Victoria Pendleton is heading for BETA International 2019
Posted on Thursday, November 29, 2018 by Sasha Melia
Cycling to gold medal-winning glory, riding in the Cheltenham Festival and a heroic attempt to climb Mount Everest are all part of Victoria Pendleton’s passion for adventure. Now, this most illustrious of Olympians is set to appear at BETA International 2019, where she will share her past accomplishments and future challenges.
Victoria, who was made CBE in 2013, will attend the trade fair on Monday 21 January. She will be interviewed by Philip Ghazala at The Charles Owen Spotlight and enjoy a tour of the halls, meeting exhibitors and visitors.
One of Britain’s most successful athletes, Victoria won gold at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games for track cycling. She is also nine times world and Commonwealth champion. In 2015, three years after retiring from cycling, Victoria swapped saddles to become a jump jockey with the sole intention of competing at the Cheltenham Festival despite having never previously ridden a horse. She allowed herself only 12 months to prepare before successfully taking the challenge in her stride – coming fifth over a three-mile course with 22 fences in 2016.
Teaming up with Brendan Cole, Victoria delighted Saturday-night TV viewers of hit show Strictly Come Dancing as the pair tripped the light fantastic in a stylish attempt to salsa and tango their way to the top. Although the experience did not result in a trophy, it did highlight that Victoria is a great sport – no matter what the discipline.
Her recent attempt with Ben Fogle to conquer Mount Everest captured the nation’s imagination when she appeared on ITV’s Our Everest Challenge, which charted her effort to scale the huge and unforgiving mountain. Unfortunately, altitude sickness had a near-fatal effect on her and she followed medical advice to abandon her attempt on the summit.
“We are thrilled that Victoria is coming to the show,” said BETA International organiser Claire Thomas. “Her sporting career has been truly amazing and we have all been extremely impressed with her recent climbing challenge. She certainly has some stories to tell and we can’t wait to hear them. We are sure that Victoria will be given a warm welcome by everyone.”
BETA International is the leading trade fair for equestrian, country clothing, outdoor and pet products. The 2019 show takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 20 to 22 January. Entry is strictly trade only, with free registration at www.beta-int.com/visit. For further information about the show, please contact Clair Webster, telephone +44 (0)1937 582111 or email clairw@beta-int.com.
Showing Judges announced for Horse of the Year Show 2019
Posted on Thursday, November 29, 2018 by Sasha Melia
Following the success of the 2018 Horse of the Year Show, it is with great pleasure to announce the showing judges for the 2019 Show. Each year the venue transforms into a mecca for equestrian enthusiasts as they arrive in their masses to compete or spectate and to witness who will be crowned the ultimate horse or pony of the year for their given discipline and Championship. The 2019 Horse of the Year Show will take place from Wednesday 2nd – Sunday 6th October, with the first qualifier taking place in March. Here is a list of the judges for HOYS 2019:
| Class | CONFORMATION | RIDE/SHOW |
| British Ridden Heavy Horse | Nigel Oakley | John Cookson |
| Children’s Riding Pony of the Year | Christine Pearsall | Tom Barron |
| Cob of the Year | Alison Tate | Denise Richardson-Rowell |
| Coloured Horse and Pony of the Year | Graham Dunkley | Tracey Brooks |
| Hack of the Year | Chris Yates | Sara Parrott |
| Harness Champion of the Year | Mary Ford | Justin Cowles |
| Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year | Tim Lucas | Dale Atkinson |
| Intermediate Show Riding Type of the Year | Beverley Moore | Georgina Williamson |
| Junior M&M Ridden Pony of the Year | John Helme | Heather Banbury |
| Ladies’ Side Saddle Horse of the Year | Jeanetta La Four | Helen Hillard |
| Lead Rein Pony of Hunter Type of the Year | Tim Lucas | |
| M&M Mini Pony of the Year | Stephen Howard | |
| M&M Ridden Pony of the Year | Jessica Middleton | Paul Brightwell |
| M&M Working Hunter Pony of the Year | Martin Jones | Ruth Newman |
| Maxi Cob of the Year | Alison Tate | Denise Richardson-Rowell |
| Mini Show Pony of the Year | Dale Atkinson | |
| Miniature Horse of the Year | Jeanetta La Four | |
| Racehorse to Riding Horse of the Year | TBC | TBC |
| Ridden Partbred Pony of the Year | John Cookson | Helen Hillard |
| Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year | Frances Atkinson | Victoria Ayling |
| Riding Horse of the Year | Tim Wiggett | Kelsa Sears |
| Shire Horse of the Year | William Livesey | |
| Show Hunter of the Year | Terry Chalmers | Paul Scott |
| Show Hunter Pony of the Year | Anthony Perkins | Karen Slight |
| Small Show Hunter of the Year | Tony Wareham | Lesley Webb |
| Supreme Horse & Pony of the Year | TBC | TBC |
| Supreme In-Hand Championship | David Minton | David Ryde Rogers |
| Working Hunter of the Year | Tony Wareham | Lesley Webb |
| Working Hunter Pony of the Year | Lyn Black | Pat Pattinson |
The list of judges can also be found via the Competitor Zone of the HOYS website along with guidelines on how to enter a qualifier. A list of qualifying shows/venues will be released in December and tickets will go on sale in the New Year for what promises to be another exceptional event. For show information, visit https://hoys.co.uk/
