Is this the greatest show on earth?

It’s October, it must be time for the ‘world’s most famous show’. No, not Strictly Come Dancing – it’s much bigger than that.

Live action

Once again Horse of the Show (HOYS) returns to Birmingham’s NEC for some serious competition – with a side serving of frivolous fun.

As always, the show has attracted top names, not least the Whitaker dynasty, with John, Michael, Robert and William all competing. There is also Ben Maher, Jessica Mendoza and Ireland’s Billy Twomey and Trevor Breen to name a few.

Big showjumping classes include Saturday’s ever-popular TAGG Puissance, which saw a four-way tie last year. Can anyone top 2.11m (6ft 11in) this year?

The Puissance will be shown live on H&C for the first time, along with the 1.50m Grandstand Trophy on Friday.

Dressage masterclass

The final night closes with the Leading Show Jumper of the Year, which was won in 2014 by French rider Julien Epaillard, who produced the only double clear.

Alongside the jumping is the Mount St John Dressage Future Elite Championship. Once again Michael Eilberg will be vying for the title, this time riding Der Designer. Michael won the championship in 2013 with Half Moon Dynasty and came a close second in 2014 with the talented mare Woodlander Farouche.

Prior to the dressage competition will be a masterclass hosted by Stephen Clarke, one of dressage’s most respected names. Stephen is the FEI dressage judge general, Olympic judge and an internationally renowned trainer.

Top class showing

The show is also famous for its top class showing, with the UK’s finest all vying for a coveted HOYS title. Classes range from Shire Horse of the Year, to Mountain and Moorland Mini Pony Horse, and Cuddy Working Hunter to the SEIB Search for a Star.

The showing culminates with the Supreme Horse and Supreme Pony in the main arena on Sunday evening. Last year the Supreme Horse title went to Broadshard Simplicityand Jayne Ross, while Supreme Pony went to Barkway Moonfairy, ridden by 10-year-old Taliah Aristidou.

Entertainment and fun

It’s not all hard work and no play, however, as there is the usual line-up of entertainment and fun. Get ready to shout and cheer for thePony Club Mounted Games, and then be amazed at the bravery of the Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch.

There’s also a display from Team GB vaulters, as well as the usual great shopping.

If you can’t be there, fear not, as H&C will bring you all the action, as it happens, with live updates via our Twitter and Facebook pages, and regular news right here.