Morean Hamilton has spent a decade quietly sending bespoke browbands, cards and little extras to combinations heading to HOYS. This brief explains how the tradition started, how she chooses recipients, and how to be on her list.
Morean Hamilton began sending bespoke HOYS good‑luck packages about ten years ago and has now sent almost 200.
Recipients are chosen for something notable about their season — first HOYS, a hard‑won qualification or an emotional moment — and Morean tracks down addresses herself when needed.
Morean Hamilton, based in Ayrshire, quietly sends good‑luck parcels to riders and ponies who qualify for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). The packages are small, handmade in part, and intended as a thoughtful surprise in the weeks before the event.
Morean wraps and assembles each package herself, adding "theatre" — the frilly bits and sprinkles — to make the arrival feel special.
Morean does not send packages to every qualifier. She chooses combinations that have something notable about their season: a first HOYS, a hard‑fought qualification, or an emotional moment such as a young rider who was initially miscalled as champion. She watches shows throughout the season and keeps a running list.
If she does not already know the recipient, she does a bit of detective work to find an address, contacting friends, parents or team members. She described the process as having "a degree of Miss Marple about it."
Morean orders the browbands each June and receives them a couple of months later. She sends the parcels in September, usually around her birthday when she has a few days off to prepare and post them.
Valerie Lafond makes around 20 browbands each June for Morean's use, and because Valerie makes them solely for Morean each year, the items are described as one‑offs.
There is no public sign‑up. Morean tracks notable results and chooses packages based on the season's stories. If you believe a combination's qualification fits the type she rewards — first HOYS, a remarkable journey, or an emotionally significant result — you can try to make contact through mutual friends, parents, or team members so she can locate a delivery address.
Morean started the project as a small, personal way to mark meaningful achievements. The parcels are intended to add a little extra delight and recognition during a busy, high‑pressure time for riders and grooms.
Her selection criteria, the changing designs, and the hands‑on assembly mean the packets are deliberately small gestures rather than fundraiser or formal programme items.
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