at whatever level of competency.
Bethany Millar (9) is also looking forward to taking part: 'My pony, Patches, is the most perfect pony in the world and when I compete, I get to show the judges how fabulous he is! Patches and I love jumping. I've had lots of fun this summer and have qualified for some show jumping classes and some ridden showing classes in JHOYS. I think working hunter classes are my favourite as we get to jump and do a special show,’ she said.
JHOYS is being held on 8th, 9th, 10th, 14th, 15th & 16th of October 2022 at Home Farm, St John. RURAL, Jersey’s country life magazine, is one of the sponsors of this event and we look forward to meeting our readers at our trade stand during the weekends. For more information please visit
