This season, working hunter courses haven’t been short of twists, turns and the odd water complex. But these small yet mighty flying machines have certainly proved that size really isn’t an issue if you’ve got talent, scope and a whole lot of heart.
Check out these seven super-star working hunter ponies who have already jumped to glory this term.
Pamela Brown rides the Tomlinson family’s Shetland Birchmoor Drover to qualify for the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) at the National Pony Society (NPS) spring festival.
2. Fortview Kitchens
(Image credit: Caroline Grimshaw)
After winning the starter stakes, Fortview Kitchens and Oliver Kinnear land the mini working hunter title at the Northern Ireland Festival.
Despite standing second in their class, Blisland Hero and Freya Herring bag the restricted working hunter sash at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) winter championships.
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6. Moonpenny Aquarius
Intermediate champion
(Image credit: JEM Photography)
The Exmoor gelding Moonpenny Aquarius, a previous HOYS and Olympia finalist on the flat, and Debbie Barker-Runiewicz stand intermediate worker champions at the North East Derbyshire Spring Show.
The mannerly 133cm grey Noble Peppermint and 11-year-old Ruby Ward have qualified for the RIHS in both the open and nursery ranks and was also restricted supreme at the BSPS winters.
Don’t miss next week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (17 May 2018) for our full report and analysis from the Royal Windsor Horse Show
For all the latest equestrian news and report, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday
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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.
