Connie Hutton, aged nine, rode Noble Peppermint to be crowned LG Show Team O'Donnell Family BSPS Supreme Working Hunter Pony champion at Agria Royal International 2026.
Nine-year-old Connie Hutton claimed the LG Show Team O'Donnell Family BSPS Supreme Working Hunter Pony Championship aboard the outstanding Noble Peppermint (Pepper) at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show.
The 16-year-old mare, owned by Connie's mother Sarah Hutton, qualified for the supreme after winning the 133cm working hunter pony championship.
Already one of the sport's most decorated working hunter ponies, Pepper added another prestigious Hickstead title to her illustrious record that includes the 2022 Horse of the Year Show Supreme Pony of the Year. She won at the same class at Royal International back in 2019 under Ruby Ward, and has now returned to the top with another junior rider.
"I was so scared because it was my first time jumping here," said Connie. "But she made me feel so safe. Then going into the big ring with the horses was really nerve-racking, but the gallop was such fun."
Sarah Hutton reflected on the pair's impressive season, which began with qualification at the first 133cm qualifier of the year at Northallerton before securing their first Horse of the Year Show ticket at Midlands County.
"They've had a brilliant season," she said. "Now I just want them to enjoy the rest of it before we start thinking about preparing for HOYS."
LG Show Team O'Donnell Family BSPS Supreme Working Hunter Pony reserve supreme champion
Reserve supreme honours went to Moorland Whiteriver Grey, ridden by Isabella Stanley and owned by Samantha Stanley. By Moorland Snowy River out of Grey Rock Misty, the 13-year-old Connemara gelding qualified after winning the 153cm Working Hunter Pony Championship.
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"He's just incredible," said Isabella. "He's my horse of a lifetime. When I think about everything we've achieved together – winning the intermediates here last year, finishing second at HOYS in 2024, representing England for the past two years, and then winning and taking the championship at Windsor this year – it's just amazing."
Isabella Stanley describes Moorland Whiteriver Grey as her "horse of a lifetime"
Kim is a Scotland-based freelance equestrian journalist who writes for Horse & Hound and The Scottish Farmer, reporting from many of the UK’s leading showing championships, including the Royal International Horse Show, Horse of the Year Show, Royal Highland Show and Royal Windsor Horse Show. Alongside her journalism, Kim produces and campaigns show ponies for her daughter, Charlotte, giving her first-hand insight into the sport from both a competitor’s and reporter’s perspective.
