When Winston Churchill visited the Royal International, and other standout showing highlights from Hickstead’s history
I’ve picked out some special moments from years gone by – how many can you remember?
With top-notch showing on offer in one of the nation’s most beloved arenas, there have been some cracking moments and great memories at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.
Epic moments at Royal International
In no particular order, here are a few of my favourites to whet your appetite ahead of this year’s fixture.
“A super show combination”
With two contenders – the mountain and moorland (M&M) and show pony champions – on the same marks, it was all to play for in the 2018 pony supreme.
In a nail-biting ride-off, Melanie Stanford and her daughter Gemma’s Highland stallion Benbreac Of Croila and Matt Cooper rose to the occasion, and remain the only M&M champions to lift the title.
Benbreac Of Croila and Matthew Cooper are supreme champions in 2018
Matt and the then 11-year-old gave a stunning performance to demonstrate Benbreac’s impeccable manners despite torrential rain and soggy ground conditions.
“He’s a dream ride and I think the weather and the occasion helped us as he just ploughed on regardless and he loves a big atmosphere,” said Matt at the time.
Looking back, Gemma agrees. “That ring and that atmosphere was made for Benbreac, and the ride-off really played to our strengths. Matt is so competitive and the more people cheered the more Benbreac loved it. Together the pair of them were a super show combination.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“I remember that week so clearly. There was a heatwave at the beginning and we were working so hard to keep him comfortable with ice packs and so on. Then it poured for the supreme – two extremes.”
“A magical day”
The poignant moment that the late legendary showman Allister Hood retired from the arena hand-in-hand with his wife Anne marked the end of an era for showing.
Earlier, he had been presented with his ninth supreme trophy aboard the twice-supreme Our Cashel Blue after the pair scored a perfect 30/30 for their sparkling individual performance.
Once crowned, Blue was led from the ring and show director Lizzie Bunn presented Allister with an engraved crystal, he removed his jacket and left the arena through a guard of honour.
Allister Hood retired in 2021.
“Allister loved Hickstead – that main ring is so special to ride in – so early in the year he formed a plan to retire there,” said Anne.
“We took Blue to one local show to qualify and it worked out so well. He was champion coloured on the Tuesday – Allister’s dialysis days were Monday, Wednesday and Friday – and returned for the supreme.
“Hickstead and Lizzie went above and beyond. It was a magical day. A day we never thought would happen so it was extremely special and very emotional.”
Cob’s prime ministerial moment
Winston Churchill took time out from his second term to visit the show then known as the International Horse Show. He’s photographed with multigarlanded Alexander, who was champion cob thrice on the trot.
Churchill was a famously keen horseman, and his name remains synonymous with the crème de la crème at the show as his eponymous trophy is still presented to the supreme champion horse, making it one of the most coveted of the fixture.
Winston Churchill meets three-time champion cob Alexander.
It’s believed it was first presented by Mr Holland Martin in Churchill’s honour in 1949 to the famous hack combination, Liberty Light and Count Orssich, who “entranced the public” according to a H&H report of the event. In those days, the supreme was judged “entirely by the acclamation of the onlookers”, at the time and he “received the greatest number of claps.”
“A flag-flying moment”
Now, pony champions vie for the Dick Saunders trophy, presented in honour of the late legendary figure in their own supreme. But once upon a time, they were pitted against the horses.
Dick was judging alongside Nick Skelton and Sarah Sutton in 1993 when show pony champion Royal Bronze became the first pony to outshine the horses. The Team Hollings-produced 148cm was ridden to glory by owner Anna Evans.
Royal Bronze became the first pony to take the supreme title ahead of the horses in 1993.
“The atmosphere was electric,” recalls Stuart Hollings. “Royal and legendary cob Super Ted were on equal points after their individual shows and had to go again. Royal ended his show with a great gallop to capture the title after gaining two 10s and a nine compared to Super Ted’s one 10 and two nines.”
Six-time Royal International and four-time Horse of the Year Show champion Super Ted had already cemented his place in history at this point, so “that day was a flag-flying moment for pony showing”, adds Stuart.
What’s on this year at Royal International?
- There are showing championships galore across the six days, with the best of these competing in the Barberstown Castle supreme ridden horse and the Supreme Products supreme pony championships on the final Sunday.
- The Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain, the JCL Insurance Brokers Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup are just three highlights from the showjumping ring.
- Plus there’s arena eventing, scurry driving, cross-pole jumping and a shopping village, bars, restaurants, children’s entertainment and hospitality options to enjoy, with “Style Saturday” a hugely popular competition for anyone who likes to dress up.
How to follow the action
The Agria Royal International takes place at The All England Jumping Course at Hickstead in West Sussex from 21–26 July. For more information on Royal International tickets, visit hickstead.co.uk
Horse & Hound will be creating extensive online coverage including breaking news, exclusive interviews and expert insight, in addition to what will be included in the magazine report (on sale 30 July).
- To stay up to date with the latest news and reports throughout Royal International Horse Show, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website
Bethan joined Horse & Hound as showing editor in January 2025, after spending two years as Editor for Showing World. Having adored ponies since childhood, she started showing as a teenager and has enjoyed wins at major shows up and down the country, including Royal Highland, New Forest, and the Royal Welsh, as well as HOYS, RIHS and London. She is particularly passionate about Welsh breeds and is also a Welsh language commentator.