Horse of the Year Show with Ayshea & Sally

 Horse of the Year Show

The heart of the holiday was the Horse of the Year Show at the NEC, and it more than lived up to expectations. Over several thrilling days, we were treated to spectacular equestrian events, from the fast-paced excitement of Scurry Driving — complete with feathered hats, flying hooves, and even an 89-year-old competitor.

The Showjumping brought gasps and cheers in equal measure as riders tackled towering fences with breathtaking skill, while knowledgeable group members added to the experience by explaining the finer details of the sport.

Evenings at the arena were just as memorable. Highlights included the majestic Shire horses, their strength and gentleness on full display, elegant Dressage, dazzling Vaulting with acrobats performing on moving horses, and the jaw-dropping Horsepower Fury, combining horses and stunt motorbikes.

                                                     

 The grand finale of the Showjumping Final was unforgettable, with legendary rider John Whitaker receiving a standing ovation for his incredible performance, before the whole arena joined together in a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

Away from the arena, there was plenty of fun too. Time was spent exploring the bustling shopping village at the NEC, enjoying meals at Resorts World, and even squeezing in a fiercely competitive  and very funny  game of ten-pin bowling, won by birthday girl Katie. 

One of the most indulgent and entertaining days of the holiday was our visit to Cadbury World, which proved to be a perfect mix of nostalgia, learning, and, of course, chocolate. The journey itself was part of the experience, taking us through Bournville, the attractive model village created by George Cadbury to provide good homes, green spaces, and healthy living for his workforce. Learning about the Cadbury family’s Quaker values and their commitment to fairness, social reform, and improving lives gave real meaning to the story behind the chocolate.At Cadbury World, we were welcomed with smiles, free chocolate, and even a greeting from Freddo the Frog, instantly setting a fun and light-hearted tone. Inside, the colourful factory tour guided us through the fascinating history of the Cadbury brothers, from their small grocery shop on Bull Street in 1824 to the creation of iconic favourites such as Cocoa Essence, Milk Tray, and Cadbury Dairy Milk. Interactive displays, short films, and hands-on elements kept everyone engaged, while the sights and smells of chocolate being made were irresistible.A major highlight was the 4D Chocolate Adventure

A visit to Twycross Zoo was a must. Many of the animals were still tucked up in their warm shelters, but this only added to the sense of discovery as we moved from enclosure to enclosure, learning about the different species and their natural habitats. The gorillas quickly became a focal point, their quiet strength and expressive faces holding everyone’s attention, while the orangutans provided plenty of entertainment one in particular delighted us by playfully wearing straw on its head, striking poses that had everyone laughing. The giraffes were equally impressive, stretching their long necks high into the trees, and we enjoyed watching their calm, graceful movements.