Ahead of the 2022 Royal Windsor Horse Show we meet Kate Nicholson (pictured) who will be judging the ride section of the open cobs.
Who is Kate Nicholson?
Kate and her husband Magnus Nicholson have produced several Royal International (RIHS) and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) victors as well as county show champions. HOYS 2018 was a particularly superb show for the duo, who won both the cob of the year championship with Silver Diamond and the small hunter class with Bowland Dynamo.
Which judging panels are you on?
I am on both ride and conformation panels for British Show Horse Association (BSHA) and Sports Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHB(GB)).
What will you be looking for when the combinations enter the ring?
I will be looking for something with quality. I want a good moving cob who is light on his feet with a good front. I like to see a combination who look like a partnership, and a horse who looks happy with his ears forward, obviously enjoying himself in the ring.
What sort of ride will you be looking for?
I’m ideally looking for a smooth, obedient ride who can go up and down the gears willingly whilst staying balanced. I like a horse who is happy in the contact and is not leaning down or backing off the bridle. I don’t like horses who anticipate or try to predict what will happen; I like a horse who asks me “ok, what shall we do now?”
What are some of your show ring pet hates?
When watching the go-round I don’t like to see horses that are over-bent with their heads tucked into their chests and are way behind the vertical. In the ride, I don’t like a horse who won’t take a contact; they should be light in the hand and not scared of the bits in their mouths. I also don’t like to see riders wearing jackets which are too short as it can really distract from the overall elegance of the picture.
What makes Royal Windsor so special?
Windsor is one of my favourite shows. The venue is simply beautiful, the rings and facilities are excellent, and there is always such a fabulous atmosphere. It’s a shame there are no national stables this year as I think a lot of showing people go the extra mile and try to make a special occasion out of attending. Royal Windsor usually clashes with my birthday which gives me the perfect excuse for a glass of fizz after the classes!
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Any advice for those riding at Royal Windsor for the first time?
Make sure all your preparation is done at home so when you get there you can just to enjoy the experience.
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
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.
