National Events

ROYAL VISIT TO HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW

Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), the world’s most famous horse show, will be commemorating the 50^th Prince Philip Cup competition at this year’s Show (4th-8th October at the NEC Arena, Birmingham) and is delighted to welcome Prince Philip to present the prestigious trophy following the final on Sunday evening, the Show’s Gala performance.

The Prince Philip Cup which was 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. The Pony Club Mounted Games, currently sponsored by Farmers Guardian, was devised by H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh who recommended to the HOYS Show Director, Col. Sir Mike Ansell, that a competition based on Cavalry techniques would be entertaining, visually engaging and enhance rider skills and teamwork.

Since it was first established, the Prince Philip Cup, has become a prestigious fixture on the Pony Club calendar with over 250 teams challenging for the six finalist places each year. The Pony Club has over 110,000 members across the world and in the UK has produced many of this country’s top equestrians across all disciplines including Pippa Funnell, John Francombe and Tim Stockdale.

This summer has seen many qualifiers take place all over the country with youngsters doing everything in their power to win their Zone finals in an effort to compete at HOYS. The five teams who have qualified to date are: Banwell, Eglinton Hunt, Sir W. W. Wynn’s, Oakely Hunt West, Essex Union. One final place in the Prince Philip Cup Final 2006 will be awarded to the top team from the Pony Club Championships at Sansaw Park on 24^th August.

As part of the 50^th Prince Philip Cup celebrations, previous winners from the last 49 years have been invited to take part in a Champions’ Parade immediately before this year’s final during the Gala Night on Sunday 8^th October.

FANTASTIC DISCOUNTS FOR ALL PONY CLUB MEMBERS

This year Horse of the Year Show has a special offer for pony clubs who would like to bring a group of 12 or more. This exclusive offer to pony clubs means children and adults alike can enjoy all the magic of the WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS HORSE SHOW – with more classes, more shopping and more action then ever before!

Pony Club Offer

Groups of 12 or more – All members of the group go for the Group Child Price.
Groups of 30 or more will also receive one FREE ticket for the organiser.
FINAL’S DAY SPECIAL – Pony Club Groups who take up this offer and purchase the same number of tickets in the same price band for BOTH daytime and evening on Sunday 8^th October will have their evening tickets upgraded to the next price band.

Organising Your GROUP TRIP to HOYS 2006

It is great fun attending the Show as part of a group and booking your tickets is so easy…

If you would like to take advantage of the Pony Club’s special offer don’t forget to quote your Pony Club branch when reserving tickets.

Decide which day and performance you want to go to – Choose which performance you would like to visit. The Pony Club special offer is available on all performances except Saturday Evening.
Decide which price band you require - choose the price you think will appeal to most people in your group. The Pony Club special offer is available in all price bands except Premium Ringside.
How many people will want to join your group? Just make an estimate and call the Groups Box Office. You can reserve your tickets without obligation for a mutually agreed period until you have confirmed numbers.

Call the Groups Box Office on: 0800 378 985 and quote “Pony Club Special Offer” and your Pony Club branch. There are limited tickets available for this exclusive special offer – so secure your tickets now.

If you would like leaflets and posters to help promote your group please contact the Press Office on: 0870 777 4567or email press@grandstand.co.uk