Anyone else watching HOYS?

[SemperUbiSubUbi]

I used to love going to this show. I havent been since it moved to Birmingham though.

I just wish they would have more of the showing and a bit more "backstage" stuff on tv but its still good to watch it anyway.

TV listings here

[marge2]

Bugger - only on Sky. We've only got 4 channels.

I went when I was little once. My Dad took just me as a surprise treat. I will NEVER forget walking through into the Wembley Arena to see Eddie Macken juming something MASSIVE. Might even have been the puissance. Pure magic atmosphere. A moment to take an eight year olds breath away.

I loved the music on the old BBC coverage. Brings tears to my eyes to even hear it now, it reminds me of my Dad.

[Pixel]

I'm recording it as dd wants to watch Glee (I know, I know, she can't really be mine) but goodness knows when I will get the chance to catch up with it. I suppose there will be loads of ads I can fast forward through though.

I used to go every few years but not since they moved it, it's just too far. Will have to be content with Olympia (ticket bought )

[HarrietSchulenberg]

I would be watching it if I had sky. Prefer Olympia at Christmas though. I went when I was about 14 and bumped into Nick Skelton, John Whittaker and Harvey Smith on the stairs. I nearly wet myself - I was shaking when I asked them to sign my programme.

To this day I am still disappointed that one of them didn't spot my riding talent and adopt me. Though as I was a mere spectator and nowhere near a horse at the time (and not really that talented when it came down to it) I'm not quite sure what I expected them to spot.

I still love the HOTY music though - and The Horse poem that David Vine used to read out at the end still makes me watery eyed.

[fivegomadindorset]

No but we had Stephen Hadley stayig with us last night. Very short.

[startail]

So much part of childhood watching this, so cross it's on Sky

[brighthair]

No, I don't have sky
Went last year on the last night, it was fantastic

[marge2]

Oh God yes that wonderful poem.

Claim to fame : David Vine was my nearest neighbour until he died a while back. Only ever say him in his car though.

[Butkin]

Have been enjoying it on Sky although it was soooo annoying that we could see the Show Hunter championship going on behind them when they previewed the Puissance tonight and we only got tantalising glimpses.

I rode at HOYS when it was at Wembley - galloping there in my top hat was a thrill! - but really enjoy it's new venue and go at least once a year. We went on Thursday and enjoyed seeing the Mini M&Ms. Wish we had bought weekend tickets now. Off to Olympia on the Monday as usual.

[SemperUbiSubUbi]

Im really disappointed but dont know what I expected really.

All they have shown is bloody show jumping!

As butkin said, its even more annoying when you can see the showing going on in the background while that monotonous woman waffles on.

[rogersmellyonthetelly]

Just got back from hoys last night, it was amazing! Been every year since it moved to the nec as it's much more accessible from the north. It's great on sky but always better in the flesh, the cav were fab and got a standing ovation. We went to watch the coloureds with a view to trying to qualify spotty boy next year, but i think if I had to go in that ring I would brick it, lots of duch courage needed there.

[Anteater]

just getting over being at HOYs for the weekend.

First time, hopefully not the last!

Watched puissance from grooms box, amazing. Kids all sneaked into the grandstand. 2.20m in slow motion on the rplay will always stay with me.

We lost the yellow bridle number (not allowed anywhere without it) so stayed up all Sat night 'making' a replacement picture the guy with glass's in the great escape) Replacement near perfect (thank you to those who donated old tags, tape and knifes!!) Declared at 5am, only to be reunited with the original yellow tag (someone had handed it in)

The longest day had started well!