With the 2022 Royal Windsor Horse Show just around the corner, H&H catches up with amateur hunter ride judge Michaela Bowling (pictured) to find out what she’ll be looking for on the day.
Which judging panels are you on?
I am on both British Show Horse Association (BSHA) and Sports Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHB(GB)) panels as well as the Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS) and Retraining of Racehorses (RoR).
What will you be looking for when the combinations enter the ring?
I want to see a horse going forward, but not being rushed out of its rhythm. The horse needs to look happy to be in the ring; there’s nothing worse than seeing a horse with its ears back being nagged around. The amateur hunter classes are split into sections for small hunters, lightweight hunters and middleweight/heavyweight hunters, so each horse should be true to type. As a ride judge I’ll be looking at each horse and asking myself which ones look like they’ll give a good ride. I want to think “I can’t wait to have a ride on that”.
What sort of ride will you be looking for?
I’m quite a lazy rider so I want a horse which will take me forward. I want a horse which is substantial enough to last a full day on the hunt field. Also, I want to be sat ‘into’ a horse instead of being perched on top; the ride should be comfortable. Of course, manners come into play, too. I like a bold horse who is light on his feet and responsive. Once again, I’ll be rewarding those horses who seem happy to be there.
What are some of your show ring pet hates?
I don’t like horses looking sour and stuffy, and not moving forward. The picture of the horse and rider should be elegant. I hope each rider will enjoy themselves; it’s a prestigious show but not putting too much pressure on yourself can aid the overall impression of the combination.
Finally, what makes Royal Windsor so special, and any sign-off advice for those riding there for the first time?
I’ve previously judged the ladies’ hunters and small hunters at Windsor and the atmosphere is electric. There’s a lot going on so ensure you’re prepared for the environment; there really isn’t another show like it. It’s all about The Queen at Windsor, and it’s a privilege to be asked to judge there.
Continued below…
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
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.
