One of the highlights of the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) is undoubtedly the working hunter classes and the native pony finals are some of the most hotly-contested of the show. To jump the RIHS M&M working hunter pony course, ponies must possess bravery, scope and true native spirit.
The NPS/Supreme Products supreme M&M working hunter pony championship classes are split into four height sections; 12hh, 13hh, 14hh and exceeding 14hh. All M&M breeds can compete, and there is no age limit on the riders.
H&H’s showing editor walked this year’s exceeding 14hh course, designed by esteemed course designer Kevin Millman and held in Irish Horse Board ring five.
Could your native pony take on this course in the future?
RIHS M&M working hunter pony course: exceeding 143cm/14hh
1.
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Welcome to the NPS/Supreme Products supreme M&M working hunter pony championship! Kicking off the course is a neat oxer with a solid filler to the front. Heading towards the crowd, this should be a nice introduction to the 12-fence track.
2.
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A right turn and down the hill to the second fence — a skinny pair of planks. This has two options and riders will need to sit the ponies up due on the descent.
3.
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Sweeping to the right after the second fence and the third challenge is a decorated green oxer.
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4.
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The first water jump of the course sits at four. The water-tray lies underneath two black planks with a white pole on top
5 A & B.
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A unique complex making use of Hickstead’s famous permanent wall. Riders jump over 5A before sitting up and riding a left hand turn around the wall towards 5B.
6.
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The bullfinch. Lots of leg and gusto will be required to clear this magnificent fence.
7.
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Knees up over this meaty oxer with a brush to the back.
8.
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Competitors will head up the hill to the eighth effort of the course.
9.
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A rustic wall with two poles above.
10.
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Another water-tray greets the combinations at fence 10. A poley and skinny upright heading towards the spectators that will require careful riding.
11 A & B.
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The only double of the course, a one-stride effort with logs to the front of the first part.
12.
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The final fence of the 2024 supreme M&M working hunter pony championship course — an upright made of sticks with bushes to the front.
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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.
