After a five-year long journey, Exmoor pony Dunkery Hornbill is making his NEC debut after qualifying for the 2022 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).
Dunkery Hornbill, who is known as Bill at home, qualified for the ridden Exmoor and Shetland of the Year final with his rider Stephanie Richards, who has him on long term loan from Suzy Port.
Stephanie saw Bill advertised on social media five years ago.
“I was looking for a novice and he wasn’t too far away from me,” says Stephanie, who runs a livery yard. “He’s always had a massive character and has been tricky to ride. When he was younger he would always escape from the field, too, and he generally finds everything hilarious. But I’ve always known he was worth persevering with.”
On their show ring debut, Bill — whose full brother is the prolific stallion Dunkery Wigeon — and Stephanie parted company, and the gelding has been known for throwing in the odd unorthodox movement during his performances.
“He’s had me off in the ring a couple of times,” confirms Stephanie. “In his very first ridden class, he finished his show and after coming to a halt he stood bolt upright on his hind legs and I rolled over his back. I fell off right in front of the judge and Bill just stood there staring at me!
“After checking if I was OK, the judge asked about him and his experience. While sitting on the floor I explained that he was in fact very young, but that as his brother had just taken best of breed at Olympia, I had high hopes for him.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“I remember the judge looking at me and probably thinking I was completely mad for thinking this small brown hooligan could be tamed. She said, ‘yes dear, I’m afraid it doesn’t always work like that’.”
Now 11, Bill has firmly cemented his name in the show ring. He qualified for HOYS 2022 on his first attempt of the year at Stoneleigh Horse Show in May, appeared at the Royal International in July and was reserve supreme champion at the Exmoor pony breed show.
“As he’s got older he’s improved so much,” says Stephanie, who has recently started jumping Bill in working hunter pony classes. “At Stoneleigh, Bill was back to his old tricks and exploded in the warm-up, but he kept it together in the class and he went beautifully, though the win was still very unexpected.
“I have family meeting me at HOYS and my sister will be grooming for me.
“It’s been a bumpy ride in more ways than one, but I’m so proud he’ll be representing the breed at HOYS.”
Don’t miss a second of the action from HOYS on HorseandHound.co.uk with no limit on how much you can read from as little as £1 per week with a Horse & Hound unlimited websitesubscription. Join now. Plus enjoy our full 22-page HOYS magazine report, including in-depth analysis of all the showing and showjumping, plus exclusive comments, on sale Thursday 13 October.
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.
