Guernsey Horse of the Year Show - Wednesday 20-Sunday 24 August (Chemin Le Roi)
The current ferry programme’s limitations around transport of horses means that there will be no visiting teams for the annual spectacle, which runs from Wednesday 20 to Sunday 24 August.
But Jan Coomer and Amber Lickley from the organisational team are instead trying to provide a show catering to riders of all levels, together with attractions for people that might never have been up to the Chemin Le Roi showground.
‘This year it’s really local, so we’re selling it to the locals,’ BS Guernsey show secretary Coomer said.
This includes opening with a ‘novice and nervous’ day that welcomes non-members, and will see classes unfolding over accessible jumps from cross-poles to 60cm at most.
BS Guernsey secretary Lickley is aware that these riders had felt left out at previous GHOYS events.
‘We said “You know what, we are going to have a whole day for you”,’ she reflected.
‘It gives everyone a bit of an opportunity.’
There will also be entertainment for non-riders, including a ‘stars in their eyes’ talent show on the evening of the Friday, which otherwise consists of showing classes.
They have opened the doors to non horse-related performances in the name of raising awareness of their venue.
‘A lot of people don’t know we exist,’ Coomer added.
‘We want to promote the sport. We want to have people from outside come up.’
However, BS Guernsey still aim to put on a competitive event, capitalising on the presence of leading showing judges Nigel Wakefield and Ria Holmes.
Among the serious riders competing over the Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, Sophie Hughes has been highlighted by the organisers as one to watch.
Hughes joined forces with La Perla Irlandesa relatively recently and is enjoying a breakthrough year, including winning leading senior rider trophies at multiple shows.
‘She has upped her heights this year,’ Lickley said.
‘Her and her horse have been fantastic, to say the least.
‘It’s putting a good rider on the right horse.’
Having only recently taken on a new mount of her own, Lickley added: ‘This year, we’re going to have quite a lot of new combinations.
‘There’s a few of us who have had new horses this season and there’s a couple that will be coming out for GHOYS as their first show.’
Focal classes include the Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Championships on Thursday, the Grands Prix next Saturday and Showjumper of the Year on the final day.
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