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. 

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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. 

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Get to know which star native ponies will be contesting the 2022 BSPS Heritage M&M supreme ridden final held at London International Horse Show on Monday 19 December.

Who will you be rooting for?

Trailtrow Tearlach

Gillian McMurray’s home-bred, home-produced Highland stallion, 13, qualified for London at Royal Lancashire show with Gillian’s daughter, Kirstin McMurray, in the saddle. Tearlach is a third generation London finalist, and is the sixth different Trailtrow-bred pony to have qualified for the final since 1985.

Gems Malt Whiskey

April Gilmartin’s own seasoned Welsh section C stallion has enjoyed top two placings at both Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal International (RIHS) over the past two seasons, and this will be his third consecutive trip to London. This season, he netted a place at the very first qualifier held at Royal Windsor.

Llandderfel Prince Richard

Anne Wilson’s seven-year-old Welsh section D stallion recently finished second at HOYS with Dannii Thexton. This will be his first trip to London.

Bryncarreg The Bandit

The Welsh section C, who also competes as a working hunter, is heading to London for his owners Christine Phillips and Charlotte Laurens. He is produced by Katy Marriott-Payne, who finished third with him at HOYS this year, and will be ridden by Kimberley Bates at the London final.

Hilltop Ned

Owned by Leisa Woodward, the New Forest stallion, who is a former HOYS winner, and Rebecca Penny picked up their qualification at the BSPS Heritage championships.

Dukeshill Pearly Spencer

The consistent Welsh section A and Victoria Harker will be heading to London for the second time for owner Jenny Harker. The stallion’s career CV includes a win at the Royal Welsh as a two-year-old and placings at both HOYS and the RIHS under-saddle.

Shilstone Rocks River Dart

Chloe Chubb qualified the Dartmoor stallion, a HOYS and RIHS finalist this year, at the BSPS Heritage championships. She will pass the reins to Emma Lucas in London.

Greenholme Knight

Ridden by Terry Clynes, Ciaran Kelly’s six-year-old Fell stallion was also a HOYS and RIHS finalist during 2022, his debut open season. He qualified for London at the BSPS Heritage championships after winning his best of breed class.

Wortley Golcar Lily

Produced by Aimee Devane, Gillian Simpson’s home-bred Welsh section B mare has consistently been to HOYS and the RIHS under-saddle. In London she’ll be piloted by Amber Thorpe.

Wishaw Red Admiral

Simone Harrison’s home-produced nine-year-old Welsh section D took the SEIB Search For A Star M&M championship back in 2021, and he has similarly excelled in the show ring this season, finishing fourth at the RIHS and narrowly missing out on his HOYS pass.

Latijn V.D. Helling

Owned by Claire Connor, the first-season Shetland stallion and Aliya Khan were crowned supreme M&M ridden champions at the Royal Highland Show. At the BSPS Heritage championships, the pair picked up their ticket in the small breeds semi-final, but also won the best of breeds Shetland class the following day.

Inverin Paddy

Lucy Heygate’s 11-year-old Connemara, who is home-produced by Lucy from her family farm, will be making his second appearance in London, after qualifying this year at South of England.

Westown Wild Fire

Sarah Weston’s home-bred Dartmoor stallion qualified under his producer Sarah Parker at the BSPS summer championships. In his debut season under-saddle in 2021, he won at HOYS and finished second at the RIHS. This will be his debut at the London finale and he will be ridden by Gemma Pallett.

Briar Snowfox

The eight-year-old Shetland lifted the Exmoor and Shetland of the year crown at HOYS in October, and he’s set to make his London debut with his usual jockey Lilly Richardson.

Eastlands Dunedin

Susan Pool’s Connemara gelding, a former Great Yorkshire M&M supreme winner, will be heading to the big city with Lauren Beaumont, fresh from their win at HOYS in the Connemara pony of the year final.

Thorneyside Guardsman

The Welsh section D is home-produced by his owner Katy Marks and alongside booking a London spot at the BSPS Heritage championships this year, he’s been well-placed at HOYS and the RIHS.

Menai George

The Welsh section C stallion, a London debutante, was a HOYS and RIHS finalist in both 2021 and 2022 with his owner/rider Hannah Turnock, who will be riding at the final for the first time.

Nipna Kitty O’Day

Julie and Anna Pennell’s home-bred Dales mare, a HOYS open and junior ridden finalist this season, will be ridden by Tayla Lewis in London, but it was her producer, Sarah Parker, who qualified her for the final at the BSPS Heritage championships.

Wildhoeve Oki Doki

Clare Fitch will be at the helm of Ruth Roberts’ Fell stallion, a former HOYS winner, a previous London best of breed winner and former RIHS reserve supreme M&M champion.

Salcombe Starehole Bay

Katy Marriott-Payne rode Felicity Thompson’s home-bred Dartmoor stallion, supreme Heritage champion at the RIHS in 2021 and a HOYS winner earlier this year, to finish reserve in the BSPS Heritage M&M supreme ridden final last season. They booked their return pass at Royal Windsor back in May.

Longhalves Renoir

Sam Roberts has won the supreme honour in London on multiple occasions and she’ll be back for another crack at the title under Jo Filmer’s home-bred Welsh section B stallion, who won HOYS in October and is also a successful dressage pony.

Waxwing Persia

Emma Burrow’s seven-year-old Welsh section B qualified for the final at the BSPS Heritage championships. This season, he won at Royal Three Counties and was also fourth at HOYS.

Danwood Llewellyn

The Welsh section C former H&H cover star, owned and bred by Hannah and Linda Atkinson, was reserve M&M champion at HOYS in 2018 and was placed at London last season.

Lovelyhill Folklore

The versatile New Forest has done it all for his owner Penny Sutton and rider/producer Vikki Smith, winning on the flat and finishing second over fences at HOYS, lifting the supreme of show and qualifying for London at the BSPS Heritage championships and covering mares all season.

Warrenmere Woodcock

Mary Rose Bryant’s Exmoor, supreme ridden and in-hand champion at the breed show and runner up at HOYS earlier this year, will be making his final London appearance with Mary Rose’s daughter Elizabeth Etchells, who produces the 14-year-old from home.

Nipna Invictus

The 11-year-old Dales gelding, a RIHS young riders winner in 2021, is making a return trip to London this year having won the Dales breed class at the BSPS Heritage championships with Caitlin Hamilton.

Moelview Prince Charlie

Chloe Chubb’s seven-year-old Welsh section B stallion combines stud duties with his showing. He was a Royal Welsh winner in-hand, and in 2021 under-saddle he won the North of England £1000 supreme title.

Lotuspoint Cassius

Rachel Brightmore’s super Shetland, 15, and Lilly Ahern-Lee will take to the London stage for the second time, after winning best of breed, best junior and fifth overall at the show last season. At HOYS in October, the pair won the M&M first ridden pony of the year crown and stood overall mini reserve champions.

Nipna Mighty Oak

Leah May’s Dales gelding qualified for London at Westmorland County with producer Sarah Parker. Leah, who rode him to lift the Heritage supreme title at the BSPS summer championships, will steer him in London.

Steppers Relight My Fire

The six-year-old Welsh section D, owned by Lisa O’Rourke, is produced by Aimee Devane who qualified him for London on his first attempt at the BSPS Heritage championship show. Ashleigh O’Rourke will pilot him in London, after riding him to finish fifth at HOYS in October.

Rushhill Diplomat

Sarah Parker qualified the Welsh section B for London at the BSPS Wales direct qualifier, but Sarah’s eight-year-old son, Owen, will ride him in the 2022 BSPS Heritage M&M supreme ridden final. The gelding has been a prolific contender in both working hunter and flat classes for Sarah, qualifying for both HOYS and the RIHS in both spheres.

Griseburn Lester

Gillian Simpson’s Dales pony hit the headlines when he won the Picton novice championship as a five-year-old last year, with his producer Aimee Devane. In 2022, he finished second at HOYS and won the direct large breeds qualifier for London at the BSPS summer championships.

Nipna Midnight Rambler

The Dales stallion will be making his second visit to London, after winning best of breed and finishing third overall last year, for his breeders Julie and Anna Pennell and producer Sarah Parker. Other results on his CV include winning the supreme ridden championship at Royal Windsor last year. He qualified for London after taking champion at Suffolk County.

Melau Aramis

Samantha Walker watched her daughter, Lilly, win with the gelding at HOYS in October, but producer Lauren Brill will take the reins in London. The Welsh section B was also third in the open final at HOYS with Lauren, and he qualified for London at the BSPS Heritage championships.

Moyabbey George

Alisa Vines’ home-produced Connemara stallion, nine, has previously placed fourth at HOYS and the RIHS, and will be visiting London for the very first time.

Dunedin Mascot

The consistent Highland gelding, who is owned by Jane McNaught, qualified for London at the BSPS Heritage championships, where he was also open ridden champion, with his loaner Katie Common. He’s been runner up at HOYS twice and was also supreme ridden Highland at the Royal Highland this year.

Lantau Supernova

The Welsh section C and his rider Jodie Haywood are both London first-timers. The stallion’s career highlights include winning at the RIHS and finishing second at HOYS.

Castle Kestrel

Amanda Sharmans’ Connemara stallion, seven, and Lucy Glover have qualified for both HOYS and the RIHS for the past two seasons and he’s set to make his debut at the London final.

Harris Of Mendick

Aileen Curle’s Highland stallion is produced by Brian Williams and he has won a total of eight HOYS qualifiers over his career. In 2017, he was best of breed in London and he booked his return ticket this year at the BSPS Heritage championships.

Salcombe Frowder Cove

Felicity Thompson’s home-bred Dartmoor won the RIHS and was second at HOYS during his five-year-old season in 2019, and he returned to his producer Katy Marriott-Payne this year ahead of the BSPS Heritage championships where he qualified for London and won the restricted ridden championship. Alice Tomlinson will ride him in the 2022 BSPS Heritage M&M supreme ridden final.

Keep up to date with all of the action from London International, including from the 2022 BSPS Heritage M&M supreme ridden final, 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

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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 2022 BSPS Heritage championships held at Arena UK in Lincolnshire saw a New Forest stallion take supreme, a Shetland score the highest mini title and more than 30 combinations take home tickets to the BSPS M&M supreme final held at London International in December.

Check out these 31 gorgeous winners from the 2022 BSPS Heritage championships…

1. Shilstone Rocks River Dart

Chloe Chubb and her Dartmoor stallion win the Dartmoor/Exmoor/Shetland London semi-final qualifier.

2. Dunedin Mascot

After taking second at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), Katie Common and Jane McNaught’s Highland lead both the Fell/Dales/Highland semi-final qualifier and the open ridden championship.

3. Llandderfel Prince Richard

The Welsh section D books his first London pass with rider Dannii Thexton for owner Anne Wilson.

4. Eastlands Dunedin

Susan Pool’s 2022 HOYS winner and Lauren Beaumont power their way to London International after heading the New Forest/Connemara semi-final.

5. Feldons Red Kite

Evie Walker and the Dartmoor gelding secure their 2023 Royal International (RIHS) ticket in first ridden ranks.

6. Salcombe Frowder Cove

Katy Marriott-Payne and Felicity Thompson’s home-bred stallion secure both restricted championships and a London place after winning the Dartmoor breed class.

7. Lantau Supernova

Jodie Haywood and her own Welsh section C stallion ensure they’re on the London bus after taking pole position in their semi-final qualifier.

8. Addingham Gabi

Francesca Wall is in the saddle of Sarah Dowson’s Shetland as the pair win the RIHS mini championship.

9. Rowfantina Orlando Bloom

James Burchell rides the home-bred Welsh section A, a former RIHS mini champion, to lift a competitive novice ridden championship.

10. Thorngate Crusader

The novice mini working hunter pony title falls to Claire Evans’ Welsh section C and Caitlin Evans. 

11. Strathleven Achiltibuie

Emma Burrow rides Sarah Gemmell’s Highland pony to win the novice worker crown, as Sarah had her 133cm winner, Geordans Oliver, through to the championship. 

12. Menai George

Hannah Turnock praises her Welsh section C stallion who tops the breed’s London qualifier.

13. Hilltop Ned

The New Forest stallion and Rebecca Penny trot to the breed’s London qualifier.

14. Castle Kestrel

The Connemara breed qualifier is headed by Lucy Glover and Amanda Sharman’s stallion.

15. Bergli Dreamwatcher

Ella Freeman and the Shetland pony impress the judges en route to the overall mini supreme.

16. Dukeshill Pearly Spencer

Victoria Harker has the Welsh section A right on song to book a London place.

17. Latijn V D Helling

The Shetland stallion, who is owned by Claire Connor, and rider Aliya Khan are top of the Shetland breed qualifier.

18. Greenholme Knight

Terry Clynes wins the Fell pony London qualifier to give the stallion his first visit to the final.

19. Steppers Relight My Fire

The Welsh section D wins the London breed qualifier under Aimee Devane for owner Lisa O’Rourke.

20. Nipna Invictus

The Dales gelding tops both the junior ridden championship and Dales London qualifier with Caitlin Hamilton.

21. Lovelyhill Folklore

After winning the open working hunter pony championship, Vikki Smith and Penny Sutton’s New Forest stallion go through the card to take the overall supreme of show accolade.

22. Warrenmere Woodcock

Elizabeth Etchells and Mary Rose Bryant’s dual 2022 breed show supreme champion score the London Exmoor qualifier.

22. Waxwing Persia

Emma Burrow’s fantastic week at Arena UK is capped when the Welsh section B stallion books his first trip to London International.

23. Harris Of Mendick

The Highland stallion secures the Highland London qualifier with Brian Williams, who is riding for Aileen Curle.

24. Settvalley The Mistress

Alice Hartenfeld steers the lead rein contender to the mini novice championship, led by mother Katherine Bowling-Hartenfeld.

25. Islyn Arafa Don

Helen Summer’s Welsh section A takes the open Heritage mini worker title with Francesca Summers.

26. Inverin Paddy

The Pretty Polly championship, and an early 2023 RIHS pass, goes to Lucy Heygate and her own Connemara.

27. Loughmore Rebel

Steph Peto’s Connemara stallion takes the novice Heritage crown.

28. Gwynfaes Cynan Wledig

The Welsh section D lifts the restricted working hunter title with Catherine Hudson.

29. Lady Dublin Of Corderry

Ruby Ward rides Angela Hunt’s Connemara to the Heritage performance honour.

30. Briar Puzzle

Alexia Lilley and Amy Southworth’s Shetland pony trot to the tiny tots lead rein class and section title.

31. Melau Aramis

Lauren Brill enjoys a win in the Welsh section A/B London semi-final aboard Sam Walker’s Welsh section B, a HOYS winner earlier this month with Evie Walker.

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Check out the full report from the 2022 BSPS Heritage championships in the 27 October issue. 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 that its BSPS Heritage supreme ridden championship will be held within the London International Horse Show at the Excel Arena, London Docklands, for the second year in a row.

For many years, the BSPS Heritage supreme ridden championship was part of London International at Olympia. Last year the class had been planned to take place at the Liverpool International Horse Show, but after the cancellation of Liverpool, the final moved to London International’s new venue at the Excel Arena.

The 2022 final will take place on the morning of 19 December with the prize-giving part of the afternoon performance.

“We are indebted to HPower, organisers of the London International Horse Show, for enabling us to once again be part of this iconic show,” said BSPS executive member of council, Simon Richardson. “It is our showcase for 40 of the best M&M ponies in the UK with all 12 breeds being represented.

“The judging method of using four judges will continue and the substantial prize money will also be maintained.

“We’re also pleased to announce that this year’s sponsor will be New Horizon Plastics and the BSPS are indebted to Philip and Karyn Thomas. Our thanks also to Robert Lemieux for his sponsorship over the past three shows. We’re delighted that he will continue to provide the superb rugs for all those who qualify for the final.”

Last year, the prestigious final was set to be held at Liverpool International Horse Show on New Year’s Day for the first time. But after Liverpool’s cancellation owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the championship was temporarily left without a home before it was confirmed that it could return to London International Horse Show.

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The 2021 HOYS M&M champion continues his exceptional run by claiming the supreme honour at the BSPS Heritage Championships at Arena UK, Lincs on 16–17 October

A STELLAR fortnight concluded for Team Forster/Jinks when Karen Johnson’s reigning Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) champion, Menai Eurostar (GB), remained perfectly on track for rider/producer Adam Forster to take his – and the pony’s – first British Show Pony Society (BSPS) overall Heritage supreme title.

A simple, stylish and effective show from the stunning Welsh section D stallion certainly wowed the judges, newly crowned equestrian personality of the year Allister Hood and his wife Anne.

“Our champion had everything,” said Allister. “Its basic conformation and wellbeing were also excellent – it was good to see it was not too fat – plus it looked a picture.

“I was very pleased with all the riders, though – they were all worthy champions in their own right and each tried to do something a little different to show their ponies off to their very best.”

GB’s journey began on day one when he comfortably headed his LeMieux semi-final ahead of a field of 20, dropping only six marks from a possible 100 to earn his Liverpool mountain and moorland (M&M) supreme final place – the original purpose of the team’s attendance. In the evening performance, he remained straight and true to capture the day’s ridden supreme, again performing the simple, effective show for which the pair are justly renowned.

“I honestly don’t know what else I can say about this wonderful pony – it is a huge honour to have him,” enthused Adam. “Not only is he a showing superstar, but he is full of charisma too, with a huge dose of cheeky chappie thrown in for good measure. He has many funny traits – if he decides he has had enough of the field and wants to come back in, he will think nothing of lifting the gate off its hinges and making his way back to the yard and into his stable.

“He gives me 100% every time I sit on him; he has the heart of a lion – always trying and surpassing every expectation.

“The Sunday [overall supreme] result was a dream and the icing on the cake, and to be judged by showing royalty such as the Hoods was the ultimate honour for me. Allister has been my idol all my life.”

Bumper entries boost numbers

THE lure of Liverpool proved just as popular as Olympia has in the past – if not more so – as a grand seasonal finale for the LeMieux ridden natives, who flocked to Arena UK in their droves to contest the semi-finals and individual breed qualifiers. The end-of-season overall Heritage titles at all levels – and a range of Royal International (RIHS) 2022 qualifiers – were a welcome and well-supported additional bonus.

Bumper entries – free for semi-finalists – boosted numbers to yet another record, making this the most successful Heritage show in its 15-year history under the auspices of the BSPS. It was also refreshing to see several new names on the prize-lists, along with well-deserved rewards for the dedicated professionals.

Cheshire-based home-producing university student Caitlin Hamilton, 20, was one such new name, and her family’s dedication was rewarded with a first-ever Olympia/Liverpool ticket in the marathon large breeds semi-final and the second day’s overall ridden Heritage supreme with their beloved Dales pony Nipna Invictus (Victor), junior winner at the RIHS – another career first – and junior champion here.

“I’ve never even been to the LeMieux final to watch, so I can’t believe we’ve actually qualified for it,” said a clearly overcome Caitlin, who was quick to credit her mother Kirsty and grandfather Keith for their support. “Victor is just so, so special and always tries so hard, but I honestly never expected this. Just to have been called into the evening performance in the top nine was a mega thrill in itself. I have to keep pinching myself. If someone had told me this would have been our results, I’d have said not a chance!

“Mum and I love the Heritage show; we only came for a nice weekend.”

Another successful home-producer was North Yorkshire-based charity payroll administrator Jade Neal, who “qualified” her attractive roan home-bred Welsh B Haygate Prince John not once but twice for the Sunday supreme in worker ranks. The pair nailed the first day’s novice worker title before standing overall supreme champion, repeating this on day two after winning the restricted section and taking the title there, too.

“My winner had good conformation and gave an excellent show – its transitions were particularly good and it had a great gallop,” said judge Terry Pattinson.

This is another tightly knit family affair, as Jade’s grandfather, Howard Jackson – who used to have racehorses and now breeds and races pigeons – bought Prince’s dam, Rhydspence Sapphire, from Chris Gibbons of the Rhydspence Stud who supplied Jade’s first pony, the successful Rhydspence Roseanne. Jade’s parents, Tracey and Tommy Neal, help with the production, but previous commitments meant that the family almost did not stay for the evening performances.

“I’m so glad we did,” said a relieved Jade, who narrowly missed out on a ridden HOYS ticket with Prince this year and for whom it was a first Heritage title. “We’ve been doing a mix of flat and jumping classes, but just to get round the worker course here was my aim – we needed to jump as many different tracks as possible with him. He is just ace – a real fun pony you can do anything with. He loves himself; the more cheering and clapping the better he likes it.”

It was mission accomplished at the very first attempt for another home-producer/breeder, Hannah Atkinson – also based in North Yorkshire – when Danwood Llewellyn won his Welsh C semi-final. The 2018 HOYS winner has been only lightly shown this term, but was Silver Medal champion at Three Counties and qualified for the semis at Area 2B.

“We decided to give the semi-final a go this year as Liverpool is a lot closer to us than London,” said Hannah, who combines breaking and schooling ponies with work-riding for the Emmerson/Harforth team. “We didn’t even enter the breed classes on the second day as we had other commitments – it was this or not at all.

“I can always rely on him to try his hardest for me so I never have my worries going into the ring on him, but it was a very strong class today so I knew we had to pull it out of the bag to get in the top three – I was totally shocked to win, though.”

Lilly Ahern-Lee, nine, and the Brightmores’ ever-charming coloured Shetland, Lotuspoint Cassius, enchanted yet again to gain Lilly a first-ever LeMieux ticket via the small breeds semi-final, for which previous jockey Olivia Brightmore – now sadly too tall – had earned a rollover pass due to Covid.

“This was the first and only Liverpool class Lilly has done,” said proud aunt Kirsty Pickles.

History-making New Forest

SELF-STYLED “semi-professional” Vikki Smith was kept busy, heading a well-filled ridden RIHS 2022 qualifying section with Kate Waite’s lovely Dales stallion Nipna James Britannia – a full-brother to Nipna Invictus – who gained his Liverpool ticket here along with Penny Sutton’s New Forest stallion Lovelyhill Folklore (James).

James, now 10, is believed to be the only Forester ever to have qualified for RIHS and HOYS workers, and HOYS and LeMieux riddens in the same season, and here earned his Liverpool pass by a cool five marks.

“He’s also covered nine mares this season so he’s been a busy boy,” said Vikki, who combines producing ponies with running a hairdressing salon. “Thankfully, he has not just the ability but the temperament to cope with almost anything – I’m so lucky to have him.”

Katy Marriott-Payne added a fourth Liverpool ticket, this time with her own section B mare, Clanmill Leteika Miracle.

Sam Roberts not only qualified Jane Mathews’ HOYS Connemara runner-up, Coral Malachy – also a successful dressage campaigner with his owner – but also landed the restricted ridden title with her own exciting four-year-old Welsh section B Weydown Montagu; she also took the open worker championship aboard Aimee Stunt’s Lledrith Nemesis.

Sarah Parker added two further LeMieux tickets here, with Eastlands Dunknowe (Connemara) and Tarbarl Luke At Me (Dales), also bringing her total to four for the final.

In the genes – Twin sisters in the spotlight

TWO delightful home-produced ponies, ridden by 10-year-old twin sisters Evanthe and Tabitha Hughes, each had their spin in the limelight – and competed against each other in the second day’s final reckoning.

Tabitha kicked off the family’s run on day one when partnering the charming palomino Welsh B Towergate First Impression (Cracker) – tiny tots worker champion here last year on the family’s Heritage debut – to win the 55cm training and novice cradle stakes classes before landing the novice mini worker title and overall mini supreme.

“This is a very sweet pony – anyone would be happy to put their grandchildren on it,” was judge Pat Pattinson’s summing-up.

Cracker, now 11, has been with the family for five years and comes from an illustrious line, being by Colne Turbo out of the multiple HOYS finalist Waitwith Connie.

“We keep him at home and Tabitha adores him,” said the girls’ mother Miranda. “She does first ridden and worker classes, as well as lots of Pony Club activities – including camps. To ride that diagonal line out of the ring on a lap of honour has been her dream for many years.”

It was sister Evanthe’s turn on day two, when she partnered her open mini champion Springbourne Compas to land the Heritage supreme mini title. The seven-year-old was bought just-backed from Georgia Aungier three years ago and previously competed successfully as a lead-rein and first ridden, qualifying for Hickstead.

“He is a really scopey and brave jumper though, and we’re planning to concentrate on workers with him,” added small animal orthopaedic vet Miranda, who produces the family’s six ponies at home with help from husband Tom, an equine surgeon. “Georgia Darlington has helped us a lot to bring on his jumping.

“The girls are very supportive of each other – but also highly competitive!”

• This report will also be available to read in H&H magazine, on sale Thursday 28 October

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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