HORSE OF THE YEAR

New Zealand's premier event is of course, Horse of the Year (HOY).  Competing at Horse of the Year can be a huge thrill but it can also be a little confusing with all the information and qualifications that are required.  Below is information that will help you along your way.  
If you have any questions, please contact Julie and she will assist you further.

The next Horse of the Year will be;
9th - 13th March, 2022

Qualification Requirements

• You must be competing on a Standardbred carrying an official Harness Racing brand or an official Harness Racing sequenced microchip that is registered with Harness Racing NZ.
• You must carry an NZSBA Showing Passport. Strictly no passport, no entry policy.
• You must have a current RAS Height Certificate and carry this with you at HOY if you have qualified and are competing in the Ridden Classes.
• You must complete the "Certificate of Qualification" form and it must be received by TBC.
• You must have attended a minimum of 2 (two) RAS Qualifying Shows in the Standardbred Section between TBC and TBC, not including HOY 2021.  
  • Qualifying & Attendance Shows are ALL RAS affiliated shows, Canterbury Horse & Pony Breeders Show, North Island Standardbred Assn Championship & Pleasure Horse Show (only Inhand & Ridden Championship ring to qualify), NZSRA Championship show (only Open rings to qualify) or South Island Premier Championship Show.
• You must be a current financial member of one of the following organisations;
  • ​New Zealand Standardbred Riders Association - you can find membership information here
  • North Island Standardbred Association - you can find membership information here
  • New Zealand Standardbred Breeders' Association - you can find membership information here
• To compete in the Inhand classes, you will need ONE of the following combinations;
  • 1 x Inhand Champion
  • 2 x Inhand Reserve Champion
  • 2 x Conformation wins from classes - Youngstock, Mare, Gelding/Stallion
• To compete in the Ridden classes, you will need ONE of the following combinations;
  • ​1 x Open Ridden Champion
  • 2 x Open Ridden Reserve Champion
  • 2 x Open Conformation wins from classes - Open, Ladies or Gentleman's​
• These qualifications must have been obtained between TBC and TBC, not including HOY, 2021.
• Novice – Is a horse that has not won 6 or more 1st in a Standardbred Ridden conformation class at a Qualifying show (Novice, Open, Ladies or Gentleman’s) by TBC. Novice horses are eligible to enter HOY if they have qualified as per above. NZSBA Showing Passport must be carried.
• Please note: All Novice horses are required to be shown in a snaffle bridle.