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.
For more information and most recent updates for HOY 2021, please click HERE

The next Horse of the Year will be;
9th - 15th March, 2021

Qualification Requirements

• You must be competing with a registered Standardbred that has a freeze brand.
• 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 have a current SB Performance Card and carry this with you at HOY if you have qualified and are competing in the Novice class in the Ridden section.
• You must complete the "Certificate of Qualification" form and it must be received by 2nd March, 2020 at 4pm.
• You must have attended a minimum of 3 (three) RAS Qualifying Shows in the Standardbred Section between 3rd March, 2019 and 1st March, 2020, not including HOY 2019.  
  • Qualifying & Attendance Shows are ALL RAS affiliated shows, Canterbury Horse & Pony Breeders Show, North Island Standardbred Assn North Island 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 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 Gentlemans​
• 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
• These qualifications must have been obtained between 4th March, 2019 and 1st March, 2020, not including HOY, 2019.
• 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 1st March 2020. Novice horses are eligible to enter if they have qualified. SB Performance Cards must be carried.​
• Please note: All Novice horses are required to be shown in a single bridle with snaffle bit.