The last book to chronicle the history of the Horse of the Year Show was written in 1976, long before many of the present competitors were born, and it therefore seemed appropriate to put down another marker, to bring the story up to date and provide an insight into the background of this remarkable occasion. Children and professionals alike dream about that magic ride under the spotlight, signifying that they have won at HOYS. The excitement, tension and joy, as well as the inevitable disappointments, just add to the show. Central to all these emotions, of course, are the horses, from the smallest pony to the largest shire horse. They are the real stars and they have made HOYS the world's most famous horse show. Besides the horses and the all-important competitors, other people, too, are mainstays of HOYS - officials, volunteers, visitors, supporters. Year after year people come back to savour the unique atmosphere that the show creates, so much so that HOYS has now become an iconic brand in its own right.