2021 Olympia or HOYS (as a spectator)

[Muddywellies]

After the wonderful news that both are going ahead, I'm torn as to which to attend. Our yearly treat is a couple of days at Olympia which we love, but this year it has moved to the Excel Centre. It's doable, but will take considerably longer to get to, and won't really be 'Olympia'. Now that HOYS have announced it's going ahead tbis year, I'm wondering whether to have a change and go there as its not too bad for us to get to (probably further, but an easier journey). However, I heard that 2019 was a disappointment. I've never been to HOYS. After the last 12 months, and Badminton cancelled, I'd love to go somewhere at the back end of the year, just no idea where. Any advice?

 

[milliepops]

SIL works for HOYS, might go there this year. I've been for the dressage before which was nice to watch. it's not a patch on olympia for me, i love the freestyle night with the forces jumping etc but I also CBA to get across London this year.

 

[conniegirl]

What about the liverpool international over new year?

 

[Muddywellies]

What about the liverpool international over new year?

Distance tbh. Otherwise i would def consider it.

 

[Kat]

The shopping isn't as good at HOYS as Olympia if that is a factor for you, and it was really very limited at Liverpool when we went, although they may have improved it.

HOYS is a great show though, lots going on, they normally have a second ring too. It is well worth a visit. Allow time before the evening program to go round the shopping area, it is a big area and it closes before the end.

Liverpool have more entertainment, but I don't think it is anywhere near HOYS or Olympia as a show.

 

[ROMANY 1959]

I am debating between Hoys, London Xmas show or Liverpool, I’ve done HOYS for many years, I don’t go for the shopping really, it’s the day in the Champions Bar I enjoy, Liverpool was good but the seats were dam uncomfortable..Olympia , well done it once enjoyed it. But was a nightmare getting home as the trains went on strike, we ended up on a coach took 9 hours to get home . So think I will do Hoys

 

[smolmaus]

Watching thread with interest ?? A friend and I are planning to get tickets for HOYS. Birmingham has nice cheap flights. I haven't been to a horse show since I was a child and got tickets to the Dublin HS for my birthday (still cancelled this year) and she has never been to one at all so if it's not the best one we won't know any different ?

 

[tiahatti]

I love Olympia but not sure this year as its in the Excel .centre

 

[Merry neddy man]

HOYS tickets go on sale on 14 May I think there might be a rush on them this year.

 

[jojo5]

Went to Hoys in 2019 - the shopping was really very disappointing as have posted before, with everything covered bling and only in miniature sizes, and quite a few stands totally non- equestrian related. We had the day in the Champions bar so that saved it but probably wouldn’t go again. Spoilt by having easy access to Hickstead for years, with dressage and showjumping and multiple rings and a huge amount of trade stands.

 

[twobearsarthur]

Went to Hoys in 2019 - the shopping was really very disappointing as have posted before, with everything covered bling and only in miniature sizes, and quite a few stands totally non- equestrian related. We had the day in the Champions bar so that saved it but probably wouldn’t go again. Spoilt by having easy access to Hickstead for years, with dressage and showjumping and multiple rings and a huge amount of trade stands.

This really put my mum and I off in 2019. We were getting stopped constantly to have our eyebrows waxed, eyelashes lengthened etc... and offered massages (from people or chairs) we left with complexes and a sense of disappointed after attending for 20+ years.

 

[blitznbobs]

What about the liverpool international over new year?

twas rubbish the last year it was on... especially if you like the shopping

 

[LEC]

I went to HOYS in 2017 and hated it. Everything about it was disappointing. I like top level Sjing and showing does nothing for me. The shopping was poor as well. I thought it was a waste of money. I am just not that interested in watching an average 1.40m class for the Sjing. I can do that any day for free.

I love Olympia. I have been for dressage and top class Sjing and it never fails to disappoint. I have had VIP tickets and I have had cheap tickets and my day is still great. The shopping is pretty good and I like the quirky stuff you can find. There are no discounts but thats fine.

I think Blenheim will be a bumper year and if they got the 5* it would be even better. So I would add that one to your list. Stunning venue, pretty good shopping but likely to be even better this year if allowed spectators.

I really love Hartpury International, it is a cracking day out eventing and we always make the effort to go every year, best of all we take a massive picnic with lots of friends as they run a shuttle bus from the carpark to the top of the hill so dont even need to hike all the stuff there. Watch the best in the world SJ and then the XC is really good for viewing. Shopping is very small but its a great day out as so much to watch. They usually run the 2*, 4* then 3* xc so plenty of action.

 

[Muddywellies]

I'm thinking I might take the hit with the extra distance and go to olympia at the excel. I think HOYS might be disappointing, unless the organisers really pull their socks up with the shopping.