9 winning show hunter ponies we would like under our Christmas trees…
They certainly lit up show rings up and down the length of the country this season, but which one of these gorgeous show hunter ponies is your champion?
1. Carnsdale Cover Story
Morgan Ross made a winning debut at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) with Paddy and Jayne Ahern’s 153cm campaigner, who glided his way to the section title.
2. Toncynfigg Liberty X
Julie Bankier rode the 153cm mare, who is produced by Adam Winbourne, to scoop the championship at the BSPS mid-summer show. The duo went onto stand show hunter pony of the year at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in October.
3. Barford Jackpot
The impeccable 133cm gelding was victorious in the show hunter pony supreme after winning his champion of champions final at the BSPS summers with Mia Donaldson in the saddle.
4. Chantily Galway Girl
Jessica Reed-Else and the 153cm ride took the supreme of show accolade at Staffordshire Country Festival, despite only being together for a few weeks prior to the show.
5. Thistledown Sea Mariner
Lily Brennan and the six-year-old 133cm stood out in the supreme ridden pony championship at the North of England Pony Show on route to the top prize of £1,000.
6. Priestwood Riley
The eight-year-old gelding and Emma Harker clinched the hunter pony tri-colours at the Great Yorkshire Show in July.
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7. Eskside Carnellian
Liberty Taylor-Hopkins and her six-year-old chestnut gelding were crowned supreme of show at Moreton-in-Marsh after picking up a first HOYS ticket.
8. Litton Salvador
The 2017 Cuddy pony champion took his 143cm open ticket at the Scottish Horse Show with Aliya Khan, who was riding for owners Iain Almond and Caroline Cochran.
9. Littlebyrom Limited Edition
Olivia Taylor netted the supreme award at BSPS Area 2B Lancashire Championships aboard the pretty nine-year-old 133cm winner.
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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.