Tiny riders tackle their first shows [PICTURES]
Every rider remembers his or her first horse show. From getting up at the crack of dawn to plaiting up your pony, to receiving your very first treasured rosette, there is nothing that beats the excitement of this day.
Reminisce on these happy times with our gallery of young riders making their competition debuts with their mini mounts:
Eight-year-old Holly Brereton and her Shetland pony Shanlock Vera competing at their first unaffiliated dressage championship.
Ella, four, speeds round the bending poles with her skewbald pony Scrumpy.
Tuesday looking professional at her first show with pony Amber.
This six-year-old handler had only owned her pony for three weeks when she started to show him off.
Four-year-old Ella proudly presents Elvis.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
This talented 12-year-old rides for Wales at the Para Home International.
These young sisters present their prize haul with their smart Shetland pony.
Three-year-old Harvey pops a fence with pony Llanai Marquis at charity horse show
Luna and her pretty pony Fifi at their first in hand show.
Showing is tiring work when your three! Bluebell at her first show riding Crumpwell Finella.
Poppy, five, completes her first one day event at Pony Club camp with pony Star.
Five-year-old pony and rider triumph at their first show together.
Lauren and her pony look immaculate for their showing debut.
Seven-year-old Evi and her pony Mr Bubbles.
Three-year-old Annabel admires her rosette.
Lottie, nine, celebrates her second place in a dressage competition.
Olivia, four, thanks pony Colin for a marvelous first show.
Celeste is in the ribbons at her first show in Duson, LA, with pony Skippy.
This youngster has had a very successful first show.
Jacob and Tommy show off their ribbons from a local show.
Clodagh and her pony Sweetwall Pepper placed in the young handler class at Antrim Show.
Continued below…
Related content from H&H
9 things we got up to at Pony Club camp that we’re sure wouldn’t happen now
Tiny tots in the saddle [PICS]
Gallery of mini riders and their ponies in action
Periscope built for tiny Shetland pony [PICS]
The world’s first 'Pedroscope' has been built so Pedro, an 8.1hh Shetland pony, can see over his stable door
Sophia, three, at her first 1’6″ jumping competition where she came second.
This smart little pair enjoyed their fist show together.
Millie, eight, and Solly.
This young rider enjoys her first Pony Club rally.
Annabel Rice and Ozzy jump in style.
This tiny tot makes an early start to riding.
Isabelle Robinson, three, celebrates her second place in a lead rein showjumping competition.
Noah, four, and Polaris Unicorn (Corney).
This four-year-old enjoys his first show with Shetland pony Noah in Denmark.
Three-year-old Robin dresses as baa baa black sheep for fancy dress with pony Snoopy.
Matilda, eight, dazzles in her first dressage test off the lead rein.
Jolie, Clodagh and Ruby, secure first, second and third at their first working hunter show.
Miguel, seven, and Shetland pony Noisette tackle their first dressage competition.
Six-year-old Anna finishes her first Pony Club rally with Snoopy.
This young rider praises their pony.
An eight-year-old handler at her first show.
Reece, four, and pony Princess celebrate their win in prettiest mare.
In Dubai, Poppy, seven, and Putwell Golden Gift enjoy a jump.
Three-year-old Lucie.
This young rider tackles a showjumping course with confidence.
Ben, seven, with Flash after coming first in a lead rein showjumping competition.
Lucy, nine, with her pony Alfie at their first show together.
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
Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.