Mounted games were first introduced at the 1957 Horse of the Year Show as an enduring challenge trophy and has been an integral part of this world famous equestrian event ever since. Young riders from across the country give their all, racing against rival teams to win the historic Prince Philip Cup - the cup donated by Prince Philip himself. At Prince Philip’s own request, the competition was designed for “ordinary children on ordinary ponies” and that objective has remained to the present day.

For each race, the atmosphere is electrifying as crowds cheer for their favourite team. A high degree of athletic ability, hand-to-eye coordination and a competitive spirit is needed alongside the ability to work as a team. The skill and expertise of the riders, vaulting on and off their ponies often at high speeds, is incredible to watch.

Over 250 teams from across the country challenge for the six finalist places at HOYS each year. Qualifying rounds are held in 19 areas across the UK. The top teams from each area then go on to compete in the zone finals in June / July.

Competing for the Preliminary Trophy, all six teams will compete in each session over the first three performances at HOYS. The teams are awarded points according to their placing in each round and the winner of The Preliminary Cup will be the team finishing with the most points after Thursday afternoon’s round. This competition gives each team time to relax into the event and get some last minute practice in.

The following teams are taking part in the Prince Philip Cup finals at HOYS 2012;

Angus
Cheshire Hunt North
Oakley Hunt West
Old Berkeley Hunt (North)
Poole & District
Strathearn

CONGRATULATIONS to the Oakley Hunt (West) Branch who are our Prince Philip Cup Champions for 2012!

Stable Competition Results

1st - Cheshire Hunt (North)
2nd - Angus
3rd - Oakley Hunt West

Results

Wednesday Afternoon
6th - Poole & District
5th - Old Berkeley Hunt (North)
2nd (joint) - Angus, Cheshire Hunt (North) and Strathearn
1st - Oakley Hunt (West)

Wednesday Evening
6th - Old Berkeley Hunt (North)
5th - Poole & District
3rd (joint) - Angus and Cheshire Hunt (North)
1st (joint) - Strathearn and Oakley Hunt (West)

Thursday Afternoon
6th - Poole & District
5th - Old Berekley Hunt (North)
4th - Cheshire Hunt (North)
3rd - Angus
2nd - Strathearn
1st - Oakley Hunt (West)

Thursday Evening
4th - Cheshire Hunt (North)
3rd - Angus
2nd - Old Berkeley Hunt (North)
1st - Poole & District

Friday Afternoon
4th - Poole & District
3rd - Cheshire Hunt (North)
2nd - Strathearn
1st - Oakley Hunt (West)

Friday Evening
4th - Old Berkeley Hunt (North)
3rd - Oakley Hunt (West)
2nd - Angus
1st - Strathearn

Saturday Afternoon
=3rd - Strathearn
=3rd - Cheshire Hunt (North)
2nd - Poole & District
1st - Angus

Saturday Evening
4th - Angus
3rd - Old Berkeley Hunt (North)
2nd - Cheshire Hunt (North)
1st - Oakley Hunt (West)

Sunday Afternoon
4th - Poole & District
3rd - Old Berkleley Hunt (North)
2nd - Strathearn
1st - Oakley Hunt (West)

Sunday Evening
=3rd - Cheshire Hunt (North)
=3rd - Angus
2nd - Strathearn
1st - Oakley Hunt (West)

Congratulations to the Oakley Hunt West on winning the 2011 Prince Philip Cup. The team consisting of Aimee Russell, Jenna Privett, Harry Gates, Thomas Kitchiner, Sally Kitchiner and Samantha Garrett, trained by Maureen Thomas were unbeatable all week and thoroughly deserved their 7th victory at The Horse of The Year Show.

Also, many congratulations to the Devon & Somerset Branch for winning the Stable Cup. The teams were judged throughout the week by a number of judges, including crowd favourite Ellen Whitaker!

For all the 2011 results from The Horse of the Year Show please click here