Polly Eddis and Judy Bradwell will be sorting through the plaited working hunter pony contenders at this year’s Royal International Horse Show (RIHS). The tracks these contenders face at Hickstead are arguably the toughest of the season. Polly will assess each combination as they negotiate the jump phase, and Judy will cast a careful eye over their shows and conformation phases.

For many working hunter buffs, Hickstead is the ultimate place to win! That’s because the meaty courses are built in a ring that has an incline, with the kinds of natural obstacles that most ponies won’t encounter in their qualifying rounds. To help you prepare, Polly has given us some insight into what she’ll be looking for on the day.

What is Polly Eddis’s background in horses?

“I’ve been obsessed with horses since I was about three,” says Polly. “I can still remember the first time I sat on a pony as if it was today. He was a little pony called Ali Baba. And growing up, I just adored working hunter ponies. I used to read magazines and look at the ponies, then Mary Rimell said she would take me to a competition.

“I had an ordinary pony, but he went very nicely, and Mrs Rimell took us to the NPS championships at Malvern, which was near where we lived.

“I did the working hunter pony and I won it. And I just couldn’t believe it,” she recalls.

Polly later evented, but her affiliation with the working hunter ponies remained strong.

“My eldest daughter Lucy wanted to have a go, and I just loved watching my girls coming through the workers. We had some gorgeous ponies and some lovely times.”

Polly’s showing highlight

As well as lots of fun on the circuit, the Eddis family enjoyed some extremely successful days showing, with high-profile wins and championships including in the tough Desert Orchid ranks, and seven wins at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Yard stars include Kyregate Peter Pan, Nobel Sir Prize and the inimitable Cashel Bay JJ, who was champion worker RIHS. Polly’s younger daughter Susie was supreme at the Royal International having claimed the working hunter pony championship aboard Beat The Boss, so Polly will understand just how combinations are feeling as they negotiate a day’s competition at Hickstead in these classes.

“We also had some fantastic days at Burghley for the sports pony competition – a fabulous competition; everyone loves the atmosphere there,” adds Polly.

“And we had some brilliant days when the girls were on the working hunter pony teams, too. That was great fun.”

Polly is a member of the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) council, and sits on their working hunter pony panel.

“My business – Parasol UK – is extremely busy and time consuming, but I wanted to give something back, so I only sit on the workers panel,” she explains.

What will Polly be looking for at Hickstead?

“A lot of my thoughts as a judge are based on what I used to teach my girls, Susie and Lucy, who did quite a lot of workers. I think we used to do more of our training in the kitchen than we did in the arena – we would think about previous rounds, and imagine future rounds,” says Polly.

“It was just a family chat, but we really used to sort of put our heads together and make a plan of how to improve their performances.

“We were always searching for that one extra mark. As a judge I’m so aware that that one mark really matters, so I am very careful when assigning marks.

“Overall, I want to see a combination who exude quiet confidence, harmony and a pony who looks as if he’s loving his job and leaves me with a smile on my face.”

How can riders achieve this?

“I would hope that my lineup will all show measured confidence as they go round. I’ll be looking out for combinations that are purposeful and positive, but that are never careless – it should never feel out of control. It’s all about confidence. I want to see a very confident pony and a cool, calm rider. The combination should make it look effortless. I used to say to my children, ‘make it look as if anyone could ride this pony round; make it look effortless.’

“I also want to see that the riders have a plan to negotiate the course. I’d like to see them set up a good round. One thing that I always used to say to my girls is ‘ride in between the fences and the fences will look after themselves’. Rhythm and balance are hugely important to me.

“I don’t want to see a rider who just thinks that it’s all about the fence; it’s everything that happens between the fences. If you approach the fence in a balanced and forward rhythm, you’ll almost certainly get a very nice jump.

“It’s not the end of the world to me if a smaller pony goes around a corner on the wrong leg providing they are in absolute balance. I’d rather that than see them repeatedly break the rhythm and concentration. However, I would hope that the older riders in the 143cm and 153cm combinations will have sufficient experience and skill to anticipate corners and ensure the right leads as they land from the fences.”

In a similar vein, Polly says: “I don’t mind if, for example, a rider is on a smaller pony with a short stride, they go through a one-stride double in two strides. I’m happy with that as long as it’s planned that way with two even strides. To me, that’s intelligent riding and it’s working as a partnership.”

That said, Polly is careful to remind riders that the “best round isn’t necessarily one that everything goes perfectly”. Instead, she explains that “it will often be a round where something needs a quiet adjustment from a rider. But the pony stays in rhythm and it’s enjoyable to watch.”

Polly’s pet hates

“I don’t want to see a pony being kicked along or gagged,” says Polly. “I want them in their rider’s hand and off their leg. I also don’t want to see ‘willy-nilly’ slapping on takeoff. One tap in an emergency, I can live with, but sometimes I think it has become an absolute habit.

“And I don’t want to hear any parents giving any outside assistance – I will mark it down. At this level, riders should be confident.

“I also can’t stand too much use of the voice. I don’t want to hear a running commentary as a combination goes around. It’s thankfully very rare at this level.”

As a parent who has prepared ponies for these classes, what are Polly’s tips?

“We would always go cross-country schooling before RIHS,” says Polly. “We went regularly anyway, but made sure we’d always go before Hickstead to prepare for the ground and the type of obstacles there.

“We also always built a flimsy, wispy bullfinch, rather than a big, thick, bushy one so that it’s encouraging for them to go through.

“Beat The Boss was deeply suspicious of anything where he couldn’t see his landing and 10 strides behind it, so we only ever did a thin bullfinch to practice so that he just got the impression it’s a lovely feeling going through and to have Susie being pleased with him the other side at home. On the day at Hickstead, the bullfinch was stiffer than he was expecting so we’d then go back to the wispy one at home to re-establish his confidence.

“The other thing that riders and parents should be aware of, it’s a long way around the course compared with one on a surface. Make sure the ponies are fit. If I hear a pony huffing and puffing and breathing heavily, that’s something I would mark down.”

Polly’s advice for someone making their Royal International debut

“Enjoy it. You’ve earned your place there; you deserve to be there,” she says. “Don’t be over-awed by the occasion.

“Lots of people lose their class in the warm-up because they’re worried about it. Don’t over warm up. You have a warm-up plan that you use at every competition so follow exactly the same routine. Don’t change it just because it’s the Royal International – your pony doesn’t know that. Then ride with a plan, not panic.”

• For more expert training advice and to keep up to date with major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘Go find a space where you stand out’: meet Royal International coloured ponies’ judge Nathan Arnold

Off to jump the RIHS workers at Hickstead? Here’s one expert’s insight into the course and how to train for success

Tickets for the 2026 Royal International Horse Show have been released

H&H’s guide to working hunter pony classes: what to know before you give them a go

“Turnout should be smart and workmanlike...”

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

I’ve collated your need-to-know information for all the HOYS 2026 plaited pony qualifiers all in one place because I know that working out where to go to attempt to secure Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifications for you or your child’s ponies is no mean feat.

While the HOYS qualifiers list has been announced for 2026, some fixtures are still confirming their judges. I’m frequently updating this page with all the new details as they are released so it can be your one-stop-shop for planning your qualification. This list covers show ponies, show hunter ponies, intermediates, minis and workers.

HOYS 2026 plaited pony qualifiers

• Annabel’s Deliciously British Mini Show Pony of the Year
• The BSPS Children’s Riding Pony of the Year
• Lead Rein Pony of Hunter Type of the Year
• The de la Hay Family Ridden Partbred Pony of the Year
• The Honourable Stud Intermediate Show Horse of the Year
• Shine Source Footwear Ltd Show Hunter Pony of the Year
• The Smith Family Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year
• NPS/Mole Valley Farmers Working Hunter Pony of the Year

HOYS qualifiers for plaited ponies 2026

Annabel’s Deliciously British Mini Show Pony of the Year

These qualifiers are applicable to both the lead-rein and first ridden British Mini Show Pony of the Year classes.

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

The BSPS Children’s Riding Pony of the Year

These qualifiers are applicable to the 128cm, 138cm and 148cm classes. Some qualifiers will be holding mixed classes for all heights together.

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

Lead Rein Pony of Hunter Type of the Year

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

The de la Hey Family Partbred Pony of the Year Championship

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

The Honourable Stud Intermediate Show Horse of the Year Championship

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

Shine Source Footwear Ltd Show Hunter Pony of the Year

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

The Smith Family Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

NPS/Mole Valley Farmers Working Hunter Pony of the Year

These qualifiers are for all four sections of working hunter ponies.

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

• For all your need-to-know information for other 2026 HOYS qualifiers, plus more expert showing advice from top riders and updates on shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Did you find this article useful? You may also enjoy reading…

Little steps for big results: lead-rein producers share their winning formulae for the show ring’s budding stars

7 homework lessons for first-ridden combinations to build confidence and success for the new season

Master these 6 key skills to wow the judges in plaited pony classes

Perfect your working hunter pony’s performance with solutions to 7 common problems

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

In the mini mountain and moorland (M&M) classes at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, a “true kid’s pony” gave a beautiful performance to be crowned 2026 mini M&M champion.

Posy Lindsay, 10, partnered Welsh section B Heniarth Stand Up (Stan) to win the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) M&M first ridden class en route to the overall spoils.

The five-year-old is owned by Carlyn Baillie and is produced by Emma and Gayle Holder.

Posy said: “I’m feeling really proud of him and it’s just a dream really.”

Emma explained: “He’s come from strength to strength.

“Last year they were just in their first novice season and they had a few good wins, but they were making novice mistakes and then this year everything has just clicked. It’s definitely been worth the wait.”

Stan – Stan The Man as he is often called around the yard – was bred by Meirion Davies and Richard Miller by their multi-garlanded Heniarth Woodwind and out of Rhoson Siesta. He arrived with Team Holder as a three-year-old.

“He’s a dream – a true kid’s pony,” said Emma. “They can get straight on him in the stable, they can stand on a step and plait him; do whatever they want.

“He’s got exactly the temperament you want for a first ridden.”

The versatile pony, who went round the ring with his ears pricked, has also been enjoying jumping at home, and it is hoped he will eventually go on to do the workers.

“I think because he doesn’t have to have a lot of work and he’s not sour to the job, he’s always got his ears on and he wants to please,” Emma added.

Reserve for the 2026 mini M&M champion title went to the consistent lead rein Rowfantina Hideaway Harry ridden by five-year-old Jemima Gredley-Scott.

Harry is produced by Team Hillyard and was led by Katie White.

Katie said: “Harry is the best pony ever.

“He has been amazing for us. He was champion at Royal International last year, and he’s been champion at New Forest and the Hickstead Derby. He’s just won everything for us.”

Also in the championship was the second-placed lead rein Ladbury Pretender, ridden by Queenie Follows, and the runner-up in the first ridden class, Birkinbrook Juliet ridden by Brogan West.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website,subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

How to watch Royal Windsor Horse Show 2026 live from anywhere in the world

‘This is the icing on the cake’: versatile New Forest gelding takes Royal Windsor M&M ridden title

‘We’ve never won a championship quite as big as this’: Fell stallion lands Royal Windsor M&M in-hand championship

‘It was lovely to go one better’: former bridesmaid crowned Royal Windsor riding horse champion

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

A 16-year-old rider netted the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Pretty Polly mountain and moorland (M&M) championship at the 2026 Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Home-produced Welsh section C stallion Thistledown Runaway and his teenage rider Beau Belle Crossley first won a hotly contested Pretty Polly mixed M&M breed class, before going against the Pretty Polly home-produced lead reins and first ridden ponies to claim the Pretty Polly M&M champion title.

Although the pair have triumphed here, Beau says it has not been smooth sailing to get the stallion where he is.

“I’ve had him for about two years now,” she said. “He’s been a bit of a handful. He loves an atmosphere; it’s only since the beginning of this year that he’s really found himself. It’s taken me a long time to get where I am now, but it’s all worth it.”

The 10-year-old is out of Thistledown Isabella and by Donys Gwrda, and is owned by Beau’s mum Stevie.

This was both pony and rider’s first time riding in the castle grounds.

Beau said: “I came here with no expectations. I just wanted him to be happy and have a good experience, and he’s taken it all in his stride.

“He’s a little bit of a fidget pants; he’s got a little bit of a baby brain, so to come here in this atmosphere, he’s just handled it really well.”

The stallion has also qualified for the Royal International Horse Show in the UK Ponies and Horses intermediate M&M class.

The pair pipped another Welsh pony to the class; Bo Sampson and Hillgarth The Matador finished in second place.

Joining them in the championship was the winner of the first ridden class, eight-year-old Constance Matthews riding Welsh section A Ellstone China Rose, who stood reserve Pretty Polly M&M champion. Second to Constance was Mari Anthony with Heniarth Teacake.

The winner of the Pretty Polly lead rein class was Everly Richards riding seven-year-old grey section A Gwyrddparc Tangfastic, and second went to the Dartmoor, Hisley Caliph, ridden by Penelope Rae Dale.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website,subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘This is the icing on the cake’: versatile New Forest gelding takes Royal Windsor M&M ridden title

‘We’ve never won a championship quite as big as this’: Fell stallion lands Royal Windsor M&M in-hand championship

‘It was more special than it has ever been’: producer clocks third consecutive cob title at Royal Windsor

How to watch Royal Windsor Horse Show 2026 live from anywhere in the world

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Despite worries over how the fuel crisis may affect entries, the turnout at the 2026 BSPS Winter Championships was impressive, both in numbers and quality.

The British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Winter Championships always attract a strong field due to the number of Royal International (RIHS) and London International (LIHS) tickets on offer as well as a host of opportunities to provide more mileage to novice ponies and new combinations.

For a glimpse of the action, take a peek at the 17 combinations who came to the fore…

Champions from the 2026 BSPS Winter Championships

1. Harray of Drumdewan and Ellena Thomas

Harray of Drumdewan swept through his card piloted by his owner Ellena Thomas. The pair first secured the novice Heritage sash, followed by the young pony championship, and the novice and overall supreme spoils.

2. Archwood Dance All Night and Emeila O’Brien

Emma O’Brien’s Archwood Dance All Night and Emelia O’Brien claimed the challenge show pony honours ahead of second placed 128cm show pony, Shirley Sykes’ Serene Royal Prince Charming and Frank Newbould.

3. Annandale Aragorn and Izzy Mason

Annandale Aragorn received a well deserved pat from rider Izzy Mason after the pair stand champion novice show hunter pony. 143cm winner “Dylan” is also owned by Emma O’Brien and produced by Rachael Helliwell.

4. Barkway Man In The Moon and Arabella Corrigan

Michael Corrigan’s Team Jinks produced Barkway Man In The Moon and Arabella Corrigan, seven, won the tiny tots walk and trot class before landing the section supreme on Arabella’s first solo turn in the show ring.

5. Highmead Cat’s Eye and Daisy May Allen

The 148cm novice show pony victors Highmead Cat’s Eye and Daisy May Allen floated to the section title. Bred by Jane Mabbett, Hickstead-bound “Cariad” is owned and produced by Daisy May’s parents Jodie and Gavin Allen.

6. Sutton Grange Fancy That and Isla Smith

The Team Elenor produced 2025 BSPS summer championships overall supreme champions Sutton Grange Fancy That and Isla Smith returned to Arena UK to take the RIHS Show Hunter Pony Championship at the 2026 BSPS Winter Championships.

7. Littletons Tiger Lily and Grace Lockyer

Having enjoyed piloting Charlotte Coppard and Rebekah Littletons Tiger Lily at home with producer Elliee Stunt since she was a youngster, Grace Lockyer was delighted to be offered the ride on the decorated hack in the intermediate ranks. The pair were challenge intermediate champions at this, their third show together.

8. Ballarin Rosa and Jack Owen

Shelley and Amy Jones’ Ballarin Rosa is piloted by Team Jinks’ Jack Owen to land the novice intermediate championship. Six-year-old Rosa had already qualified for Hickstead as a riding horse with Amy on board at her second show and punctuated the championships, her third show, with another ticket in the intermediate ranks.

9. Wycroft Beethoven and Alexandra Svensson

Former Horse of the Year Show champion and Royal International Horse Show winner Wycroft Beethoven won the 143cm challenge show hunter pony division and the section spoils at the 2026 BSPS Winter Championships, piloted this term by Alexandra Svensson and produced by Team Harker.

10. Rhwngddwyafon Murry and Millie Doherty

A delighted Millie Doherty rode her mother Jenna’s Rhwngddwyafon Murry to the winter junior working hunter pony title. The Dohertys purchased the home-produced five-year-old at sales as a yearling. This was twelve-year-old Millie’s first centre-line moment.

11. Cosford Valour and Arabella Pickles

Sisters Alex Ahern and Kirsty Pickles’ ward Cosford Valour was piloted by Kirsty’s daughter Arabella Pickles to stand challenge mini show pony champions. This is the pair’s first season off the lead after a successful run in lead-rein classes.

11. Tromps Sugar Rush and Sam Roberts

Sam Roberts and Tromps Sugar Rush, owned by David Jinks and Adam Forster, enjoyed a stellar weekend at the 2026 BSPS Winter Championships. The section A gelding – produced by Sam – won the novice and challenge heritage working hunter pony sashes, and was also crowned a champion on the flat, claiming a hotly contested London International ticket.

12. Dumbles Granderas Last and Louis Cure

Heather Rothwell’s Dumbles Granderas Last and Heather’s son Louis Cure were another of the weekend’s “on form” combinations. Louis and “George” took the novice nursery stakes and 133cm classes, the overall novice working hunter pony sash as well as reserve champion in the Gold Cup division behind Imogen Philp and Oh For Olive.

13. Gwyrddparc Fandango and Phoebe Patterson

Five-year-old Gwyrddparc Fandango was piloted by Phoebe Patterson, seven, to the novice mini hunter type championship. She was led by Phoebe’s mother Fiona, who co-owns “Tango” along with “Aunty Sally” Mealor and “Granny” Gillian Gardner.

14. Wortley Sinderella and Lucy Glover

Producer Lucy Glover piloted Gill Simpson’s home-bred five-year-old Welsh section B mare Wortley Sinderella to the reserve novice heritage spot and the heritage challenge championship the following day.

15. Imogen Philp and Oh For Olive

Imogen Philp and her mother Petrina Philp’s Oh For Olive impressed to land the 148cm division of the Gold Cup before topping the coveted Gold Cup championship, too.

16. Rowfantina My Buddy and Phoebe Macgregor

Phoebe Macgregor and Justine Macgregor’s Rowfantina My Buddy – the 2025 Royal International supreme open show hunter pony champion – were led by producer Karl Morris to book a Hickstead pass in the lead-rein of hunter type qualifier and stand champion ahead of second placed Rowfantina Kingfisher and Eliza Gredley-Scott, who also won their challenge class.

17. Thistledown Wood Owl and Gracie-May Whitaker

The novice heritage mini championship headed home to Yorkshire with Martin Wood’s Thistledown Wood Owl. The section A was piloted by Martin’s grandaughter, Gracie-May Whitaker, and was led by producer Craig Elenor.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also enjoy:

A competitor’s guide to the 2026 HOYS showing qualifiers

Showing is at a crossroads amid increasing pressure, warns Simon Reynolds

Marking systems in showing – their benefits, flaws and what the future may be

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Leading pony producer Gill Thompson has her say on good behaviour and schedule changes for this season

We made our season debut at North of England Spring Show recently, and I was very pleased to see strong classes with generally good entries across the board – especially in the native sections – despite the rising fuel costs. Let’s hope this continues throughout the season.

I’ve read several columnists in Horse & Hound recently refer to our social licence as equestrians, particularly with regard to welfare, and I was disappointed to discover first hand at the show why this is clearly something that needs to be high on the showing community’s agenda.

Conduct on a showground and, in particular, in the show ring itself reflects on all of us, and it’s disheartening to learn that not everyone takes that responsibility seriously, nor pays as much attention to their horses or ponies’ welfare as they should.

I feel very strongly that any handling or riding of horses in a way that compromises their welfare or deliberately causes discomfort is not acceptable, however frustrated we might be at the time. If a horse doesn’t perform as we wish, we have to look at our own groundwork and training at home, and do better.

What truly worries me is that if people believe that rough handling is acceptable at a show, what do they think they can get away with at home?

I really hope that the relevant societies take action in such cases, and feel sure that they will in this instance.

Going forward, I would urge everyone to be mindful of their behaviour at all times, not only for fellow competitors, but for spectators, too, and most importantly, for the horses.

HOYS mixed height show pony qualifiers

Going into this season, I am disappointed that Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) didn’t revise the decision to run the mixed height show pony qualifiers.

Last season, I expressed concerns that these classes would be dominated by 148cm ponies, and my fears were proven correct. Every one of last year’s mixed qualifiers was won by a 148cm pony, meaning that the finals were quite unbalanced.

It takes a really special 128cm pair to hold their own against 148cm combinations, where at the top end, riders can have left school and drive a car.

I have a 148cm this season, so I could be tempted into the class, but I would have to be pretty sure of my little rider’s ability really to hold their own before entering one with a smaller pony.

An excellent stepping stone class

On a more positive note, I have to congratulate the British Show Pony Society and the Royal International (RIHS) on the introduction of the first ridden of hunter type class. Unfortunately, I don’t have a combination for this class this year, but I wish I did!

As a concept, I think it provides an excellent stepping stone for those children coming out of the lead-rein hunter type as the leap into the open 123cm class is significant, and too much for many of them.

Some ponies also can’t make the step up, as they don’t quite meet the mark as a type in the open classes. This new class gives those ponies a second string to their bow, and means that children can stay on that pony a little longer, which has to be a bonus for parents in this current financial climate.

Anyone who has dealt with young children new to first ridden will know that you really have to work at getting them to use the whole ring. On a practical level, requiring that the children negotiate the obstacles in the ring independently teaches them to use the arena without necessarily realising it.

It also gives them a good grounding should they go down the workers route and into cradle stakes, and requiring that they only canter on one rein is just enough for them to manage.

From speaking with fellow producers who do have these ponies this season, the children are loving this class, and get excited even walking the course. Irrespective of all the other benefits, this alone has to make the class a success.

● How can the showing community respond more effectively when welfare concerns arise? We’d love to hear from you at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events, as well as exclusive insights from top names, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also enjoy reading:

‘Why are we reluctant to speak up and voice our concerns to showing societies?’ asks H&H’s Bethan Simons

Gill Cowell reveals what she’ll be looking for as judge an in-hand championship

A competitor’s guide to the 2026 HOYS showing qualifiers

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

Some 30 years after the marks system hit mainstream showing, many are debating whether it still provides the transparency and consistency competitors seek. Bethan Simons investigates in this exclusive article for H&H subscribers

A casual conversation sparked a revolution in the show ring: the introduction of marks in the assessment of classes.

“It was 1994,” says pony breeder Tom Best. “At that time, there was only one section for ponies at the Horse of the Year Show [HOYS], which was judged using a marks system at the final; at local level, a marks system was already in use in working hunter pony classes.

“It was in discussion with the late Jim McTiffin – vice chairman of the BSPS [British Show Pony Society] at the time – about the number of complaints about judging at HOYS qualifiers that I simply asked if there were complaints about working hunter pony results. If not, why not use marks in flat classes, too?”

Tom later set the seed for a move to a marks system by proposing the idea at the BSPS Scotland AGM and the BSPS judges’ conference. In a subjective discipline rooted in tradition, his was a radical proposal: the allocation of two marks per competitor – one for performance or ride, and one for conformation. The animal with the greatest sum of marks at the end, wins.

Sound familiar? Radical or not, the system has stood the test of time. It remains used by HOYS for its finals and most of its ridden qualifiers, and marks form the basis for assessment in most major flat showing fixtures, including at London International (LIHS).

How marks are used in showing

At the simplest level, a 50/50 split between two judges provides a fair and fast way of establishing a winner, providing both judges mark with integrity and without agenda.

“Marks minimise the need for lengthy discussions between judges when making decisions,” says Emma Williams, event director at HOYS. “As HOYS is often a high-pressure environment for judges and competitors, it is essential that the timetable runs to schedule.

“The use of marks also enhances the transparency of the judging process, as judges commit to a score that is shared with competitors. This provides accountability, valuable feedback and offers clarity into the judge’s opinions.”

For those new to showing, marks can also be used as a training metric.

“In an ideal world, there would be a comment too,” says judge and trainer Mathew Lawrence, “so that competitors can really understand the thoughts behind the numbers.”

As it is, while it would be unwise and potentially misleading to track our own marks from show to show – one man’s 38 is another’s 42, and assessments may differ over a season – comparing your marks to, for example, the top three in the class helps to gauge what a judge is looking for.

Flaws in the system

But the system isn’t perfect and it has its skeptics. To begin with, there’s the arithmetic issue, where stewards are expected to negotiate scores of scores. Human error does occur, and that error can be at best disappointing for all parties involved. There’s also the matter of precedence when marks are tied. In the event of a tie in HOYS classes for ponies or coloureds, then the ride takes precedence.

“Many of these classes are predominantly for young riders. As a result, temperament, balance and overall suitability are essential in demonstrating the required qualities and therefore take precedence in these classes,” explains Emma.

“In contrast, the horse classes primarily place precedence on the conformation mark, with greater emphasis on the horse’s suitability for its specific purpose, how it moves, and its ability to carry weight in accordance with its type.”

So stewards need to be up to speed and, if switching between rings, on the ball.

BSPS’s recent introduction of Markmaster, a digital marking system, should eliminate human errors and bring showing in line with other disciplines where digital systems are more embedded in practice.

The Markmaster app was used successfully at LIHS, even in the Heritage supreme where there are four judges. Crucially, retrospective changes to marks are time-stamped and require judges and stewards to provide a signature and explanation, which can only be deemed a positive step towards true transparency.

How judges use their marks is also a bone of contention. One of the criticisms most regularly levelled at judges is a lack of range used.

BSPS chair Paul Cook recalls a cautionary tale: “I remember an instance when I was judging conformation. My co-judge had used a range of just five marks, whereas I had used a range of 20. This meant that a beautiful but green pony won over an outstanding performance from a lesser animal, simply because my co-judge had been reluctant to offend.”

When marks were first introduced, 60 marks were allocated to the ride in many classes, and 40 to conformation. A reversal to this is one popular suggestion among competitors in the hope that the added weighting on performance would eliminate instances where horses or ponies stand top with excellent conformation but lesser shows. But such a reversal would make no difference in instances such as the one above.

Then there’s the matter of bang for your buck. When a judge uses a very narrow range of marks, they inevitably create ties that force their co-judge to decide the final rankings. In such a case, are exhibitors and organisers paying entries and expenses getting their money’s worth? Perhaps the reluctance to denote a clear scale of preference indicates a lack of confidence in one’s own ability, revealing a fundamental gap in training.

To be on a panel, most judges will have to pass real-time assessment and a probationary period. To remain a panel judge, individuals must attend CPD-esque judges’ conferences where marks are regularly discussed. The BSPS also expects its first-year judges to practice using marks in non-qualifier classes. In contrast, judges who sit solely on horse panels do not use marks even in qualifying rounds, so often are not used to their allocation, meaning added pressure at the likes of HOYS when the stakes are extremely high.

However, Tom argues: “No judging criteria have been defined by any of the societies to assist judges and exhibitors, no formal guidance and no unified training on how to allocate marks. This is crucial since a single point often determines who qualifies for HOYS,” argues Tom.

In comparison, British Dressage judges undergo thorough training in the allocation of marks in the hope that, nationwide, a seven is a seven. The scales of training – rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness and collection – form the basis for assessment and, if these qualities are important in a show animal, too, perhaps such a scale could be conceived for show judges.

Such a scale would provide less confident judges a crux to justify decisions and could benefit competitors. It’s not difficult to imagine that a newcomer to showing could be nervous to dip a toe in the ring knowing nothing more than the basic format of the class and the fact they will be marked out of 50 for performing a show they won’t have practised.

Fear of a backlash – particularly on social media – must surely influence some judges into unjustifiably high marks and a narrow range, too, suggesting that competitors also need educating in the nuances of marks.

Emma agrees: “There is an ongoing need for education around judging so that judges can perform their role with confidence and always in the best interests of horse welfare. However, there must also be accountability and understanding from competitors receiving those marks. Not every judge will share the same opinion, and therefore marks will naturally vary.

“If judges are in constant fear of their decisions being criticised beyond reason, it raises the question of how we can expect to retain showing judges in the years to come.

Judging without marks

The Royal International (RIHS) finals are showing’s only major championships that are not judged with marks. Instead, classes are decided the “old-fashioned way” with judges conferring, pulling a line-up after the go-round, assessing each animal individually before reconvening to discuss their findings and decide upon a line-up that suits both parties.

The benefit? The winner is the winner, with no room for mathematics errors, and presumably, both judges are satisfied with the result. On the downside, there’s the danger that one judge will dominate proceedings.

The exceptions are the workers and the supremes. In the latter, three judges have up to 10 marks, held aloft for all to see in real time, so the maths is simple. In the event of a tie, which happens fairly regularly, judges – and spectators – are treated to a ride-off between the tied individuals.

Most would agree that the use of marks provides an aide memoire. Regular judge Stuart Hollings recalls: “I was judging the first riddens at Dublin and, going into the ring, I was looking forward to judging without having to think about marks. But nearly every pony made a mistake so it was a real test for my memory. The time I didn’t have marks was the time I really needed them!”

With so much for a judge to remember as a class unfolds we must consider their short-term memory. Researchers suggest it’s limited to between three and nine items. While the top and bottom of a class remain memorable, average entries in large classes often blend together. These “also-rans” risk being judged on vague recollections, making the difference between receiving a rosette and nothing a matter of memory.

Several showing societies advise the use of personal notes when judging without marks that are then discarded post-placings. This could be a better means of determining places than reliance on the real-time commentary of marks as who’s to say that a 43 at the beginning of a class of 30 animals is the same as a 43 further down the line?

No marks also means judges are forced to pull in – meaning after the initial go-round, exhibits are called into line in order of merit ahead of the formal judging. This can only be a positive for anyone assessing scores of bay show ponies with small girls in navy on board, or 30 grey Connemaras piloted by women in green tweed.

Tom insists on an initial pull-in when judging, and argues all societies should do the same: “As old-fashioned as it may be, it’s also good practice for both judges to go down behind the line for a brief overview of the class and a discussion about the appropriate range of the marks used. The pull-in ensures that this phase is taken into account and misbehaviour in the go-round is reflected in the performance marks.”

The future of marking systems

At The Showing Register (TSR) Amateur of the Year Championships, judges were encouraged to use a new system, formalising a system tried and tested by several individuals while judging without marks.

Each judge scored the ponies between A and C, using plus and minus signs at their discretion. They then also had the option of adding a comment. Then, stewards collated the marks into an A/A, A/B, A/C, B/B, B/C and C/C table. Where there were three or four competitors tied on a score, both judges then conferred in order to agree how to rank those exhibits.

To sufficiently rank larger qualifying rounds there’s perhaps a need to expand to an A–E system, for example, but overall the system worked well.

“I really enjoyed it,” says Michaela Bowling, who has also judged multiple finals at HOYS and RIHS. “It gave us the best of both worlds. The final discussion of ponies who were on A/A or A/B allowed us to reevaluate and be more subjective at that point. We ended up with really pleasing line-ups.”

In this instance, the grades were not made available to competitors meaning feedback was given only verbally when requested – politely – by competitors.

But there is no reason why they could not be in future years.

The looser categorisation may also, contradictingly, allow for both more guidelines and freedom to exercise subjectivity. Where two ponies could score an A for their performance, the final discussion between the judges allows for a judge to indicate personal preference due to type or that essential je ne sais quoi that makes a great show horse special.

So 30 years on, is it time for a review? Having brought the marks system to the table three decades ago, perhaps the last word should lie with Tom: “A marks system has stood the test of time. But to take it into the future, it’s critical that a review takes place involving societies, judges, exhibitors, stewards and organisers alike. It could provide endorsement for the existing system or an alternative with tweaks, something better or new.”

We’d love to hear your thoughts. What do you think about the current marks systems in showing? Write in and share your views at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your response published in a future issue of Horse & Hound.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also be interested in:

‘We have to move with the times’: BSPS reveals new digital marking system in time for London International

‘25/50 is an average show’: showing judges reminded to use a full range of marks when judging qualifiers

I’ve picked my showing highlights of the year, plus a low I’d like to leave behind in 2025

A competitor’s guide to the 2026 HOYS showing qualifiers

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Body protectors are designed to absorb impact from a fall, a kick or being stepped on by a horse, and certain body protector standards are compulsory for competitions under the rules of governing bodies.

The body protector standards were originally developed by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), with the help of riding organisations, doctors, riders, manufacturers and retailers. In 2000, the new BETA standard superseded all previous standards, but it has been revised twice since – in 2009 and 2018.

As of 1 January 2024, major governing bodies only accept body protectors that meet the latest BETA level 3 (2018) version of the standard, so if you plan to compete and your body protector is not up to standard, you’ll need to buy one of the best up-to-standard body protectors for horse riding or best body protectors for children.

What are the current body protector standards?

There are three levels of protection – and the vast majority of horse riders should look for BETA level 3, which is the highest standard of protection on offer.

BETA level 3 (2018)

This is the latest version of the BETA level 3 standard and it is marked with a blue label. It’s the standard you need to look for if your governing body or rider organisation – for example, The Pony Club, British Eventing, British Riding Clubs or BSPS – requires you to wear a body protector.

All of the body protectors we’ve featured in our buying guides are currently accepted by all major governing bodies.

What about BETA level 3 (2009)?

The 2009 version of the BETA level 3 standard (with a purple label) ceased manufacturing in 2018 and it’s unlikely that you’ll see any of these purple-labelled body protectors in stores or online.

Governing bodies and rider organisations that require a body protector no longer recognise the purple 2009 label, with most ceasing to accept this on 31 December 2023. They can still be worn if you’re competing at British Dressage or British Showjumping as a body protector is optional and no guidance for a standard is given – or, indeed, if you’re not competing at all. However, it’s recommended that you replace your body protector every three to five years and the BETA level 3 (2018) standard offers the highest level of protection.

CE marks

A CE mark which, although not a quality mark, shows that a product is fit for purpose as outlined in personal protective equipment guidelines.

Body protectors that are CE marked to EN 13158:2018 (the European standard for equestrian body protectors) are annually retested to the BETA 2018 standard, which means they consistently meet the very latest in safety standards.

What are the different levels of body protector?

There are three levels of the 2018 revision, each designed for different activities and denoted by a colour-coded label on the garment.

• Level 1 (green label) provides the lowest level of protection that is only considered appropriate for licensed jockeys while racing.
• Level 2 (orange label) is only considered suitable for low-risk situations, which does not include jumping, riding on the road, riding young or excitable horses or riding while inexperienced.
• Level 3 (blue label) is considered appropriate for general riding and competing. Level 3 body protectors should prevent minor injuries, including bruising that would have produced stiffness and pain, reduce soft tissue injuries and prevent some rib fractures.

Shoulder protection standards

There is also a BETA Standard for shoulder protectors. Shoulder pads that are sold to be worn with a particular body protector, such as the Racesafe Motion 3.0 shoulder pads, will have been tested to the same level as the body protector. Research into falls onto the shoulder during eventing competitions has shown that wearing adequate shoulder protection reduces the risk of breaking the collarbone by up to 80%.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

11 of the best body protectors that meet the current standards

13 body protectors for children that are up to Pony Club and riding school standards

Air jackets vs body protectors: what’s the difference, and which should you wear?

Body protectors vs back protectors: what’s the difference – and which one do you need?

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

From the children and ponies with outstanding results to the behind-the-scenes heroes of showing, eight outstanding individuals were crowned 2026 BSPS awards winners. The winners were revealed and presented their trophies at the British Show Pony Society’s judges’ conference and AGM on 6 February by BSPS president Pat Pattinson and chairman Paul Cook.

BSPS award winners

1. Anya Dewey Clark, Outstanding Achievement

Despite being just 10 years old, Lincolnshire-based Anya has already has an enviable record and is absolutely one to watch in the future. In 2024, she qualified for nine championships at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) across working hunter pony and showjumping classes, and three different ponies for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in showjumping classes. She went on to secure four National Showjumping Championship titles – an incredible achievement for any rider, let alone one so young.

During the 2025 season, she impressively defended every title she won in 2024. Highlights included winning the 128cm showjumping championship and becoming the only rider ever to win both the 138cm showjumping and the 143cm working hunter pony finals at HOYS riding against much older children. She also secured a stunning win at the London International Horse Show (LIHS).

Anya’s dream is to one day represent Team GB and compete at the Olympic Games.

2. Florence Rendall, Outstanding Achievement

Florence Rendall was the second young rider to receive recognition for her outstanding achievements in 2025. Florence was riding almost before she found her feet. At just 18 months old, thanks to a very special pony named Tia, she was learning her first “up and downs,” and only a year later she was cantering confidently around the ménage at home completely by herself.

In 2025, Florence achieved the incredible feat of qualifying both her ponies for RIHS and HOYS: Elmswood Spring Parade as a lead-rein and Somersham Playboy as a first ridden, paving the way for an unforgettable year. Florence won both the lead-rein and first ridden classes at HOYS, captured the championship with Elmswood Spring Parade and went on to claim the overall supreme pony championship, led by John Harvey.

3. Woodview Ianthe, Outstanding Pony

Show pony “Ellie” has had an extraordinary career. Now owned by the Binks family, she has had nine different first ridden riders and has qualified for and been placed at HOYS every single year she has been campaigned. Ellie has successfully carried three different riders to the mini show pony championship at HOYS, and has also won at Hickstead.

In 2025, Ellie came out of retirement to partner another young child and promptly qualified for both HOYS and RI. She walked straight back into the ring as if she’d never been away, calm, confident, and completely unfazed, looking after her little jockey every step of the way.

4. Warren Fentiman, The ‘Sports Writer’ Award

Warren Fentiman started showing at the age of three and progressed through the seasons with much success. At the age of 14 he took up pony racing and upon leaving school in 2024, he was taken on as apprentice jockey to Richard Fahey. By now he has ridden over 50 winners, taken 61 seconds, and 52 thirds.

He won the Epsom Dash on Derby Day, rode a winner at Glorious Goodwood, but the highlight of the year was at Royal Ascot when he rode for HM The King on Purple Rainbow. Due to his racing commitments, Warren was unable to attend, but his younger sister Ruby was able to pick up his award for him.

5. Sharon Tesloff Smith, The Long Service Award

The long service award was presented to Sharon Tesloff Smith, who has worked for the BSPS for 26 years. During that time, she has become an integral and highly valued member of the office team, working across every section of the organisation.

6. John Harvey, Outstanding Equestrian

John Harvey was presented with the outstanding equestrian award. Already a decorated and highly successful producer, John had a truly outstanding 2025 showing season.

He qualified three ponies for the prestigious Price Family Supreme in-hand final at HOYS with Elmswood Star Struck finishing second. Most notably, however, he led home-bred Elmswood Spring Parade and Florence Rendall to the overall supreme championship.

7. Nigel Hollings, Outstanding contribution

Nigel Hollings received the outstanding contribution award. Trained by the late Davina Whiteman as a boy, Nigel became the first boy rider to win the coveted show pony championship at HOYS in 1972. A few months later, he was awarded a Gold Blue Peter badge for the achievement. It was the beginning of a truly outstanding career in showing. To date, he has owned, bred, ridden or produced an incredible 27 HOYS winners, including the three-time riding horse winner Fair Breeze, who went on to take the overall HOYS Supreme Championship in 1989.

He has also amassed over 35 wins at Hickstead, and has been involved with five Best of Breed winners at the M&M Finals at both Olympia and the London International Horse Show.

Away from the show ring, Nigel is the longest-serving BSPS council member, with 40 years of dedication and was BSHA chairman for nine years, and vice for a further five. He became a judge in 1983, sitting on no less than 15 judging panels, and he currently serves as Chief Showing Steward at both Royal Windsor Horse Show and the London International Horse Show. He remains loyal to the grassroots of the sport, too, and is proudly the president of his local Ribble Valley Riding Club.

8. David Ingle, The Chairman’s Award

David Ingle received the chairman’s award. David’s professional life began when he was talent-spotted by Estée Lauder as a makeup artist and some time in America followed. Eventually, however, he returned to his family’s true passion: horses. During his career with horses, he has worked with showjumpers, eventers, and racehorses.

David formed a lasting friendship with the legendary Dick Saunders, who encouraged him to join the hunter judging panel and was instrumental in him working alongside his close friend Roger Stack at Hickstead where David remains Director of Showing and deeply committed to ensuring that the RIHS is fun and welcoming, and a bastion where the important traditions of showing are protected and preserved.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

A competitor’s guide to the 2026 HOYS showing qualifiers

I’ve picked my showing highlights of the year, plus a low I’d like to leave behind in 2025

6 frequently asked showing questions – and the answers you need to help you stand out

‘Qualifying for the Price was the best day of my life’: meet the handler our showing editor has picked as one to watch

Meet the 12-year-old rider our showing editor has picked out as one to watch in 2026

Two new performance showing classes added to London International for 2026

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

If you carry a whip for jumping, you’ll need to get your hands on a competition legal whip ahead of the season. Now that the majority of governing bodies require riders to carry a baton-style whip, it’s not as simple as finding one that catches your eye – it needs to conform to the rules. We’ve rounded up a selection of competition legal whips that are suitable for a range of disciplines in this guide.

British Show Pony Society (BSPS) are the latest body to bring in the rule that only baton whips will be permitted in certain classes. This rule already stands in British Showjumping, British Eventing, Pony Club and British Riding Club competitions. Each whip in this guide is listed with the length options so that you can ensure it’s legal for your discipline.

Competition legal whips: what are your options?

What are the BE/BS whip rules?

British Showjumping bought in the padded baton rule in 2020 and state that “no rider may carry, use or permit to be used a whip other than those detailed below in the arena, the collecting ring or anywhere on or in the immediate vicinity of the showground”.

British Eventing state that, when jumping, riders can carry one whip that complies with the details below.

Whips must comply with the following rules:

• Whips must be no less than 45cm and no more than 70cm (for BS) or 75cm (for BE) in length
• There must be no binding within 17cm of the end of the pad
• The minimum diameter of the shaft, which must run through the entirety of the whip, is 1cm
• The overall weight of the whip must not exceed 160g and must be evenly distributed throughout the length of the whip
• The contact area, which is considered to be 2/5 of the overall length, must be covered with a pad
• The pad must be smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface (such as embellishment or embroidery)
• The pad must be made of shock-absorbing material throughout its circumference, giving a compression factor of at least 6mm
• There must not feature wording, advertising or personalisation

What are the BSPS whip rules?

In 2026, the British Show Pony Society announced a change to its whip rules for working hunter and working sports pony classes. Under the new rules, the maximum length of baton allowed is 75cm.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

‘Welfare is a priority’: BSPS introduces new whip rule for certain classes

New whip use guide aims to start conversations and improve horse-human relationship

Major change to whip rules made to promote welfare

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The British Show Pony Society (BSPS) and Marnie-Grange Stud have announced a new series to reward consistent combinations, sponsored by Alan Marnie.

New for 2026, the BSPS Marnie-Grange Stud leading pony of the year awards will allow combinations to make consistency count by accumulating points in their relevant sections over designated shows holding qualifying classes for the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) – including the final – and London International (LIHS) within an agreed timeframe throughout the season. Prizes of £50, £30 and £20 will be awarded in each class, and rosettes to sixth place.

Members will upload results after each show on a league table, providing an opportunity to monitor progress and position. The champion will receive £1,000, the reserve champion £750, third reserve £500, fourth £300, fifth £150 and finally sixth place will receive £100.

Between October and December, members will also be able to vote for their favourite leading pony from the top six in each championship, for a members’ award to be presented at the BSPS AGM.

The sponsorship announcement coincides with the launch of an equestrian partnership between Alan Marnie and respected horseman and decorated showman Jerome Harforth.

Alan Marnie said: “Supporting the sport is about more than visibility — it’s about backing the organisations and people who ensure a strong future. The BSPS plays a vital role within our industry, and Marnie-Grange reflects our belief in British breeding and the importance of investing for the long term.”

BSPS chairman Paul Cook added: “We are very grateful to the Marnie-Grange Stud in supporting this new initiative, with fabulous prizes. This new competition will reward the rider/pony combinations who achieve consistent results across a range of qualifying classes, culminating in fantastic championships, which will showcase the best ponies in each section.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website,subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘Welfare is a priority’: BSPS introduces new whip rule for certain classes

‘We have to move with the times’: BSPS reveals new digital marking system in time for London International

A competitor’s guide to the 2026 HOYS showing qualifiers

From STARS to HOYS: 13 show ring opportunities for amateurs in 2026

6 frequently asked showing questions – and the answers you need to help you stand out

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

It can be difficult to stay motivated when riding before or after work means tacking up in darkness and your gateways are ankle-deep in mud, so to get you off the sofa and into the saddle, I’ve rounded up the amateur showing classes, championships and finals you can try this year.

Spring shows will soon be kicking off and with a summer season just around the corner, there are plenty of opportunities for amateurs to qualify for prestigious shows. Just remember, before you enter a show, you must make sure that you consult the rules on amateur status, as there are variations between societies.

Amateur showing opportunities 2026

1. SEIB Search For A Star

SEIB’s Search for a Star (SFAS) series is a brilliant stepping stone between grassroots and affiliated competition for both in-hand and ridden competitors. To be eligible to compete at their series of qualifiers and their finals, you have to fit their strict amateur criteria.

If you’re lucky enough to win, then half their championships are hosted at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), and the other half hosted at Your Horse Live. As well as their own shows, the SFAS series has its own team of judges who are all super-experienced in the ring, and will offer showing tips and advice on how to make the best of your exhibit.

For more information, visit seib.co.uk

2. Show Teams And Rising Stars (STARS)

Offering an all-singing, all-dancing glitzy experience, STARS is a favourite on the grassroots and Riding Club showing enthusiast’s calendar. Quite literally thousands of Riding Club members attempt qualification for the November finals held at Aintree Equestrian Centre each year.

For your chance to compete, you’ll need to be a member of one of 60 affiliated riding clubs, and collect points at the relevant shows. As well as competing individually, members can accumulate points for their club’s team, too.

For more information, visit starschampionships.co.uk

3. The Showing Register’s amateur-only HOYS tickets

The Showing Register (TSR) offers unique tickets to HOYS. You can bag a ticket by winning an amateur-only HOYS qualifier at their summer show, or sign up for their amateur league for the chance to make consistency count. Competitors in the league earn points through the season, with winners from each division gaining a golden ticket.

For more information, visit theshowingregister.co.uk

4. TSR Amateur of the Year Championships

TSR’s Amateur of the Year championships, run for the first time in 2025 at Stoneleigh Park, was a resounding success and is set to run again in late November this year. There you’ll find festive fun in abundance, and a HOYS-esque experience for home-produced amateurs only.

For more information, visit theshowingregister.co.uk

5. BSPS Pretty Polly

The British Show Pony Society’s (BSPS) Pretty Polly classes are for home-produced pony exhibitors and are an enduring favourite. The finals are held at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), so they offer a second class for those competing at open level, as well as a chance for younger and less experienced combinations to compete alongside – rather than against – showing greats at one of our most iconic showgrounds.

For more information, visit bsps.com

6. UK P&H Amateur M&M final

Mountain and moorland exhibitors are lucky, because as well as the mixed-breed Pretty Polly final, they also have an amateur final hosted by the UK Ponies & Horses to contend at Hickstead.

For more information, visit ukponies.uk

7. BSHA Amateurs

Similarly, horse exhibitors have a range of amateur classes hosted at the RIHS, and governed by the British Show Horse Association (BSHA). Horses in these classes can be produced, offering riders whose circumstances mean they cannot keep a horse ticking-over themselves to compete against fellow amateurs.

There are, however, prizes for the highest placed home-produced combinations in each of these classes, and new for 2026 is a home-produced championship, where all of the highest placed home-produced horses will be pitted against each other.

For more information, visit bsha.online

8. BSHA Rising Star

Want strictly home-produced horse classes but still want to ride at one of the show season’s biggest events? Look to the BSHA’s range of Rising Star classes at the London International Horse Show (LIHS).

There are a range of classes for different types of horses, including working show horse classes, and Style and Performance classes that are judged entirely on performance with no conformation aspect, hopefully enticing owners of all types over 148cm. One benefit for those dipping a toe in showing for the first time is that there is no requirement for your horse to be ridden by a ride judge.

For more information, visit bsha.online

9. RoR Amateur Ridden Show Series

The Jockey Club’s Retraining of Racehorses have the RoR Amateur Ridden Show Series that culminates in a fabulous championship at the iconic Hickstead Derby Meeting in June. The top three from each qualifier go forwards to the final.

For more information, visit ror.org.uk

10. SSADL finals

If you’re home produced and have a veteran horse or pony, then look at the Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd’s offering. They run finals at both the RIHS and LIHS. Qualifiers are held at their championships and affiliated shows including Royal Windsor Horse Show.

For more information, visit seniorshowinganddressage.co.uk.

11. New VHS championship

The Veteran Horse Society (VHS) have announced that they have a brand new final hosted at HOYS. This newest championship for our treasured veteran horses is open to amateurs only.

For more information, visit veteran-horse-society.co.uk

12. BSPA home-produced championship

For coloured horses and ponies, there is a special championship for the highest placed home-produced exhibit in each of the British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA) classes at the RIHS.

For more information, visit bspaonline.com

13. Your society championships

From the National Pony Society (NPS) to the Coloured Horse And Pony Society (CHAPS) and the Sport Horse Breeding GB (SHB (GB)), your society will play host to a plethora of amateur-only classes and finals at their shows and championships. Usually there are some you’ll need to qualify for beforehand, while others you can enter on the day.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Expert tips for building up your show horse’s workload ready for the ring – with useful fitness timeline and warning signs

Catch the judges’ eye – when to clip, trim and hot-oil to create a great first impression in the show ring

A competitor’s guide to the 2026 HOYS showing qualifiers

6 frequently asked showing questions – and the answers you need to help you stand out

Two new performance showing classes added to London International for 2026

10 little-known rules of showing etiquette you need to swot up on before the season

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The British Show Pony Society (BSPS) has announced a change to its whip rules for working hunter and working sports pony classes, bringing the society in line with other governing bodies.

On 19 January the BSPS announced that with immediate effect, only baton whips will be permitted in these classes, as are used in British Showjumping (BS), British Eventing, Pony Club and British Riding Club (BRC) competitions.

Under the new rules, the maximum length of baton allowed is 75cm, and the baton applies to working sports pony classes and both phases of working hunter classes. Lead-rein working sports pony classes are not included, as the rider does not carry a whip in these classes – and the leader may continue to carry a cane.

“The society regards welfare of the horse and pony a priority, we are continually developing and updating rules with this in mind,” a BSPS spokesperson told H&H.

“This rule change will bring us in line with current BS and Pony Club rules for jumping competitions. Our members do compete in other disciplines, so having the same rules will also help to avoid any confusion.

“Members can use any suitable whip in the flat classes, according to the 2026 rules.”

BS brought in the padded baton in 2020, in a move to promote horse welfare and as a result of discussions between the officials’ working groups and the body’s national sport committee.

In 2023 BRC introduced a rule stating that the whip may only be used to support the rider’s natural aids, and never when a horse has turned away after a refusal, or after elimination. Last year BS joined the Pony Club and BRC in banning the use of whips for disciplining or punishing the horse; they may only be used to back up leg aids.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

A ‘massive step’ as new whip and spur rules are making a difference

Ban on using whips after refusals, elimination and ‘out of temper’ in competition

Major change to whip rules made to promote welfare

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

A producer makes a new mark on the history books, and first-timers impress as natives go head to head for 2025 London International heritage champion crown.

Katy Marriott-Payne made history on the final afternoon of the London International Horse Show (LIHS) astride Felicity Thompson’s home-bred Dartmoor Salcombe Starehole Bay (Cecil) as she became the first rider to win the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) heritage championship title four times.

“I always knew he had it in him,” said Katy. “We just needed to wait for everything to be right and go his way. Although I was beginning to think, ‘What if he doesn’t do it?’ And, ‘Does it matter?’ Because he’s had such an amazing career.”

She also worried that being in the first split of shows, she had played it “too safe”.

“I worried that maybe I’d not done enough – it’s hard to know whether to keep it simple or throw in fancy moves when you’re in the first split, but he has such a correct way of going.”

Eleven-year-old Cecil has been produced by Katy since the beginning of his career, and has more than earned his nickname “Special Cecil” over the years. The pair have proven ones to watch time and again, notching up championships at Royal Windsor and Royal International (RIHS), and a win at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). He’s also twice stood best of breed here, and finished runner-up in 2021.

Felicity, who sustained a serious accident in 2022, was there ringside, and said that after her accident, he hadn’t covered many mares, but now that she is fully recovered, “he has some lovely ladies waiting for him in the field”.

Katy had more reason to celebrate, with a further two in the line-up of the class, which was sponsored by New Horizons Plastics.

Young team member Maisie Kerry-Oates and seven-year-old Cadlanvalley Royal Bronze finished fourth and added yet more titles to their tally: best junior, and best Welsh section B, having stood champion performance pony here last term. They have also been crowned champion junior at both HOYS and Hickstead.

Finally, Kimberly Bates – Katy’s “chief pony stealer” – finished the best of the Welsh section Ds and seventh astride Chris Phillips and Charlotte Laurens’ Garthfach Classic Addition. Kimberly and the Ynyslyns Orlando daughter executed an effortless performance to gain the best of the ride marks, with 89.

Reserve for the 2025 London International heritage champion crown

Kimberly shared the top ride mark with London debutant Harriet Lawton, who rode Ellena Thomas’ New Forest best of breed Nutschullyng River Dance to reserve champion. Interestingly, Team Thomas also took the highest performance score in this championship last year.

London debutant Harriet and “Dancer” appeared to enjoy every minute in the arena and gave a sparkling performance here, her last show with him.

“He’s been sold now,” revealed Ellena, who was also riding in the championship, “so it’s extra emotional. I had my last show on him at Royal International where we were second, and now this is Harriet’s last show. She did so much for me at the beginning of the season when I had to have time out of the saddle and she loves him so much. I couldn’t be more pleased.”

Notching their best result yet of five appearances at London were third-placed Lucy Heygates and her partner of five years, Connemara gelding Inverin Paddy. They were the best of three Connemaras in the top 10.

Chelsea White’s reigning HOYS ridden Connemara and RIHS junior large breed King Bunowen Castle Ali and Chelsea’s daughter, influencer Harlow White, 14, took home fifth. An emotional Chloe Heathcote rode her mother Tammy’s former best of breed Eastlands Dunknowe to seventh place on their final show-ring appearance together.

Also ending their stunning run on a high were winners of the Fell best of breed sash, Aimee Devane and charming Greenholme Kate. This year, the pair were reserve champions at both Royal Windsor and HOYS, after lifting Aimee’s first-ever win there.

Owned by Chantelle Bryan, the nine-year-old is by Greenholme Warrior and out of Greenholme Bethany, who was struck by lightning just three weeks after Kate was born, leaving her orphaned. Luckily, Kate was successfully fostered by a coloured cob.

Ninth place headed home to Lilly Richardson and her mother Lucy’s Welsh section A Marsh Walk On By (Archie). Lucy and Archie are no strangers to the limelight. They are former winners of the open section A and the junior small breeds at HOYS, and were champion in the workers here last year having topped the nursery stakes final.

Megan Hewitt staged a successful comeback astride her own New Forest Berrywood Wind Dancer, a seven-year-old by Portmore Downpour out of Portmore Raspberry Ripple. The pair were 10th. Megan badly broke her leg 13 weeks ago, meaning she had to sit out HOYS. Luckily, Lucy Glover stepped in to ride him, and qualified for here at their practice run, the Heritage championships.

“I can’t believe I actually managed to pull it off; it was only my third time back in the saddle since the injury and first show since August,” said Megan. “It was also my first top-10 placing at London – I’ve been best of breed several times but never the top 10. I’m lucky to have a very genuine pony that looked after me today.”

While his rider Sam Roberts has plenty of London experience under her belt, her ride was also making a first appearance. This was Bradley Helyer and Cheryl Hillman’s Welsh section C Cnwch Carwyn. The six-year-old is in his first season under saddle, but has hit the ground running, qualifying for HOYS on his first attempt. He gave Sam a cracking birthday gift by qualifying for here and standing supreme at the BSPS Heritage championships.

Also at the Excel for the first time was Dales best of breed Cleatlam Calamity Jane, owned by Christopher Joseph and Kyle McClements, who was at the reins. The upstanding mare – who has previously bred a foal – and Kyle were runners-up at HOYS earlier this autumn.

Another London debutant, Alice Sheen, made the journey from the Isle of Wight worthwhile with her own Carlung Xephyr who stood best of the Highlands. The award topped a super year for Alice and Xephyr, who also finished seventh at HOYS.

Jade Pirie rode James Pirie’s Anchor Jaffa Cake – by Waltersgay Nightingale out of Anchor Earthworm – to the Exmoor spoils. Jade and the former HOYS contender qualified at the Heritage championships.

Finally, Julian Walters and Jessica Talbot’s “yard favourite” six-year-old Shetland stallion Sharptor Democrat (Dexter) was piloted by Megan Bullen to be best of his breed. London marked the end of Dexter’s first season under saddle, in which he’s proven one to watch, winning the prestigious Picton novice final at the National Pony Society championships and qualifying for HOYS and London on his first attempts.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website,subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Two new performance showing classes added to London International for 2026

‘We never in a million years were planning to show’: mother-daughter team and their ‘happy hacker’ take London title

Pony who cost £500 as a ‘feral’ yearling stands London champion for emotional owner

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Showing producer Samantha Darlington explains what she wants to see when judging the natives at London International in this exclusive article for H&H subscribers

The championship for native ponies at London International Horse Show (LIHS) is one of the oldest and most prestigious on the mountain and moorland calendar. Now organised by the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), the judging format is unique, with four judges working together to find a champion. Two judges preside over performance, including Samantha Darlington this time, and two preside over conformation.

The scores for each show are displayed on the large screen above competitors, meaning sharp minds and keen onlookers can keep a tally of who’s in the lead for each section and breed. The final placings, however, remain a surprise as all four judges’ marks are totalled to reveal the top 10.

Ahead of the show, we’ve caught up with Samantha to get the lowdown on her background in showing, and what she will be looking for in the ring on the day.

Samantha Darlington’s equestrian background

Samantha’s parents weren’t horsey at all.

“But I just loved ponies, and they bought me one – I was very lucky – when I was about six or seven years old,” she says. “We kept the pony at a local riding school, and I went to Pony Club and did that kind of thing.”

Samantha’s journey into showing came via her instructor.

“A lady I was having lessons with was friends with Stella Harries,” she explains. “She told my parents I was worthy of a decent pony, and got me riding for Stella.”

The late Stella Harries was one of the most successful and influential of her time in showing.

“Riding for Stella was hard work, but it was also amazing and such a good grounding,” adds Samantha.

“When I was young, I had a scrapbook of people riding show ponies at the time – I was in awe of them and used to cut out photos from magazines. So when I started riding for Stella, and then had my own working hunter ponies, the people I became friends with used to be my idols in my scrapbook.”

Samantha Darlington’s showing success

After finishing school, Samantha began producing.

“I had some great times and great horses,” she recalls fondly. “My first horse I produced was my own – a small hunter called Oak Hills Aristocrat. He won the Royal International, and for someone coming off ponies, that was really good. I was in England hunter pony team myself, and then produced ponies to be on the team, which was great.

“In those days, we had such a good crowd of owners and riders, and we were like a big team. We had a big camp at the championships and it was such fun. We still keep in touch with people now that I had ponies for many years ago.”

Samantha’s daughter Georgia has had a superb run in pony classes and is now highly successful on the working hunter and working hunter pony scene. Earlier this year, she added a fifth Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) win and third championship to her repertoire, stepping up to the working hunter ranks with aplomb and taking the tricolour aboard her former intermediate working hunter pony of the year, Jara.

Samantha will know exactly how competitors in the ring at London International are feeling, having ridden there herself several times.

“The first time I rode at Olympia, I was about 18 years old. I was riding a Connemara I was producing called Grayswood Village Peregrine, and he was reserve champion – probably my best result there,” says Samantha.

“I’d been to watch at Olympia for years, but I just rode show and working hunter ponies at that point and didn’t have mountain and moorlands; they came when I started producing. So it was just amazing to ride there and so exciting. He qualified at the East Anglian Native Pony Show, and obviously back in those days you had to stand champion in order to qualify.

“The natives were the only showing class at the show back then, so it always felt like such a big thing to be competing there. And we were made so welcome, like they really wanted us there to show with all those people watching.”

Since then Samantha has taken several other breeds, including Welsh section As, Connemaras and Dartmoor ponies. Her daughter, Georgia, also rode a Shetland pony at Olympia.

With such special memories of competing, it’s little wonder that Samantha is looking forwards to judging, and coins this show as a judging highlight.

“I haven’t judged much in the last few years because we’ve been so busy with showing ourselves – you can’t judge and show at the same time. I have been asked a number of times to judge at the Royal International, but because we live so close to the show, and because both myself and Georgia teach so much, I’ve never taken them up on the offers as it would affect our clients.”

She admits, though, that it’s “quite nerve-racking”.

“Your marks go up on the screen,” she explains, “so with two judges assessing performance, if the other judge is on a totally different page, then what must people think? But I can’t think like that and must judge what I see.

“Some people do mark higher than others; there are things that I might like that another judge might not. You can’t really expect two judges to have the exactly the same marks because everyone’s looking for something slightly different.”

What will Samantha be looking for as the native performance judge?

“I like something that’s forward; that’s sitting up in the bridle,” says Samantha. Her winner will “look light to the hand and look easy”.

While bearing in mind the different breed types and descriptions, Samantha will nevertheless want to see a pony that is moving forwards freely.

“Something that makes me think ‘I’d love to ride that,’” is ultimately what Samantha wants to see in the ring.

Samantha’s pet hates

“I don’t like to see ponies rushed,” she says. “I like something to have a natural rhythm and not be pushed out of its stride.

“I also like to see a nice walk at the start and finish of a show, and I like a good gallop, but it must be eased into – not fired off the corner.”

Anything else?

“I also don’t want to see a show that goes on and on.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘Use your ringcraft’: find out what LIHS Rising Star judge Danielle Heath is looking for

H&H’s guide to showing a small breed mountain and moorland pony

Best showing numnahs for looking the part in the ring

Expert advice for anyone looking to buy a working hunter pony

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The British Show Pony Society (BSPS) is introducing a new digital marking system – and it will be used in just a matter of weeks for the BSPS finals at the London International Horse Show (LIHS).

Mark Master, the new digital marking system, was unveiled during a member’s zoom meeting on Thursday 4 December 2025. Recent announcements regarding BSPS classes at Royal International and new classes at next year’s London International were also discussed.

Many showing competitors have been calling for a digital system for some time owing to incidents of human error in the calculation of marks, leading to incorrect placings, as well as what has appeared to have been questionable changes to marks.

The new digital marking system, built for the BSPS, should alleviate these concerns alongside providing multiple other benefits, members heard.

The app was successfully trialed in a competition setting at the society’s summer and heritage championships by core council members. Those who have already used the app were quick to reassure members during the meeting that it is simple to use in a tablet or phone.

There will be further training available for officials and stewards as it is hoped the system will be taken up by area and qualifying shows through the 2026 season.

Paul Cook, BSPS national chairman, said: “As a society we have to move with the times, and we recognised the need for technological innovation in our marking systems. We were delighted with the members’ reaction to this announcement.”

What does the new digital marking system and app do?

The app’s core functionality is to generate digital mark sheets. Stewards will be able to use it in real time, inputting a competitor’s mark with auto-save functionality. The marks are automatically calculated with real-time placement rankings.

There is multi-class support with four distinct types of mark sheet, each with specialised scoring rules, meaning in the event of a tie-break, the app will automatically calculate results correctly for that class, again removing the risk of devastating human error.

Officials will be able to export a PDF mark sheet, which competitors can access via a different login function.

Members were pleased to hear the app has an in-built audit trail so any changes to marks must be initialled and time stamped, and have an accompanying reason, such as “score misheard”. It is hoped the time-stamping will allow competitors to see when marks were changed and why, and to verify that the changes were made before the completion of judging.

As well as access to read-only versions of the published marking sheets, competitors will be able to download PDF versions of official marking sheets and results, save favourite sheets for easy access, share them via messaging systems like WhatsApp or Facebook, and add private notes to saved items.

Finally, officials and competitors can see detailed scoring analysis and judge patterns.

Some were concerned that the app would not work in remote locations without WiFi, but were reassured that it would work on 4/5G and had the ability to calculate results offline, too.

The app’s future

Some members present at the meeting asked whether there are future plans to further develop the app’s capabilities to, for example, have the marks and results of individual animals trackable.

While there is no clear plan to develop it further at this point, the BSPS is remaining open-minded about extending its functions in future.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website,subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Two new performance showing classes added to London International for 2026

H&H’s guide to 2026 London International tickets, plus exclusive discount code

‘Heartbreaking for everyone’: human error means wrong horse contests HOYS championship – and loses supreme spot

Time to shine: how to nail your individual show to dazzle the judges

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The British Show Pony Society (BSPS) is adding two new working sports pony performance classes to its London International Horse Show (LIHS) finals for the 2026 season.

The first will be for mares or geldings not exceeding 148cm with riders not to have attained their 18th birthday on the first of January. The second will be also be open to stallions, with an upper height limit of 158cm but no lower height. This class will be open to riders over the age of 16 but with no age limit. Fences will be set at a maximum of 85cm and 95cm respectively. In both classes, ponies and horses will need to be plaited.

“We are delighted to work with LIHS, to add these two new classes into London following the overwhelming success of other classes we introduced that have brought new riders into showing and supported our agricultural and county shows,” said Paul Cook, BSPS national chairman. “These performance-oriented classes offer more opportunities for riders to experience the thrill of competing at this world-renowned show.”

How London’s new showing classes will be judged

The judging format is also new with emphasis placed squarely on performance, as with the BSPS’s current offering at London, except for its heritage final.

While conformation is considered, ponies will not be stripped (trotted up in-hand without their saddle) – any assessment of conformation will be done with the rider on board.

Riders will enter the ring individually as in traditional working pony classes, but will be asked to present their pony to the judge, then walk away and trot back towards the judge before commencing their jumping round, with a mark of 10 allocated for this initial phase.

A further 30 marks will be available for style, technique and athleticism whilst jumping. At the end of their round, riders are asked to gallop their pony down the long side of the ring, for which a mark out of 10 will be awarded.

Riders will then canter, trot, walk and halt, demonstrating, manners, correct paces and training, for which a mark of 10 will be awarded.

A final mark of 10 will be awarded for the style, position and effectiveness of the rider.

In each class 50 marks will be allocated to a clear round, with 10 penalties deducted for each knockdown, 15 penalties for the first refusal, 20 penalties for the second refusal and a third refusal or fall or the rider or pony will result in disqualification.

This gives a possible total of 120 marks. In the event of a tie the total jumping mark takes precedence, followed by the effectiveness of the rider.

These new showing classes at LIHS will be in addition to the successfully established lead-rein and first-ridden working sports pony finals, and the cradle and nursery stakes classes.

There will be 15 opportunities to qualify for these classes, which will be open to members and non-members of the BSPS. Non-members will need to join to compete at the final.

Nick Brooks Ward, operations director at LIHS said: “Following the tremendous success of classes we have introduced in partnership with the BSPS, this was the next step to widen opportunities for riders to compete at London. We are delighted these new classes continue to focus on ponies’ performance and effectiveness of the rider.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website,subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Places to stay near the London International Horse Show

H&H’s guide to 2026 London International tickets, plus exclusive discount code

From PC ponies to veteran coloureds: meet the 12 SEIB Search for a Star winners at Your Horse Live 2025

12 winners and champions at the TSR Amateur of the Year Championships

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Changes to the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) rules and Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) qualifiers have been met with mixed reactions.

The most controversial changes are to plaited working hunter pony sections and their RIHS finals, which follow the BSPS rulebook.

The minimum height in class descriptors has been removed, so for example 133cm ponies can step up to the bigger 143cm tracks. Competitors in 133cm and 143cm classes will have two more years in the class, until the year they turn 15 and 18 respectively, and 153cm riders will have until they are 25.

Trainer Karen Raine, whose daughter Rebecca competes in working hunter pony ranks, told H&H: “In an open letter to the BSPS, it was argued that as riders could be 18 in 148cm show ponies, it should be the same for 143cm show hunter ponies and workers. At 17, they could be doing GCSEs in their final year in 143cm classes, so they don’t get a good run in their final year.

“There was only a three-year gap between the 143cm and the 153cm age limits, and to get a 153cm pony to be jumping effectively newcomers [1.10m] level in showjumping takes time. Unless parents have the money to run two ponies or buy an established 153cm, riders effectively spend two of their years in 153cm producing the pony and only one true open year. It’s great they’ll now have extra years.”

BSPS chairman Paul Cook said this age increase had been most influenced by members.

Varied reasons

“The reasons vary, but predominantly, riders argue that they are not too big for their animals, and will probably keep them and do other things with them if they can’t compete in our working pony classes,” he said. “It’s also a significant transition time for young people. Changing horses as well is quite challenging.”

Kelly Ward, whose daughter Ruby has followed her footsteps to compete in working hunter ponies, feels the move is a “backwards step”.

“I don’t think the 153cm classes needed to increase in numbers,” she said. “We’ve not done every one this year, but the ones we have done had between 15 and 20 in them. It’s been a busy year at shows and numbers have been good this summer.”

Kelly is also concerned that the slight reduction in fence height will have a negative impact on standards.

“I worry it will encourage people to do other things. There are loads of good children who don’t need heights lowering – it’s insulting to them. Children who want a tough track will jump them elsewhere in other disciplines.”

One young rider who grew up in BSPS ranks but is now focusing predominantly on eventing is 2025 153cm Windsor winner Lily Brennan.

Lily said: “I think I will still try to qualify for Horse of the Year Show and RIHS as they’re such lovely competitions but it has crossed my mind whether to just go purely eventing as the courses are much bigger, more consistent height-wise and more technical.

“The section will become increasingly competitive with people up to 25 years old in it, probably making it harder to qualify for those who, like us, don’t chase tickets and just do it as and when it fits in or because you just really like jumping at a specific venue. I also think it will be a shame for the intermediate classes, which I feel will suffer with no one pushed to step up with the ages.”

The end of intermediates?

Kelly agreed, adding: “I think it will finish the intermediate class completely because riders won’t move into it because they don’t have to.”

But the BSPS said there is a demand for the class.

“A lot of people have had real difficulty in sourcing an intermediate working hunter, in terms of cost and finding a good one. But the riders want to remain jumping in these classes,” said Mr Cook, who added that the intermediate class will be reviewed at the end of next season.

“It will now be up to riders to support this class or risk losing it.”

Changes to the Burghley Gold Cup may help the intermediates.

For 2026, this final will follow new height and age requirements. Instead of the traditional 133cm, 143cm and 153cm sections, ponies will be not exceeding 138cm, 148cm and 158cm. This enables combinations competing in intermediate working hunter pony classes to compete for the first time, in response to popular demand.

“It will allow more competitors an opportunity to compete at Burghley,” said working hunter pony stalwart and panel judge Claire Collier. “These classes are also opened up to the Pony Club, where most children move on to bigger animals far more quickly than in showing, so it’s a good thing to widen the parameters.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

H&H’s Bethan Simons: ‘Hickstead’s Royal International was as good as showing gets’

Want to go showing in 2025? Find out which showing societies you need to join…

From STARS to HOYS: 13 show ring opportunities for amateurs in 2026

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

Six-year-old jockey Florence Rendall proved one to watch, commanding the ring and claiming both show pony mini classes before she rode Elmswood Spring Parade (Simba) to the 2025 Horse of the Year Show mini championship, sponsored by Annabel’s Deliciously British.

She was led to victory in the lead-rein ranks by John Harvey, who was evidently touched by the win, as he bred the pony along with Brogan Taverner-Burns.

“I always thought he was special,” said John. “It really is so special to have that dream come true with him.”

John said he led Simba last year in this class with niece Willow West on board.

“But Willow was too big for him this year so we let Team Helliwell lease him for Florence. They produce him, and I have been meeting him at shows to lead them.”

The five-year-old was second on his debut here last time, and bettered his 2024 Royal International (RIHS) third by standing second this summer.

He is by Hightopps Hugo out of Broadgrove Spring Serenade, who won the Royal International with Ellis Taverner Burns.

“We’ve still got his mum, but she’s retired from breeding now,” said John. “He’s got one younger sibling, but that’s it. It makes it even more special.”

Fresh from riding Simba, Florence returned to her winning ways in the subsequent first ridden final. Her partner off the lead rein was Somersham Playboy, also six, who is also produced by Florence’s mother Rachael Helliwell.

“We bought the pony for Florence when she was three,” said Rachael. “He took her in the ring for the first time and he did a few local-level shows.

“Through the winter we played around a bit with the ponies and I thought she might want to have a go off the lead, she was looking quite confident but I didn’t think for one minute that he’d win HOYS on his first year off the lead. It’s absolutely amazing. Unbelievable.”

Florence has grown in confidence as the season has gone on, which Rachael credits in large part to this pony.

“He took her around for the first time at the Royal International this summer; he looks after her so well – that’s just what he does.

“They were supreme blue riband at the British Show Pony Society Summer Championships so I knew she could do it and wouldn’t crack under the pressure, and out of all the ponies I’ve had and produced in my entire life, I knew that she’d be safe on him.”

In the championship, Florence opted to ride Simba and Penny Richardson took Playboy.

Runner-up in the 2025 Horse of the Year Show mini championship

Reserve went to the second-placed lead-rein exhibit Hightopps Fairytale, owned and produced by Adam Forster and David Jinks. Five-year-old “Kitty”, by Hightopps Mr Bumble out of Hightopps Magic Fairy, was ridden by Emily Doherty, also five.

Kitty is in her first season under saddle, having been selected by David from good friends Clare Highnam and Alice Bennett of the Hightopps Stud.

“Kitty was one of last year’s novices that David actually picked out – he seems to be able to pick out Hightopps novice mini ponies,” said Adam, who explained that David had also “picked out” another of the stud’s ponies who has since gone on to fly the flag for team Jinks: Hightopps Black Magic. “It seems to be his speciality.

“She came home to us last winter after HOYS and we started breaking her in quietly.”

Adam adds that the pony didn’t initially take to the job: “She was a little bit overcome with it, but we just took a step back and now that she’s got her head around it she absolutely loves being in the ring. So we took a step back and just went really steadily away, and she’s got better and better all year and taken everything in her stride.

“Today, she rose to the occasion. She stood like a rock, looked at the audience and enjoyed it, ears pricked, and she went beautifully. Emily rode her lovely and it all came together on the day.

“She was third at Hickstead, too, which was lovely as well – for a novice pony, you can’t really ask for more.”

Adam adds that Kitty oozes superstar quality, and since clicking with showing has “taken the job on and run with it”.

“She has the most incredible walk and she struts like an absolute supermodel. So she kind of now has realised what’s being asked and it’s like she’s saying ‘Oh, they’re all here to look at me, I’m going to make them look at me.’”

Emily’s mother, Jenna Doherty, added that the result with the low-mileage novice is “totally unexpected” and down to the production team’s “meticulous” preparation:

“The whole team have been behind Kitty and behind Emily and I can’t thank them enough. They’ve been amazing. People see the results and don’t see the work that goes into it sometimes; they think it just happens and it doesn’t. A lot of time goes into these results.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

*Live* All the HOYS showing news as it happens

‘No horse deserves this more’: versatile gelding secures HOYS intermediate show hunter of the year crown

‘I’ve been showing here for 20 years‘: pregnant mum determined to show after hospital stay takes HOYS crown

Horse who worries at home but ‘comes into his own at shows’ is HOYS maxi cob of the year

‘I tried some weights and here we are’: intended worker exceeds expectations to stand 2025 hunter champion at HOYS

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

A Highland and his teenage rider delivered a cracking performance to land the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd 2025 junior mountain and moorland championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Winning both her classes on her first visit to the HOYS was not what 13-year-old Holly Smith expected this week with her charming Highland gelding Kincardine Uist, but that’s exactly what happened for this pair from Forfar in the northeast of Scotland.

On Wednesday, they lifted the National Pony Society/Supreme Products mountain and moorland ridden Highland final and on Friday evening they not only scooped the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd junior mountain and moorland ridden large breeds pony of the year title – winning by a huge 11-mark margin – they went on to clinch the overall junior ridden championship sash.

“It’s absolutely unbelievable, if someone had told me on Tuesday that I would have won both my classes and taken the junior championship by the end of Friday, I wouldn’t have believed them in the slightest!” said an elated Holly, who is only in her first season with Uist.

The pair have form for doing it all in one go though; at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Winter Championships they collected all three of their Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) tickets in one weekend. They followed this up with a trip to Royal Cheshire, where they booked their pass to HOYS in both the classes they won here.

Ride judge David Blair set a deceptively tricky show which included a gallop on the diagonal and a canter circle, and riders were rewarded for accuracy.

“We spend most weeks just hacking on our farm at home,” said Holly, who has lessons with Kirsty Aird. “She gave me a lovely pep talk before we went in the ring that really helped!”

Uist was only bought from Sarah-Jane Forbes in September last year, and the new partnership almost came to an abrupt end a few months later. “He had a really bad accident in the field in February and we thought he had fractured his shoulder,” explained Holly’s mum Julie, but happily Uist made a swift and full recovery.

Holly and Uist will now relax until Sunday afternoon when they will contest the Supreme Products supreme pony of the year championship.

Reserve in the 2025 junior mountain and moorland championship

Standing reserve was the winner of the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd Junior mountain & moorland ridden small breeds final, Marsh Walk On By and 13-year-old Lilly Richardson.

The pair occupied this same spot last year when they finished second and were also last year’s winner of the ridden Welsh section A final. “He is just the most amazing pony,” declared Lilly.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

*Live* All the HOYS showing news as it happens

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

‘I tried some weights and here we are’: intended worker exceeds expectations to stand 2025 hunter champion at HOYS

Gifted mare lands the 2025 Price Family supreme in-hand championship at HOYS

‘He jumped his socks off for me’: HOYS working hunter pony champion crowned after jumping clear around challenging track

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

With the 2025 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) just around the corner, we catch up with mountain and moorland (M&M) mini and working hunter judge Erik Mackechnie-Guire to find out what he’ll be looking for.

Who is mountain and moorland mini and working hunter judge Erik Mackechnie-Guire?

“During my early years, my involvement in ponies was through a local trekking centre, which kept a mixture of native and native crosses. That’s where I first became interested in the native breeds and at around 16 years old, I had a native of my own for the first time – a Shetland pony,” says Erik.

After finishing school, Erik decided to pursue working in the equestrian world, and trained via the British Horse Society (BHS) system before embarking on his career. A period of working on various good training yards and facilities ensued, including over 20 years as head trainer at Gleneagles.

He has competed to advanced level in dressage, and is an experienced coach who has worked with the British para-equestrian dressage team and as para-equestrian high performance manager with Team Australia.

In May 2019 he was appointed as the BEF’s new pathway manager for para-equestrian dressage, and has since become a Fellow of the BHS.

Erik joined the Highland Pony Society in his teens, and progressed onto the judging panel in his early twenties. His involvement in the breed has continued to this day and he now keeps a small herd of ponies, and breeds under the Dunstaffanage prefix.

As well as the Highland Pony Society’s breed panel, Erik sits on the UK Ponies & Horses (UK P&H), the National Pony Society (NPS) and the British Show Pony Society (BSPS).

He has officiated at many of our major UK fixtures, including at HOYS and at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

What will Erik be looking for at HOYS?

“Overall presentation will be vital to catch the eye” in the mini M&M classes, says Erik, adding: “I tend to see lead rein competitors as three components: first, the pony, then the child on board, and lastly the leader.

“With that in mind, I consider the pony’s type and conformation as well as their way of going. Then the proportions of the pony and the rider – they should compliment each other. The balance of the combination matters.”

What about the handler?

“As long as the pony is handled well and goes well, I am not worried about details such as which hand the handler uses to hold the reins. I’m simply looking for the best pony of breed type and the one that goes the best.

“Manners are everything for a mini pony. This can be a challenge at the likes of HOYS, where you cannot truly train for as there’s no other show like it. But the best ponies will have presence, too. I like to think of showing animals as pans on a stove. They should be simmering, but not boiling over and giddy in the environment.”

What about the conformation phase of the M&M working hunter pony classes?

“Let me be very clear,” he says, “no fat ponies will be getting top marks from me. Ponies should look fit and like they could do a day’s hunting.

“I’ll also be taking into account breed type. Whilst they need to look fit and able to do the job, I’ll still be wanting them to epitomise their breed descriptions.”

Anything else?

“In showing there is a lot of emphasis on what the head and neck and front end are doing, but that’s not where I look first. I look first of all to the engine. If the hind leg is not at least tracking up so the back foot steps in to the print left by the front foot, that will be a negative for me.

“If a pony doesn’t have an engine, it can’t work in any sphere, whether that’s driving, riding, taking a deer off a hill or jumping.”

Any show ring pet hates to be mindful of?

“A pony not going correctly and over-bitting,” says Erik. “For me, horses and ponies are generally amazing, extremely generous animals, so everything in their training should be as simple as possible.”

What makes HOYS so special?

“As a competitor and as a young equestrian, you look up to HOYS as the pinnacle – it’s one of the biggest events in the calendar. So to be asked to judge is a huge honour. When I judged the mountain and moorlands in 2014, I almost considered turning it down. I was in my early forties and felt I still had so much to learn – I still do feel that way – and HOYS is a huge responsibility.

“Competitors will have made a huge investment – both financially and emotionally – to be there. To qualify is fantastic, but to be in the top 10 is amazing, and as a judge, I feel the responsibility to get those ponies right.”

Any sign off advice for those riding there for the first time?

“Get yourself into a positive mindset ahead of your class. Do the work and hope your pony will go well. If you head in with a positive attitude you’re more likely to leave with a positive outcome,” says Erik.

“With so much emphasis on HOYS as the pinnacle of the year, it’s easy to forget to enjoy it, so make a conscious effort to; you can’t presume you’ll ever be back again. And remember, the people there with you – your family, friends and entourage – will be pleased for you whether you are first or 10th or don’t make the lineup. The memories you’ll share with those people will be lifelong ones – ensure you leave with good ones which you can look back on fondly.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the season, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘I want everything to look easy and effortless’: meet 2025 HOYS judge David Bennett 

Best showing numnahs for looking the part in the ring

‘Is showing plaited ponies spiralling into decline?’ Stuart Hollings ponders the way forward as M&Ms continue to prosper

Time to shine: how to nail your individual show to dazzle the judges

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

Any serious showing or showjumping fan knows that Hickstead’s main arena is magical, and who can resist a gallop in such a setting! Here are 10 of our favourite snaps of cracking gallops at the 2025 Royal International Horse Show, sponsored by Agria.

Our favourite snaps of cracking gallops at the 2025 Royal International

Mr Vincent and Danielle Heath

Danielle Heath and Isabella Mears-Wood’s cob champion Mr Vincent proved cobs may be sturdy but they don’t have to be steady with a cracking gallop at the 2025 Royal International.

Boston Black Tie and Helen Baker

Helen Baker and Nikki Falconbridge’s Boston Black Tie proved fast is in his genes – his grandmother was point-to-pointed by breeder Stephen Howard.

Waliandro and Sian Warman

Winners of the ridden Arabian championship, Sian Warman and “showman” Waliandro, enjoyed a speedy turn around the International Arena to land the title.

Mulberry Lane and Craig Kiddier

Eventual supremes Craig Kiddier and Susan Tennant’s Mulberry Lane took several turns around the arena at speed, and gave some of the most cracking gallops of the show.

Flash Point and Sam Walker

Sam Walker and Jill Day’s Flash Point made the most of beating dad Robert Walker to the hunter championship with a cracking gallop in the International Arena

Rowfantina My Buddy and Darcie Fielding

Darcie Fielding and Rowfantina My Buddy celebrate standing show hunter pony supreme with a swift turn about the arena in their lap of honour.

Harlow White and Bunowen Castle Ali

Harlow White and Bunowen Castle Ali give a cracking gallop in the UK Ponies and Horses Young riders championship having won the large breeds class.

Sarah Parker and Wynkers Griffindor 

Least, but we doubt he’d be last with this cracking gallop, is Wynkers Griffindor, who was ridden by Sarah Parker to be second in his ridden class.

Katy Marriott Payne and Marchmanors Mr Beaujangles

Katy Marriott Payne and Marchmanors Mr Beaujangles top the Dartmoor, Exmoor and Shetland class and enjoy a blast in the championship

Ellena Thomas and Ashleyvale Glen Duror 

Ellena Thomas and Highland pony Ashleyvale Glen Duror give a cracking gallop having won the Highland, Fell and Dales class

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘This is the best she has ever gone’: charming hack claims the 2025 Royal International amateur supreme

‘It means everything – especially with everyone here to celebrate’: home-bred takes Royal International senior championship

‘The bigger the ring, the better he is’: a horse bought to hack and enjoy at home claims Royal International cob championship

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

Izzy Walker once again proved a chip off the old block, well and truly rising to the occasion in the Supreme Products Supreme Ridden Pony Championship and lifting the Dick Saunders trophy with Helen Davies’ Stoneleigh Showtime (Charlie) at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

The Cusop Dimension eight-year-old, bred by Stephanie Horton, had landed the Enablelink BSPS supreme show pony championship before a swift turnaround for the supreme.

Just a short time after dad Robert had delivered a superb performance to stand reserve supreme horse with Flash Point, a determined Izzy and Charlie threw everything they had at goal. They gave an utterly charming display including a serpentine and canter loops in front of the crowd, Charlie not missing a beat to gain an impressive score of 28 from judges Vanessa De Quincey, Tim Gredley and Maggie Wyeth.

“He felt amazing,” said Izzy, “He’s just so good.”

Her mother Sarah Walker agreed. “He’s a pony of a lifetime, we’ll ever have another one like this for her. He’s just so good. How could we ever replace him?”

Charlie was bought by Helen Davies as a three-year-old, and together, he and Izzy have clocked up an impressive tally including three show pony champion titles at Royal Windsor, and a win and reserve both here and at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last year.

In reserve to Izzy and Charlie in the show pony championship was the John Harvey produced 138cm victor Landeman Bird Of Paradise, owned by Penny Carvosso and ridden by Beatrice Taverner-Jordan. The six-year-old is the reigning HOYS show pony of the year, but will retire to stud after a return visit to the NEC this autumn.

“She’s already done so much,” said John. “We thought it was time to retire her and let her be a mummy.”

Alice Homer and her mother Loraine’s Tidy Town, a double victor here this week as small hunter and intermediate champion, gave two searing turns up the ring and quite simply oozed class. The pair finished just a mark behind Izzy and Charlie.

Finishing third was a young mare with a bright future ahead of her: Caroline Hamilton’s homebred coloured supreme Lostock Up Till Dark, ridden by Harrison Taylor. Though low on milage and just a six-year-old, “Susie” performed way beyond her years and looked absolutely stunning in the International Arena.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘Hero Harry’: dream lead-rein pony claims Royal International supreme mini M&M title

‘She’s going out with style’: miniature champion bows out on top after Royal International win

‘Diva and proper showman’ crowned Royal International champion – after rider sings her way round the ring

‘He’s a fab horse – and he loves that hill’: maxi cob gallops to Royal International victory

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

The mini classes lay the foundations for many a generation of show-ring and equestrian personalities, and make for super-cute viewing to boot. The 2025 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) mini ride judge, Sharron Kivlochlan, will be putting each combination through their paces alongside conformation judge Mathew Lawrence.

Meet Sharron Kivlochlan, the 2025 Royal International mini ride judge

It may surprise some to learn that Sharron’s own competitive efforts were actually in the showjumping arena. It was only when she purchased a pony for her eldest daughter Elle — now a mother herself — that Sharron became involved in showing.

Both Elle and her younger sister Maisie progressed through the mini ranks, and both girls had a variety of ponies, from show ponies to mountain and moorlands and working hunter ponies. Most recently, we’ve seen Maisie enjoy success with the multi-garlanded Cashelbay JJ in the mountain and moorland working hunter pony classes.

As the sisters grew up, Sharron decided to pursue judging as a way to give back to a sport and discipline that they’d enjoyed as a family. She sits on the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) panel.

This will be Sharron’s third time judging at the RIHS and she says she feels “very honoured” to be appointed.

What will Sharron be looking for?

“I judge how I like my girls to be judged,” she says, adding, “I always judge as I see on the day and like to reward good performances.”

For Sharron, the performance aspect is foremost.

She says: “Obviously a lovely pony is a lovely pony, but for me it’s really important that good performances reap rewards for children. I know they will have worked very hard for that performance, and should be given reward for their work.”

Balance is important, too.

“When judging these classes, it’s the overall picture and performance and you have to weigh it all up. You might forgive a pony for being above the bridle if they have a very little child on board, for example.”

And any dislikes?

“I like to see corners used correctly when I am judging. That’s very difficult for little riders but I would expect that at the final, they don’t perform their show on a ‘postage stamp’ and they try to use the ring. It doesn’t need to be a long show, just one that uses the ring.

“In the lead rein, I would expect that leaders can use their ring correctly to show the pony off to the best of their abilities.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘First and foremost and above all else, these ponies must safely carry a small child’: meet the RIHS plaited mini judge

‘A native pony must scream type, including in its movement’: meet the 2025 Royal International M&M judge for conformation

Buying a mini show pony: top tips on how to find your child’s next superstar

Off to jump the RIHS workers at Hickstead? Here’s one expert’s insight into the course and how to train for success

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

The Royal International mountain and moorland (M&M) classes will be among the biggest at the show. This means there will be no shortage of quality at the final. 2025 Royal International M&M judge Cheryl Scott will have the tough task of assessing each one’s conformation.

So who is Cheryl and what will she be looking for?

Cheryl’s background

At the age of 11, Cheryl began working at a riding school to earn free lessons, which had her hooked on ponies. She later swapped to working at a saddlery in order to keep a Welsh part-bred she had on loan, introducing her to the breed.

“Then I got asked to ride a Welsh cob that I showjumped,” she says, “and we drove him during the winter. My passion ever since has been showing my own and other people’s native ponies. I have owned, produced or ridden all the native breeds.”

Though Cheryl is most passionate about the natives, her career has seen her work with a whole host of different types.

“I went into working on a racing yard. Then wound up yard manager at a different racing yard, as well as a livery yard dedicated to dressage horses,” she explains. “I have also worked for a master of the Meynell hunt, hunted, and team chased over the years.”

Cheryl’s judging experience

Cheryl’s judging experience began more than 15 years ago on the Northern Counties Pony Association (NCPA) panel. Later, she progressed to the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), UK Ponies and Horses (UKP&H), and The Showing Register (TSR) panels, and eventually, the National Pony Society (NPS).

“I have been on show committees for almost 20 years, too, and am currently show secretary for NCPA Staffordshire and Ashbourne Show,” she adds.

So what will the 2025 Royal International M&M judge be looking for?

“You can make the top but never the bottom” is Cheryl’s ethos, so she starts at the foot when assessing a pony. “I progress to the correct angles of the foot and fetlock, then short strong cannons, flat bone, well-shaped shields and clean, well-set hocks. A pony’s bone must also be in proportion with the rest of it.

“Then I like a well-set shoulder, clean neck and throat, room to carry a saddle and strong quarters with a good second thigh.”

Beyond its basic conformation, for Cheryl, a pony must “scream type” including when it comes to movement. “A pony must move correctly for its type,” she says.

When assessing their movement, Cheryl also keenly critiques the walk. “The walk, for me, is the most important gait. If a pony can’t walk freely and cover the ground, it will never negotiate the terrain it was bred to live and thrive on.”

And as for pet hates? “Over-topped, under-pinned and over-produced ponies,” she says without hesitation.

“I like a native pony to be just that: a pony. Fat should not be mistaken for substance. I don’t like ponies fattened to the point they end with weakened joints and the health issues that go with being overweight. Let a young pony look and be a young pony.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Stand and deliver to stay top of the line-up – why stillness in the show ring matters more than you think

From the diminutive Shetland to the spectacular Welsh cob – meet Royal Windsor’s 2025 M&M champions

Off to jump the RIHS workers at Hickstead? Here’s one expert’s insight into the course and how to train for success

‘These are Irish Draughts, not Valegro – don’t try to make them look like something they’re not’: 2025 Royal International Irish Draught judge on what he’ll be looking for

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

Davinia Johnson’s beloved Exmoor Stowbrook Red Kite has made a remarkable return to form, 18 months after a mystery illness meant he would probably never be ridden again.

Kite topped a strong field to win the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) open ridden Exmoor, Dartmoor and Shetland class at British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Area 4A then returned to the ring to secure his second Hickstead pass of the season at BSPS Area 5 on Good Friday in the open 122cm mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter pony (WHP) class.

It’s been a fairytale comeback for a pony who, just over a year ago, wasn’t expected to be ridden again.

“We’re calling this bonus season number two,” said Davinia. “After everything he’s been through, every outing is a gift.”

In November 2023, Kite began showing mild signs of colic. After initial treatment, Davinia’s gut instinct told her something was still wrong, and the results of further investigation were sobering. Kite’s creatine levels were dangerously high, and he was rushed to Rainbow Equine Hospital.

Kite spent seven days in intensive care on 24-hour drips, undergoing extensive testing. No definitive cause was found, but scans showed his left kidney was functioning at a reduced level. At this point, vets warned Davinia that Kite’s ridden career was likely over, and his long-term future uncertain.

Davinia said: “I just wanted him home. We were heartbroken but focused on his comfort and quality of life.”

Luckily, Kite began to turn a corner and his creatine levels returned to normal within 10 days. Another blood test 10 days later showed further improvement.

By Christmas, Rainbow gave the go-ahead for short hacks. Following five clear blood tests, ongoing monitoring from Rainbow and support from TopSpec nutritionists, Kite returned to gentle work. A year and a half down the line, he’s on fantastic form.

Davinia has owned Kite for almost nine years. The pair have enjoyed incredible success. This season’s latest RIHS ticket is his 12th qualification across three classes. They have also qualified multiple times for Horse of the Year Show and London International Horse Show with placings at all three finals, and wins and championships at shows including Royal Cheshire, Lincolnshire and the Royal Highland.

“He is the sweetest little pony; he is so funny and so cheeky but there’s not a nasty bone in his body. He loves being the centre of attention so does funny little things to get noticed when I’m dealing with one of the others,” said Davinia.

“We haven’t set a plan for 2025; we’re just picking the shows we love and making memories together. The vets still call him a medical mystery. To us, he’s just our little legend.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Rebecca Penny: ‘Changes and challenges ahead for the showing world’

The Horse & Hound Podcast 163: Showing producer Sara Parrott | The cost of common equine insurance claims

From STARS to HOYS: 13 show ring opportunities for amateurs in 2026

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

All eyes were on producer Sarah Walker at the recent North of England Spring Show as she made her triumphant comeback, eight months after she suffered horrific injuries in a rotational fall.

Sarah took the open hunter championship with former Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) winning middleweight Crystal Cove (Fish).

Sarah had a crashing fall last August while practising an extension ahead of the evening performance at the National Hunter Championships.

“I think if we’d only been trotting when the horse tripped, we would have been ok, but because we were practising an extension, it ended up being a rotational fall,” she explained.

Sarah, who runs a highly successful yard alongside her husband Rob Walker, was knocked unconscious in the fall and damaged ligaments in her back and shoulders.

But the worst injuries were to her face: she de-gloved her entire jaw, damaged her mouth and severed the main nerve in her chin. She needed major surgery to repair the damage.

“I was unlucky in one respect, but lucky in another as it could have been so much worse,” Sarah told H&H.

A lengthy recovery ensued.

“We came home on the Wednesday afterwards, and Rob had to help me out of the car and into the house. I was so weak and frail like a little old lady. My whole body just felt in so much pain,” Sarah said.

“Rob and the children were amazing, as was my mum. Mum came to help look after me and spoon-fed me soup for the first week or so. She’d make half a cup at a time as that’s all I could manage. I remember joking to her, ‘I bet you didn’t think you’d be feeding me with a spoon at my age’. I lost two stone in weight – I was just so frail.”

The couple’s daughter, Izzy, who was 11 at the time, had witnessed Sarah’s accident.

“After we got home, she just lay across me and cried,” said Sarah. “She was in a terrible place – wouldn’t eat and couldn’t sleep – so we decided that the best thing was for her to go to the [British Show Pony Society] BSPS champs to ride her ponies and be with her friends to forget about it. This allowed me to rest for a while.”

Their son Sam, an equine dentist, was drafted back in to help his dad with the show horses, and stepped up in fine style, even riding novice lightweight Flashpoint to beat Rob to the supreme champion hunter title at the British Show Horse Association championship.

“I was so proud of the way Rob and the children pulled together,” said Sarah, who continues to struggle with numbness – “I have to drink my tea through a straw so I know if it’s too hot,” – and damaged vocal cords, but insisted: “You just have to get on with it.”

Although Rob, Izzy and Sarah won at North of England, the morning did not start as planned.

“Just as we were ready to set off, we noticed a flat tyre,” Sarah said. “I was beginning to wonder if it was a sign, but thankfully, the day got better.

“I started welling up as I got on and felt really emotional riding up to the ring. A wave of panic came over me when we were asked to extend so I did just that in the class, but in the championship, I thought to myself, ‘I really want to win this,’” explained Sarah, who opted to wear her chinstrap hat.

Sarah had deliberately chosen Fish as the horse to help her stage her comeback.

“I didn’t do much with him as a novice; I’d only ridden him once before riding him in the championship at HOYS when Rob had also won with Sean [View Point]. But I really enjoyed it,” she said.

“I knew when I decided to come back to the ring, he was the only one I was going to ride. I just know him so well; I knew that he would look after me.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Set your horse or pony up for in-hand showing success by mastering these 8 key skills

Rebecca Penny: ‘Changes and challenges ahead for the showing world’

The Horse & Hound Podcast 163: Showing producer Sara Parrott | The cost of common equine insurance claims

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

BSPS or BSPA? TSR or SHB? If you’re new to showing, deciding on which society is for you can seem daunting. We’re here to help because knowing which showing society membership you need to ensure that you’re able to compete in the classes you want is important.

Here’s our guide to what some of the biggest showing societies are offering their members this season…

National Pony Society (NPS)

Why join?

If you want to compete in the following HOYS and RIHS qualifiers and respective finals:

• HOYS pony classes (remember both owner and rider need to be a member of a relevant society to compete in HOYS qualifiers)
• NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds M&M WHP RIHS qualifiers – the owner needs to be a member to compete in the qualifying rounds

What do they offer?

There are 18 NPS areas which cover the UK, and most commit to hosting shows throughout the year.

The NPS holds two shows at the Three Counties Showground: the Spring Festival (26 April 2025) hosting a mixture of classes for open and novice ponies, and the Summer Championships (5–7 August 2025) which has an absolute wealth of classes, from fancy dress to HOYS qualifiers as well as finals for all of their championships. There are plenty of classes you can enter on the day at the championships, but if you want to qualify for a final, it’s best to try to crack on early at their area shows. The Great British in-hand show is held in September. You guessed it, the classes are all in hand (14 September at Vale View) but this year is combined with the Autumn Performance Show which hosts the finals of the Anthony Evans Insurance Arena Eventing Challenge.

The NPS runs its own dressage series which is great for anyone used to dressage and wanting to dip a toe in showing, or visa versa. This year’s finals are on 17 May at Bury Farm with finals for all the M&M breeds and riding ponies, at novice and prelim level, plus a team competition and an evening supreme.

The NPS are the custodians of the British Riding Pony Studbook. Members can enjoy reduced passport applications and transfer fees for ponies in the British Riding Pony Studbook.

While we hope you won’t need it, public liability and accident insurance is included in the membership .

What will it cost me?

The cost of a qualifying membership for one person is £89, while a non-qualifying membership costs £69. This membership covers all ponies eligible for the listed qualifying classes. There is a £5 discount for membership applications completed before 31 January.

Find out more at www.nationalponysociety.com

British Show Pony Society (BSPS)

Why join?

If you want to compete in the following HOYS, RIHS and LIHS qualifiers and respective finals:

• HOYS M&M LR, FR and Open Ridden classes
• HOYS Intermediate Show Horse and Show Hunter
• HOYS SP (LR/FR and height sections)
• HOYS SHP
• HOYS LRHT
• HOYS part-bred class
• HOYS plaited and M&M WHP classes
• All RIHS pony classes including SP, SHP, LR, FR, Heritage M & M LR, M & M FR & Ridden, Anglo and Part Bred Arab, Young Dragonara Riders and Pretty Polly finals
• LIHS M&M Supreme Ridden Championship qualifiers and final
• BSPS London International Performance qualifiers and final
• Burghley Gold Cup qualifiers and final

What do they offer?

There are 17 BSPS areas covering England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, each holding at least one show annually, usually with discounted entry fees to Society members. Various areas also regularly arrange clinics for training and points parties.

There are three BSPS Championship shows held at Arena UK, Grantham: the BSPS Winter Championships (3–5 May 2025), the Summer Championships (19-23 August 2025) and the Heritage Championships (27 and 28 September 2025), which is for native ponies.

BSPS offers members the chance to qualify for the Blue Riband Pony of the Year, BSPS Challenge, Showman’s Award, Best of the Best Championship and Champions of Champions Finals held at the Summer Championships.

The BSPS holds the Land Rover Burghley Gold Cup Sports Pony Finals annually, which is a season must for die-hard working hunter pony competitors.

The performance classes and the Heritage Supreme Ridden Championship (for M&Ms) at the London International Horse Show are also hosted by the BSPS, with qualifying opportunities offered at various shows throughout the year.

What will it cost me?

An adult showing membership costs £60. The BSPS also requires separate pony registrations, which costs £38 per animal.

Find out more: www.bsps.com

Northern Counties Pony Association (NCPA) 

What can they offer me?

The NCPA has 10 branches spanning from Cumbria to Shropshire areas, with most holding a number of shows and events during the course of the year where members are offered discounted entry fees.

The NCPA Spring Spectacular will be on 9 March, and Pony of the Year Show will be held on 14 September 2025.

Members are given the opportunity to win a bursary to be used for an equestrian training course at any approved NCPA establishment.

NCPA members can win the Star Rosette at affiliated shows.

What will it cost me?

A single adult membership is £40 per person (£35 online) or family membership is £50 (£45 online) providing children are under 18.

Details on: www.thencpa.co.uk

UK Ponies & Horses (UKPH)

Why join?

If you want to compete in the following qualifiers and respective finals:

• RIHS M&M young riders
• RIHS M&M amateur riders
• Multiple HOYS qualifiers

What can they offer?

The UKHP Spring Classic (15–16 March 2025) is held at Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre, Warwickshire. There is also an autumn show held at Newbold Equestrian Centre (21 September 2025) with London International qualifiers.

What will it cost me?

An annual adult membership is £50 per person. Horse and pony registrations cost £40 per animal. A rider membership costs £40 per person.

Details on: www.ukponieshorses.com

British Show Horse Association (BSHA)

Why join?

If you want to compete in the following HOYS, RIHS and LIHS qualifiers and respective finals:

• HOYS cobs (including maxi cobs)
• HOYS riding horses
• HOYS ridden hunters
• HOYS hacks
• HOYS ladies show horse
• HOYS intermediate show horse
• RIHS open and amateur hacks, cobs (including maxis) and riding horses
• RIHS working show horse
• LIHS Rising Stars amateur classes

What can they offer?

The BSHA holds several shows throughout the year, including the BSHA Northern Spring Show (13 April), BSHA Southern Spring Show (10 May), the BSHA National Championships Show, (11–13 September) and the BSHA Rising Star Show (14 September).

As well as the amateur classes at the RIHS, the BSHA host a series of amateur-only and home-produced ridden finals at London International Horse Show, with qualifiers being held across the season. New for this year are performance-led classes where conformation won’t be considered.

What will it cost me?

BSHA have a variety of options, depending on which classes you wish to enter. Full adult membership is £65, allowing you to do the full range of HOYS and RIHS classes, but hunter only membership is less, at £45, and LIHS Rising Star membership is £30, including a £5 pre-registration fee. There are further discounts offered such as family, junior and life memberships. Horses need to be registered too, and there are various options for you to choose from.

Find out more at britishshowhorse.org

Sports Horse Breeding of GB (SHB(GB))

Why join?

If you want to compete in the following HOYS and RIHS qualifiers and respective finals:

• RIHS ridden hunter qualifiers.
• HOYS ridden hunter and working hunter qualifiers
• All ridden hunter and sport horse classes that are run under SHB (GB) rules.
• Eligibility to compete for the £200 broodmare premiums which are awarded at shows across the country.

What can they offer?

SHB (GB) is the governing body for hunter and sport horse classes which are held at major shows throughout the country.

Grading system for stallions, mares and foals. There is also an annual stallion parade which takes place at Badminton Horse Trials and showcases stallions graded within the society.

The SHB(GB) Spring Show will take place at Addington Equestrian (27 April 2025). The National Hunter Supreme Championship show will take place at Addington Equestrian (12–13 August 2025). A Burghley Young Event Horse qualifier is also held at the National Hunter Supreme Championship Show.

At both shows there are classes that are open to non-members of the society.

What will it cost me?

A membership costs £95 per person per year. But, if you’re new to showing and want to dip a toe in these classes, you can purchase a day ticket for £42. A maximum of two day tickets may be purchased per year, and this entitles competitors to compete at a maximum of two shows in the year, covering owner and rider membership, together with horse registration/overstamp for those shows. But stand warned: if the class is a qualifying class for RIHS, in order for the qualification to be valid, application for full owner/rider membership and horse registration/overstamp must be received in the SHB(GB) office within 14 days.

Details on: www.sporthorsegb.co.uk

The Showing Register (TSR)

Why join?

If you want to compete in the following HOYS qualifiers and respective finals:

• HOYS M&M qualifying classes
• HOYS coloured horse and pony classes
• HOYS plaited pony classes (SP, SHP, LR/FR, INT, PB, WHP)
• HOYS hunter weights, small hunters, working hunter and side-saddle

What can they offer?

TSR run three shows: the Spring Show (26 May 2025) the Premier Amateur Show (6–7 September 2025) and the Eligibility to qualify for the New Amateur of the Year Show, the HOYS Amateur Points League, and Talent Spotting finals in September 2025. Members also get discounted entries at TSR shows and clinics. Added perks include a complimentary Horse of the Year Show evening performance ticket for Sunday 2025, 10% discount on Equibalancer products and 15% discount on Supreme Products items.

What will it cost me?

Entry level membership at £30 for you and £10 for your pony or horse entitles you to compete at all TSR Shows, Talent Spotting finals, qualify for Amateur of the Year and all other non-HOYS benefits. If you want to compete in HOYS classes or enter the Premier Amateur points league, you’ll need full membership at £50 plus £20 for your horse or pony. A package rate of £65 covers one adult, one child and one pony.

Details on: www.theshowingregister.co.uk

British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA)

Why join?

If you want to compete in the following RIHS qualifiers and respective finals:

• RIHS coloured horse and pony classes

What can they offer?

The BSPA has 13 regional areas, which offer support and assistance to members.

Grading system for stallions and mares registered in the society.

The BSPA hosts the Festival of Showing winter championships (TBC) and the BSPA World of Colour Show (TBC) at the same venue.

What will it cost me?

An adult membership costs £60 per person, while a RIHS qualifying card costs £30 per horse/pony.

Details on: bspaonline.com

Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS)

Why join?

If you want to compete in the following qualifiers and respective finals:qualifiers and respective finals:

• HOYS coloured horse and pony series
• CHAPS area and championship shows

What can they offer?

CHAPS UK run several shows and events through the year. The CHAPS summer championship show takes place at Arena UK (14–16 August 2025), and you’ll find sections for everyone, from HOYS qualifiers to in hand and ridden classes for amateur, home produced, novice, open, junior and golden oldies.

CHAPS UK offers grading opportunities for registered stallions and mares.

What will it cost me?

An adult showing membership costs £48 per person.

Details on: www.chapsuk.com

Veteran Horse Society (VHS)

Why join?

If you want to compete a horse or pony, 15-years-old or over, in showing or dressage.

What can they offer?

The VHS championship show takes place at Arena UK (29 August–31 September 2025).

What will it cost me?

A VHS showing membership costs £35 per person. Showing and dressage cards cost between £12.50 and £17.50.

Details on: www.veteran-horse-society.co.uk

Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd (SSADL)

Why join?

If you are a home-produced competitor with a senior horse or pony (aged over 15) and want to show at either RIHS or LIHS.

What can they offer?

Two prestigious finals held at the RIHS and at London International, for both in-hand and ridden show horses and ponies. A national championship show (20–21 September) which is open to all home produced ponies and horses 15 years of age and over. You don’t have to be a member to compete at the championships, but you will need to be a member in advance if you hope to qualify for the RIHS or LIHS finals and the Senior of the Year final. There is also a dressage series and other benefits.

What will it cost me?

For newcomers, showing membership costs £75, but renewal before the end of February is discounted to £70. There are also non-showing options which are cheaper.

Find out more at www.seniorshowinganddressage.co.uk

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

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

An amateur rider and her home-produced Fell stallion took to the centre line at the London International Horse Show after winning the 2024 BSPS ridden M&M supreme championship final.

Victoria Taylor and her own Birkettbank Master John (Jay) were one of four Fell pony finalists to compete. After the ride section, they stood in second position with scores of 43 and 45, respectively, from ride judges Philip Hilton and Marilyn Ludlow.

Conformation judges Amanda McHale and Helen Starkie agreed on the Greenholme Elect eight-year-old’s type and quality, scoring him 44 and 47, respectively, putting him on a final winning total of 179/200.

“I can’t even say I’ve ever dreamed of this before as it seems so far away from the possible for an amateur like me,” said Victoria.

Victoria’s mother Jane Sonnex bought Jay unseen from his breeder Robert Briggs, who led him to win the Fell Pony Society stallion show youngstock championship when he was a two-year-old.

“He was then broken by Sam Roberts and had a couple of novice years, though he’s never done an awful lot,” Victoria continued. “He went to HOYS and finished in the top few on his first visit there in 2022. He then had a very quiet year last season as I had my second baby.”

Jay was the consummate professional throughout his performance in London.

“He loves an atmosphere,” added Victoria, who keeps Jay at home. “Mum and I share doing the ponies. We both work full-time – we run pet shop businesses – and showing is our hobby.

“This result is incredible and I’m just speechless,” Victoria continued. “I’ve always known he was good enough as he’s a superstar, but as an amateur you never think you’ll win something like this.”

Reserve champion for the second year in a row just one mark behind on 178/200 was Joe Watson’s Dales stallion Griseburn Major. The Wolsey Viking seven-year-old, who was bred by Helen Horn, finished in the runner-up spot 12 months ago, but despite this impressive placing, he didn’t manage to win the best of breed crown. Today, he achieved that goal for his long-term rider Joe.

Major was awarded Amanda McHale’s equal top conformation mark of 49/50.

“I could cry; this pony has been amazing from start to finish today,” Joe said. “Even though he was reserve last year he didn’t get that best of breed title, so that’s what I wanted for him.”

As a five-year-old, Major was M&M champion at HOYS.

“We couldn’t believe he won that title at such a young age, but he’s just got better and better each year,” Joe said. “He gives the loveliest ride; he’s so balanced for a big hairy. Next year, I’m going to stand him at stud for the first time. I also have his half-brother waiting in the wings at home, so it’s an exciting time.”

Chris Grant and Highland stallion Dunedin Iolare finished third and best of breed on their debut in London, scoring 175/200. The Moss-side Iain Mor son, who was bred by Anne Mitchell, also scored a near perfect 49/50 from Amanda. Iolare’s 2024 CV includes the ridden M&M supreme at the Royal Highland, a breed show supreme win and a second place at the Royal International.

Top Welsh section C, April Gilmartin and Gems Malt Whiskey, finished fourth overall on 171/200. This pair have won the best of breed accolade on previous occasions and they were also HOYS victors In October.

Ellena Thomas and Highland stallion Ashleyvale Glen Duror, another London debutante, were leading the field after the ride on 89/100, though they finished fifth overall after the conformation phase on a final total of 169/200.

Sixth fell to Sarah Parker, last year’s supreme winner, riding Leah May’s reigning RIHS M&M supreme winner Nipna Mighty Oak (Dales), while seventh was Amy Canavan-Smith and Laura Marshall’s ever-consistent Fell stallion Hardendale Ray, recently third at HOYS with Laura in the saddle.

Three Connemaras occupied the next three spaces in the 2024 BSPS ridden M&M supreme championship; these were Lucy Glover and Amanda Sharman’s 2022 M&M supreme winner Castle Kestrel, Harlow White and King Bunowen Castle Ali, who were also the highest placed junior combination, and Harrison Taylor and Kerry Wainwright’s former best of breed winner and multi-HOYS in-hand and ridden finalist Skellorn Déjà Vu.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like to read:

H&H’s guide to 2026 London International tickets, plus exclusive discount code

Post-Christmas Covid rules, funding for Paris 2024, and other things the horse world is talking about today

‘He’s a legend’: 21-year-old grand prix horse makes winning return to London Horse Show (and AP McCoy manages not to fall off)

‘He was a one-off’: heartbroken farewell to one of the world’s best puissance horses aged 15

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

Changes aimed at standardising rules on who is and is not an amateur in showing have been agreed for classes at next year’s Royal International Horse Show (RIHS, 22-27 July).

On 17 December the Showing Council facilitated a meeting between the British Piebald & Skewbald Association, the British Show Horse Association, the British Show Pony Society, Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain, and UK Ponies & Horses, which all hold qualifying and classes and finals at the RIHS.

A Showing Council spokesperson said this was the fourth time the groups have met, with the “sole aim of standardising the amateur rule” across the five societies.

The changes are: professional producers will no longer be able to compete a novice horse on behalf of an amateur rider, without the rider losing their “amateur status”; racing and riding schools have been removed from the list of restrictions, which “should allow more people to compete in amateur classes; and breeding has been removed from the list of restrictions, with the exception of owning/standing a stallion at stud, which will not be permitted for amateurs.

It was also agreed to change the wording from “on the day when an exhibit is competing in amateur classes” to “on the showground where an exhibit is competing”.

“It is hoped by relaxing the amateur rules, with the removal of various restrictions, these classes will be opened up to a wider audience and therefore be of benefit to the societies, the shows and the wider showing community,” said the Showing Council spokesperson.

Amateur rules have come under the spotlight in recent years; some championship titles have changed hands after winners were found not to be classed as amateurs under a particular society’s rules – even if they are, with other societies.

Read the rules via the Showing Council’s website here.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Inclusion in the show ring hot topic at judges’ conference

Judges speak out as they ‘put their lives in competitors’ hands’ while work on insurance continues

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

The 2024 BSPS Heritage Championships took place at Arena UK (19–20 October) and native ponies and their riders vied for the final few London International Horse Show tickets as well as anticipated novice, restricted, open, young rider and working hunter titles.

Thankfully, H&H’s photographer was centre stage to capture some of those winning moments.

Here are 36 combinations who reigned at the 2024 BSPS Heritage Championships for you to enjoy…

2024 BSPS Heritage Championships winners

1. Anchor Lullaby

Katherine Hartenfeld and her own Exmoor mare book their debut in London after being well-placed in the small breeds semi-final.

2. Griseburn Major

Joe Watson steers his own Dales stallion, a former HOYS ridden champion, to win the best of breeds class and qualify for London.

3. Glebedale Sancerre

The Welsh section A mare lifts the mini RIHS M&M tricolour after heading the lead-rein field for the Richardson Family.

4. Nipna Mighty Oak

Sarah Parker is open ridden champion aboard Leah May’s Dales gelding who goes through the card to stand supreme of show, bagging the £1000 prize pot.

5. Latijn V.d. Helling

Aliya Khan and her recent HOYS winner take a bow in the small breeds semi-final.

6. Greenholme Larry

Jessica Morgan and her home-produced Fell stallion top the 2024 RIHS Pretty Polly qualifier, booking an early pass for next season.

7. Ebbw Golden Dragon

Vikki Smith is crowned novice working hunter pony champion in the evening performance on this 143cm class winner who is a newcomer to the sphere.

8. Blackthorn Poldark

Owned by Julian Walters and David Hodge, the Exmoor stallion is off to London International with his producer Jessica Talbot at the helm.

9. Nicholwalls Graceson

The Fell pony is third in the large breeds semi-final, booking his first spot in London for rider Georgia Love and owner Tracey North.

10. Cadlanvalley Royal Bronze

The reigning HOYS junior ridden pony of the year, who is no stranger to the spotlight of Arena UK, lifts the novice junior working hunter pony title with Maisie Kerry-Oates.

11. Hardendale Ray

Vikki Smith crowns a successful weekend by booking a spot at London International on the Laura Marshall-owned Fell stallion.

12. Meering Rocket

Natalie Mulrooney pilots Mark Reeves’ Dartmoor stallion to the head of the novice ridden championship.

13. Westwick Barron

The Dales stallion is off to London with his owner Jodie Smith in the saddle.

14. Thistledown Caribbean Joe

The Welsh section B stallion wins one of two London tickets for owner Danielle Garner this weekend.

15. Dafren Rhodri

Jane Smith’s home-produced Welsh section C qualifies for London for the second time in his career.

16. Rookery Bold As Brass

Fiamma Sutton’s Welsh section A stallion lands another pass to the Big Smoke for Jessica Talbot.

17. Moyabbey George

The Connemara stallion, who is owned and home-produced by Ailsa Vines, continues his winning ways on from HOYS to qualify for London.

18. Dukeshill Pearly Spencer

Victoria Harker pilots her own Welsh section A stallion, a former reserve supreme title holder in the BSPS M&M supreme ridden final, to another place in London.

19. King Bunowen Castle Ali

Harlow White places second in the Connemara and New Forest semi-final to book her Connemara gelding’s debut in London.

20. Rushhill Diplomat

Sarah Parker and her versatile Welsh section B win yet another class, this time in the best of breed section.

21. Tireinon Llew

Vikki Smith takes the ride on Danielle Garner’s HOYS-winning Welsh cob to qualify for the supreme final in London.

22. Birkettbank Master John

Home-producer Victoria Taylor leads the Fell best of breeds qualifier on her Fell stallion.

23. Salcombe Frowder Cove

Katy Marriott-Payne lifts the Dartmoor best of breeds ticket aboard Felicity Thompson’s home-bred stallion.

24. Badleybridge Braveheart

The best of breed Exmoor ticket is secured by Liam Priestly riding Madeline Haynes’ Exmoor stallion.

25. Zephyr Of Forglen

Victoria Casey poses for a winning shot after scoring the best of breeds Highland qualifier with her own stallion.

26. Jorenzo V.d. Veldhoeve

Aliya Khan wins another pass to London, this time riding Claire Connor’s Shetland stallion who headed the best of breeds class.

27. Eastlands Dunknowe

Tammy Heathcote’s Connemara gelding is through to London after winning his semi-final qualifier with Sarah Parker.

28. Llandderfel Prince Richard

Dannii Thexton and Anne Wilson’s Welsh section D stallion win their semi-final, booking their spot in London in the process.

29. Wishaw Red Admiral

The Welsh section D gelding and home-producer Simone Harrison take a London pass via the semi-final route.

30. Trenley Trinket

The New Forest breed class is won by Lauren Brill and this mare, who is a London debutante.

31. Marsh Walk On By

Lilly Richardson tops the Welsh section A best of breeds class on her mother’s gelding, who had a stellar show both on the flat and over fences.

32. Thorneynewside Replay

The Welsh section C gelding triumphs in the best of breeds class, to provide his rider Olivia Kohl with her first-ever London ticket.

33. Skellorn Deja Vu

The consistent in-hand and ridden contender, owned by his breeder Kerry Wainwright, secures his return to London with Harrison Taylor as they lead the Connemara best of breeds qualifier.

34. Popsters Olympic Star

The Welsh section C is second in his semi-final with Isabella O’Donnell, ensuring his place to see Santa in December.

35. Maesbrithdir The Boss

Rachel Wadley’s Welsh section D becomes a London finalist via the semi-final qualifier with Sarah Parker in the saddle.

36. Menai Georgie Boy

Leah May’s Welsh section C stallion gives his producer Sarah Parker another London ticket, this time in the breed’s semi-final qualifier.

Read the full report from the 2024 BSPS Heritage Championships in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine, in shops from Thursday 31 October. 

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Pau five-star, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘It must be those Cumbrian hills’: incredible horse wins second title of HOYS 2024 with owner

Celebrating the HOYS supreme horse of the year winners 2003–2025

Celebrating HOYS supreme ponies of the year: 2003–2025

Home-producers shine at HOYS — Meet the 2024 SEIB Search For A Star winners

H&H’s showing editor Alex Robinson: ‘The change at HOYS was refreshing to watch’

‘I don’t care if I never win another rosette’: glorious HOYS supreme win for dream pair

‘This is what we do it for’: five-year-old rider and show pony lead-rein are supreme at HOYS

‘He’s a dream’: show pony lead-rein is mini champion at HOYS with tiny rider

‘She told me not to watch!’ Tiny rider and pony in full flight to win first HOYS title

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

Edna Hunnable Schnieder, the long-standing equestrian sport supporter, owner and British Show Pony Society (BSPS) honorary vice-president died on 1 September, aged 86.

Edna was born in Braintree, Essex, to a non-horsey family. She met her husband Thomas, and the couple welcomed sons Martyn, Chris and Julian.

The Hunnable family’s equestrian story started when Thomas’s father bought Martyn a pony, and all three sons went on to ride and compete on ponies. Edna and Thomas’s equestrian interests grew, and in 1978 they founded and built Towerlands equestrian and sport centre. The facility became a renowned show centre, with Edna instrumental in its success. The couple founded and ran Dynes Hall horse trials, an event Edna enjoyed hosting.

Edna enjoyed all disciplines and she owned show and working hunter ponies, pointers, event horses and showjumpers. The couple were great supporters and generous sponsors of the BSPS including Thomas serving as its president. They continued supporting the show pony world long after their children outgrew the classes.

Following Thomas’s death in 1985 Edna continued to support the BSPS; she was president of Area 15, and was made BSPS honorary vice-president in recognition of hers and her family’s contributions to the society over the years.

In 1992 Edna married Rolf Schnieder, of Schnieder Boots, and the couple supported Chris in making his dream of riding at the Olympics a reality. The couple co-owned Mr Bootsie, whom Chris rode at the 1996 Atlanta Games in eventing, and Edna also owned Towerlands Anglezarke, ridden by showjumper Malcolm Pyrah at the 1988 Games in Korea.

Watching two horses that she owned compete on the world stage was a reward for everything she had given to the equestrian community.

Although Edna never rode, she was the biggest supporter and fan of equestrian sport and horses and continued to follow it in her later years from afar. She was an avid reader of H&H and looked forward to seeing all the familiar faces in the magazine every week.

Edna leaves Martyn, Chris and Julian, and stepchildren Michael and Martina. Rolf predeceased her on 17 February.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Blenheim Horse Trials, Horse of the Year Show, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

Sue Williams, the showing steward and former chair of the BSPS Area 4B died on 25 April, aged 76.

Sue was born on 18 December 1947, in Oxford. She was educated at a convent school, then completed a teacher training course at Coloma College in Kent and became a primary school teacher.

Sue was drawn to country life and had a passion for horses and ponies. She met Martin, a farmer, and in 1974 the couple married. They relocated from Oxford to Lincolnshire and later ran a successful Airbnb cottage, which Martin had converted from outbuildings. The couple had a daughter, Hannah, who developed her mother’s love for horses and showing.

Sue was chair of BSPS Area 4B for 15 years and served a three-year term on the BSPS council. She was a much-loved chief steward and was known for her home-made cakes and the memorable lunches she provided for judges and stewards at the area shows she ran at Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire.

Sue’s final horse, the small intermediate and show hack Count Chorister, held a special place in her heart. Her other love was racing, and she was a member of the Elite Racing Club and Owners Group. She enjoyed spending time with friends watching their horses run on television. She also wrote for judges at a number of shows, including the working sports pony final at Burghley.

Sue loved travelling to shows and commentated in the main arena at the BSPS winter, summer, and heritage championships. She was known for being highly organised and very kind. She was always busy, but was always happy to share her time with those around her.

Sue is survived by Martin, Hannah, her son-in-law Nick and grandson Rory.

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. Subscribe today and enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus unlimited website access and digital versions of the magazine dating back to September 2012.

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

Mike Hannigan, the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) steward, whose ring policy was “no smile, no entry”, died on 12 April, aged 67.

Mike was born on 5 December 1956, in Flint, Michigan, USA. He was from a large family, with 10 siblings. Mike came to England, aged 15.

As the years passed, stewarding became a significant part of Mike’s life, and he particularly loved being with the children in the working hunter ring. He would calm them and fill them with confidence before their ride and would always be on hand to help out.

He would also actively encourage smiling. This was something that Mike knew was important, not only to allay nerves before a ride, but to cultivate positivity and friendliness, something he knew was vital in life among people, not just for pony competitions.

He put a sign on the outside of the collecting ring that read, “No smile, no entry!”

This sums him up perfectly. Always upbeat, no matter what the situation. Supportive, caring and loving, whether to an animal, a child and most certainly to his family.

Mike had been a stalwart steward for the likes of the National Pony Society, the BSPS and the Northern Counties Ponies Association at their various shows over many years and will be greatly missed by them for his warm smile and presence.

He was known for his quiet authority, expertise and willingness to help out – particularly for the working hunter pony classes – which everyone knew that he much enjoyed. Not having Mike to help in the future will leave a big gap in the stewarding fraternity, and he will be missed by many members, judges, stewards and show officials alike.

Mike is survived by his partner Jean Cartwright, his sons Steven and Gary, his grandchildren Megan and Harper, and great granddaughter Orbery, and Jean’s children Vanessa and George, and Jean’s grandchildren Benedict, Lauran, Alex and Georgie.

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. Subscribe today and enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus unlimited website access and digital versions of the magazine dating back to September 2012.

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

Plaits will be optional, as toes pointed and elegance and energy will be the key determiners in the British Show Pony Society’s (BSPS) new hobby horse classes.

The society has announced that the classes will run at some of its area shows, with qualifying opportunities for a final at the summer championships.

Classes will run for two age ranges; three to six and seven to 11. Competitors will each perform a freestyle show, no longer than two minutes’ duration, and there will be 50 marks on offer for coordination, balance, energy and body control, and 50 for “overall performance of the show with energy and appeal”.

A BSPS spokesman told H&H: “The BSPS wanted to embrace the hobby horse craze as an addition to our fabulous children’s entertainment programme, which sets the society apart from others in providing all-round family fun.”

The rules state that each competitor must be mounted on a hobby horse to compete, and that all riders must wear shoes.

“There is no specific dress code but trainers or gym shoes should be flexible to point your toes,” the rules state. “Your hobby horse can be plaited or unplaited.”

The top three in each section will qualify for the summer championships; the series is sponsored by LeMieux, and there will be a £300 voucher on offer for the winners.

“The BSPS is a children’s society and, as such, it is important to ensure that we make sure our championship shows are fun for all our smaller members,” a BSPS spokesman said.

“We hope that this will raise awareness of our extensive children’s entertainment programme at both the BSPS summer and winter championships. All the children’s entertainment is free and includes a playbus, craft room, iBox bus, football competition, fancy dress, disco and fashion show, and parties for the adults.”

You might also be interested in:

A ‘Grand National’ and a chase-me-charlie: kids and adults enjoy UK hobby horse show

Valegro II and his fellow hobby horses raise £4,000 for the NHS

Dressage superstar Valegro’s one-legged brother attracted 66 bids in the online auction

Inclusion in the show ring hot topic at judges’ conference

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

Inclusion in the show ring, maintaining native pony type and the marking system were key topics at the 2024 British Show Pony Society (BSPS) judges’ conference (3 February).

More than 180 judges were at the event, at which Jane Cooper, managing director of Access and Inclusion UK, was invited to speak

.

Ms Cooper, whose aim is to make all feel welcome regardless of accessibility requirements, spoke about competitors and wider family members who might have additional needs. One such group of competitors judges were asked to be aware of was children with additional needs.

“Over 16 million people – one in four at any show or event – may need some kind of adjustment so they can enjoy an experience to the fullest,” she said.

“Also, people might assume that those who have requirements are only those with a physical disability or those in wheelchairs, and while it’s so important we cater for these people, they only make up 7% of the disabled population. My key message is that it doesn’t have to be a scary or complicated topic. It’s just having awareness that we are all different. We should all aim to be flexible to meet needs and requirements where we can.”

Ms Cooper advised organisers and judges to find out as much as possible about participants before a show.

“If someone does need something else, such as an adjustment to the facilities, it is helpful to find out this information beforehand,” she said.

“On speaking to parents we came up with the idea of having something similar to the sunflower lanyard scheme, which informs people that someone might struggle with certain things. For example, riders could wear a different coloured tie. We also thought it could be helpful for young people to hold a card that notes things they find tricky to be handed to the judge. There is a lot of expertise within the equestrian community and it would be really good if people could come together and make the most of this.”

BSPS chair of judges’ assessments Joanne Pybus said Ms Cooper’s advice was helpful for judges, many of whom are also show organisers, to learn more about helping those with additional needs.

“The stigma of such topics has been reduced significantly, and parents seem much more open to us acknowledging and helping children where we can,” she said. “One such situation presented was if a child doesn’t make eye contact with a judge it doesn’t necessarily mean they are being rude.”

Native pony specialists Mathew Lawrence and Lizzie Finlayson-Briant spoke about mountain and moorland (M&M) ponies, including details of breed characteristics judges should look out for when assessing them.

“Mathew and I are both so passionate about the importance of maintaining the type of our native breeds,” Ms Finlayson-Briant said. “Over the years we’ve both learnt a tremendous amount from knowledgeable enthusiasts, working with and riding for breeders and attending breed shows.

“It’s so important we keep judging our native ponies with their intended job in mind. We don’t want to end up with one universal type and in some breeds we are losing type, which is worrying. A Highland was bred for carrying stags up hills, so it should not go or be expected to go like a Connemara.”

Judges were also told of changes to the London International BSPS performance classes, and given an updated mark sheet, altered based on feedback after last year’s final.

“Marks will be awarded for each movement, rather than the show as a whole,” Ms Pybus said. “This will hopefully make the marking process less complicated. Also, during 2024 we will be introducing a new class for first ridden sports ponies and their riders, aged 12 and under.”

The marking system was discussed in a wider context with judges asked to respond to certain queries.

“It was a great way of canvassing opinions,” Ms Pybus said. “As expected, some judges preferred judging on their own, some preferred having a co-judge. Some judges prefer the current 50/50 marking split, others would like 60/40, with the native breed judges generally preferring a higher mark for type and conformation. Royal International qualifiers no longer use marks, so this was an opinion for classes at our championships and by Horse of the Year Show.”

Hopes new code of conduct will provide ‘self-regulation’ for showing

‘My dreams are the same as everyone else’: calls for more para showing opportunities

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

It is hoped a new code of conduct will help provide “self-regulation” to the showing industry and set standards to aspire to.

The Showing Council has created the “code of conduct, standards and values” for producers, designed to help members recognise “the standards that should be considered” when engaging a producer/trainer for the production of a horse or pony or when training children.

The code sets out advice, expectations and minimum standard, such as ensuring insurance is in place, safeguarding procedures, requirements for operator licences when transporting, and terms and conditions that should be included in contracts.

The Showing Council’s chair, Liz Inman, told H&H that as the council is not a governing body, the code is voluntary, for member bodies to “use should they wish”, but it is there to offer best-practice advice.

“It covers a number of things for producers to be able to say, ‘I can tick all these boxes,’ but also for potential owners and existing clients of producers. It’s also a really useful document for up-and-coming producers, because it’s setting the standards of what they should be aspiring to,” she said.

“So far the feedback from member bodies has been universally positive, but once it’s been distributed more widely, we’ll be asking for further feedback, and based on that we might make changes or add to the code as it develops.”

Producer Julie Templeton, a Showing Council committee member who helped create the code, told H&H she hopes it will go towards “protecting and promoting the industry”, which currently is not regulated.

“Having been involved in showing for more than 40 years, I felt it’s time that the industry became a bit more professional. We’ve got more producers now than we’ve ever had before, and from the client’s point of view and people who are new to the industry, it must be a minefield,” she said. “If you want to send your children to school, that procedure is regulated – and I felt the same way about producing children’s ponies.

“I think people should really take on safeguarding as a matter of course, because you never know when you’re going to come across somebody who is vulnerable or in a difficult situation.

“There are a lot of elements to the code that I think are really important, including having insurance to protect the client and the producer, and also contracts. There’s still a lot of people producing that don’t have a contract with their clients, but what happens when a dispute arises? The code is an attempt to protect everybody.”

British Show Pony Society chair Paul Cook, who was also involved in developing the code, told H&H it is a “first step to getting some self-regulation and setting minimum standards” in the industry.

“We haven’t got a lot of information out there for new members of showing about the things they might need to consider when having a pony produced, or their child trained. It’s not dictating to them what they should do, it’s just saying they might want to ask these important questions,” he said.

“It’s also about encouraging young producers to think about the things they should have in place if they want to progress. The majority of our professional producers will have these things in any event, but it’s reminding people of those minimum standards.”

You might also be interested in:

Alex Robinson: ‘What actually constitutes an amateur in the show ring?’

We must all unite to fight the battle against equine obesity

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

If you couldn’t attend this year, then these 2023 London International Horse Show showing results will help you stay up to date with the action without being at the ringside.

On Sunday and Monday at London International, the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) hosted its highly-anticipated showing finals for the first time. The performance-focused classes welcomed top-class competition, with amateurs and seasoned riders battling it out for the top spots.

Classes for coloured horses and ponies, working hunter ponies, lead rein sports ponies and performance ponies were held, alongside the ever-popular BSPS mountain and moorland supreme ridden championship.

Check out the winners from the 2023 BSPS London International Horse Show championships to see if you might be in with a shot of riding here next season:

2023 London International Horse Show showing results: winners from the BSPS performance showing championships

Heritage lead-rein working sports pony

Mia-Bella Long and nine-year-old Welsh section A Barracks Soldier Of Victory score the M&M lead-rein sports pony spoils, led by mother Laura-Paige Young.

Junior performance pony

Owen Parker, 10, is crowned junior performance winner and reserve section champion riding his mother Sarah’s 2023 HOYS Welsh section B pony of the year Rushill Diplomat

Performance pony not exceeding 148cm

Top honours in the small height performance class go to Julie Ann Maguire’s Hollyland Lion In Winter and Maddison Maguire.

Performance pony not exceeding 158cm

Star of the large height performance ponies and securing the section championship is Jessica Ely riding her own gelding Brindlebrook Little Scoundrel.

Non-native coloured

Leading a strong non-native coloured field is Charlotte Merrigan-Martin aboard her own Solaris Dwenqua.

Native/cob/traditional coloured

Traditional gelding Splashdown Lenny and Dawn Birdsey put their best foot forward to win the native/cob/traditional title before they take the overall coloured spoils.

Nursery stakes

Laura Lynch’s former HOYS supreme winner Noble Peppermint jumps to the nursery stakes title with Elsie Lynch in the saddle before they are reserve for the mini working hunter pony title.

Cradle stakes

The top spot in the cradle stakes final goes to Glebedale Sugarbabe ridden by Libby James. The pair went on to win the mini working hunter pony championship.

You may also be interested to read…

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Full list of winners: check out the amateur riders who reigned in London International’s BSHA finals

H&H’s guide to 2026 London International tickets, plus exclusive discount code

Dressage grand prix times released for London International Horse Show 2023

London International begins, the 2023 eventing calendar, and more things the horse world is talking about

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

The highly-anticipated 2023 BSPS Heritage championships took place at Arena UK (14–15 October) and competition was hot across all the classes, from the novice sections to the qualifiers for the London International Horse Show in December. Those riders who took the top spots over the weekend were delighted, and H&H’s official photographer captured some of those joyous moments.

Here are 27 jolly riders and their lovely native ponies who reigned at the 2023 BSPS Heritage championships…

Winners from the 2023 BSPS Heritage championships:

1. Nipna Invictus

The Dales gelding secures the junior championship title for the third time in his partnership with Caitlin Hamilton before lifting the supreme of show accolade.

2. Menai Georgie Boy

Sarah Parker pilots Leah May’s Welsh section C stallion, a runner-up at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at the beginning of the month, to his first London ticket. 

3. Ellister Islay Spruce

Molly Mercer bags her first trip to the Big Smoke riding Julie Barton’s multi-garlanded Highland stallion. 

4. Burley Burberry

After finishing second at HOYS earlier this month, Georgia Love’s New Forest stallion clinches his place at London International. 

5. Lantau Supernova

Jodie Haywood and her own Welsh section C stallion ensure they will return to London after qualifying for the second time together.

6. Willmont Braveheart

Antonia Mitchell’s Fell gelding and Emma Burrow, 2022 HOYS winners, are third in their semi-final, qualifying for London. 

7. Langrigg Thomas

Brooke Harvey’s reigning HOYS Dales pony of the year and Emma Hodge finish second in the large breeds semi-final en route to their first London pass as a combination. 

8. Cadlanvalley Masterclass

Libby Grota and the five-year-old Welsh section B stallion not only book a London place but are crowned 2023 BSPS Heritage championships novice supreme.

9. Amilas Clicquot

Evie Walker clinches the novice mini working hunter tricolour after finishing second in the cradle stakes class.

10. Rothvale First Edition

Jemimah Harper Chambers takes the restricted mini championship riding Clare Jubb’s winning lead rein Dartmoor contender. 

11. Invernin Paddy

The home-produced Connemara scores the 2024 Royal International (RIHS) Pretty Polly qualifier with Lucy Heygate in the saddle.

12. Griseburn Major

Joe Watson bags a second London place in two days, this time riding his own and Rob McIvor’s Dales stallion. 

13. Coppinshill Commemoration

The 2023 RIHS mini M&M champion steps up with Harlow White to land a first London International qualification.

 14. Delami Bravado

The reigning HOYS M&M working hunter pony of the year and his jockey Ollie Rowlands continue their run as they stand open worker champions.

15. Gems Malt Whiskey

April Gilmartin’s 2023 Royal Highland hero tops the Welsh section C breed qualifier. 

16. Ravenstone Fudge II

The New Forest London class is won by the grey gelding and his owner Stephanie Turner.

17. Briar Puzzle

Alexia Lilley and her home-produced Shetland triumph in the mini supreme.

18. Kaybrook Midnight Comet

Ellena Thomas’ own stallion captures top honours in the Welsh section D London qualifier. 

19. Menai George

Hannah Turnock is London bound on her own Welsh section C stallion.

20. Rookery Bold As Brass

Jessica Talbot is the rider to beat over the weekend as she secures three London qualifications, including with Fiamma Sutton’s Welsh section A stallion. 

21. Larnleighs Dictator

Aimee Devane gets a catch ride on Nicki Oldershaw-Glenn’s home-bred stallion to qualify for London. 

22. Linksbury Royal Celebration

Sam Roberts and Sophie Garner’s Welsh section B stallion lead the London breed line-up. 

23. Brynrodyn Danielle

Siwan Ward’s palomino mare and Victoria Neachell, runners up at HOYS a few weeks ago, trot to victory in the mini RIHS championship.

24. Thistledown El Toro

Kashia Bhogal and Sharn Linney’s Welsh section A stallion net a first-ever London place. 

25. Abergavenny Boneddiges

Beth Simons is third in the Welsh section D semi-final to qualify on this London debutante.

26. Carrock Comet

Leading the Dales London qualifier is Sarah Field aboard Abigail Allen’s six-year-old. 

27. Maesymor Cindy

Another combination off to London is Alice Barr and her own and mother Debbie Barr’s Welsh section D mare. 

You may also be interested to read…

Epic centre line moments — 36 winning ponies photographed at HOYS 2023

Re-live the magic — 20 winning show horses from HOYS 2023

‘He’s a bit of a joker’: home-bred New Forest stallion triumphs in first class of HOYS 2023

Now for something a little different: take a virtual walk the 2023 HOYS working hunter course

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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.

Showing societies have taken action against a member of the community as a result of his “offensive” social media posts.

The British Show Horse Association (BSHA), Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHB(GB)), the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) and The Showing Register (TSR) have all released statements or changed policy in relation to John Bland.

The former showing competitor has been active on social media, creating what has been described in a joint statement by the BSHA and SHB(GB) as “continuing offensive, abusive and misogynistic posts”.

The organisations held extraordinary meetings to discuss “recent bullying and harassment on social media and in particular (though not exclusively) Mr Bland’s content”.

“Both organisations considered the content of the posts to be vitriolic, generally unsubstantiated, ill-founded and in some cases, obscenely presented,” the statement said.

“As one of our judges we expect you to uphold the highest standards of decency and integrity.

“We simply have to do something to protect the integrity and mental wellbeing of our members, our judges, and our discipline of showing. We must maintain and be seen to uphold the high standards that our societies have been built upon. We cannot have social media and anti-bullying policies that quote a zero tolerance and then take no action to eliminate such behaviour.”

The statement adds that anyone who is a “friend” of Mr Bland, or with anyone else who spreads “malicious information or acts in a manner that does not meet our standards of common human decency” on social media to “please remove yourself from our judging panel”. It states that being friends with him will be seen as “tacitly supporting” what he says, and that the organisations would not tell people who to be friends with but that supporting such behaviour is outside their codes of conduct.

BSPS chair Paul Cook sent an email to judges about Mr Bland’s “offensive, abusive and misogynistic” social media content, about which he said members and judges had contacted him. It said the BSPS board’s view is that any judge who is “friends” with Mr Bland is “by default supporting, even if tacitly, his appalling behaviour”, so anyone who wants to stay on the BSPS judging panel must not be a friend of his online.

Mr Cook told H&H: “It is not compatible for any official of the BSPS to be a ‘friend’ of anyone on social media who abuses, threatens, harasses and insults others. Mr John Bland’s misogynistic, anti-Semitic and vile behaviour have no place in society today. Therefore, those who wish to remain a ‘friend’ of him or others with similar views have no place officiating for the BSPS.”

A TSR spokesman told H&H: “TSR wishes to stand alongside other showing societies to have a united front in relation to this level of unacceptable online abuse.

“We have written to all judges on the TSR O and H [open and HOYS] panel to ask them to consider any involvement in relation to online abuse coming from individuals who include John Bland, and any other pages that condone anyone who has actively targeted individuals in a public forum.”

Mr Bland told H&H he stands by everything he has posted; he said he does not consider himself a misogynist or anti-Semitic, adding: “I like Jewish people and have lots of Jewish friends.”

He described the action in relation to judges as “blackmail”, and said his lawyers believe he would have a case for that reason.

“I loved showing, I adored it,” he said, adding that he started as a professional aged 20 and had much success, “so I know about showing”.

“I’m telling the truth in everything I say,” he said. “The truth I know, and they don’t like it. If you upset the people in charge of showing, they’ll stop you doing it, so people stay quiet and put up with whatever. I don’t have to stay quiet because I’m not a member. Most people walk away but I didn’t.”

Mr Bland said he started posting vlogs online to “tell people the truth”, and that he “disagrees with everything they’re saying”.

“They’re putting blame on someone rather than taking responsibility for ruining showing,” he said, adding that concerns about horse welfare are a major factor behind his posts, and that although complaints were made to police about his online content, officers visited him and said they only had to reprimand him for referring to someone as “fat”.

“I don’t know what they’re trying to achieve,” he added. “I haven’t made anything up, I’ve said truthful things they don’t like. I’ve got 25,000 followers and they all agree with me in everything I say.”

You might also be interested in:

Top rider explains turnout opinion after social media ‘wolf pack’ storm

“They probably get out more than an average horse who spends a couple of hours in a paddock”

‘You only remember the one nasty comment’: international dressage rider speaks out about social media

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

The showing world has mourned the death of leading show producer, rider and esteemed judge Stella Harries, who passed away aged 85.

Stella Harries rode and produced show animals alongside her late sister, Christine Harries. She began her career riding show ponies and her most successful rides of the 1940s included multi-garlanded Kavora Mr Chips and Kavora Dubarry, who was reserve riding pony champion at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

As a producer, she was responsible for several Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and RIHS show pony champions, including Pollyanna, a 138cm mare out of the famous show pony Pretty Polly, who was champion at HOYS in 1963 with Aly Pattinson before she was exported to America. Arden Tittle Tattle, also a 138cm contender, took the HOYS championship two years on the bounce in 1959 and 1960 with Mary Rose Peddie in the saddle, while 138cm Shandon stood HOYS champion in both 1965 and 1969.

Miss Harries and Christine produced animals from their base, Little Barn, which was located in Berkshire.

Miss Harries, who was a pupil of Count Robert Orrsich was also known for her production of hacks, including the legendary Brown Buzzard, HOYS hack of the year in 1982 under Catherine Cooper, and Nobility, HOYS hack of the year in 1994 with Lisa Friswell. Ridgewood Venture lifted the hack championship at the RIHS in both 1971 and 1974.

In later years, Miss Harries was a leading judge who officiated at all the major shows. She was also the president of the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) from 2009 to 2011.

In their tribute to Miss Harries, the BSHA referred to her as “the most elegant of all ladies ever to ride a hack in the show ring” and as a “true ‘doyen’ of the showing world.”

Anne Hood joined Miss Harries’ yard in 1972.

“I’d trained with Jennie Loriston-Clarke and then went to work for Stella as head girl,” said Anne, who was based with Stella for three seasons. “She was an absolutely fantastic mentor, but she was also great fun. She was a marvellous showman, but she always had a twinkle in her eye and was up for a laugh.”

“She was so knowledgeable and she was always happy to teach you. She had time for everyone and if anyone would approach her for help, she would be willing to provide it. She will be greatly missed.”

You may also be interested in…

‘I like a goer’: Find out how to impress the 2023 Royal Windsor ridden coloured judge

‘They’re not showjumpers’: what working hunter judge Anna Levy will be looking for at Royal Windsor

21 star ponies H&H captured at the 2023 BSPS winter championships

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

Badminton Horse Trials and Royal Windsor Horse Show are to swap their traditional dates next year, it has been confirmed, owing to “exceptional circumstances” relating to BBC scheduling of Badminton.

The organisers of Windsor announced this week that the 2024 event will run from Wednesday to Sunday, 1-5 May. Badminton has confirmed it will run exactly a week later, from Wednesday to Sunday, 8-12 May.

“This is a change to the annual UK and international equestrian event calendar, as the show is normally the second week in May, with Badminton Horse Trials running the first week,” a spokesman for Royal Windsor said.

“Due to exceptional circumstances that arose from BBC’s scheduling of Badminton, Royal Windsor has agreed, with the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and Badminton, to alter its dates, on a one-off basis only.”

The spokesman added that after next year, the show will revert to its usual week, running from 14-18 May 2025, 13-17 May 2026 and 12-16 May 2027.

Badminton final scores

Badminton event director Jane Tuckwell told H&H: “Badminton is extremely grateful to Royal Windsor Horse Show and the BEF for finding a solution that enables spectators and traders alike to attend both of these prestigious equestrian events if they so wish.”

The schedule change means eventers will have more breathing space between the Kentucky Three-Day Event and Badminton, as the former will run from 24-28 April, and a shorter gap between Badminton and Luhmühlen (13-16 June).

It could also result in a clash with Chatsworth International Horse Trials, which this year ran from 12-14 May. H&H has approached the Chatsworth organisers to confirm the event’s 2024 date.

It is understood that the moving of Windsor would mean a clash with the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) winter championships, which usually run that weekend. A BSPS spokesman told H&H the society would call a meeting next week to discuss the issue.

You might also be interested in:

37 wonderful show ring winners snapped at the 2023 Royal Windsor Horse Show

Ros Canter triumphs at Badminton with huge winning margin on ‘ultimate event horse’

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

Katy Carter raises concerns about standards of riding after her judging experience at the BSPS Winter Championships

I haven’t attended the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Winter Championships since 2021, and this year I was lucky to be invited to judge the novice intermediates and the Royal International (RIHS) show hunter pony qualifiers.

My novice intermediate champion was a lovely four-year-old show hunter type who went on to win the overall novice supreme title. He was a very exciting, true-to-type animal who I would have happily taken home, alongside several of the novice class winners. It’s promising, especially given the amount of negativity currently surrounding our sport, to see some nice up-and-coming animals.

There is undoubtedly a drop in numbers in most sections, aside from the workers and lead-rein classes, which are both thriving.

Due to declining numbers, running the championships over three days means that the final day has become a bit flat. Some of the rings stood down for a considerable amount of time, too, meaning that people had disappeared from the side of the rings and the atmosphere was gone.

It could be beneficial to run the show over two days by eliminating some poorly supported classes, tightening up the schedule and having not-before times, rather than specific class times. That way, the rings could keep on running and the buzz could be maintained throughout the day. However, running a show like the winter championships isn’t an easy task, and overall it’s a relaxing, enjoyable fixture.

“Utterly lost”

I’m slightly concerned about the standard of our young riders’ abilities in the saddle. In the novice intermediate classes, I asked each of the jockeys to perform their own basic show; I was surprised that a few of them looked utterly lost.

Also, some of the ponies looked as though they lacked education and basic schooling; I would question if some could ever canter a 20m circle without breaking. Some were lacking engagement, others running on the forehand, and some struggled with basic transitions. I wonder how much variety the ponies are getting at home?

When my daughter began riding I regularly took her to the local riding school where she learned to steer, use her legs and ultimately ride off the rein. Many of the lead-rein jockeys we see today seem older, but are still balancing by holding the strap on the front of the saddle.

Are parents or producers encouraging children to start learning to ride on their own at home? At some point, they have to come off the lead-rein and ride independently, but I don’t think we are currently preparing them for this next stage.

I was thrilled with the riding of a young boy in the 12hh hunter pony class. He rode a lovely show, but unfortunately, his pony rodeo broncked during the gallop. Credit to him, he kept its head up and rode on, before bowing with a smile at the end of his performance. He was a great little competitor, and I don’t think many other children could have coped in such a situation.

I much prefer to judge without marks and in each of the RIHS hunter pony classes I made an effort to give each competitor feedback after they’d been placed. Every single rider who came back for the championship improved. I have never been a fan of marks as they don’t provide anything constructive. Offering feedback allows riders to go back to the drawing board so they can do better next time.

“A keenness to improve”

I also asked the championship to really gallop and the spectators loved this. The applause received really added to the atmosphere. We do this job for the children, so we need to bring positivity, laughter and a keenness to improve back to the fore.

While showing does get bad press, many of equestrian sport’s major talents started out in the sphere. I’ve always wanted showing to be a recognised sport, and we should promote it as much as we possibly can.

● What do you think of the standard of young showing riders? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county for the chance to have your views published in a future magazine.

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 11 May

You may also be interested in…

21 star ponies H&H captured at the 2023 BSPS winter championships

‘I like a goer’: Find out how to impress the 2023 Royal Windsor ridden coloured judge

Which of The King’s show horses are to compete at the 2023 Royal Windsor Horse Show?

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

The 2023 BSPS winter championships took place at Arena UK (29 April – 1 May) and competition was fierce, as combinations vied for Royal International (RIHS) tickets, prestigious novice titles and two overall supreme crowns.

Marking the start of the summer show season, the 2023 BSPS winter championships crowned winners who are sure to be at the fore for the rest of the showing term.

Check out these select combinations who impressed the judges…

1. Stretcholt Evening Dance

Livie Smith rides Kate Smith’s five-year-old 148cm winner to the restricted show pony championship before they take the overall restricted supreme.

2. Ysselhofs Hallmark

Owen Parker is crowned winter Heritage restricted champion with his Welsh section A gelding.

3. Dunmere Astra Nova

The six-year-old Dartmoor and Frankie Summers, eight, win the tiny tots first ridden class before they score an open first ridden ticket to the RIHS.

4. Carnsdale New Story

Despite being just a four-year-old, Sabrina Ross’s intermediate wins both novice and restricted section titles en route to the novice supreme, piloted throughout by Ellis Taverner-Burns. 

5. Stanley Grange Crescendo

Margaret Miller’s 138cm winner is crowned novice show pony champion with Chloe Salley. 

6. Thistledown Lord of Glencoe

Lara-Rae Jones, eight, lifts the mini novice Heritage championship with Jade Gardner’s Welsh section A. 

7. Rosscon Copy Cat

Reise Shakespeare leads the novice show hunter pony championship field with Liz Gribbin’s 153cm winner. 

8. Burgate Flint

Samantha Taylor enjoys her lap of honour riding her novice 133cm working hunter winner and section champion.

9. Costa Joe The Boss

After jumping to the 133cm novice Heritage class, Aimee Devane trots to victory in the section championship with Rachel Cooper’s Welsh section C stallion. 

10. Llynhelyg Mr Jones

Sarah Parker is on board Sarah Weston’s Welsh section D stallion and adds the Heritage novice accolade to her impressive 2023 BSPS winter championships tally.

11. TGF Lucy

Alice Cowie, 19, secures Gold Cup glory riding her own uber-consistent mare.

12. Gems Malt Whiskey

The Welsh section C stallion shines in the RIHS Heritage M&M championship for his owner/rider April Gilmartin.

13. Senruf Honey Bear

Amelia Baxter books a RIHS pass in Pretty Polly ranks on her family’s home-produced Dartmoor gelding. 

14. Hightopps Black Magic

The five-year-old show pony lead rein contender scores the restricted mini title for owner Naomi Bradwell, rider Scarlett Smith and handler Adam Forster.

15. Maggie

Isla Tattersfield scores the winter restricted nursery stakes class with the piebald mare.

16. Parkhill Di Maria

Macie Donaldson and the 133cm campaigner are crowned RIHS section champions.

17. Nae Limits

The restricted working hunter honours go to the winning intermediate who is ridden by Leyla Wheelwright.

18. Gwynfaes Cynan Wledig

Catherine Hudson’s Welsh section D wins the 143cm Heritage M&M working hunter class en route to securing the overall section title. 

19. Chaseford Top Tip

The Team Holder-produced show pony lead rein is crowned novice mini champion ridden by Sofia Franchitti.

20. Stoneleigh Showtime

Izzy Walker has Helen Davies’s 128cm show pony right on song to triumph in his RIHS qualifier and in the section championship. 

21. Thistledown Magpie

Charlotte Knight, six, wins the novice Heritage lead rein class and also books a ticket to the RIHS in Pretty Polly ranks with her mother Jamie Clarke’s Welsh section A. 

You might also like to read…

Which of The King’s show horses are to compete at the 2023 Royal Windsor Horse Show?

‘They’re not showjumpers’: what working hunter judge Anna Levy will be looking for at Royal Windsor

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

The British Show Pony Society (BSPS) has announced plans for a new BSPS intermediate championship to be held at the society’s summer championship show.

The Andrews Family BSPS intermediate young rider of the year supreme championship has been introduced in response to the news that Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) will amalgamate the large and small intermediate show riding type finals into one standalone championship at the 2023 final. The aim is to give intermediate jockeys an additional championship to aim for.

The BSPS intermediate young rider of the year supreme championship is open to combinations who qualify by winning an intermediate show riding type or show hunter type class at the BSPS winter championships, Royal Windsor, The Royal International and the BSPS summer championships. If the winner has already qualified, the ticket will pass to the second-placed combination.

The overall champion will win £500 and the highest placed small show riding type, large show riding type and show hunter type will win each win £100.

“We are very fortunate to have found a sponsor for this new championship, which has been introduced to support those members who were given the HOYS news at short notice,” BSPS chairman Paul Cook told H&H.

“The championship will focus on rider showmanship as well as the quality and conformation of the horses. Intermediate classes should ultimately prepare riders for horse classes and this championship will hopefully tick all those boxes. As it will be hard to qualify for, there will be an elite group of animals presented for judging, similar to the major championships.

“This new championship forms part of the society’s ongoing work to introduce new initiatives, including the revamped Burghley event pony final and the breeding awards. We must keep being creative and inventive to move with the times.”

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

20 beautiful winners from the 2022 BSPS winter championships

Glitz and glamour: 28 winners from the 2022 BSPS summer championships

Who is off to London? 31 native winners from 2022 BSPS Heritage championships

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

The London Horse Show showing qualifiers 2023 have been announced, with almost 500 qualifying opportunities across 45 agricultural and county shows.

H&H reported that London International Horse Show (LIHS) organisers HPower worked with the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) and the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) to create the series, which will feature 20 classes.

Last month HPower said that a “significant” number of show organisers had requested to run LIHS classes, and the full list has now been confirmed, with 494 qualifiers taking place across 45 agricultural and county shows in England, Scotland and Wales.

“We are delighted that so many shows have come forward to apply to be a part of this new series and are particularly pleased with the wide geographical spread of the participating shows. This demonstrates that there is a strong demand from show organisers and therefore the public to see equestrian showing classes in their local events,” said Paul Hooper of ASAO.

BSPS chair Paul Cook added that one of the reasons for launching the series was to bring showing to a wider audience, and increase the number of agricultural and county shows that hold equestrian classes, which have been “sadly diminishing” in the past few years.

“These shows between them have an audience of over half a million which definitely helps us to achieve our aim of finding a route to present equestrian showing to new audiences,” he said.

Westmorland County Show, which is 224 years old this year, is one of the events running qualifiers.

“We are delighted to be holding qualifiers for all the 20 classes on offer. The traditional agricultural shows are where equestrian showing originally started. We know our audience will participate in and enjoy this new range of classes,” said Westmorland County Show chief executive Christine Knipe.

“We are very grateful to LIHS as without the support of such important international horse shows, equestrian showing at a local level could not be sustained.”

The HPower spokesman added that the BSPS and BSHA will help those who qualify for London to prepare for the finals by giving them advice and guidance “every step of the way”.

“We know it can be daunting for a competitor to come to a large show like London and compete in the final but we are determined to make the whole experience enjoyable for them, we will look after them and give them a fantastic day out,” said BSPS secretary Karen Ward.

London Horse Show showing qualifiers 2023

BSHA classes

Rising star of small and lightweight hunter type

Rising star of middleweight & heavyweight hunter type

Rising star of lightweight cob type

Rising star of heavyweight cob type

Rising star of maxi cob type

Rising star of small riding horse type

Rising star of large riding horse type

Rising star of hack type

Rising star racehorse to show horse

Rising star ladies show horse

Rising star working show horse

Rising star of working hunter type

BSPS classes

BSPS junior performance pony

BSPS performance pony not exc 148cm

BSPS performance pony not exc 158cm

BSPS performance coloured native/cob/traditional horse/pony class

BSPS performance coloured non native horse/pony class

BSPS heritage lead rein working sports pony

Open cradle stakes

Open nursery stakes

Shows hosting London Horse Show showing qualifiers 2023

Alresford Agricultural Show

Ashby de la Zouch Agricultural Society

Blakesley & District Agricultural Show Ltd.

Bridgend Country Show

BSPS Scottish Branch

Burwarton & District Agricultural Society

Cardigan County Agricultural Show

CHAPS UK South East Regional Show

Cumberland Agricultural Society

Dorset County Show

Dumfries and Galloway Horse Show

Dunster Show Society

Durham County Show

Garstang & District agricultural & horticultural society

Gransden and District Agricultural Society Show

Great Eccleston Agricultural Show

Hanbury Countryside Show Society

Heathfield Agricultural Show

Hertfordshire Agricultural Society

Lawford Park Show @The Tendring Hundred FC Show

Liskeard & District Agricultural Association

Llanedi Agricultural Show

Malton Agricultural Society

Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society

Norfolk Show Jumping Club

North Tyne & Redesdale Agricultural Society

Orsett Horticultural & Agricultural Society

Penistone Agricultural Society Show

Perthshire Agricultural Society

Prospect Farm Show

Puddledub Spring Shows

Romsey Agricultural and Horse Show Society

Royal Welsh Agricultural Society – Smallholding & Countryside Festival

Rutland County Show

Ryedale Show

South of England Agricultural Society

Suffolk Show

Stithians Agricultural Association Limited

Stokesley Show

The North Devon Agricultural Society

The Cheshire Horse Show

The South Suffolk Agricultural Association

Tynedale Agricultural Society

UK Ponies & Horses Limited

Westmorland County Show

You might also be interested in:

‘Showing is coming home’: excitement grows over new series with final at London International

‘The aim is to be inclusive’: new showing series with final at London International

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

Morals, scoring and social media were among the topics discussed at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) 2023 judges’ conference.

Some 180 judges attended the conference on 11 February, which was followed by the society’s AGM and awards ceremony.

Edward Young, BSPS council member and a show producer, delivered a presentation on the “morals of judging”, discussing how judges should behave and who should show under them.

“If you spend time socialising with competitors, you could be perceived as a crook even if you aren’t. Judges have to be very careful about the perception they give,” he told H&H.

“Showing under friends is always going to be a bit of a thing, but the trouble is that the showing world is so small, it’s very difficult not to know everyone if you’ve been in it for any length of time. But if you go on holiday with someone a couple of times a year or speak to someone every day on the phone, you probably shouldn’t be showing under them.”

Edward also spoke about issues relating to social media.

“If someone posts a picture of a horse in a category you judge, it’s probably unwise to comment on that picture – you have to be very careful about interaction,” he said. “Similarly, when a judge posts online that they had a lovely day at a show, it gives the opportunity to open a conversation over which they’ve got no control, and it can run away. My advice is if someone wants to thank a show, this should be over the phone or email.”

Another key point of the conference was an interactive session on way of going and scoring. Video clips of ponies performing shows were played and every table of judges gave a score, followed by a group discussion.

New chair of the BSPS judges’ assessment board Joanne Pybus told H&H it became apparent that different judges look for different things.

“There were mid-range scores that quite a few tables gave, then some gave 10 marks lower or higher, so then we discussed how these judges came to their decisions,” she said.

“On every table there was a mix of judges – some who had been on the panel for 30 to 40 years and some attending their first conference. The aim was to encourage everybody to engage in discussion – and encourage judges to use a wide range of marks when they’re out in the real world.”

BSPS chairman Paul Cook said there had been a lot of innovation with new awards and classes in the past year, including the Grange Bank Stud awards for younger members, the Robert Oliver showman’s award and the four-, five- and six-year-old championship. Also launched was the breeders’ challenge in partnership with the National Pony Society, encouraging the breeding of British riding ponies, and the “very successful” winter worker stakes and new summer worker stakes.

“It was a very positive year, and we will continue these opportunities this year along with the new London International Horse Show (LIHS) performance classes and the cradle and nursery stake finals,” he said.

“We’re trying to make sure all our membership have something they can aspire to and achieve, whether that’s our championship shows, the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show [HOYS] or LIHS. We also have our Burghley Sports Pony final which links with the Pony Club.”

Among the topics at the AGM was rider safety, with new rules on hat-tagging and on concussion, requiring riders who fall to seek medical advice before riding again – bringing the society in line with organisations such as the Pony Club.

Paul said one “hot topic” is the HOYS intermediate championships, where the 153cm small intermediate and 158cm large intermediate will be a combined championship for 2023. HOYS said this had been “extensively discussed with the relevant showing societies” and was owing to “concern about numbers” in plaited pony classes.

Paul added that the BSPS is considering how it can offer alternative opportunities for intermediates

“We’re looking at how we might do something for the intermediates at our championship, particularly for people who perhaps unknowingly bought a pony for each section and now won’t be able to ride both if they do qualify for HOYS. We strongly encouraged HOYS to consult members and have a longer lead time if changes like these are planned,” he said.

“We’ll keep this under review and look at how we might ensure ponies are catered for, even though HOYS is having an amalgamated final.”

A HOYS spokesman told H&H that since the peak of the intermediate show riding type from 2008–2016, there was “no avoiding the reality” that plaited pony numbers have continued to decline.

“In the past five years, we have seen a 42% decrease in entry numbers for these classes. In a bid to uphold the quality of animals at the final, HOYS took steps in recent years to reduce the qualifying spaces,” he said.

“However in 2022, one in three intermediates campaigning for this class qualified for HOYS and across the two height sections, 96 animals contested the classes. With these numbers in mind, it is unsustainable to continue running the class in its previous format. In addition, information from the BSPS highlighted that numbers competing at novice level were not encouraging in anticipation of the 2023 season, something we are keen to work with BSPS to improve.”

The spokesman added that HOYS maintains it is “reflecting the current showing scene” with regard to breeds and types, and will continue to closely monitor numbers at qualifying shows across all sections.

“Plaited ponies are an important part of the heritage of the show, and we remain committed to working to ensure that they continue to have a place at HOYS.”

You might also be interested in:

‘Showing is coming home’: excitement grows over new series with final at London International

HOYS ‘moves with the times’ as qualifiers and cost-saving measures announced

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

A new series aiming to bring showing to a wider audience has received a “fantastic” response from show organisers – with a significant number requesting to hold qualifiers.

As reported by H&H in November, London International Horse Show (LIHS) organisers have worked with the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) and the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) to create the series, which will comprise classes for “everything from hacks and cobs, to cradle stakes and coloured ponies”.

Qualifiers will take place at county and agricultural shows, with a full list of hosts to be released mid-February. The 20 finals will take place at LIHS in December.

An HPower spokesman said that show organisers have responded “extremely positivity”, with a “significant number” requesting to run classes.

“Its emphasis is to be inclusive, with a focus on the amateur home-produced competitor, encouraging them to compete at their local agricultural and county show. Entrants for the classes will not have to be an association/society member to compete in the qualifying classes but will have to join the relevant association/society if they reach the final,” said the spokesman.

“It is expected that this open invitation will encourage many more competitors to ‘have a go’ at their local show. All the BSHA classes are aimed at amateurs, and the BSPS classes are performance classes and not restricted to amateurs. These classes offer an ideal opportunity for ponies and horses competing in other disciplines to gain experience from the excellent educational competitive platform that showing provides.”

BSHA chair Nigel Hollings described the series as an “exciting development for the showing world”.

“I am so pleased that we’ve had such a fantastic response from show organisers,” he said.

“It will be a great experience for finalists to compete at LIHS in December – showing started in the capital with the London International Horse Show at Olympia, holding many classes when it started in 1907, so the circle is now complete with showing coming home.”

BSPS chair Paul Cook added that the new format will make classes more interesting for people to watch.

“Commentators will be encouraged to be much more informative for the watching public, describing what is required of the competitor and what the public should be looking out for,” he said.

Paul Hooper, ASAO secretary and president of the Mid Somerset Show, said showing is an “intrinsic part” of ASAO member shows.

“We look forward to working with LIHS this year to expand this fantastic new series across the UK. We hope all competitors enjoy competing at our member shows throughout the summer and wish them all the very best of luck at reaching the finals of all the equine competitions on offer,” he said.

You might also be interested in:

‘The aim is to be inclusive’: new showing series with final at London International

‘I hate to see riders see-sawing on mouths’: how to impress the BSPS supreme ridden M&M judge in London

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

A rule that prevents certain Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and London International Horse Show (LIHS) showing qualifiers being held at the same competition has caused concern for some show organisers.

The HOYS terms state that any show holding British Show Pony Society (BSPS) and British Show Horse Association (BSHA) show series qualifiers for LIHS 2023 will not be permitted to run any HOYS qualifiers at the same show. HOYS said that this “should not impact the individual shows”.

Concerns were raised about the rule and one organiser told H&H it is forcing shows to choose between HOYS and LIHS on which qualifiers they hold.

“Shows are struggling enough to make money in the current situation, and with the cost of living and fuel prices, competitors are struggling to compete,” he said. “It appears that the shows are caught in the middle of a dispute between HOYS and some governing bodies. The people paying the price for that are the shows and the competitors.

“No one wants to stick their head above the parapet, because no one wants to lose their qualifiers, but there’s a lot of unrest. The only solution I can see is for shows that are affected to ask HOYS for a dispensation. But as it stands, we’ll have to choose between hosting HOYS or LIHS qualifiers.”

Nick Brooks-Ward, development director of LIHS organiser HPower, said the rule means “many organisations are faced with a choice”.

“We have developed these new classes to open up another route into showing that is educational and informative. At all stages in the development of these classes, we have endeavoured to offer something new for competitors and for ASAO [Association of Show and Agricultural Organisation] member shows,” he said.

A spokesman for HOYS organiser Grandstand Media told H&H that following the announcement of the new LIHS showing series, HOYS is waiting to see the full rule-base the series will run.

“As a result of this, HOYS has allocated this year’s qualifiers with an addition to the wording for qualifier shows to safeguard the distinction of the HOYS classes, in a similar manner to how this has previously been phrased for Royal International Horse Show and LIHS qualifiers. This was done with no knowledge of where and when the qualifiers for this new series will be held in 2023,” he said.

“From conversations with the relevant parties, we understand that the intention is for the LIHS showing series to be allocated to local agricultural shows, and therefore not those with existing HOYS qualifiers. It is for this reason that the extension of the HOYS wording should not impact the individual shows.”

The spokesman added that Grandstand has been contacted by three shows that have been allocated a non-ridden HOYS qualifier, and on this basis HOYS has “agreed” to review.

“It is evident that the showing industry is working hard to provide new opportunities for amateurs, and as organisers we remain committed to supporting competitors across the board,” she said. “We continue to welcome feedback as we work with the shows and societies for the benefit of showing and for the future of HOYS.”

BSPS chair Paul Cook told H&H the BSPS was approached by the ASOA and asked whether it could support a series of qualifiers for the LIHS.

“There have been a significant number of county and agricultural shows that have had challenges around attracting enough entries, if they don’t have qualifying opportunities – and particularly HOYS qualifiers – so we agreed to the series. We already work particularly closely with LIHS with our M&M [mountain and moorland] final,” he said.

“The idea was that the new qualifiers go to county and agricultural shows that don’t have a full range of HOYS qualifiers. Where the anomaly has come is there are some shows that just have one HOYS qualifier, and therefore they have read the HOYS rule as it prohibits them from having any LIHS qualifiers. Where there are these anomalies, I think HOYS will work with the show to iron that out.”

BSHA general manager Lucy Savill, and chair Nigel Hollings, told H&H the organisation is “committed” to supporting county shows that have experienced diminished entries in recent years.

“The aim of the rising star series is to welcome newcomers into showing, support our existing members and provide an attainable route to not only a new and exciting final hosted by LIHS, but to all levels of affiliated showing, a concept shared with Grandstand Media as part of our planning process,” they said.

“We have been inundated with calls and emails from shows wishing to take part and hope that we can all work together to keep showing fun and educational.”

You might also be interested in:

‘The aim is to be inclusive’: new showing series with final at London International

‘There is only one HOYS’: 112 new chances for amateurs to achieve the dream

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

Ahead of the 2022 British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Heritage mountain and moorland (M&M) supreme final held at London International Horse Show later this month, H&H caught up with ride judge Fiona Holton to find out what she’ll be looking for on the day.

Fiona Holton will be assessing the native ponies’ performance alongside Jill Burgess, with judges Joyce Coltart and Ann Bigley on conformation duty.

About Fiona Holton

Fiona is an experienced and esteemed showing judge who sits on BSPS, Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd and The Showing Register panels. In 2022, Fiona judged at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and this year is her first officiating in London.

What will you be looking for when the combinations enter the ring?

“I am judging way of going so as each pony enters the ring I will be studying that aspect of each combination very carefully. I like to see a pony who works from behind into a light contact. I will be looking for ponies to work in a soft, rhythmic and obedient way, and I do like to see a bit of inside bend when necessary; I don’t want to see ponies constantly looking in the wrong direction! I will be looking for each pony to have correct movement for their breed, too, and I hopefully I will see some power from those types of animals who should have it.”

What sort of show will impress you?

“Each rider should ride a show that highlights what’s good about their pony. For example, I will hope to see that wonderful, powerful trot from the Dales, Fell and Welsh breed representatives. I want to see total obedience throughout and I have an obsession with really good manners. Everything in the show should happen when it’s supposed to happen; when a rider sits and asks for the canter the command should be absolutely there. When moving down the paces, I want to see a pony who is polite and soft; I hate to see riders see-sawing on mouths. A harmonious partnership between pony and rider finishes off the overall picture.”

What are some of your show ring pet hates in natives?

“I hate to see ponies over-bent or going behind the vertical. I similarly don’t like to see a partnership of pony and rider that obviously isn’t harmonious. Unfortunately, sometimes you do see riders who would be better suited to a different animal.”

What makes London International so special?

“The atmosphere is totally unique and it’s completed by the Christmas theme and high standard of equestrian competition. I have no doubt that the M&M ponies contending the BSPS supreme final will be part of this exceptional standard. The marking system used in the championship is also a bit different.”

Any sign-off advice for those riding there for the first time?

“Have a plan for your show and stick to it; try to not make last minute adjustments on the day. Practise your performance at home so both pony and rider have an understanding of what’s expected. This will ensure your show goes as smoothly as possible.”

Keep up to date with all of the action from London International, including breaking news and behind the scenes insight from each day of the show, with no limit on how much you can read, from as little as £1 per week with a Horse & Hound unlimited website subscription. Join now

You might also be interested in:

‘The aim is to be inclusive’: new showing series with final at London International

20 beautiful winners from the 2022 BSPS winter championships

Glitz and glamour: 28 winners from the 2022 BSPS summer championships

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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