They might be the smallest of the British native breeds but don’t be fooled, a quality Shetland pony is more than capable of taking home a top title in the show ring.
Here are seven stunning pint-sized Shetties and their jockeys we captured last show season:
1. Firle Giorgio
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Sophie Turner rode Debbie Barr’s six-year-old chestnut stallion to qualify for Olympia at the BSPS Heritage championships after standing third in the semi-final. The pair also qualified for the Royal International (RIHS) where they also finished third.
2. Wells Reliance
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
The 12-year-old stallion was crowned breed champion at the Royal Highland Show, before winning the overall supreme title for the best of Scotland’s native horse breeds.
3. Briar Snowman
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
The ultra-consistent gelding — who was also second at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in the first ridden final the week previous — was crowned mini supreme at the Hertiage championships with Lily Richardson in the saddle, one of the many overall accolades they won last year.
4. Carmilo Magician
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
The seasoned working hunter contender — pictured here at South of England — claimed first place in both his 122cm worker finals at HOYS and RIHS with usual partner Bea Shepherd.
5. Sharptor Bellisima
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Janey Godfrey—Faussett rode the 10-year-old to second place in the HOYS first ridden qualifier at the New Forest and Hampshire county show. The mare was also a HOYS lead-rein finalist with Freddie Finlayson-Briant.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
6. Zennur Saffron
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
The mannerly chestnut and Jasmine Wharton qualified for the RIHS open first ridden final at NPS Scotland spring show before standing overall mini champions.
7. Lotuspoint Cassius
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Another big winner at the BSPS Heritage championships was the pretty gelding and Olivia Brightmore who qualified for Olympia, stood Heritage restricted and open ridden champions and landed the supreme of show honours.
For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday
Would you like to read Horse & Hound’s independent journalism without any adverts? Join Horse & Hound Plus today and you can read all articles on HorseandHound.co.uk completely ad-free
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Former H&H showing editor and deputy features editor
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
