Welcome to Horse & Hound’s live reporting service covering all the showing action from the Agria Royal International Horse Show 2026. I am here at Hickstead every day, from Wednesday through to Sunday, dashing from ring to ring to bring you all the showing news as it happens. So stand by to hear who is at the top of the line in their classes, and which pairs will be heading through to the all-important section championships.
Rebecca is the chief sub-editor at Horse & Hound. She is an experienced editor, rider and horse owner with over a decade’s experience working in equestrian media. She has specialist expertise in the showing circuit, combining her own competitive background with extensive experience reporting from major championships – including the Royal International Horse Show, Horse of the Year Show, London International Horse Show and Royal Windsor.
Wednesday 22 July
Good morning from a beautiful sunny morning at Hickstead.
I'll be ringside all day bringing you the latest results from the Royal International. Currently underway, we have the 153cm show hunter ponies – six of 22 ponies have done their shows already – and the M&M young rider small breeds are kicking off proceedings in the Roger Stack arena
It will be interesting to see how the initial pulls translate to final placings currently we have Brynrodyn Danielle (Mia Bella Long) holding the top spot. We still have 10 individual shows to go though and some lovely performances…
The first sets of results are due imminently in the 153cm show hunter pony ring, as the judges are having their final discussions.
The New Horizon Plastics Ltd 153cms Show Hunter Pony Championship results
Scarlett Davis holds her top pull to take the win on Brynteg Llwynau Red Rose!
Brynteg Llwynau Red Rose
Carnsdale Toy Boy
Goretermone Corneto
Ballarin Baroness
Oscar Cookson
Just Murphy II
Carnsdale Wise Guy
Rosscon Copycat
UK Ponies & Horses/Anthony Evans Insurance Young Riders M&M Small Breeds Championship results
The M&M young rider small breeds results are in…
Marsh Walk On By
Cadlanvalley Royal Bronze
Thistledown Princess Letitia
Brynrodyn Danielle
Dykes Blue Moon
Blackertor Boston
Tromps Sugar Rush
Nevanscott Call The Shots
My view when I arrived earlier this morning
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
Team work makes the dream work! The team behind winning M&M young rider small breeds winner Marsh Walk On By – a prolific winner already at just eight years old – Lucy Richardson, Penny Richardson, Lilly Richardson, Tilly Slade and Brooke Barr
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
The M&M amateur riders are in the ring and it’s lovely to see the class split in half for the go-round. Gives everyone plenty of space, and the judges a good opportunity for their initial assessment of the 23 exhibits forward ahead of pulling in.
So who's made the best first impression in the amateur riders ridden M&M championship?
New Forest Purewell Poppy Lou – winner of this class in 2022 – holds the top spot, followed by Highland Kincardine Uist (need I tell any showing buffs that they were dual winners at HOYS last year), then Welsh C Dorneyrow Jackpot Boy. How will this translate in the final placings?
Two of the 143cm show hunter ponies have left the ring after the go-round – we wish both combinations all the best. Sutton Grange Fancy That and Isla Smith have the top pull at the moment.
She does it! Jessica Norris wins back her crown from four years previously – and proves judges were spot on with their first impressions!
Purewell Poppy Lou
Playmaker
Glencarrig Dubai
Melliver Willy Wonka
Saulire Thunder Struck
Dorneyrow Jackpot Boy
Llangorra Ginger Port
Kincardine Uist
New Horizon Plastics 143cm show hunter pony results
21 beautiful 143cm show hunter ponies whittled down to a top eight, and Isla Smith and Sutton Grange Fancy That top the line up!
Sutton Grange Fancy That
Tandridge First Edition
Derw Easy Tiger
Cloneyogan Guy
Morning Sunflower
Annandale Super Trouper
Annandale Aragon
Bonhitas Subject Of Circumstance
Isla Smith and "FT" actually won this class last year too, having only very recently joined forces at that point, and they were reserve section champions. It’ll be interesting to see how the championship unfolds for them this time.
Not all wins come from topping the class. Victoria Walker – who dabbled in show reporting herself some years ago before "going to uni and having to get a real job" – says she was "ready to quit showing" before coming up from a fifth-place pull to be second in the M&M amateur ridden championship on seven-year-old Connemara stallion Playmaker.
Victoria Walker with seven-year-old Connemara stallion Playmaker.
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
"He's a really traditional stamp, with a lot of bone and in a world with so much variety in terms of type, judges either love him or don't," she says.
"Recently we just had a string of bad luck and I just thought 'we've got no chance, maybe we need to switch disciplines'," she adds. "He likes jumping. Maybe we go eventing – I'd actually really like to do Badminton grassroots!
"But I just can't believe that happened today. He came out, gave it his all and I'm so pleased the judges liked it too.”
The 133cm division of the show hunter ponies are in ring five now, with the judges' initial pull putting a very polished looking Isabella Walker and Westfirle Cinnamon Star in their top spot for now. They've done their show, and stripped, and so begins the long waiting game!
Behind them at the moment are Lily Cowley-Bickenson and Sancarlo – a seven-year-old pony who won this class in 2024.
Meanwhile in the Roger Stack arena we turn our attention to the young riders intermediate M&M championship. If there's one thing I learned from the previous class – the amateurs – it's that there's certainly still wiggle room following the judges' initial pull, so it's all still to play for in the individual shows (and conformation).
That said, I can't help but be intrigued by the pull nonetheless – as it stands, it's Owen Parker (Llynhelyg Mistar Jones), Isabella O'Donnell (Posters Olympic Star), Maisie Kerry-Oates (Salcombe Frowder Cove) then Megan White (Teach Mor Pierce) who attracted initial favour.
So, what can I learn about the judges' preference from the top of this 26-strong mixed M&M line-up?
Currently in the top 10 I count two Welsh (one C, one D), a Dartmoor, five Connemaras, a Highland and a Fell. As far as I can tell, large breeds have historically dominated this line-up. Welsh B Cadlanvalley Buzby was the last small breed to claim the title, in 2018. Dartmoor Pumphill Bennet was the last before that, in 2014.
The New Horizon Plastics Ltd 133cms Show Hunter Pony Championship results
The 133cm show hunter pony champion is exciting five-year-old Westfirle Cinnamon Star, ridden by Isabella Walker! They will return later for the supreme. Congratulations to producer Debbie Barr and all connections!
Westfirle Cinnamon Star
Sancarlo
Dowhills Nuage Noir
Thistledown Sea Mariner
Parkhills Mata
Out Of The West
Littlebyrom Limited Edition
Bronhuelog Cats Whiskers
The UKPH/Anthony Evans Insurance young riders intermediate M&M championship results
It feels like it's been a long wait over in the Roger Stack arena – agonising maybe for competitors, but ideal for those trying to record the results – but we have our winners:
Maisie Kerry Oates and Dartmoor Salcombe Frowder Cove! A great morning for Maisie, who had already secured her spot in the championship with second earlier in the day in the small breeds.
Salcombe Frowder Cove
Popsters Olympic Star
Drybarrows Guardian
Thistledown Runaway
Eastlands Dunknowe
Teach Mor Pierce
Teach Mor Sparrow
Sunside Irvine
Proud as punch!
Owner/breeder Felicity Thompson, Maisie Kerry Oates on M&M young rider intermediate winner Salcombe Frowder Cove, producer Katy Marriott Payne (who also produced Cadlanvalley Buzby, the last small breed to win this title in 2018) and Felicity's daughter Freya, who says that results like this make the seven-hour drive over from Devon with her mother was well worth it!
Maisie Kerry Oates on M&M young rider intermediate winner Salcombe Frowder Cove
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
New Horizon Plastics Ltd 123cm show hunter pony championship results
The tiniest riders get the biggest cheer! The 123cm hunter pony results are in... And I think if their performance in here is anything to go by, they can more than hold their own in the International Arena championship this afternoon. Watch this space.
Congratulations to winners four-year-old Newoak St Dominic and nine-year-old Charlotte Knight.
Newoak St Dominic
Caridines Quest
Annandale Line Of Duty
Small-land Jackpot
Gryngallt Picture Frame
Colway Belle Of The Ball
Newoak Pumpkin Spice
Pineview Remeo
"A true kids' pony"
Team Jinks with 123cm show hunter pony champion four-year-old Newoak St Dominic
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
David Jinks and Adam Forster's Team Jinks – with their winning 123cm show hunter pony, Newoak St Dominic ably ridden by Charlotte Knight.
"Lottie is an exceptional jockey," says Adam, "pint-sized and absolutely formidable!"
Dominic's qualified as a first ridden pony of hunter type, too, so I'll be keeping a keen eye out for him later this week...
Working hunter ponies in ring five
After a morning of show hunter ponies, ring five is now playing host to the LG Show Team O'Donnell Family BSPS 153cm working hunter ponies. I've already seen last year's winner Noble Banksy, second into the ring, make light work of the track – and so far the course is riding well and rewarding those riding in a forward pace!
Our showing editor Bethan Simons caught up with RIHS WHP judge Polly Eddis ahead of the show to find out what she will be looking for...
I'm parked up with a better view of the working hunter course as a whole, so let's see how the next few ponies fare before I need to get to the International Arena for the show hunter pony, Arab and M&M young rider showdowns!
I think they call this the commentator's curse! The course proves too much for Ruby Woodman and Irish Encounter II – a gorgeous six-year-old bay – and UK Today and Rebecca Raine, whose rounds unfortunately end with elimination for multiple refusals.
Lookout Bundaberg and Alisha Vard are next in, and complete the course in a neat manner, bar an unfortunate slip going round the corner between fences that resulted in knocking the first part of a double.
They were followed by a confident clear from Killeefa Gem and Daisy Loates.
UKPH/Anthony Evans Insurance young riders M&M large breeds championship results
Here's one I missed earlier! Results are in for the M&M young riders large breeds championship and it's a huge well done to Leyla Scott-Christian on Joe Watson's nine-year-old Griseburn Major. This Wolsey Viking son was a HOYS winner back in 2022.
Griseburn Major
River Valley Rolex
Caherlistrane Eoin
Nutschyllimg River Dance
Rosscon Emperor
King Bunowen Castle Ali
Melliver Willy Wonka
Mathfred Tangelina
The fences are being lowered in preparation for the 143cm plaited working hunters, next to go in ring five, and the conformation phase is coming to an end. With any luck we can get the 153cm results before I hot-foot it over to the International Arena for the show hunter pony championship!
Show hunter pony championship results to come shortly, they've just entered the ring…
The New Horizon Plastics Ltd Supreme Show Hunter Pony Championship
The judges have made their decision and the 143cm winners go one better than their 2025 reserve spot – Isla Smith and Sutton Grange Fancy That take the supreme show hunter title!
In reserve it's Scarlett Davis and Brynteg Llwynau Red Rose, winners of the 153cm division.
UKPH/Anthony Evans Insurance young riders M&M supreme championship
Next in the ring are the representatives of this morning's young rider small breeds, large breeds and intermediate M&M finals… and it's large breeds winner Leyla Scott-Christian and Griseburn Major who secure the tricolour!
Reserve champion comes from the small breeds division – Lilly Richardson and Marsh Walk On By. Congratulations!
The last showing championship in the International Arena for today is the pure-bred Arabian championship. It's a little different to many of the other showing championships, in that all of the final eight will enjoy a spin on the hallowed green turf. Stay tuned for the results shortly…
Pure-bred ridden Arabian championship
No stranger to success here, it's Will Morton taking the top spot astride Susan Rose’s LVA Winters Rascal
LVA Winters Rascal
Arimathea
Cotswolds Cadenza
Bugatti
Valletta Hunters Song
Ghaali
Guadeloupe
Swarovski
Will Morton and LVA Winters Rascal are a relatively new combination, having only contested a handful of shows – and of course we're more accustomed to seeing him seated on hunters and cobs.
“He‘s a bit different to my normal horses”
Will Morton
Susan Rose's 13-year-old LVA Maximus son is the first of the breed Will has competed.
Judge’s insight!
I bumped into show hunter pony ride judge Jayne Brace – who officiated alongside conformation judge Jeffery Grace – and she gave me the lowdown on how she found the classes:
"Both myself and my co-judge were totally on the same page and we were looking for a proper hunter pony, with a leg in each corner and we found quality among all the classes."
She praises "excellent gallops" and "lovely shows" and says the standards through all the classes "surpassed expectations".
"The second-placed ponies could all have been winners," Jayne adds.
And what of her supreme and reserve, Sutton Grange Fancy That and Brynteg Llwynau Red Rose?
"We were looking for something that moved forward and showed themselves well in the arena. Ultimately, the 14-handler [Sutton Grange Fancy That] stood out for us as, blown up, it could be a beautiful lightweight hunter – and equally the 15-hander [Brynteg Llwynau Red Rose] had enough bone to be blown up perfectly for a middleweight.”
LG Show Team O'Donnell Family BSPS 143cm Working Hunter Pony Championship results
I may have missed the class, but I'm back ringside for the plaited working hunter pony results... Winners here in 143cm ranks are Libby James and Callowfeenish Lily
Callowfeenish Lily
Lady Dublin Of Corderry
Carrowkeel Knight
Allandy Gold Spark
Beech Hall Ryan
Oh For Olive
Treascon Aoife
Golden Pat
While ringside, I bumped into Isabella Stanley – winner of the 153cm working hunters with the gorgeous Moorland Snowy River 13-year-old Moorland Whiteriver.
I asked her what she made of today's challenge.
"It was pretty technical in places and I found the ground in there good. I made sure I rode my corners properly and kept him forward," says Isabella.
So what makes Royal International her "favourite track of the year", and the course that every working hunter competitor wants to jump?
"It's always fun to ride. Everyone loves it – and I love jumping the bullfinch and so does 'Niall', that's his favourite thing about RIHS. The atmosphere is always great and we're lucky having somewhere as nice as this to ride at."
Isabella Stanley with her 153cm working hunter pony victor Moorland Whiteriver
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
The LG Show Team O'Donnell Family BSPS 133cms Working Hunter Pony Championship results
Results are in and it's a popular win for Connie Hutton and the evergreen 16-year-old Noble Peppermint, who was last a winner in this class in 2019!
Noble Peppermint
Captain Foley
Barney IX
Rathcoole Rupert
Precious Gem
Horen Strike A Pose
Llanarth Windsor
Nellfield Blueboy
Just the championship to go until we call it a day on Wednesday at the Royal International Horse Show!
The LG Show Team O'Donnell Family BSPS supreme working hunter pony championship
Have we saved the best championship of the day for last? I certainly think so. The workers know a good gallop and this is the perfect ring for it!
But there is only one champion and taking home the most coveted sash are Noble Peppermint and Connie Hutton!
In reserve are Isabella Stanley and Moorland Whiteriver.
That's it from me for today, but I'll be back from 7.30am tomorrow morning ready to bring you all the action as it happens. See you then!
Thursday 23 July
Just over 12 hours later and I'm back at Hickstead ready to bring you all the action from the Agria Royal International Horse Show.
First in, we have the Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) lightweight hunters in ring five, and the KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden Dartmoors, Exmoors and Shetlands in the Roger Stack arena.
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
So the Dartmoors, Exmoors and Shetlands lead the way in the KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden finals in the Roger Stack arena this morning as the mammoth seven-hour-plus judging shift begins for Emma Hector (ride) and Jayne Brace (conformation).
Sam Roberts got the top pull on Dartmoor Newoak St Richard, and has just executed a beautiful individual show incorporating a serpentine. Owen Parker follows on Dartmoor Weston Wild Fire.
As we currently stand in the Dartmoors, Exmoors and Shetlands section of the KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden finals, it's a Dartmoor top three, with Dykes Blue Moon in third and Exmoor Anchor Nighthawk pulled fourth.
I'm watching the lightweight hunters now and all I can think is how lucky are they to have the oustanding horseman Mark Todd as their ride judge?
I believe, with the exception of one year, wins for the past 10 renewals of this class have been shared between rides for either Jayne Ross or Robert Walker.
The initial line-up suggests we might not stray too far from tradition, with Jayne pulled top on Harbour Master, then Robert on Flash Point. Vicky Smith and Tremarl Timber are third, then Jasean Spraggett and KBF Paved With Stars, who in my opinion pulled off the most superb extension on the go-round!
A bit more of the hunter line-up as it stands: Cookstown Cavello, Annaghmore Lady Master, Seaborne Surrey Hills, Diptford Above Suspicion, Glenkeeran Dance In The Deep, Caravagio and Tigbourne have all completed their shows.
I'm at a loss as to how they'll sort the placings with so much quality on display – I'd love to hear ride judge Mark Todd's thoughts on what he's feeling.
We're about half way through, so there's still a lot that could happen!
Meanwhile in the Roger Stack arena, the grooms are out of the ring and the judges are having their final discussions. The Dartmoor, Exmoor and Shetlands results are coming soon!
KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden Dartmoors, Exmoors and Shetlands results
The results are in for the first M&M open ridden final of the day – and our winner is Westown Wild Fire! Congratulations to rider Owen Parker!
Westown Wild Fire
Dykes Blue Moon
Newoak St Richard
Moortown Foxtor
Salcombe Frowder Cove
Briar Puzzle (best Shetland)
Anchor Lullaby (best Exmoor)
Stowbrook Red Kite
Owen Parker, Sarah Weston’s Westown Wild Fire and mum Sarah Parker pause for a quick photos in a busy collecting ring after their win
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
Back over in ring five, we're watching the final ride in the lightweight hunters before The Great Deliberation begins! Watch this space – I'll keep an eye on the M&Ms too as the Welsh As and Bs are on their go-round and soon to get their initial pull-in from the judges.
Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) lightweight hunter championship results
Well done to Jasean Spraggett and KBF Paved With Stars – winners here at the Derby Meeting last month and winners again today!
KBF Paved With Stars
Harbour Master
Cookstown Cavello
Flash Point
Tremarl Timber
Tigbourne
Caravagio
Glenkeeran Dance In The Deep
And we have a pull in the KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden Welsh section As and Bs: Musbury Prince Consort top with Samantha Bell, then Sam Roberts with Tromps Sugar Rush, Sarah Parker on Wensley Magic Touch, Penny Richardson on Glebedale Sancerre ahead of older sister Lilly Richardson on Marsh Walk On By – winners in young rider ranks yesterday – followed by Katy Marriott-Payne on Cadlanvalley Eldorado.
Lightweight hunter winners KBF Paved With Stars and Jasean Spraggett are in tremendous form, having won the same honours here last month at the Hickstead Derby Meeting, as well as the working hunters at Royal Norfolk. I'm looking forward to seeing this pair in the workers later on this week too!
Congratulations to KBF Paved With Stars and Jasean Spraggett
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
Next up in ring five: the middleweight hunters. Sir Mark Todd takes his leave and Rosemary Connors steps up alongside Judy Bradwell.
We've had our initial pull and so far Full Cry (Robert Walker), Starring Louis (Katie Jerram-Hunnable), JD Supreme Rock (Oliver Hood), Bloomfield Greystone (Jayne Ross) and My Dimond Solitair (Simon Reynolds) – in that order – have completed their ride.
KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden Welsh section A and B results
I'm back at the Roger Stack arena as we have another set of results in, this time the Welsh As and Bs. Congratulations Sam Roberts and Tromps Sugar Rush!
Tromps Sugar Rush
Marsh Walk On By
Rookery Bold As Brass
Wensley Magic Touch
Musbury Prince Consort
Glebedale Sancerre
Thistledown Grand Prix
Cadlanvalley Royal Bronze
That's the small breeds portion of the morning concluded – next in, the Connemaras and New Forest ponies…
The New Forest and Connemara final marks the half-way point of the Heritage open riddens. Whose favour will the scales tip in here? It’s been a while since a New Forest proved favourable over a Connemara in this final, but the best New Forest placed higher than the best Connie at London, and a New Forest pony came up trumps in the mixed class at Royal Windsor (and, indeed, was crowned M&M supreme). I wonder if maybe this year could be one for the history books?
Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) middleweight hunter championship results
Robert Walker lands the middleweights, with Jill Day's Full Cry. Congratulations! The top four remain unchanged after the initial pull. Full results as follows:
Full Cry
Starring Louis
JD Supreme Rock
Bloomfield Greystone
Mulberry Lane
My Dimond Solitair
Drumlane Golden Boy
Rowel's Cole
Next up: the heavyweight hunters!
Connemara Hazelrock Twist is top of the Connemara/New Forest line-up after the judges’ initial pull, followed by New Forest Berrywood Wind Dancer, Eastlands Dunedin, Hollybrooke Jupiter, Trenley Trinket and Ravenstone Fudge II.
I make that four New Forests and two Connemaras currently in the top placings!
The final of the hunter weights – the heavyweights – stride into ring five. Sophie Buckley takes up the post of ride judge alongside Judy Bradwell (conformation), with whom she will also help sort the ladies’ hunters in the final class of the day.
I feel like I'm being treated to a hunter masterclass – as it should be at the Royal International Horse Show I suppose! Robert Walker (IJ Countryman) in the top spot after the initial pull, followed by Jayne Ross (Greenhall Will I Ever), Katie Jerram-Hunnable (Goosey Gander), Claire Oliver (Greenhall All Business).
KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden New Forest and Connemara results
The latest winner to be crowned in the Roger Stack arena is Hazelrock Twist, ridden by Sue Deakin, who managed to hold on to that initial pull to claim the winner's sash. Congratulations!
Hazelrock Twist
Furzley To Be Faire (and best New Forest)
Eastlands Dunedin
Trenley Trinket
Berrywood Wind Dancer
Burley Burberry
Corrig Prince
Ravenstone Fudge II
Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) heavyweight hunter championship results
So now we have our line-up for the Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) supreme hunter championship! From the lightweights, we'll have KBF Paved With Stars and Harbour Master. Middleweight representatives are Full Cry and Starring Louis. Joining them from the heavyweights are IJ Countryman and Goosey Gander.
I'll head down to the International Arena at 3pm to find out who comes out on top in the hunter showdown!
But for now, I'm going back to the Roger Stack arena, where the Fells, Dales and Highlands are bidding for a sash and a spot in their own championship.
So, the line-up for the M&M open ridden Fells, Dales and Highlands is shaping up like this after the initial pull: Greenrivers Luke, Birkettbank Master John, Ashleyvale Glen Duror and Westwick Baron.
Sue Deakin was a deserved winner of the Connemara and New Forest open ridden final, aboard Claire Flynn's eight-year-old Hazelrock Twist. And while their performance here looked flawless, it turns out it's come at the end of a tricky period for the partnership:
"I think I've had a bit of a mental block recently and I just didn't seem to be able to do anything right with her," said Sue. "She's so reliable normally but I was overriding her.
"Then we had a really good show at the breed show. She went beautifully and was supreme champion."
Humble, Sue credits the mare's breeders, her owners "who are just amazing" and "all my friends and family who help and support me". But the biggest praise is heaped onto the "best little mare" herself.
"She's just the sweetest, most lovely girl. We've definitely got a connection, which I think with mares you really need. I'm so one-to-one with the horses and I think that's helped her shine.”
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden Fells, Dales and Highlands results
Our penultimate open ridden M&M class concludes and it's Ellena Thomas taking home the top prize, riding the eight-year-old Highland Ashleyvale Glen Duror!
Ashleyvale Glen Duror
Birkettbank Master John
Westwick Baron
Drybarrows Guardian
Sunside Irvine
Manorlodge Mateus
Glenbanchor Vallay
Fleetwoods Loch Lomond
Ellena Thomas and Highland stallion Ashleyvale Glen Duror take the title for a second year on the trot
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
The Welsh Cs and Ds are now in the ring and it's Cheshmere Flash Bang Wallop who is top after the go-round. He's followed by Llynhelyg Mistar Jones, Cnwch Carwyn, Tireinon Llew and Courtyard Al Joleson.
Signature Coachworks BSPS Heritage M&M open lead-rein results
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
The M&M marathon continues – in a different arena – with the open lead-rein ponies and, after what felt like a lot of discussion after the conclusion of the judging, we have a result! Congratulations to Glyncoch Honey Pot, ridden by Zara Constable and led by father Simon Constable
Glyncoch Honey Pot
Springwater Tactician
Thistledown Wood Owl
Meering Audrey May
Nynwoods Simply Grand
Rowfantina Principal Dancer
Treworgan Alicia
Badleybridge Oozlum
KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden Welsh section C and D results
I'll be heading down to the International Arena in an hour for the M&M championship, but before that gets under way we need our representatives from the Welsh Cs and Ds. Taking the crown are Robyn-Jayne Hadland and Garlance Flash Jac!
Garlance Flash Jac
Cnwch Carwyn
Thistledown Superstar
Llynhelyg Mistar Jones
Courtyard Al Joleson
Cheshmere Flash Bang Wallop
Tireinon Llew
Garthfach Classic Addition
"Never in a million years did I think we'd win," said Robyn-Jayne Hadland of her emotional win with Garlance Flash Jac, the Oak Jac 12-year-old she's produced entirely herself.
Finally we have the results for the junior championship and it's Owen Parker with Westown Wild Fire – winners of the Dartmoor, Exmoor, Shetland final this morning – who takes the title!
Champion: Westown Wild Fire
Reserve: Marsh Walk On By
I'd forgotten how much I love the hunter supreme! The judges are currently riding the horses they hadn't done previously, then we'll wait while the judges compare notes and ultimately award one combination with the Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) supreme hunter title.
Results to follow shortly...
Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) Supreme Hunter Championship
It's Robert Walker who takes the hunter crown, with the middleweight winner Full Cry.
He also takes the reserve spot, with the heavyweight winner IJ Countryman ridden in the class by Robert but with wife Sarah taking up the reins in the championship.
It was a unanimous decision for the judges in the M&M championship, with Robyn-Jayne Hadland collecting the tricolour on Garlance Flash Jac. Congratulations!
Reserve champion is Highland Ashleyvale Glen Duror, ridden by Ellena Thomas.
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
Signature Coachworks BSPS Heritage M&M open first ridden results
I may not have the full line-up, but I do have the top two spots from this afternoon's M&M first ridden championship, and our winner is Kate Turner aboard Dykes Blue Moon – who was also runner-up in his open ridden final earlier on in the day. Well done!
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
Dykes Blue Moon
Thistledown Princess Letizia
The pair then went on to headline a Dartmoor one-two in the M&M supreme mini championship, with the champion spot going to Kate Turner and Dykes Blue Moon, ahead of lead-rein runners-up Springwater Tactician and Sienna Clay.
The final class of the day, the ladies’ hunter championship, is under way in ring five. Go-round complete, the top three after the pull-in is led by MHS Morning Master, then Tigbourne and Harbour Master. Only time will tell how this translates to the final placings.
Ladies’ hunter championship results
Tigbourne takes the win!
It's the final championship of the day and it goes to Hannah Horton and Tigbourne. Well done to all connections!
Tigbourne
MHS Morning Master
Caravagio
Seabourne Singing Hill
Bloomfield Greystone
Gracemhors Savannah
Aredis Little Ben
Gunpowder Plot
That's all from me for today. I'll be back again in morning from 7.30am, ready to catch the riding horses, the working hunters and the Pretty Polly mini competitors. See you then...
Friday 24 July
Good morning from Hickstead! I'm gearing up for a busy day of riding horses, working hunters big and small, amateur hunters and more.
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
In good news for the step count, we're adding another ring – ring two – into the mix, where the small riding horses will be getting under way shortly.
The lightweight working hunters are kicking off proceedings in ring five and in about half an hour The Pretty Polly mini finals will be starting in the Roger Stack arena... It's all go here today!
I'm taking a seat by ring five for now. First to go in the Baileys Horse Feeds lightweight working hunter championship, Elliee Stunt and Madras Rua, have three down; one down for Rachel Turner and Noble Venture; Craig Kiddier and Bold Adventure jump clear; a brick comes off the wall for Alasdair Prickett and It's Tick Tock, who also ground to a halt at the last fence before hopping over on second attempt (but knocking the pole).
Katy Green and Gorsehill Layla are unlucky to roll two poles in an otherwise fluent round, while Olivia Minihane and Veuve Clicquot are another to have a pole. Oliver Woodland and Kingsman III have two down. Jasean Spraggett and Noble Queen Bee provide our second clear of the class, and Matthew Cooper on Bellevue Tomboy record the third.
If there's anything to take away from this, it's that the course is riding a little trickier than it looks. Faults are fairly well spread, but the horses are proving there are enough questions and there's plenty to look at.
I've taken a little stroll over to ring two to see how the small riding horses are getting on... Adam Forster's currently top of the line after the judges' pull on Absolutely Alluring, then Ladies Man (Jayne Ross), Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous (Justine Armstrong-Small), Nutmeg VI (Oliver Hood), Baker Street (Vicky Smith) and Lislan Rool (Emma Holder).
I can see 19 forward, and we're about 3/4 of the way through the ride judging.
I say no fences in particular are causing problems in the workers, but fence 4 – a fairly innocuous-looking but square oxer on a diagonal line going uphill – has caused a few miscommunications, disagreements and poles. And, rather unfortunately, ended Emma Benson and Choir Magic's round. Both horse and rider walked away fine.
As I head back over for the riding horse results, a quick peek in at the Pretty Polly lead-rein final currently under way in the Roger Stack arena reveals that yesterday's open lead-rein winner, Glyncoch Honey Pot, has been pulled top again. Will they do the double?
The De La Hey Family BSHA small riding horse championship results
Our first results of the day: Jayne Ross and Ladies Man win the small riding horses!
Ladies Man
Absolutely Alluring
Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous
Dolphins Lawyer
Nutmeg VI
D'Aaenerys
New Illusion
Lislan Rool
The GORGEOUS Ladies Man, owned by Danni Radford and ridden by Jayne Ross, winner of the small riding horses this morning at RIHS
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
In the lightweight working hunters, we now have seven in the ring for judging. They are: Pimms O'Clock, Wyworrie, It's Lush, Noble Queen Bee, Bold Adventure, Purple Rain and Dermish Coney
Over in large riding horse ranks, the top of the line-up post-pull is shaping up like this: Tremarl Timpani, Calcourt Soli, Mylens Limited Edition, Smokey Joe X and Stanley Grange Alchemist.
We know from the small division that these judges aren't afraid to move their line around a bit in the final sort – in such a high-calibre field, you'd be silly not to – but this gives us an early indication of what they're liking.
The Baileys Horse Feeds lightweight working hunter championship results
And over in ring five we have another set of results! Congratulations to lightweight working hunter winners Matthew Cooper and Purple Rain.
Purple Rain
Wyworrie
Bold Adventure
Dermish Coney
Noble Queen Bee
Pimms O’Clock
It's Lush
Bridle off and a good graze for our Pretty Polly lead-rein winner Glyncoch Honey Pot – also a winner of the open final yesterday. She takes a little break for a team photo, with (from left to right) Bev Bowers, rider eight-year-old Zara Constable, eight, mum and dad Simon and Emily, and Zara's younger sister Izzy, five, who will ride her in lead-reins next year. A real family pony.
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
The De La Hey Family BSHA large riding horse championship results
It's a hat-trick for Tremarl Timpani and Vicky Smith, who score a large riding horse win here for a third year on the trot. A huge congratulations to this super-consistent Timolin eight-year-old mare – what a feat!
Tremarl Timpani
Calcourt Soli
Stanley Grange Alchemist
Smokey Joe Z
Mylens Limited Edition
Redmays Romeo
Minella Rebellion
Tiger's Legacy
A true legend: the three-time winner of the RIHS large riding horses, Tremarl Timpani ridden by Vicky Smith. Pictured with Chris Roberts, who helps ride Vicky's horses, head girl of five years Hayleigh Blissett and Jane Davies, the owner and breeder of this magnificent mare.
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
Looks like I've got a few minutes to watch the heavyweight working hunters in ring five before nipping down to the Roger Stack for the Pretty Polly first ridden results – and then their mini championship.
A couple of sticky moments and the final poll falls for Omni Quality (Grace Evans). MJM Laszlo and Kelly Ward give us a masterclass in forward positive riding to jump clear. Huntelaar and Sam Allman might have got close to the first but recover and show impressive scope to record a clear round. Cafre Quartermaster takes a disliking to fence two and after two refusals rider Alice Pimbley ends their round there.
Mia-Bella Long and Golden Glove have an unlucky pole down. It's a shame to see Olivia Minihane and Calcourt Victor take down fence four as apart from that the gelding looked to be jumping tremendously. Ginny Rose, second in the lightweights, brings the jumping portion of the class to a close with a smashing clear atop ABC Little Rock.
BSPS Heritage M&M Pretty Polly first ridden pony championship results
We have a winner in the Pretty Polly first ridden final and it's eight-year-old Isabella Dobson and Tryfel Royal Princess. Well done!!
Tryfel Royal Princess
Thistledown Lord Of Glencoe
Briar Puzzle
Crumpwell Harry Potter
Ceulan Steph
Glebedale Sirius
Rival V Stallion Polderzicht
Fieldcote Fly Away
In ring five, called back in for the heavyweight working hunter ride phase, we have:
ABC Little Rock
Calcourt Victor
Mulberry Lane
Loughview Verdis Dream
Golden Glove
MJM Laszlo
Omni Quality
Magnus Amor
Huntelaar
Stand by for Pretty Polly mini championship results…
Apologies for the short delay – technical gremlins in the system... but we are back
BSPS Heritage M&M supreme Pretty Polly mini championship results
Champion: Zara Constable and Glyncoch Honey Pot
Reserve: Isabella Dobson and Tryfel Royal Princess
The small division is the first of the amateur hunter championships to descend on ring two, and we have just a handful of rides to go. The first half of line-up after the pull is:
Randalstown Lord Sugar, Mr Cummins, Spirit King, Easter Bunny, Chase Me Charlie, Tiger Eye, Oaktree Daydream and Stockhill Dark Secret.
The Baileys Horse Feeds heavyweight working hunter championship results
Congratulations to Adam Taylor and Loughview Verdis Dream, winner of the heavyweight workers!
Loughview Verdis Dream
Mulberry Lane
MJM Laszlo
ABC Little Rock
Huntelaar
Calcourt Victor
Magnus Amor
Golden Glove
After three years at the top, Mulberry Lane and Craig Kiddier settle into the bridesmaid spot.
Small amateur hunter championship results
Amateur and home-produced, congratulations to our winners in the small hunters, Tara Robinson and Mr Cummins. They will go forward to the home-produced amateur hunter championship later on this afternoon, as well as the supreme amateur hunter championship.
Mr Cummins
Randalstown Lord Sugar
Easter Bunny
Spirit King
Chase Charlie
Tiger Eye
Oaktree Daydream
Stockhill Dark Secret
It was a super-special win in the amateur small hunter championship for 24-year-old Tara Robinson, who said her victory on Mr Cummins was "unbelievable".
"This is my first time doing horse classes. Before 'Basil' I'd only ever ridden my little Fell pony so it was a massive jump to do these classes – I'd never done horse classes or even ridden a horse this big before," said Tara. "But he's such a good boy, he looks after me and he's a true gent.
"I do all the work myself, I get him ready and work him in myself – but I couldn't do it without my mum, Paula. We're a mum and daughter team, totally home-produced, so it's just unbelievable. I'm so emotional! It's a dream come true! This is what we do it for!"
Not only will Tara return to the ring for the home-produced and supreme amateur hunter championships later this afternoon, but she's contesting the SSADL veteran in-hand final this weekend too, with her 25-year-old "little Fell pony" Hedgethorpe April Morning. Good luck!
Mr Cummins, RIHS small hunter winner, with rider Tara Robinson and mum Paula Robinson standing alongside
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
In ring five, riders are walking the course for the exceeding 143cm M&M working hunter pony championship (a little behind schedule – I think this was scheduled to start at midday) and the lightweight amateur hunters are in ring two.
A quick look at the amateur line-up post-pull (before I head to the International Arena for the supreme riding horse and working hunter championships) has the order as follows:
Scarlet Ribbons leads, then Strinesdale Marksman, Redshaw Valentino, Second Time Around, Bloomfield Silverado and Talisman I making up the top six for now.
Riding horse championship is in the International Arena now – as a reminder, we had Tremarl Timpani and Calcourt Soli from the large section, and Ladies Man and Absolutely Alluring from the small section. Results to follow shortly…
The De La Hey Family BSHA supreme riding horse championship results
Champion: Ladies Man (Jayne Ross) Reserve: Tremarl Timpani (Vicky Smith)
The Baileys Horse Feeds supreme working hunter championship results
Champion: Loughview Verdis Dream Reserve: Mulberry Lane
Lightweight amateur hunter championship results
I've made it back to ring two in time to catch the lightweight amateur hunter championship, and the winner is Francoise Babington riding Scarlet Ribbons – holding on to their title from last year. A massive well done to horse and rider!
Scarlet Ribbons
Strinesdale Marksman
Diptford Above Suspicion
Redshaw Valentino
Mountview Silver Fox
Glenkeeran Dance In The Deep
Bloomfield Silverado
Cookstown Cavello
The NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds exc 143cm M&M working hunter pony championship results
We finally have a winner in ring five, and it's a popular one! Winners of the over 143cm working hunter pony final are Gemma Pallett and Rockingham Jack. Well done Gemma!
Rockingham Jack
Lishnadrisha Tictac
Blakehill Paramour
Burnockmill Entertainer
Deerpark Millie
Rathvaldron Dun Pauric
Vermount Dan
Kildromin Van Persi
“I've had him since he was two years old, so this win means so much to me”: Gemma Pallett and Rockingham Jack are the over 143cm M&M working hunter pony champions
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
Back to ring two we go, this time to have a little look at the pull in the middleweight amateur hunters. Ride and conformation judging is under way, and here's how the line is shaping up after the judges' initial pull:
Ballykeely Cassanova
Say No More
Gunpowder Plot
Calcourt Victor
Rowel's Cole
Kinsales Irish Emerald
Appleton Aristocratic Lady
West Coast
I have a few minutes to watch the next class of M&M working hunter ponies – the 143cm section. We look to be most of the way through jumping: Cloherview Ozil and Georgia Darlington have an unlucky pole at the double at fence five and are eventually eliminated due to refusals at the water; stops at fence five result in elimination for Vikki Smith and Ebbw Golden Dragon; Lissarulla Duncan Peanut and Ffion Evans have a pole at fence five, but clear the water and manage to clear the rest of the course.
Vicky Casey and Frederiksminde Volcano are another combination to have refusals at fence five, but they splash through the water cautiously and are eliminated further on course for another refusal. Next in Isabelle Allen and Brock Lodge Ben clock up a refusal at fence five, then knock the pole at the first part of this double on their second attempt – they make it home in gutsy fashion, adding just one further pole down to their tally. Ella Eynon and Joyton Sunshine have a slip early on but they clear fence five, leap through the water and they're the first combination since I started watching to go clear!
Middleweight amateur hunter championship results
The penultimate class in the amateur hunter finals before we move on to championships, and it's Rose Bailey on Calcourt Victor who triumph this time! Congratulations!
Calcourt Victor
Rowel's Cole
Say No More
Too Close To The Flame
Gunpowder Plot
Ballykeely Cassanova
West Coast
Appleton Aristocratic Lady
The NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds 143cm M&M working hunter pony championship results
Quick dash back to ring five for the 143cm results and it's Izzie Williams on Mayfield Boy in the top spot. Well done!
Mayfield Boy
Ballinaguilkey Minstreal
Abbeyside Silver
Joyton Sunshine
Add Venture
Cairns Fergus
Pilleybailey Centurion
Clonad Rose
The 133cm M&M working hunters are under way now and first in Llanai Renaissance is eliminated for refusals at the water. Second in, Nutschullyng Little Monty is unfortunately eliminated for a rider fall – pony and rider walk away fine, if deflated. Third in, Peasedown Mambo, is super-cautious to the water and makes it further than those who have gone before – but is still eliminated for refusals in the latter part of the course. Corstan Royal Addition has two refusals at fence five, which brings their round to an end. Dunmar Bronze Penny makes it through fence five, has a pole at six, then refusals at seven – the water – and unfortunately rider Mia Dunne has a tumble. Completions, let alone clears, are proving hard to come by!
Pentrafelin Worththewait has a refusal at fence five but makes it over the second time, clears the water despite a little hesitation on the approach, but then unfortunately misses fence eight!
Next in Seiont Watcyn and Poppy Gresty look flawless to the water, where they have a refusal but get through on their next try – only to have a pole at eight. They have a refusal at the final fence and have a pole on second attempt... BUT we have our first completion!
Georgia Darlington's ride Glencierch Endeavour has two rails down but three refusals at the water result in elimination.
Rhydeilian Regan has one refusal at the water but with some positive forward riding they fly over it on second attempt. He and Jorgi Craigie give us a second completion!
Peasedown Maximilian is another to have a hesitation at the water but makes it over on second attempt, but two refusal at the penultimate fence – a double – ends their round.
Monksmead Jack Frost has a pole then three subsequent refusals lead to elimination.
Penters Story Teller hesitates on the approach to the water – I'm not sure if it'll count as a refusal – but gets home with no further issues and we have another completion!
As far as I can see, Lilly Richardson and Horeb Strike A Pose jump a lovely, flowing clear: no bother at the water, no upsets at either double and they make it home in style!
This is as much as my nerves can take – let's see how things are shaping up in the heavyweight amateur hunter final…
Heavyweight amateur hunter championship results
The final section of the amateur hunter weights and we have a winner! Huge congratulations to Jono Fryer and Dowdstown Purple, winners of this class in 2023 and 2024.
Dowdstown Purple
Face The Music
Cloughdean Eye Of The Tiger
Dearglach Lets Boogie2nite
Roll The Dice
Castlemorris Diamond
Jacob's Finn
Red Rhythm
Braithwaite Countryman
I'm back ringside at the working hunters and the final pony to go, Llanarth Windsor, refuses the water at first but a quick spin and he's over it at the second attempt. A determined round and a solid completion. Phew!
The home-produced amateur hunter championship results
Back at ring five for the workers and the 122cm M&M ponies look to be faring a little better! I catch the end of Anchor Lullaby's round, who got home safe and sound. Crumpwell Haddu certainly looked to jump clear, despite jockey Alexandra Babington losing a stirrup on the approach to the water. And I think that's another clear – at the very least a completion – for Delami Bravado!
A masterclass in forward riding from Lois Dickie on Meniecroft Red Rose: a pole and a hesitation at the water but a nice round regardless. Rose Cassapi Paskins steers Nantfforchog Blue Moonstar to an accomplished clear, followed by a similar feat for Isobel Radford Jones and Beros Silver Spirit.
The course is riding very differently for our smallest competitors, it's fair to say.
With plenty of grit and determination, Molly Hendy guides Liddesdale Echo round successfully but accumulate a few rails. Dartmoor Westown Wild Fire, winner of his open ridden final earlier on in the week, is eliminated at the penultimate fence due to refusals.
Some great riding on show from Olivia Bretherton on Rhesfair The Done – a lovely little jumper and a real attacking round! Pennal Sportsman is eliminated for refusals at the water; there's some confusion as to whether he's eliminated but Andrea Pearman rides him to complete the course regardless.
A few rails for Delami Aries and Dollie Incledon and a refusal at the water that they cleared on second attempt – to much celebration and pats for Aries. Well ridden.
Super-Exmoor Moonpenny Delphinus and Debbie Barker-Runiewicz deliver my round of the class so far – and fly the water! Hayesbrook Double Trouble also delivered a polished clear with nothing but a little glance at the water.
The final three: Thistledown Lucifer is eliminated, Crimond Nathaniel takes a bit of persuasion at the water but completes the course despite a refusal then a pole at the last, and Minydon Mascherano is unfortunately eliminated after three refusals.
Results to follow shortly...
The NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds 122cm M&M working hunter pony championship results
Another class of thrills (and a few spills) concludes, and our deserving winners are Hayesbrook Double Trouble and Libby James. A big well done!
Hayesbrook Double Trouble
Delami Bravado
Nantfforchog Blue Moonstar
Elberry Suilen
Moonpenny Delphinus
Dunkery Black Grouse
Rhesfair The Done
Crumpwell Haddi
The NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds supreme M&M working hunter pony championship results
And to finish off today's action...
Champion: Mayfield Boy Reserve: Hayesbrook Double Trouble
Congratulations to all connections.
That's me over and out for another day! The weekend begins with Irish Draughts, hacks, miniature horses, veterans and plenty more. I'll be back at 7.30am! See you then...
Saturday 25 July
The Irish Draughts are gathering by ring two and the small hacks are ready to step into ring five. That can mean only one thing… It's Saturday morning and I'm back at Hickstead ready to bring you all the results from the Agria Royal International Horse Show!
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
Margaret Hopkins is the ride judge for today’s hack classes. Our showing editor Bethan Simons caught up with her a few weeks ago to find out what she will be looking for...
For me, the hack class is one you need to watch to fully appreciate. Of course all of these horses make a stunning picture – and these are the best hacks in the country – but I'm not sure you can take in their elegance from a still image alone.
The following is shared with no judging experience, just a love of watching beautiful show animals, but these are a few I particularly liked on the go-round (I must stress, I think these are all stunning horses!):
Relaxed, smiling, swinging, I think Littletons Tiger Lily gets my vote for one I'd like to see in the final line-up.
Will Morton's ride, Time After Time, is another that catches my eye on the go-round. I've not seen a lot of this one before, but the Time 2 Reflect six-year-old has made a good first impression on me.
I think the beautiful coloured supreme from earlier on in the week Lostock Up Till Dark _ the epitome of "a good horse is never a bad colour" _ ought to be in with a shout. She has a real "ease" about her way of going and Harrison Taylor presents her beautifully.
So, we have an initial pull in the small hacks and it's Helen Baker and Boston Black Tie at the top of the line – and why wouldn't it be? This horse has won the class, and the hack tricolour, for the past two years and will be vying for a hat-trick. His reputation is deserved and he pulls off a perfectly polished show.
Second is Small-land Skylight (Kara Roylance), third is Honourable Bardot (Katie Jerram-Hunnable), fourth is Time After Time (Will Morton), fifth is Absolutely Lovely (Laura Nicholson), sixth is Dare To Dream II (Amanda Picillo), seventh is Louie Chantry (Adam Forster) and eighth is Lostock Up Till Dark (Harrison Taylor).
The pull in the pure-bred Irish Draughts final has yesterday's amateur heavyweight hunter champion, and the inaugural winner of this class in 2024, Dowdstown Purple at the top of the line, followed by Barnswood Skye Dancer, Mongorry Cormac, Love Joy, Moylough Saffron, Cloughdean Eye Of The Tiger and last year's winner Blarney Quercus.
Meanwhile in ring two, the small hack ride judging is under way – but I'm nipping down to the Roger Stack arena for the first Miniature Horse results of the day.
BMHS Miniature Horse three years old and over championship (colts/stallions) results
We have our first result of the day and it's a win for Daniel Tarpey at the bridle of Carole Lindsey's Royal Supreme H Red Hunter. Congratulations!
Royal Supreme H Red Hunter
Rosemont Dreamers Monsieur Rouge
Karosel Alamos Spot The Star
EPS Spirits First Ariodante
Scotts Olympic Dream
Ribbons Graffitis Smoking Legacy
British Horse Feeds & IDHS (GB) ridden full Irish Draught championship results
The judges have their results in ring two, too, and it's a huge congratulations to Jono Fryer and Dowdstown Purple, winners of a 19-strong Irish Draught final less than 24 hours after being crowned amateur heavyweight hunter champion.
Dowdstown Purple
Barnswood Skye Dancer
Blarney Quercus
Mongorry Cormac
Moylough Saffron
Greenhall Will I Am
Lion King
Cloughdean Eye Of The Tiger
In next: the part-bred Irish Draughts.
And now I am heading back to ring five for the conclusion of the small hack judging. The final horse has just done its conformation and riders are back in the saddles. Some final discussions between the judges are about to take place – watch this space...
The Ellena Thomas BSHA small hack championship results
Helen Baker and Nicola Faulconbridge's Boston Black Tie shine brightest as champions of a glittering small hack line-up. It's their third year winning this class – will they manage a hat-trick in the championship too?
Boston Black Tie
Absolutely Lovely
Honourable Bardot
Small-land Skylight
Littletons Tiger Lily
Time After Time
Louie Chantry
Babylove
Next up in ring five: the large hacks.
BMHS Miniature Horse three years old and over championship (mares) results
An emotional Sue Mettler leads the beautiful piebald eight-year-old Donabi UK Eagles Chantilly Lace to be crowned top mare (three years old and over). A massive congratulations to you both!
Donabi UK Eagles Chantilly Lace
Blackspirits Silver Dream
Model Farm UK Squirrel Nutkin
Model Farm UK It's Snow Time
Model Farm UK Royal Spirit
Aesthete Lavender Blue
Up in ring five and the large hacks have just finished their go-round.
Cleopatra and St Giles Devole had me with their walks – effortless and striding out. Can you win a class on a walk alone? Of course not and there's a lot of "class" to take place from here. But they have favour (with me) from first impressions.
I'd add Migration and Shildon's Plan B to my fantasy line-up after some trot and canter work – then finally Raemoir Let's Dance, Show Them George and Carrhouse Hidden Asset. It sounds like I'm hedging my bets but I'd say all the horses have settled into their jobs now and it's at this point I find it harder to separate them!
We have our large hack pull and it's Copybush So Fashion at the top. Diptford Arctic Star follows, then Show Them George, Cleopatra (though she had a rather unfortunate slip to end her individual show), Carrhouse Hidden Asset (will a couple of little disagreements going into canter count against them?), Roseberry Top Hat and Migration.
A few of my picks are up there – but when your shortlist comprises more than half of a 12-horse line-up, that may be to be expected.
It's all go here but we have the part-bred Irish Draught results in and it's a massive congratulations for Simon Reynolds and Polly Coles' My Dimond Solitair!
My Dimond Solitair
Waterfall
Greenhall All Business
Goosey Gander
Ballykeely Cassanova
Face The Music
Killea Silver Diamond
Bloomfield Bespoke
The part-bred Irish Draught winner is a gorgeous model! It's My Dimond Solitair, ridden by Simon Reynolds for owner Polly Coles.
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
BMHS Miniature Horse three years old and over championship (geldings) results
We have another winner in the Miniature Horses and it's Louise Edgar-Kingman and Apollos Golden Prince! Many congratulations Louise!
Daniel Tarpey has the magic touch in Miniature Horse ranks, leading a second superstar to the top of the line - this time it's Carole Lindsey's Maybe A Reign Star.
Maybe A Reign Star
Rosaphia Furys Faacination
Pandoras Conquistadors Conquest
Rosaphia Destiny Calls
Donabi UK Eagles Leading Last
Maybe Reigns Boy Next Door
Now in ring five are the small hunters – the go-round is complete and top of the line are Alice Homer and Tidy Town. They are followed by Annaghmore Huntress, Red Valentine, Freediezier, Atmospheric, SCT Master Of The Hounds, Tremarl Dark Arc and Ashlea's The Banker.
Sue Mettler said her win in the BMHS Three Years Old & Over Miniature Horse Championship (Mares) with Donabi UK Eagles Chantilly Lace was "simply phenomenal".
The pair were third at Horse of the Year Show last year and champion at the British Miniature Horse Society Spring Show, and this mini, mighty mare – all 79cm of her – means business in the show ring!
Sue Mettler with Donabi UK Eagles Chantilly Lace
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philot)
"To come here and do this is just amazing," said Sue, who now goes forward to the International Arena championship a little later on. "It's a lifetime of work to get to these shows.
"When you've grown up watching people riding at Hickstead as a child, to now be competing here let alone winning is simply phenomenal.
"We've had the opportunity to walk around the International Arena before but this year being able to compete in the championship is amazing."
One from earlier: Charlotte Wheatley and the gorgeous TLF Fandango, BMHS Miniature Horse two-year-old champion.
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
BMHS Mini Miniature Horse three years old and over mares championship results
The final Miniature Horse championship of the morning goes to the winner of our three years old and over mares, Donabi UK Eagles Chantilly Lace and Sue Mettler!
Donabi UK Eagles Chantilly Lace
268 Rosemont Dreamers Monsieur Rouge
Rosaphia Furys Fascination
Springtree Prince Alfred
Maybe Reigns Boy Next Door
Pandoras Conquistadors Vaquera
The intermediate show riding horses are now filling into ring two, but I'm heading down to the International Arena for the Miniature Horse championship. Results to come shortly!
The BMHS Miniature Horse supreme championship results
Champion: Maybe A Reign Star Reserve: Royal Supreme H Red Hunter
And now over in ring two, the judges have made their initial pull in the intermediate show riding horses. Top of the line is Ladies Man – riding horse champion here yesterday – followed by Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous, Tremarl Dark Lark, Absolutely Alluring, Ballarin Babette, Romanno Regal Appointment, Carrhouse Billie Jean and Sandboro Sir Henry.
The Culford Lodge Commodities small hunter championship top nine
We have our top nine in the small hunters but we'll have to wait a little longer to find out the final results, which will be revealed in the International Arena this afternoon (3.30pm). In catalogue order, heading down will be:
Atmospheric
Tidy Town
Irish Invention
Red Valentine
Freediezier
Marwyn Born To Wyn
Tremarl Dark Arc
Dunard Mirahs Boy
Ashlea's The Banker
Monarch In The Mist is pulled top in the maxi cobs – the latest class to descend on ring five. Lord Alexander is second, Indigo Jones third, Mr Popeye fourth (I liked this one on the go-round!), Cobsession fifth and Mr Milsean sixth.
I just missed the intermediate show riding horses – but I know that Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous moved up from second to take the win. Congratulations to Sophie O’Keeffe!
We're about halfway through the ride judging for the maxi cobs in ring five, and down in the Roger Stack arena we have just a handful of horses still to complete their shows before discussions begin to crown our winner in the SSADL ridden veteran championship. Meanwhile the intermediate show hacks are about to get under way in ring two...
A beautiful line-up of 21 horses and ponies in the veteran ridden final, but there can only be one winner - and it's Isabella Stagg and the 18-year-old mare Quite A Compliment!
Quite A Compliment
Inverin Paddy
Waitwith Santana
Briar Snowman
Kingswalk Moonraker
Moonstone Dance Refer
All That Jazz
Brickell Mr Pickwick
The Roger's Truck Services BSHA maxi cob championship results
Monarch In The Mist and Will Morton successfully defend their maxi cob title! Well done to you!
Monarch In The Mist
Indigo Jones
Cobsession
Lord Alexander
Mr Popeye
Harvey Star
Mr Milsean
Clononey Mighty Mick
Looking now to the intermediate show hack pull and it's Comberton Unique leading the way. Pulled second is Littletons Tiger Lily, then Louie Chantry, Le Nouvel Espirit, Dare To Dream II, Stockhill Strike Me A Pose and So Stylish. Just six rides to go until we'll have our results.
The Jackson Fine Homes Ltd BSPS intermediate show hack championship results
The next set of results is in and it's Littletons Tiger Lily who takes the top prize!
From one set of results to the next and this time it's the SSADL in-hand veteran championship. A huge congratulations to winners Danni Radford and her riding school star, last year's victors and this year's too!
Cushag Ffinlo
Shemika Snip
Pairc An Faoi Diamond
Millcroft Lustre
Blackthorn Poteen
Classic Night
Pinina Reef
Eyarth Braveheart
The Culford Lodge Commodities small hunter championship results
Finally, we have our winners! A huge congratulations to Alice Homer and Tidy Town, small hunter champions!
Congratulations to Danni Radford and her riding school star, Cushag Ffinlo
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
The Ellena Thomas BSHA supreme hack championship results
Champion: Boston Black Tie Reserve: Copybush So Fashion
The Harrison Civil Engineering BSPS lead-rein pony of hunter type championship results
Arabella Corrigan and Newoak Midnight Blue are the judges' pick for the lead-rein pony of hunter type, with Adam Forster leading. Congratulations!
Newoak Midnight Blue
Annandale Let's Dance
Rowfantina Kingfisher
Rowfantina Man Of The Match
Heniarth Gloucester
Ruso Something Perfect
Hafdre O'Malley
Penllech Sid
We're on the home stretch now, with just a couple of classes and championships to go! In ring two, it's the turn of the intermediate show hunters – and it seems "busy" suits Alice Homer, who rushed from intermediate riding horses, to the small hunters (which she duly won), and now back to ring two to be pulled top with her small winner Tidy Town. At the moment, they are followed by Diptford Mexico, Dunard Mirahs Boy, Russmond Lalla Rookh, Tarr Dauntless, Royal Illusion, Marwyn Born To Wyn and Griffinstown. It shouldn't be too long before we have a final result – just five ridden shows to go.
Horse of a lifetime is a term we hear often, but in the case of Isabella Stagg and her 18-year-old ridden veteran winner, it's definitely true.
Isabella has owned eventer "Holly" from a five-year-old, so their partnership spans 13 years. They're due to go to the British Riding Clubs horse trials championships at 80cm next week, but they've also been to Badminton grassroots four times and they were champion working show horse at the London International Horse Show in 2024.
Isabella Stagg with her ridden veteran winner Quite A Compliment
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
"That was just a dream come true," said Isabella reflecting on her London win. "I really didn't think she'd then have another championship win in her!"
Isabella says she's had health problems this year that have made riding difficult.
"I haven't been able to ride her as much as I'd like. But even when I've felt that I couldn't get out of bed, the thought of getting up to see Holly helps me get up in the morning. She's more than just a horse, she's my best friend."
Having only started showing when the For Compliment daughter turned 15, Isabella intends to keep going with Holly, adding that the born performer "loves a crowd, loves applause and lights up when she hears a microphone".
The Jackson Fine Homes Ltd BSPS intermediate show hunter championship results
Alice Homer and Tidy Town do the double! They were small hunter champions in the International Arena before this class, and they take home the sash in the intermediate show hunters too! Even more impressively, they're repeating the same feat from last year! Huge congratulations Alice!
Tidy Town
Diptford Mexico
Russmond Lalla Rookh
Royal Illusion
Griffinstown
Ashlea's The Banker
Chase Charlie
Cuddington Mayfair
The Jackson Fine Homes Ltd BSPS supreme intermediate championship results
My final stop of the day: ring five! The last pony is completing its ridden show in the first ridden pony of hunter type final, so we shouldn't be too far off the final class results of the day – then onto the mini pony of hunter type championship!
The Harrison Civil Engineering BSPS first ridden pony of hunter type championship results
It's the inaugural running of this popular class and out of 22 immaculate first ridden ponies of hunter type, it's Amelia Logan and Garnagree Golden Bravado who take the win. Very well done, and well ridden, Amelia!
Garnagree Golden Bravado
Newoak St Dominic
Newoak Pumpkin Spice
Gryngallt Prima Donna
Gryngallt Page Too
Brynrodyn Hidalgo
Annandale Fireball
Woodend Coco
The Harrison Civil Engineering BSPS supreme mini pony of hunter type championship results
Champion: Newoak Midnight Blue Reserve: Annandale Let's Dance
The sun sets on the penultimate day of the Agria Royal International Horse Show 2026! I'll be back at 7.30am tomorrow, ready for the final day: show ponies, cobs, the ridden supremes and plenty more!
Sunday 26 July
It's the final day of the Royal International Horse Show, let's go!
First into ring two are the plaited lead-rein ponies, in ring three we'll have the 148cm show ponies and in ring five it's the turn of the lightweight cobs.
I'm parked up at ring five for the time being – let's see if I can spot a winner in the cobs!
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
I'd written down a whole host of back numbers of the horses who'd impressed me the most in the lightweight cobs but once again it's most of the class... But the ones who came up a few times were Foxtrot, Mr Vincent, Red Dove and Redy Steady Eddie _ purely for the fact they look content, relaxed and like something I'd like a sit on.
Although if it were on gallop alone, it'd be Stretcholt He's Cob Rhythm or Tinakelly Scooby!
We have our initial pull from the lightweight cob judges, and it's Mr Vincent at the top. Then Red Dove, Redy Steady Eddie, Red Butler and Mr Bear.
Looking at the 148cm show pony line-up now and it's Roseberry Picture Perfect leading the way. Shildons Royal Scoundrel, Cleapatra, Shildon's Regal Heir, Tandridge True Gold, KBF Bulgari, Wedgeknock Song Of Morning and Shildons Royal Affair follow.
A peek over the fence to ring two for the plaited lead-reins and it's four-year-old Elmswood Penny Royal ridden by Naomi Lear who's been pulled top, followed by Royalview Gossip Girl, Royalview Secret Agent, Megland Spring Fox, Hightopps Black Magic, Derwent Dream Boy, Sandboro Sugar Tot then Colandra Meant To Be.
But now it's time for the 148cm show pony results! The judges are having their final discussions, stay tuned…
The BSPS 148cm show pony championship
The first results of the day and it's a win for Roseberry Picture Perfect and Lilly Ahern, in a very strong class!
Roseberry Picture Perfect
Shildon's Regal Heir
Shildon's Royal Scoundrel
Shildon's Royal Affair
Laybalands Fly By Night
Dibynn Miss Congeniality
Tandridge State Affair
Diptford Graceful
The cobs are still completing ride/conformation so I should have time to squeeze in the plaited lead-rein results before dashing back for the lightweight cob results. The first riddens and heavyweight cobs will follow, then the 138cm show ponies are in the ring from 9am.
Well done Sienna Chadwick! Winner of the lead-rein show ponies with Megland Spring Fox!
Megland Spring Fox
Royalview Gossip Girl
Elmswood Penny Royal
Hightopps Black Magic
Sandboro Sugar Tot
Somersham Playboy
Newall Prince Charming
Cosford Glamorize
The Surrey Envelopes BSHA lightweight cob championship
Danielle Heath and Isabella Mears Wood's Mr Vincent – winners of this class last year too – are the judges' choice for the lightweight cob spoils. Congratulations!
Mr Vincent
Redy Steady Eddie
Tinakelly Scooby
Red Dove
Red Butler
Percival
Mr Bear
Foxtrot
A big dose of cute to start off your Sunday morning!
Laura Holly with five-year-old Sienna Chadwick on the Rachael Helliwell-produced four-year-old Megland Spring Fox – or "Freddie Fox" to his friends – winners of this morning's show pony lead-rein.
They did just the one qualifier, which they won, and then today they won the final.
"He really looks after Sienna in the ring. He's a really sweet pony, he literally needs no working in, he just comes into ring and performs beautifully!"
Laura Holly with five-year-old Sienna Chadwick on four-year-old lead-rein show pony Megland Spring Fox
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
About half way through the shows for the 138cm show ponies and at the top of the line this time it's Lilly Ahern – winner of the 148cm class – and Stanley Grange Crescendo. Second currently is Brookvale Lord Hexham, then Hightopps Someone Smart, Centurion Prince Regent, Dowhills Grandeur and Rhos Equinox.
Meanwhile top of the line in the first ridden show ponies is Barkway Alfie Moon, ridden by Margot Hartland. Then it's Hepplewood Rain Dancer, Archwood Finley and Fielden Real Mccoy.
We're due to get our results here in ring two shortly, then it'll be the 138cm results and hopefully the heavyweight cobs.
Dallamires Stables BSPS first ridden pony championship
A huge congratulations to Archwood Finley and Scarlett Smith, winners of the first ridden show pony championship over here in ring two, taking home that coveted blue RIHS sash!
Archwood Finley
Hepplewood Rain Dancer
Chaseford Tip-Top
Diptford Peter Pan
Littmere Isadora
Cosford Valour
Chaseford Charismatic
Broadhurst Jeremy Fisher
The BSPS 138cm show pony championship
And in ring three we have a new set of results too! A hard-fought battle in a wonderful class of 23 pristinely presented 138cm show ponies, but the winner's rosette is awarded to Aimee Baldwin and the beautiful dun Hightopps Someone Smart.
Hightopps Someone Smart
Stanley Grange Crescendo
Rhos Equinox
Brookvale Lord Grantham
Wycroft Forget Me Not
Whiteleaze Debutante
Rotherwood Maestro
Mount Pleasant Silver Charm
Team photo! The Jinks Show Team wins the first ridden show ponies with Archwood Finle) and the 138cm show ponies with Hightopps Someone Smart
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
The Surrey Envelopes BSHA heavyweight cob championship
Will Morton claimed the maxi cobs yesterday and he takes the heavyweights today with Bannview So Smart. Will he be crowned "King of the Cobs" in the International Arena later – against last year's champion Mr Vincent? It'll be an exciting watch!
Bannview So Smart
Carter's Top Gun
Hortons Rainman
Firespell
Bobbi Dazzler
Morrows Highwayman
Hortons Valentine
Libertys Moon Dancer
Dallamires Stables BSPS supreme mini pony championship
Over to the 128cm show ponies: Frank Newbould and Serene Royal Prince Charming are pulled top currently as we approach half way through the individual shows over in ring three. As it stands, they're ahead of Kellythorpes Tiny Dancer, Archwood Dance All Night, Stoneleigh Show Time, Royalview Chanel and Barkway Blue Moon.
I'm carving out a few minutes to watch the Young Dragonara riders championship.
Show pony Ecclesbourne Byron Bay is first out and rider Alice Townsend executes a serpentine as part of her show, making a canter change through trot in one loop and moving down to walk through the next before doing an extension down the long side.
Cadlanvalley Topman shows similar finesse, using a figure of eight to showcase their changes of rein and leads.
Updown Dante and William Hall make their bid with a bolder, standout extension down the long side but are cursed with a change of lead part way through.
Hunter pony Annandale Toy Soldier picks up the correct canter lead on the straight down the long side with Georgia Canton-Davies, then shows off smooth changes through a three-loop serpentine before pulling off an accomplished extension.
Charlotte Turner is a neat little rider, sitting atop Newoak Pumpkin Spice, looking polished as they complete a three-loop serpentine, with a walk transition included before picking up canter again and completing their show with an extension.
Coloured pony Penrock Perfect Puzzle produces a beautiful flowing show. Faith Sturrock, too, opts to pick up canter on the long side and rides a canter serpentine with neat simple changes over the centre line. They produce a polite extension to finish.
That's our top six as it stands – but it's an exciting class to watch with riders on a mix of types of ponies. The leaderboard may well all change!
The BSPS 128cm show pony championship
One of the most successful show ponies in recent years, nine-year-old Stoneleigh Show Time takes the 128cm title for a second year with Isabella Walker. Congratulations!
They were show pony supreme (and overall pony supreme) last year – will we see a repeat of this in the International Arena?
Stoneleigh Show Time
Archwood Dance All Night
Kellythorpes Tiny Dancer
Rowden Hollywood
Hightopps Sophistication
Royalview Chanel
Barkway Blue Moon
Rhos Ebony
In ring five, it's the turn of the amateur maxi cobs – and pulled first after the go-round is A Red Knight for Carly Day-Greenslade. Next is The Pink Panda, then Lady Woods Cracker, Cloughdean Captain's Order, The Watchman and Mister Quinn.
The Badleybridge BSPS Young Dragonara riders championships
Coming all the way from west Wales, congratulations to Georgia Canton-Davies and Annandale Toy Soldier, winners of the second ever Young Dragonara final!
Annandale Toy Soldier
Newoak Pumpkin Spice
Penrock Perfect Puzzle
Ecclesbourne Byron Bay
Battlestown Jenny
Gryngallt Page Too
Cloneyogan Guy
Valentine Siw
Surrey Envelopes BSHA supreme cob championship
The four forward in the cob championship looked glorious in the International Arena with the sun on their backs.
To remind you, we had lightweights Mr Vincent and Redy Steady Eddie versus heavyweights Bannview So Smart and Carters Top Gun — all four multigarlanded — and all four went beautifully.
BUT, there can only be one champion and Mr Vincent successfully defended his crown, ridden by Danielle Heath
Reserve goes to Ready Steady Eddie and Caroline Mackness.
The BSHA amateur maxi cob championship
Congratulations Carly Day-Greenslade, all the way from Swansea, winners of the amateur maxi cob championship with A Red Knight!
A Red Knight
Lady Woods Cracker
The Pink Panda
Shannonvalley Dougal
Mister Quinn
Darrowby Crusador
Top Gun
The Nights Watch
Young Dragonara champions Georgia Canton-Davies and Annandale Toy Soldier
(Image credit: Future/Rebecca Philpot)
In the Barberstown Castle Supreme Ridden Horse Championship, judges John Churgey, Richard Ramsay and Annette Harries have their work cut out.
First up for shows, Robert Walker made the most of hunter champion Full Cry’s manners and two super gallops to score a 10, 8, and a 9 so a total of 27.
Second was Jayne Ross with riding horse champion Ladies Man. They pulled the moves out of the bag with walk to canter, rein back and a lovely relaxed walk in the middle before a cracking gallop along the front and a wave to the crowd to score 10, 7 and 8 for a total of 25.
Arab champion LVA Winters Rascal and Will Morton go third. They floated around the ring and gave a cracking gallop before Will removed his top hat and dropped his rein to stand. They scored 9, 8 and 8 earning them 25.
Fourth to go in the horse supreme was Loughview Verdis Dream and showjumper Adam Taylor, who again gave stonking gallops. Adam also cantered one handed and removed his hat as he came down through the gears to stand. They earned 9, 9 and 7, so another on 25.
Fifth to go was Danielle Heath and Mr Vincent, the newly crowned cob champion. She showed off his manners with a series of lovely canter transitions followed by a walk to canter and two good gallops, with Danielle egging on the crowd to cheer. They scored 8, 8 and 7 leaving them on 23.
Last was Helen Baker with hack champion Boston Black Tie. Helen set off one-handed. He reinbacked, walked to canter one-handed then gave some super-relaxed canter loops. Finally his TB roots came to the fore as he extended along the front. They finished with a free walk on a long rein to halt for a score of 10, 9 and a 9 so we have a winner!
Supreme horse champion: Boston Black Tie, ridden by Helen Baker
Reserve supreme horse: Full Cry, ridden by Robert Walker
In ring three, the Pretty Polly mixed breeds have had their initial pull in, and the top of the pack includes:
Tam O'Shanter King O' The Glens, Abbeyvale Higher Love, Purewell Poppy Lou – a winner in amateur ranks earlier on in the week too – Erwfforch Carwyn, Foxheys Fire Spell and Copperbeech Emperor.
Stoneleigh Showtime and Izzy Walker made a bid to defend their 2025 title in the BSPS supreme show pony championship, and got as far as winning the 128cm division.
But the championship headed up north to Yorkshire with 148cm division winner Roseberry Picture Perfect reclaiming his 2023 crown, this time with Lilly Ahern in the saddle.
Reserve went to Team Jinks’ second placed 148cm Shildons Regal Heir ridden by Livie Smith.
The BSPS Pretty Polly Heritage mixed breeds championship
Congratulations to Scarlett Rose Whitehurst, winner of the Pretty Polly Heritage mixed breed championship on Welsh section D Abbeyvale Higher Love!
Abbeyvale Higher Love
Erwfforch Carwyn
Mattsfield I See Fire
Purewell Poppy Lou
Nipna Outrageous
Kincardine Uist
Tam O'Shanter O'The Glens
Copperbeech Emperor
Eight ponies came forwards for judging in the Supreme Products Supreme Pony Championship for The Dick Saunders Trophy.
First to give a show was Harrison Taylor with the tobiano mare Lostock Up Till Dark, who were coloured supremes. They gave an extremely mannerly show with lots of super-smooth transitions up and down through the gears and a lovely gallop before Harrison removed his hat to come back through the gears to a stand.
They got a 9, 9 and a 7 for a total of 25.
Second was former reserve supreme, Newoak Midnight Blue, ridden by Arabella Corrigan and led by Adam Forster, who were mini show hunter pony champions. Arabella touched the fence while he stood stock still, then waved at the crowd as they trotted around. Throughout the changes, this pony didn’t turn a hair out of place.
They scored a 10, an 8 and an 8 for 26.
Third to go was M&M champion Garlance Flash Jack with Robyn Jane Hadland. He showed power and flair and plenty of native character while giving a mannerly display including simple changes through a serpentine and a great gallop on both reins. The judges awarded them a 9, an 8 and another 8 for 25 marks in total.
Fourth up was the newly crowned show pony champion Roseberry Picture Perfect and Lilly Ahern. They started with some classy canter loops along the front. They looked a stunning combination – classy and mannerly – finishing with a free walk and a stand on a completely loose rein.
Scores of an 8, 9 and 8 for them for 25 in total.
Fifth to go in the Supreme Products Supreme Pony Championship for The Dick Saunders Trophy was super-cute working hunter pony champion Noble Peppermint and nine-year-old Connie Hutton. They gave a lovely gallop with ears pricked and a huge smile on Connie’s face.
Scores of 10, 7 and a 9 for them, gave them 26.
Archwood Finley and Scarlett Smith, the mini show pony champions, also looked so very cute going sixth in this championship. Again, lots of very smooth changes up and down through the gears and from left to right reins. They concluded again with a lovely balanced walk to score 8, 8 and 10. A third on 26!
The penultimate combination was Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous and Sophie O’Keefe, the intermediate champions. Sophie showed off his manners, adjusting her jacket before going into a canter figure of eight – half with just one hand – and a balanced extension along the front. They then came back to walk, executed a lovely walk to canter and a lovely gallop along the front. A lovely lengthened trot before a walk and a halt scored them a 6, a 7 and an 8 for 21.
Finally, the turn of show hunter pony champion Sutton Grange Fancy That and Isla Smith. A lovely ground-covering display of paces with ears pricked from this 143cm and a great gallop, but with an unfortunate slip and change of legs to balance. A second gallop on the other rein saw no such problems. A flicky-toed display in trot – with some of it one-handed – to conclude their show for a 9, a 9 and a 9 for the title!
We have a supreme pony – it’s show hunter pony Sutton Grange Fancy That and Isla Smith, who’ll travel home to Scotland a very happy girl indeed!
RIHS judge Margaret Hopkins has already been busy this morning assessing how the amateur maxi cobs ride. This afternoon she will be judging the ride for the working show horses, and the conformation phase in the intermediate working hunter pony. Find out what nuggets she shared with our showing editor Bethan Simons when they caught up before the show.
The cradle stakes workers come to an end and it's a win for Poppy Rowlands and Delami Bravado – massive congratulations Poppy!
Delami Bravado
Ysselhofs Hallmark
Rowfantina Millionaire
Hayesbrook Double Trouble
Elberry Suilen
Brackenrigg Izaak
Beros Silver Spirit
Godebog Olly Murs
The Topham-Barnes BSHA amateur riding horse championship
And over in ring two now we have another result. Congratulations to the amateur riding horse champions, Absolutely Fashion and Helen Whiteley-John. Best of 21 fabulous horses forward!
Absolutely Fashion
Brook Patats
Ballarin Babette
Jupiter C
Believe The Dream
Tiger's Legacy
Peerless
Donner Tan
The amateur hacks are in ring two and I made it for the go-round! St Giles Devole, Babylove, Royal Regatta and Bassingfield Dark Secret would be my picks, for sheer effortlessness, expression and being the horses I'd most like to sit on.
And after the judges' pull, the line-up looks like this: Royal Regatta, St Giles Devole, Bassingfield Dark Secret, Stanley Grange Smokey Bay, Carrhouse Jersey Girl, Oaktree Dance After Dark, Bobby Brown, Jack Of Hearts and Forgeland Out Of The Blue.
The BSPS Pretty Polly mixed height show pony championship
In ring three the judges have decided on their winners in the Pretty Polly mixed height show ponies, and it's Ecclesbourne Byron Bay and Alice Townsend who take home the winner's sash. Congratulations!
Ecclesbourne Byron Bay
Popplebee Temptation
KBF Bulgari
Shanrye Finley
Hightopps Hello Sunshine
Valentine Siw
Parkhills The Special One
Valentine Peregrin
The Topham-Barnes BSHA amateur hack championship
Helen Whiteley-John does it again. With Royal Regatta, she claims the amateur hack spoils. A great day!
Royal Regatta
Stanley Grange Smokey Bay
Oaktree Dance After Dark
Bassingfield Dark Secret
St Giles Devole
Babylove
Carrhouse Jersey Girl
Forgeland Out Of The Blue
The BSPS Pretty Polly mixed height show hunter pony championship
It’s the final Pretty Polly class of the show and Thistledown Ginger Nut takes the top spot, ably piloted by Esther Tilbury. Congratulations!
Thistledown Ginger Nut
Newoak Jersey Girl
Moonstone Dance Fever
Stanley Grange Distraction
Annandale Toy Soldier
Annandale High Hopes
Cloneyogan Guy
Littebyrom Limited Edition
The BSPS working hunter pony nursery stakes
It's been a wonderful week for Team Parker, and they finish their week with a nursery stakes victory. Well done Owen Parker and Rushhill Diplomat!
Rushhill Diplomat
Skellorn Aventus
Killiskey Magic
Dumbles Granderas Last
Cuffnells Goldenrod
Nellfield Blueboy
Peasedown Mambo
Penters Story teller
The BSPS supreme mini working hunter pony championship
There's plenty of action still to come here this afternoon – in ring five the intermediate working hunters are getting under way, with the working show horse final still to come. In ring three, it's time for the Pretty Polly championship. And in ring two, the amateur hunters are half way through their class, before the amateur home-produced supreme and the overall amateur supreme take place!
The BSPS Pretty Polly supreme championship
It was a clean sweep for the Pretty Polly mixed height show ponies.
Champion: Ecclesbourne Byron Bay Reserve: Popplebee Temptation
The ridden Anglo Arabs and part-bred Arabs will be taking centre stage in about 15 minutes – the final class to take place in ring three.
We've reached the latter half of the ride judging in ring two for the amateur cobs, with a total of 20 horses forward. At the top of the line after the pull is Randalstown Aristocrat, followed by Hortons Valentine, Red Butler, Kincullia Major, Victor I and Stretcholt He's Cob Rhythm.
The part-bred and Anglo Arabs have now completed their go-round and the judges have given their pull:
Tandridge State Affair leads the way, but behind we have Monivea Mozart, Shildon's Regal Heir, Honourable Bardot, Serene Royal Prince Charming, Howetown Holly's Legacy, Rotherwood Fancy That, Stanley Grange Crescendo, Tandridge True Gold and Cleapatra.
The Topham-Barnes BSHA amateur cob championship
Very well done Lisette-Marie Roberts and Randalstown Aristocrat, winners of the amateur cobs in our final class of the day in ring two – just two championships to follow.
Randalstown Aristocrat
Red Butler
Victor1
Hortons Valentine
Stretcholt He's Cob Rhythm
Marble Arch II
The Grenadier
Silverwoods
The Topham-Barnes BSHA home-produced amateur championship
Champion: Oaktree Dance After Dark Reserve: Bassingfield Dark Secret
The BSPS intermediate working hunter championship
The penultimate class of the day in ring five and it goes to Imogen Philp riding Lenney Mcmanus. Well done Imogen!
Lenney Mcmanus
Liberties Lad
Carnsdale Mr Sox
Heatseeker
Orneta
Ferrero S'Allumer
Moorland Whiteriver
Tempest Alexander Kim
The Topham-Barnes BSHA supreme amateur championship
And it's the cobs that come out on top among the amateurs. Congratulations!
Champion: Randalstown Aristocrat Reserve: Red Butler
The Equine Show Pro BSPS Anglo and part-bred Arab ridden championship
And so we have the results for the Anglo and part-bred ridden championship – the last class in ring three – and the winner is Mia Whittaker riding Tandridge State Affair. Congratulations!
Tandridge State Affair
Monivea Mozart
Shildon's Regal Heir
Honourable Bardot
Howetown Holly's Legacy
Stanley Grange Crescendo
Rotherwood Fancy That
Tandridge True Gold
Just one showing class to go at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show and it's the working show horses. The class is under way…
The Gallifrey BSHA working show horse championship
In our final championship of the show, Oliver Hood and Firespell take the working show horse title for a third year on the bounce Congratulations!
Firespell
Sixties Icon
Sky
Milo (Billy Boy)
NPS Hope
Rosscon Sherlock
Bettina's Dream
The Granite Way
That's it from a wonderful Agria Royal International Horse Show. Thank you for following along! Make sure you pick up your copy of Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 30 July, for our full report on the show.
If you enjoyed our live reports, do let us know by emailing hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine. We’d also love to hear your highlights of the show.
