With no plaiting requirements and minimal trimming, it might seem that the native is an easy option when it comes to owning a show animal.
However, ensuring your mountain and moorland (M&M) pony is show ring ready takes just as much work. Challenges can arise in ensuring a native looks gleamed and preened while retaining type and adhering to breed standards:
Check out these seven examples of perfectly turned out natives:
1. Aniar Cashel
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
The stunning Connemara is Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) bound in both the Cuddy in-hand final and ridden breed class. While the stallion is absolutely gleaming, there is no obvious sign of chalk or paste usage so he looks natural.
2. Woodfidley Saint George
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This New Forest has been aptly trimmed to the breed standard. His head and mane have been appropriately trimmed and his tail has been left in a natural state. The rider’s attire also complements the pony.
3. Highland Chief Of Talisker
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The Highland stallion shows off his free-flowing hair and feathers as he canters to Olympia glory at Suffolk Show. The hair on a native should be straight and silky, and should be maintained to achieve this look.
4. Nantymynydd Ysbryd
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This Welsh Cob gelding looks picture-perfect as he lands the HOYS ridden championship at Derbyshire festival. The Welsh section D tail is a defining feature of the breed and is required to be pulled into a ‘switch’ to show off the hocks and hind legs. His beard and cat hairs have been tamed to show off his jawline and head.
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5. Paddock Rio
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
The Welsh section B is correctly shown by his smart handler in a stallion bridle. The pony’s head has also been trimmed to show off his exquisite head and features.
6. Springlane Dragon
Three Counties Show 01.06.19
Supreme Welsh In-Hand Champion
No 849 Springlane Dragon
(Image credit: trevor-meeks-photography.co.uk)
The young Welsh section A colt was supreme Welsh champion at Midland Counties. Despite being pristine he hasn’t been over-coated in products so he looks natural.
7. Fourmerk Rosalyn
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The Highland mare looks glorious as she steps to reserve Cuddy victory at Cheshire county show. Her hair has also been left to grow and her simple bridle shows off her head.
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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.
