Today, Horse of the Year Show announced the ten British Show Jumpers who automatically qualify to compete in the International classes at the world’s most famous horse show, held at Birmingham’s NEC from 6th – 10th October 2010.
 
The ten invited riders are drawn from the British Showjumping’s Top Rider rankings as at 31st July 2010:
RIPOINT1.    MR B R MAHER (Hertfordshire)2.    MR N SKELTON (Warwickshire)3.    MR G R WILLIAMS (Kent)4.    MISS E C WHITAKER (South Yorkshire)5.    MR P CHARLES (Hampshire)6.    MR J WHITAKER MBE (West Yorkshire)7.    MRS L J RENWICK (Essex)8.    MR R J WHITAKER (West Yorkshire)9.    MR M W ARMSTRONG (Hampshire)10.  Mr D J NEILSON (Essex)
Due to the World Equestrian Games coinciding with HOYS 2010, Michael Whitaker (currently ranked 2nd), Scott Brash (currently ranked 11th) and Tina Fletcher (currently ranked 13th) do not appear in the list as they will be heading to Kentucky to represent Great Britain in the Games.
 
Ellen Whitaker – Leading Show Jumper of the Year 2009 – with Martin Clunes during the prize giving.
High resolution versions of these images are available on request.

There are still two additional opportunities for British riders to qualify to compete at Horse of the Year Show in October. The first wildcard qualifier will be held at Rowallen Activity Centre, Fenwick, Ayrshire from 9th - 12th September 2010 and the second will be held at Arena UK, Grantham, Lincolnshire from 21st – 26th September 2010. One rider will qualify from each venue. 
 
The International classes commence on Thursday 7th October and finish with the prestigious Leading Show Jumper of the Year class, which takes place during Sunday’s Gala Evening performance. The total prize money to be won throughout the International Show Jumping classes amounts to a massive £118,330.00.
 
Visitors are advised to book their HOYS tickets early to avoid disappointment. For show information, including the full show timetable, and to book tickets visit www.hoys.co.uk or call 0844 581 8282.