'Camaraderie, community - and curtains

Jodie Hall McAteer on HOYS and being based in Britain versus Europe

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I CUT short my time on the Sunshine Tour in favour of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) I am pleased I made the decision as it's such a cosy and familiar show. I love it and it's always an enjoyable time.

There’s comfort in its constancy. While we were waiting to walk the course one day, Jack Whitaker said: “The curtains have changed colour. They’re a lighter purple.” That’s not something you’d notice at any other show!

In one of the international classes I picked up a fourth place rosette and it was identical to the one I was given when I jumped the 128cm final on Spring Disney back in 2010.

HOYS is always nostalgic and when you go back there, it puts everything into perspective. Foreign riders might not understand it but for riders like us, who have grown up there, it’s always rewarding to return.