I’ve collated your need-to-know information for the 2026 HOYS coloured qualifiers because I know first-hand how hard it is to find Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifier details and keep on top of planning your season.

Here you’ll find complete list of qualifying fixtures, judges and entry closing dates for all coloured ridden horse and pony of the year classes, sponsored by CHAPS (UK).

While the full list of HOYS qualifiers has been announced for 2026, many of the hosts are waiting for their judges and schedules to be confirmed. 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 HOYS qualification.

2026 coloured HOYS qualifiers

Coloured Ridden Horse and Pony of the Year sponsored by CHAPS (UK)

Qualifying rounds for these finals will be held at the following fixtures. Be sure to take note of added information in brackets to know if there are, for example, junior or pony classes included.

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

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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

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Jayne Ross punched the air as the inimitable multi-garlanded KBF Lucia (Poppy) was called forwards as the Supreme Products supreme champion horse at the 2025 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS)– Jayne’s eighth HOYS supreme title.

Although coloured horses have been supreme champions in the past, it’s believed that this is the first time a supreme graduated directly from the CHAPS UK coloured horse and pony championship to the overall supreme champion horse spoils.

“You never get used to something like this,” said Jayne. “It’s so special. And I think, because it’s a long week and it’s an emotional win, then if you’re lucky enough to win the supreme, too, it means so much. It’s a weight off your mind. It’s everybody that puts so much work into it; we’re all exhausted but suddenly we’re all OK again.”

With several Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) wins to her name and an enviable tally of five HOYS wins, Poppy was a cool customer in the supreme, looking a picture of elegance and performin a beautiful show.

“She felt amazing,” said Jayne, “All day she’s felt amazing. She was completely on it and completely tuned in to it. Quite often she’s so laid-back about it all but today she just picked up and went. It was her day.”

The Free Spirit daughter is out of Seabourne Swansdown and was bred by Tony Reynolds and Michael Cook. She’s now owned by Lucy Cameron and Diane Stennett.

Lucy said: “We come back every year thinking, ‘She can’t do it again. But she always goes, ‘Yes, I can.’ You hope but you never expect. She deserved the supreme, so this win is for her, and her breeders, too. They’ve bred some cracking horses and they really deserve this so it’s absolutely amazing for them too.”

So what’s next?

Jayne felt she’d enjoy riding Poppy in the cavalcade ”as she’s so steady and level-headed”, it’s a holiday for Poppy before trying to “do it all again.”

”Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” Jayne said. ”But you’ll never take this off her.”

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

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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

Jayne Ross and consistent campaigner KBF Lucia (Poppy) gave a foot-perfect account of themselves to secure the 2025 coloured championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), sponsored here by the Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS).

This triumph came after the nine-year-old netted the coloured ridden non-native horse final, sponsored by CHAPS and the Burghwallis Stud, earlier in the morning, securing their spot in the International Arena showdown, where, Jayne admits, “everything just went to plan”.

The Free Spirit daughter, who shares a sire with KBF Crescendo who stood Royal International (RIHS) coloured supreme champion with Jayne, is out of Seabourne Swansdown and was bred by “very good friends” Tony Reynolds and Michael Cook.

Jayne has won the coloured class here on Lucy Cameron and Diane Stennett’s mare three times now and had brought home the reserve title but today they were able to go one position better than their previous personal best. Jayne brought the mare to the coloured final off the back of fourth place in the ladies’ side-saddle horse of the year final – in which her yard fielded three of the top four placings.

“She’s called Perfect Poppy for a reason,” said Jayne. “She finds it easy because she’s such a beautiful animal.”

Jayne has produced Poppy from the very beginning: “I went down to see her as a three-year-old and she was so beautiful even then. When you’ve produced the horse from the start, they really are special as you feel like you’ve been through everything with them – and I suppose you have. You get to know them inside out.

“Even though I say that she’s easy, you always have little hiccups here and there. Once or twice she’s been perhaps a little too laid-back for life and you need to cajole her a little bit, but part of her appeal is the supreme easiness about her so you don’t want to break that. There’s a balance and I think we’re there.”

It’s clear that Jayne thinks a lot of the mare.

“She’s so lovely to work with and she’s ‘just right’. She’s the right size, she’s the right shape, she’s marked beautifully, she’s a great mover. Everything about her is just lovely.”

Jayne hasn’t won a coloured championship at HOYS since 2012, when she recorded her fourth title on the trot with Carol Bardo’s prolific The Humdinger.

Runner-up in the HOYS 2025 coloured championship

Taking the reserve spot in the coloured horse and pony of the year championship was the winner of the native/ traditional type pony class. This was Pippa Kirby’s home-bred Monivea Black Magic (Merlin), ridden by Pippa’s daughter Indianna “Indie” Kirby, 16.

This was Boston seven-year-old stallion Merlin’s third win in this class. He won in 2023 with Pippa in the saddle, and again last year with Indie’s older sister Izzy in the saddle, so he’s won HOYS for three different members of the family.

Does Indianna feel the pressure following Mum and Izzy into the ring?

“Of course,” she said, “it’s hard not to feel a bit of pressure because of all he’s done before, but I tried to enjoy it. When I was called forwards as the winner of the class, it was a mixture of relief and happiness, but I really enjoyed it in the championship.”

She added with a smile, “And now I’ve done the best of us in there”.

Her mother Pippa said: “This is the dream. I didn’t think we’d manage it but it just shows what a brilliant pony he is, and Lucy Glover who produces him for us does a brilliant job.”

And what of his future plans?

“This will be his last time here, now, we won’t bring him back,” said Pippa. “He’ll go to London with Indie; he finished third there last time, and that was their first time together. That’s a different challenge as it’s judged differently so we’ll do that.

“He’ll do other things with him; he can do some dressage and some jumping, and he’s won Royal International twice – with me and with Izzy – so we may take him back there some time for Indie, too, as he had a summer break this year.”

Pippa rode Merlin’s mother Chantilly Lace IV to be third here, and she stood runner-up multiple times with Sarah Harrison in the saddle.

Also in the championship was Stephanie Fitt’s nine-year-old British riding pony Castra, winner of the coloured ridden non-native pony final, whose glittering show-ring CV boasts second place in the HOYS coloured final in 2022 – her first year here – champion the next, second again last year and now another win.

“Her temperament is what makes her so special. She is a yard favourite, all of the kids ride her,” said Elliee. “She’s the easiest person but she’s also full of character. She is an absolute once in a lifetime horse.

“Next year, she’s going in foal, so to win meant a lot to all of us to have her going out on such a high.”

Rhianon, 24, added: “She’s so lovely to ride and because I suppose we’ve learnt together, We both did our first proper shows together and we’ve really gone to the top together.

“I’m very thankful that Steph gave me the ride on Cassie four years ago now and I’ve had it ever since.”

The first class – the junior coloured pony – was taken by Shetland Briar Puzzle with Alexia Lilley, and Kevin Lee enjoyed his second centre line moment in 48 hours having won the traditional and cob type horse class astride reserve cob champion Ad Blue.

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

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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 have an Arabian horse or a part-bred pony qualified for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) it’s time to take notes, as 2025 HOYS judge David Bennett gives insight into his background in showing, and what he’ll be looking for in the ring.

Meet 2025 HOYS judge David Bennett

David successfully juggles working full-time as a paramedic with producing a mixture of horses and ponies for the show-ring, with help from his sister Amy who is a full-time P.E. teacher.

“It could be I’m working two days in the week and it could be I’m working five,” says David of the juggle. “It just depends on the shift rota.”

Although his mother did have ponies as a child, David’s parents are not horsey, and he admits he has “no idea” where the initial interest in horses hails from.

He explains: “I broke my leg when I was eight, and while I was in hospital, I refused to take my medication. In order to persuade me, my dad said if I took them, I could do whatever I wanted. And what I wanted was to go riding. That’s where it started.”

His first pony was a “working hunter pony” type, kicking off an interest in workers.

“From that, I did a bit of showjumping and went to work for David Bowen when I was 18 working with his showjumpers.

“Then I had another worker – Country Blue Moon – and people told me he was good enough to show, so it went from there. People started asking me to ride their show horses and it spiralled.”

Now, David’s production enterprise is based at Sharon Howarth’s Carrhouse Stud near Preston, and he considers winning the large hacks at HOYS astride Carrhouse Hidden Asset last term as a showing career highlight.

Other highs include multiple wins at Royal Windsor and at the Royal International – he stood reserve at both this season.

Although this is David’s first year judging at HOYS, David is an accomplished judge, having officiated at most of the UK’s leading fixtures, including Royal Windsor, and has judged in South Africa and Australia.

“But the biggest highlight so far would probably be at Windsor, where I rode the late Queen’s horse and had the honour of meeting her,” he says.

David sits on a string of judging panels including the British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA), Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS), Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), Sport Horse Breeding (SHB (GB)), the Arab Horse Society and heavy horse panels.

What will HOYS judge David Bennett be looking for in the ring, starting with the part-bred ponies?

David will be assessing the conformation phase of the part-bred pony of the year final, while co-judge Clare Dew will be assessing the ride.

“I like to see ponies that look like they want to be there,” says David. “I don’t like them to look flat, and I certainly don’t want them to look fat, either. No fat ponies.

“I also like ponies to be very elegant, and to float along being good movers,” he says. “And they need to have plenty of good quality bone, too.”

As for pet hates?

“The thing that I hate the most is when riders stand up a horse or pony looking flat and like they don’t want to be there. I like a horse or pony to have presence, and to be stood up properly.

What will David be looking for in the Arabian horse of the year class?

For this class, David will be switching his suit for his riding gear and assessing each horse from the saddle.

In the initial go-round, David wants to see a horse going forwards correctly.

“I don’t like to see riders see-sawing on mouths or kicking too much,” says David.

Once on board, he’ll be looking for a horse that is “light in the hand, and forwards. I don’t like them when they’re too lazy.”

Again, movement is important.

“I also like them to really travel and cover the ground – a good mover.”

Overall, he’s looking for “presence, elegance and a little bit of wow factor”.

“I want everything to look easy and effortless,” he concludes.

Any advice for HOYS first-timers?

“If you’re going there for the first time, definitely enjoy it and don’t get stressed about it,” says David. “Even though it’s such a prestigious show, you’ve got to pretend it’s just any other show, otherwise you don’t enjoy it, and then it’s over before you know it.

“And even if it’s your first time, I always think you’ve got to enter the ring like you’re going to win it. As a judge, when you’re in the middle, someone who walks in riding like they are going to win, with their horse marching grabs your attention right away. If you come in head down looking nervous, it looks like you don’t want to be there. Go for it.”

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

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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 surprise grading for prolific show stallion Boston meant he achieved Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS) Elite status at the society championships.

Celebrated stock-getter Boston is owned by coloured production specialist Sue-Helen Shuttleworth — Susie — but was presented as a surprise by her good friends Katie Duxbury and Steph Davis, who had been caring for him at stud.

“I was sat at the side of the ring and saw him trot into the arena. I didn’t recognise him to begin with — they had even stolen his show tack from my tack room without me noticing!” said Susie. “It was the biggest shock. As far as I was concerned, he was at stud with Steph – she even had two of my mares there for him to cover. My brain took a second to connect the dots, but it was him. He looked incredible and everyone had worked so hard behind the scenes.”

The friends conspired with CHAPS chair Caroline Hamilton to pull off the surprise.

“Caroline told me she wanted me to give a talk to young judges on evening performances,” explained Susie, who admits she was not feeling enthusiastic about the idea given the heat after a long day’s showing. But this was a ruse to ensure that Susie was dressed in her evening performance gear at the side of the arena in time to take over Boston’s presentation.

“I knew Susie’s too disorganised,” joked Katie of her reasoning. “In truth, I felt he’s done so much for the traditionals that he deserves some recognition. He only had a short showing career but he adds so much to the sport year on year with his progeny. He really deserved some time back under the lights.”

To achieve elite status, stallions or mares must accumulate points through their own competition results and those of their progeny.

Although Boston’s offspring include Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) winners, the former HOYS champion had accumulated enough points through his own competition CV. Boston was paraded at the championships alongside his decorated sons Monivea Black Magic and Sarison Starman, both HOYS winners too.

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

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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

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The much-loved coloured horse Star Dream has been put down aged 22 after a bout of colic.

Star Dream (Dexter) was co-owned by Suzy Feltham, Jamie Rashbrook and Darren Dighton, with Jamie showing him for the duration of his career.

Dexter came over from Ireland having been used as a hunt horse and an all-rounder. He joined Jamie and Darren as a project to sell on.

“I’d lost my old horse, so the boys kindly said I could have Dexter; this was over 10 years ago,” said Suzy.

Dexter began his competitive career showjumping, but was stepped down from the sport after fracturing his pelvis.

“When he couldn’t jump anymore we decided to start showing him, and with the help of Team Holder he had a ridden campaign,” Suzy added. “He qualified for the Royal International (RIHS) in his first season.

“Sadly, he developed an ulcer in his left eye and while our vets tried to save it with surgery, he had to have his eye taken out. While losing his eye was one thing, we nearly lost him at the same time as he developed an infection that almost went into his brain. He was in the Royal Veterinary College for six weeks.”

Once he was discharged from the vets, Dexter was lightly shown under saddle, qualifying for Hickstead once again before he was retired from ridden ranks. He then commenced his in-hand career, with Jamie at his side. His main results achieved include the veteran supreme title at the 2019 CHAPS championships. He was also reserve supreme Veteran Horse Society horse of the year and he lifted many titles on the county show circuit.

“He always rose to the occasion in an evening performance,” said Suzy. “We retired him from in-hand showing in 2022 with a retirement ceremony held at the national veteran championships. The loss of his eye never affected him and he lived for shows. He’d come out of the lorry with so much presence and he loved having his photograph taken.

“The trust and bond Dexter had with Jamie was incredible; if Dexter was unsure Jamie would reassure him and he’d know everything was going to be OK.”

Dexter spent the past year hacking around the countryside with Suzy.

“He looked so well that we were actually considering taking him to a show,” she said. “It was a very sudden loss.”

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A home-produced coloured pony retained his unbeaten season form by clinching the senior ridden pony championship at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

The pony in question was Lauren Moore-Williams’ Longdon Blackjack, a 16-year-old native gelding who the family has owned for seven years.

“We’ve had him a good few years and he’s everything to me,” said Lauren, whose sister, Zoe Moore-Williams, rode Jack to win the Royal International (RIHS) in 2017 and was here to watch the duo’s successes in the Royal Windsor senior ridden pony championship.

Jack, who is known as ‘Grandad’ at home, had a year off work in 2018 due to a pelvis injury.

“To have him back is just the best feeling,” continued Lauren, who was adding this result to championships achieved earlier this year at North Somerset and CHAPS South West show, where Jack also stood supreme.

“We don’t know how it happened but he just wasn’t right, and he needed complete rest. We just chucked him out in the field for 18 months and I was planning on just hacking him for fun. I took him to a show as a companion for another horse and I decided to take him in the ring, and he won.”

Jack is currently adding another string to his bow and is training to be a therapy horse.

“My mum rides him at home and he’s so easy that we thought we’d give it a go with him. His training is going really well,” explained Lauren, who was fitting in this spin on Jack in between working her job as a social media manager here at Windsor. “It’s been a hectic week. I was at Badminton and I’ve been up here since Tuesday. My fiancé travelled Jack to Windsor for me. I was effectively riding on my lunch break; I thought I’d only be gone for an hour to do the class, but I’ve been here all afternoon.”

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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

In 2021, Roanna Hamilton achieved one of her lifelong ambitions when she reigned in The Queen’s back garden at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Her ride was Victoria Ward’s traditional coloured pony Red Warrior who Roanna has had on loan since early 2020.

But how does Roanna do it, especially considering she doesn’t have an arena, keeps her horses outside 24/7 and works full-time as a primary school teacher?

Roanne was first introduced to top level showing by her native coloured gelding Nantllesg Elwyn. The pair won a host of titles including at New Forest and Hampshire, Suffolk, Traditional of the Year Show and Equifest, among others.

“He was, and still is, an amazing pony,” says Roanna, of Elwyn who still resides with her and is now eligible for veteran classes. “He won me my first Ponies (UK) championship back in the day and was the highest placed amateur pony in his final at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS). He definitely got me hooked on coloured ponies.”

Roanna was first acquainted with Warrior during the first lockdown of 2020 and she enjoyed a successful 2021 in the show ring with the former RIHS champion.

“We’ve done everything together, including some jumping and working hunter,” she continues. “I did feel some pressure, as he’d done so well before I got him.

“At home he now lives out 24/7 and is produced from the field. We don’t have a school or any facilities aside from one stable and a small wash room, so any training or preparation has to be done either out hacking or in the field when the land is dry.”

The Royal Windsor victory was a “dream come true” for Roanna, who also rode Warrior to an RIHS ticket as well as accolades at the CHAPS championships, BSPA, CHAPS South East and Herts County.

“We hope to contest side-saddle classes this year,” Roanna continues. “Keeping them outside 24/7 is hard work, especially in winter, but it does mean I don’t feel guilty if I don’t get the chance to work them as they’re exercising themselves in the field. Warrior is as happy as Larry and seems to really enjoy the outside life.

“All my schooling is done out hacking; if the ground is too wet I can’t ride in the field. When I do manage to ride on the grass I do lots of fartlek training, so I do fastwork on one side of the field and slow down on the next, to improve fitness. I also have to regularly ride with a head torch.

“Sometimes during winter I do ask myself why I do it as it requires long hours, and keeping them clean can be a nightmare. But it’s all worth it. I find the ponies are happy in their heads, too, and they’re ready to learn and get on with the job. Admittedly, I couldn’t do any of it without my mum; she’s also a teacher so we cover for each other when one of us has a meeting or can’t get to the field.”

When it comes to ensuring the ponies look show ring ready when the time comes, Roanna has a routine she sticks to.

“I oil them to the max using natural products,” explains Roanna. “I avoid using too many chemicals on the skin and prefer raw oils to promote hair growth. I rug them, but not with full neck rugs as they can rub the hair. I keep their manes and tails plaited and avoid brushing them too much. The night before a show I will bring a pony in and scrub until they’re clean before blow drying them out to save time. I then use wood flour to dry the feathers.

“My advice to any aspiring amateurs is that it doesn’t matter what facilities you have, you can do it if you do your homework and put the work in. I’m constantly learning from the celebrities of the show world by watching and listening to pick up tips and tricks that will work for me and my ponies. Everyday is a school day for me, literally!

“Breeder Lisha Leeman once told me that everyone has to do their apprenticeship in showing, even the professionals at one stage, and this has stuck with me. The producers might have big teams around them, but they still have to put the same work in.

“It’s important to observe, keep an open mind and take baby steps along the way. Even if you have a duff day in the ring, it’s an opportunity to learn and be a reflective rider so you can be better the next time.”

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For owners of traditional show cobs, ensuring your horse’s hair is kept long, silky and conditioned is all part of the game. Arguably, Lacey Smith’s two traditional stallions, 10-year-old elite graded Domino Bad Boy (Tommy) and six-year-old dual graded Stanray Xrated (Tedd, pictured above) possess some of the most luscious hair on the circuit.

Lacey has owned her two coloured stallions since they were both six-month-old foals and both have tallied up impressive in-hand CVs. As well as their successes in the show ring, they have also garnered plenty of attention from fellow competitors and adoring spectators due to their abundance of quality hair.

“I get asked about how I maintain their hair, especially their manes, a lot,” explains Lacey. “But what many don’t realise is that a lot of it is down to breeding; the quality of hair comes from the bloodlines.”

At home, Lacey confirms that both the ponies live very normal lives with daily turnout.

“This surprises a lot of people but at home they are out every day with no rugs and they’re caked in mud like normal ponies the majority of the time. We keep their manes in mane bags when they’re out. The mane is plaited in separate plaits and put in the mane bags. I will un-plait the hair every now and then for a brush, but I am careful not to over brush it.”

When it comes to care, Lacey opts to use products which don’t promote excess grease.

“A lot of people use pig oil, but I stay well away from it as it makes the hair greasy. I use a good detangler and a hair serum, but I don’t over-wash the hair; the ponies get washed before a show and the odd time during winter for a deep condition, as most owners would do.

“We always trim the mane every couple of weeks, too, so it doesn’t drag on the ground.”

Lacey says that over-washing and brushing of traditionals is commonplace, but is something to be avoided.

“A lot of people would assume we keep them inside 24/7 but this is not the case at all. I do put a lot of effort in before a show, but on a daily basis they’re out playing and living their lives. We’ve worked with the breed for years, so we really understand how to run them.

“We’ve had so much interest in them over the past couple of years; we’ve been approached by film companies wanting to use them, and every time we’re at big shows, such as Royal Windsor, we get flocked by people. Some even ask if they can touch it to see if it’s real! They often scare the showjumping horses, who have never seen ponies like them before.”

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A Lancashire-based mother and daughter duo prevailed in the ridden coloured horse and pony of the championship at the 2021 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Coming from the first class of the day, the plaited pony class, ultra-consistent 11-year-old Lostock Up To Date (Simon) gave home-producer Sarah Harrison her first win after being the bridesmaid at HOYS on seven different occasions.

Interestingly, Simon’s six-year-old full-brother Lostock Up Town Funk, owned and ridden by Tayla Lewis, stood second behind him in his final.

The geldings, bred by Caroline Hamilton, certainly hail from exceptional parentage, being out of the prolific ridden mare Up To D and by top performance Lostock Huntsman, who won this year’s Kellythorpes leading coloured sire award.

Sarah and her mother Sharon Harrison bought Simon as a four-year-old.

“We saw him as a yearling at CHAPS championships and I asked Caroline if we could have first refusal,” said Sharon, of the RIHS winner.

“He’s been to HOYS three times (prior to 2021) and was placed, but we didn’t bring him for the first few years during his career; he’s a tricky pony to ride so needed time.”

Simon won two HOYS qualifiers this year:

“We’ve had all those seconds (at HOYS) with different ponies, too, so this means the world,” concluded Sharon.

After the championship Sarah said: “I’ve waited 28 years to be champion at HOYS; we’ve been coming since 1992. It’s a lot of hard work and commitment but we’ve finally done it.”

Tracey Veale’s superb lightweight cob Red Rock III and his pilot Vicky Hesford had to settle for reserve once again, repeating the same result they’d achieved in the cob championship the evening before.

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.

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A “FERAL” pony rescued from almost certain drowning less than two years ago has become a treasured member of his rescuer’s family — and a showing superstar.

It’s Just Gerald, an 11hh piebald part-bred traditional/Shetland, had been abandoned with several other colts in a field near Long Eaton, Notts known as the “Flood Plains”, in November 2019. All were trapped in rapidly rising water after a nearby river broke its banks, prompting showing enthusiast Ruth Darby, who lives nearby, and her neighbour Sue Williams to attempt a rescue.

“I’d driven past the ponies’ field every day on my way to work, and was already concerned about them,” said Ruth. “That night, the water rose drastically and the ponies were shoulder-deep; I knew I had to do something.

“The police closed the road so we could get the lorry through, and the fire brigade broke down the fence; we waded into the field to catch the ponies. Gerald came straight away but the others proved more tricky to catch.

“We managed to get five in total, and Sue and I bought them between us to prevent them being returned there. We had them castrated, wormed and vaccinated and over a period of time, we rehomed them all except Gerald, who was older than the others, a bit of a loner and quite grumpy.

“He has changed so much since then, though — he’s just adorable.”

The £250 Ruth spent proved a wise investment as Gerald has taught Ruth’s nine-year-old goddaughter, Libby de Launay, to ride in the last year, as well as her four-year-old neighbour Ellen Hunt.

At the 2021 Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS) championships (11-14 August), Gerald was placed in all his classes, taking the first ridden of the year award under Libby and standing champion rescue on the lead rein with Ellen.

“Gerald was completely wild and unhandled when we got him, but we all fell in love with his character,” said Lucie Gordon-Burgess, who produces ponies from Ruth’s yard. “We backed him last spring, but little did we know what a superstar he’d turn out to be.

“He is a complete character and loves his life — the girls both adore him and share the rides on him equally. CHAPS was his first championship show, but he went into his first evening performance with no calmers, earplugs or warm-up, and looked after both his young novice jockeys.

“You can literally do anything with him. He’s one in a million.”

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A cob gives his rider her first ridden supreme, while a Welsh section C gives his breeders their biggest win so far at Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS) championships, held at Arena UK, Lincs

MEGAN HEWITT ended a run of near-misses to land her first Harrison Civil Engineering supreme ridden title at CHAPS championships (11-14 August), scoring with her nine-year-old part-Welsh D gelding Ranchella Rolex (Roly).

In front of an appreciative audience, their polished freestyle performance just had the edge over the 2015 and 2016 victors, Andrew Collins and Dan Birch’s super-consistent Surewill.

“I was looking for a horse or pony to do a job and it was a close decision,” said supreme judge Caroline Nelson. “I’d love to take the winner for a day’s hunting. He has super limbs, a lovely front and carries a saddle very well.”

Megan, who runs Selston Equestrian Centre with partner Tom Jackson, bought Roly last November after having had him to compete for a brief season as a novice two years ago.

“We wanted a horse for Tom and when Roly came back to me to sell, I thought he’d be ideal,” said Megan. “I hunted him last winter and Tom started to learn on him, but he then had the start of the season off as we were moving house.”

Despite this downtime, the pair also stood ridden supreme six days earlier at CHAPS Midlands.

Tom had his own spell in the spotlight here, too, showing Roly to stand Harrison Civil Engineering reserve overall supreme in-hand.

“Tom only started showing six months ago,” added Megan.

He was pipped in this finale by the Burghwallis Stud’s home-bred native, Burghwallis Paparazzi, shown by John Cutts for whom it was a fifth consecutive triumph in this spot as a handler/producer.

It was a first CHAPS supreme here for the now-eight-year-old gelding, but he was second reserve here when he was two. He is Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) bound for the second time with Tayla Lewis.

“We only entered him in the in-hand class as he didn’t have much to do this week,” said John.

Sisters doing it for themselves

AMATEUR producing sisters Michelle and Leanne Pickford had a stellar show, culminating in two major triumphs on the final night, including the Academy of Health and Diet supreme youngstock title with their lovely native yearling colt, Burghwallis Stormchaser.

“If I could have taken a horse home with me, it would be this one,” said Caroline Nelson. “The standard has been very high.”

This was the second-ever show for Stormchaser, who qualified for CHAPS just a couple of weeks previously on his debut. Here, he headed the youngstock evaluations en route to the final accolade.

“I bought him as a birthday present to myself at a week old from the breeders,” said Michelle.

The sisters were celebrating again when their ridden contender, 15-year-old Stardust, retained his 2019 title to head the Kaleidoscope home-produced section. He then went on to stand overall McNeil amateur/home-produced supreme.

“We only brought Stardust to nanny the yearling, and he just did one class,” added Michelle. “He’s qualified for HOYS for the sixth time, but we plan for him to take life easier next year and maybe contest some veteran classes.”

‘Blown away’

ANOTHER yearling colt – plaited this time – impressed to gain the Price Family semi-final place at Stoneleigh. Richard and Tammy Burge’s Moorfarm Bowman, a son of Tiny Bit Famous out of a Welsh section B mare, grew in presence as the week went on, and also collected the supreme non-native title.

Richard and Tammy, who run the Tamrik Stud in Sussex, also own his successful full-brother, the former Royal Welsh winner Moorfarm Bandsman, now four.

“We bought Bowman to follow in his footsteps, and we’ve been blown away by his reception here,” said Richard.

CHAPS regulars Charlotte Merrigan Martin and the multitalented Volatis Diva hit top form, capping their show with the supreme junior/intermediate rider of the year award for the first time. It was especially gratifying for Charlotte, 17, as she missed her last junior year owing to Covid.

“We came here with no expectations,” said her mother Clare. “Charlotte’s had a tough first year at university so we intended to party, but this title has been her dream. She was last to ride her show and she had it all planned. However, Diva decided to live up to her name and had other ideas, so Charlotte had to adapt to plan B and probably plan C!”

Society secretary and backstage stalwart Emma Hore was one proud breeder when loanee Polly Mallender rode her home-bred Skewpie Champagne Charlie (Shark) to win all three of his classes and land a championship en route to the top spot in the Dan Birch supreme accumulator, where his prize was £720.

“Shark is a real all-rounder, and loves team chasing and hunting – he carries a side-saddle, too,” said Polly, another home-producer. “We call him our 16.2hh first ridden pony because he is so steady, rhythmical and safe. Riding him is like putting on your best slippers.”

Young talent on flying form

AT just 14 years old, Izzy Sharifi jumped to win the 153cm plaited working hunter qualifier at National Pony Society (NPS) Area 7 on a pony she’s been partnered with for just four months. Her ride was the athletic bay mare Honeycoat (Millie) who is currently based with Sam Darlington and was contesting her third HOYS class with Izzy.

“She was bred by Michaela Bowling and we bought her from Jen Tubb,” said Izzy’s mother, Ruth Sharifi. “We’re delighted as Izzy will be one of the youngest riders to jump at this height.”

• This report will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 26 August

You may also be interested in:

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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. 

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A three-year-old traditional coloured cob who was found by his current owner ‘wandering the land’ scored a win at the 2021 Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Alice Griffiths’ Hillrow Harvest (Harvey) and handler Oliver Parr were given the nod in the CHAPS in-hand youngstock native, cob and traditional class.

Alice was first acquainted with the pony via a Facebook post.

“I’d seen several posts on a local group about a pair of lost horses roaming a farmer’s field,” explained Alice. “They’d been seen wandering around for at least six months. Unfortunately, the other pony died but one day I went to check on my own horses and saw Harvey, who was a colt at the time, standing by them. We managed to herd him into a field but he was so feral.”

Alice quickly got the RSPCA out to attend to Harvey and he was soon gelded.

“It took a big team and a lot of manpower to do it,” added Alice. “But as soon as he was cut he became easier to manoeuvre and deal with. The RSCPA decided that if no one claimed him in the next few days that I could have him. Of course, no one did so he joined our family. It took us a while to get him to come round, and get him used to being stabled and rugged.”

Harvey was shown as a youngster in-hand, winning his class as a yearling at Sussex County show and standing champion rescue pony.

“When we saw him moving across the field for the first time we thought that he could look quite good in the show ring,” said Alice.

While their Windsor prep went smoothly, the team nearly missed their class:

“We set off with plenty of time but made the class by the skin of our teeth. He looked incredible in the ring and I was so proud of him. He’s booked into compete at Royal Norfolk next, and he’s also started to be broken to ride and drive.”

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 to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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We may have been able to only experience snippets of the 2020 showing season due to the Coronavirus pandemic but memories were still made and champions still crowned.

Here are nine moments from the 2020 term which made us smile…

1. Shetland gallops to supreme

The super Shetland Evie’s Pride and six-year-old jockey Scarlett Sharp nailed their supreme performance to claim the overall ridden title at the BSPA Festival of Showing and Winter Championships. After qualifying for the Royal International (RIHS) in the traditional ponies earlier in the day, the mini marvels returned to impress overall judges Julian Walters, Emma Payne and Janet Smithers.

2. Duo reign on debut

Erin Grier 
and Fielding Fairytale landed the overall supreme at the BSPS Scottish Winter Show on their debut 
outing together. Karen Grier’s 10-year-old mare by Demonstrator headed the show hunter pony championship for producer Caitlin Galbraith before taking 
the overall.

“This is Erin’s first horse,” said Caitlin. “It’s a hard transition to move up onto the bigger rides, but Erin has been working hard at home over the winter. Last year was Fairytale’s first season as a hunter pony. She can be hot and needs a lot of working in, but is very genuine.”

3. RIHS winner is back with a bang

At BSPS Area 6 working hunter show, 2019 RIHS winner Bowland Undercover (Betty) started her 2020 open campaign winning both open 15hh and intermediate classes, before netting the section championship.

Imogen Rodger rode Betty — pictured in 2019 — for her mother, Danielle. The seven-year-old — 
who is produced by Russell Ingram – was just a novice when she won at Hickstead. She was purchased unseen two years ago.

“She won Hickstead during her first season with one of only a handful of clears and a 19/20 mark for conformation,” said Danielle.

4. Show team land show pony hat-trick

Producer Edward Young scored a deserved hat-trick in the show pony classes, with his charges winning all three height sections at BSPS Area 3B’s training show.

Coming out as the eventual champion was the 128cm winner, Claire Smith’s Tuscany Sweet Serenade (Queenie) ridden by Clare’s daughter Cate Mitchell, who celebrated her 11th birthday two days after the show.

Lexy Laurens and Bankswood Jacaranda won the 148cm and section reserve while Hallie Kerry-Oates and Renedene Morning Star bagged the 138cm class.

“We kept them ticking over during lockdown and we’re fortunate to be in the Derbyshire Peak District so have some great bridleways on the doorstep” said Edward after the show. “The babies have seen a bit of the world and the established animals have had a change of scene.”

5. Welsh stallion remains unbeaten

The South Eastern Welsh Pony and Cob Association’s (SEWPCA) 50th anniversary show saw Welsh section B stallion Longhalves Renoir (Levi) scoop the supreme for his owner Jo Filmer.

The big-moving grey is by Jo’s former Cuddy in-hand and HOYS ridden finalist Lemonshill Falcon.

Levi has won several accolades in the show ring and in the dressage arena; in 2018 he was crowned National Pony Society (NPS) dressage supreme champion with 13-year-old Megan Austin. He is currently unbeaten in adult in-hand classes.

“He is an absolute sweetheart and is the perfect gentleman, whether he is covering mares or being ridden by children,” said Jo.

6. Team takes overall in-hand and ridden sashes

At the CHAPS Summer Championship Covid Show, Team Elenor/Parrott brought just two animals but dominated both the in-hand and ridden supremes.

The in-hand crown went to three-year-old non-native champion Myspires Spirit Of Summer, led by Craig Elenor, while their ridden victor was native horse champion Starlight (Queenie), ridden by Sara Parrott.

“She has even pulled a cart at Appleby Fair,” said Sara of Queenie. “I adore the mare and couldn’t see her leave us. I’ve always wanted to win this supreme so to do it on her is 
really special.”

7. 13-year-old intermediate leads BSPS summer champs field 

Ellis Taverner-Burns, 18, landed her first Philip Judge overall supreme of show title with 13-year-old The Politician at the BSPS Summer Championships, the first major showing show to be held post-COVID lockdown.

Sarah Maclean-Perriment’s Team Harvey-produced 13-year-old gelding was chosen out of a quality field of champions:

“My sister Brogan [Taverner] was supreme here in 2009 with another intermediate, Paschal High Flyer,” said Ellis, who took over the ride after Smithy was sold in July.

“Smithy” was also supreme intermediate here last year for previous owner Hannah Green.

Continued below…

Watch the Horse & Hound Awards 2020 virtual ceremony

8. Cob shows his class and elegance

Danielle Heath crowned 
a sparkling weekend for her team when landing the final overall open supreme at the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) Autumn Gala.

Guy Mears’ ladies’ show horse champion, maxi cob Brookdale Limited Edition (Archie), gave a magical show which earned the only two perfect scores of the day.

This was not only Archie’s first outing of the year, but a debut in “sideways” supreme ranks for Danielle.

Earlier, Archie had collected the maxi cob title partnered by Issy Mears, 19.

9. Star of the future tops native spectacle

David Tatlow and his daughter Loraine Homer chose Zoe Clarke’s Heritage ridden novice champion, the Dartmoor Kingshaugh Hailstorm (Harry) to head a quality-filled field of 16 overall supreme finalists at the BSPS Heritage Championships.

Harry was partnered by his young producer Charley Baxter.

“The novice class on Saturday was my first Heritage show win, so that in itself was amazing – then to be champion was a massive achievement,” said Charley. “When I saw the line-up in the supreme, I was a bit worried that my show would be a bit basic as I didn’t want to put any pressure on Harry – I just wanted him to have a great experience in there.”

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Ahead of next week’s Royal Windsor Horse Show (8 to 12 May 2019) coloured horse and pony ride judge Mathew Lawrence reveals what he’ll be looking for in his winners and what he won’t forgive in the show ring…

Who is Mathew Lawrence?

Bristol-based Mathew is a well-known show rider and former producer who has landed several championships at both Horse of the Year (HOYS) and Royal International (RIHS). He has competed successfully in several classes, and two of his most prolific coloured charges include the plaited horse ELS Artform and the cob Maytime Challenge — both previous HOYS and RIHS winners. He has also won Olympia three times, twice on the Connemara Bunowen Castle Rhi and once on the Highland Torrin Of Croila. He currently juggles freelance teaching and riding with judging across the country and around the globe.

What is his judging experience?

> Panels: He sits on CHAPS, BSPA, BSHA, ROR, BSPS panels and is also a Connemara breed judge.

> Favourite appointment: HOYS and RIHS — “I have been lucky enough to judge at HOYS a few times which is very special,” says Mathew. “Hickstead is also a great occasion. Last year I also had the opportunity to judge horse classes in South Africa, which was an amazing experience.”

> Windsor 2019: Mathew will be judging the ride section of the coloured horse and ponies on Thursday 9 May. “I have judged at Windsor before, including the coloureds many years ago,” he says. “It is one of the special shows to both judge and compete at.”

What will he be looking for on show day?

“On the initial walk round, I will be looking for something that looks like it wants to be there. It should have its ears on and should look like a show animal.

“I like to see a good walk; a lot of riders tend to not relax and the walk looks a bit stifled. I think this common in the horses which aren’t hacked out and therefore the rider tries to manufacture a walk in the school.

“Right through the height sections I will be looking for a horse or pony which exudes what type it is from the outset — either a traditional or a plaited, or a native or a cob, etc.

“I will also be looking for a combination which has that ‘want to win’ attitude.

“When ride judging I want a horse that’s easy and moves freely and forward around the ring. I prefer a ride which is in front of the leg and wants to do the job.

“When judging the ponies I will be looking for a pony which goes forward and works freely.

“I will also be looking for — both in the horses and the ponies — something which is balanced and equal on both left and right reins.”

What are Mathews’s pet hates?

“I don’t like to see horses which are held into a pony trot, or ponies which are rushed out of their natural rhythm and cadence.”

Sour show animals: “Of course manners are a bit thing but I would rather see a horse looking jolly and happy to be in the ring as oppose to something which looks sour. A small spook out of exuberance is completely different to a horse which is being naughty.”

Too much bling: “whether that be browbands, flashy jackets or too much shine, grease and make-up.”

Ill-fitting tack; “I don’t like to see tack, especially saddles, which don’t fit the horse correctly.’

What does his ideal cob look like?

“I have been lucky enough to judge coloureds for many years and have seen some lovely animals during that time. However, I do remember a long time ago I was watching the legendary coloured horse Indian Trail at RIHS and thought that I would have loved to ride him.”

And finally…

“My advice for those competing at Windsor would be to enjoy it. Enjoy your horse or pony as at the end of the day, that’s the one you want to take home.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday. Don’t miss the Royal Windsor preview in the 2 May issue and the Royal Windsor reports in the 16 May issue.

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Asides from the endless bathing we’re pretty jealous of the owners, riders and associates of these delightful coloured horses and ponies we’ve spotted so far in the show ring this season.

Which patchy chap or chapess would you take home to your yard?

1. Rachan Westcountry Too

Despite standing second in their 153cm class, this scopey working hunter pony came to the fore in the novice section championship at the BSPS winter championships. Emily Gaynor-Smith rides the gelding who also qualified for the Royal International (RIHS) on the flat the week before his victory over sticks.

2. Domino Bad Boy

Lacey and Andrew Smith’s magnificent eight-year-old traditional stallion was crowned in-hand supreme at the BSPA winter championships under the evening performance spotlight. That mane!

3. Springpond On The Razzle

The Team Hood-produced plaited horse was victorious in the first Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifier of the year with Sofia Scott at the helm. A son of Solaris Buenno, Razzle has the same dam as Annabel Jenk’s multi-supreme champion riding horse Diamonds Are Forever.

4. Castiel

Hazel Sleight put on a delightful performance aboard the charming gelding to win the BSPS restricted final. Produced by Team Harvey, Castiel was only attending his fourth show under saddle.

5. Barnaby Rudge

The Team Fitch-produced non-native pony and Lauren Barker also picked up a HOYS ticket at the first round of qualifiers of the 2019 season.

6. So Sweet

15-year-old Megan Thompson rode her own mare to be reserve supreme ridden at the BSPA winter championships. A HOYS finalist in 2018, the 153cm plaited horse also competes as an intermediate.

7. Carrhouse Frisky Business

The six-year-old was reserve restricted champion at the BSPS winter championships for David Bennett.

8. Bart

After winning his final at HOYS last season, Alan Marnie’s plaited horse and his rider/producer Vicky Smith returned to win the RIHS coloured title at NCPA Cheshire on their first outing of the season.

9. Burghwallis Razamatazz

The super consistent 10-year-old won a strong native/traditional pony class with Lucie Gordon-Burgess who was piloting for Jane Turbull.

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As 2019 rolls on and we plan ahead for a summer of showing, H&H presents to you 12 novice horses to keep an eye out for this coming show season. Which future stars will become the ones to beat this term?

Don’t miss our round up of novice ponies to watch during 2019, coming soon.

1. Bobby Brown

The Robinson Family’s prospect small hack certainly has the genes for the job, being a 3/4 brother to Suzanne Welby’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) victor, Elusive. The five-year-old is currently being ridden away and will be making his debut this season. “We have very high hopes for him,” said Tara Robinson.

2. KBF That Certain Night

Miranda Wallace has a new small riding horse for 2019. The four-year-old has just been purchased from Michael Cook and Tony Reynolds, who found the two time HOYS riding horse champion Broadshard Simplicity (Ridden by Jayne Ross). The scopey grey mare is out of the big winning small riding horse Berkley Square by Brief Encounter. “She will start her career this season as an intermediate show riding type with Scott Dixon and Miranda will share the ride in the riding horse classes as the season progresses,” said Emma Wallace.

3. Destiny Bay

Sarah Gwilliam is gearing geared up bringing the novice ex-racehorse out in small riding horse classes. The five-year-old bay gelding was purchased by Sarah as a two-year-old at Ascot sales. “He raced three times, unsuccessfully,” said Sarah. “He did a few in-hand classes last year and was reserve champion ROR at Royal Berkshire, Newbury County and Southern Counties show. He finished second in the novice ridden ROR class the Aintree Championships last year, which was his third show under saddle.”

4. MHS Morning Master

After winning the horse section of the Cuddy final in October, Jill Day’s exceptional four-year-old will be joining Robert Walker’s ridden team as a novice lightweight. “I can’t wait to get on him,” said Robert, when he landed the supreme in-hand title and a HOYS ticket at Bucks county show last year.

5. Briery Edykt

Jane Miller’s Arab gelding is set to compete under saddle at various Arab Horse Society and National shows. The eight-year-old grey has been successfully shown in-hand, netting titles in the UK and at the All Nations Cup in Aachen. “He actually suffered a career threatening injury but he is now sound and is working well under saddle,” said Jane. “I have used enormous amounts of bubble wrap.”

6. The Bullseye

Previously owned by John and Dora Tyner, this four-year-old bay gelding was a Dublin Horse Show winner as a two and three-year-old. Cheryl McVay-Edwards bought him in November and plans to campaign him as a novice middleweight hunter. “He will be at home during most of the season and I will be getting help from Richard Telford,” said Cheryl.

9. Inspector Montalbano

Team Reynolds will be bringing out the Aveia-sired large riding horse who is owned by Rowena Stevenson. The four-year-old, who is a previous Cuddy in-hand finalist, is backed and riding away and will be aimed at competing on the summer circuit.

8. Milltimber Little Scoundrel

The four-year-old small hack by Kilvington Scoundrel out of Pendley Chantilly Lace has had a successful in-hand career, winning his hack championships at both Aintree National Show and Equifest. His owner Lindsey Hewitt will be bringing him out under saddle this term.

9. Wonder Of Moylough

Tracey Harris bought the five-year-old heavyweight show cob as a three-year-old from Val Sheehan. After being broken last summer, the gelding has won on both of his winter outings. “I have high hopes for this boy — he is so light on his feet for a heavyweight cob,” said Tracey. “He will do a couple more winter shows before being aimed at some BSHA novice classes.”

10. Rudolph The Red Nose

Amateur rider Sarah Rimmer is set to introduce her riding horse to the show ring this season, after purchasing him in November from Micheala Wood. The gelding, by Porsch, has a strong in-hand record with several county show wins under his belt. “We are aiming towards the HOYS riding horse classes at the end of the show season,” said Sarah, who rode at HOYS in 2016 on a lightweight hunter. “He is very special and will be worth the wait.”

11. Carnsdale Let It Be

The four-year-old by Ramiro B and out of a Broadstone Ladies Man mare is set to double up as a small hunter and an intermediate show hunter for Chantelle Joslin. “Bee” has recently been broken in by Joanne Shaw at Red Shaw Equestrian. “A week after picking him up from breaking I took him to a showing clinic with Kirsty Pickles and he was an absolute saint,” said Chantelle. “He is proving to be a true gentleman which is very important to me, being home produced.”

12. Stanley Grange Larkfield

The Up With The Lark-sired four-year-old will be aimed at large riding horses and will be campaigned by owner Lisa Halshaw. “I persuaded Jerome Harforth and David Dixon of Stanley Grange to sell him to me last February after I lost my hack,” said Lisa. “I feel in love with him instantly — he moves incredibly and has beautiful conformation.” The gelding has just been backed after competing lightly in-hand at the end of last year with success.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

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While many show ponies retire in their teens, one golden oldie is certainly proving that age is definitely just a number.

Harry, a 36-year-old grey coloured pony, was recently seen at the Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS) championship show, where he not only landed the supreme veteran title, but galloped away with the Lostock Blue Challenge award and also scooped an £1,000 prize when he won the Dan Birch Memorial performance accumulator.

H&H reporter Tricia Johnson, who was at the show said the little grey “looked as exuberant as ever, producing storming gallops which put many of his much-younger rivals to shame.”

Harry is ridden by criminology student Megan Champney who has had him on loan from Cassie Hartley for 16 years. She still hunts him regularly with the Wilton.

“He hasn’t been here since 2013 as we tried to retire him,” said Megan. “He wasn’t having any of it though, so he came back into work and has just hunted for a couple of years before making a show ring comeback this year.

“The day he doesn’t want to do it will be when I stop riding him — he owes me nothing and I owe him the absolute world. I wouldn’t be half the rider I am today if it hadn’t been for the little fat ‘pig pony’ I was given when I was five; he bolted with me countless times and taught me that sitting up and kicking on for the stride is often the way forward.”

Megan also won the non-native yearling final and stood reserve yearling overall with her own Owston Special Edition, who was given to her as a 21st birthday present.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday. In this week’s edition, read the full report from the 2018 CHAPS championship show.

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Versatile and eye-catching, the coloured horse can be anything from a first pony or family all-rounder to a talented competition horse. Take a look at this week’s exciting selection of coloured horses and ponies for sale on HorseandHound.co.uk:

1. ‘Star in the making’

Height: 15.2hh

Age: seven

Gender: gelding

Selling points: “This gelding works well on the flat and is jumping tracks of 1.10/1.15 with ease. He is 100% to box, shoe, clip and catch.”

View the advert

2. ‘Expressive paces’

Height: 145cm

Age: five

Gender: mare

Selling points: “This mare is by Honeypot Sporran, out of Brookfarm Heavenly. She has been lightly but successfully shown both in-hand and under saddle. Ideal mother/daughter share or family pony who will hack out on her own and in company.”

View the advert

3. ‘Amazing attitude’

Height: 15.2hh

Age: four

Gender: mare

Selling points: “This mare by Alvescot Paper Moon has good confirmation and paces. She is proving bold and talented over fences and would make a fantastic young rider’s event horse.”

View the advert

Continued below…

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An unusual skewbald thoroughbred caused a stir at Kempton Park racecourse at the weekend

4. ‘Quality mare’

Height: 16.2hh

Age: 11

Gender: mare

Selling points: “This mare is by Aughabeg Patch and is CHAPS registered. She enjoys hacking alone or in company, has excellent paces and is easy to do in every way.”

View the advert

5. ‘Junior event prospect’

Height: 16hh

Age: seven

Gender: gelding

Selling points: “This horse has successfully competed BSJA up to discovery and is consistent on the flat. He has competed in hunter trials and done all Pony Club activities. He is very easy to do in all ways and is good to hack, shoe, clip and catch.”

View the advert

6. ‘Lovely nature’

Height: 16hh

Age: five

Gender: gelding

Selling points: “This gelding has been carefully produced to be good to hack, load, travel, shoe, clip and catch. He is showing aptitude for jumping especially cross-country.”

View the advert

NB: Horse & Hound has not checked the accuracy of the claims made in these adverts and cannot be held liable if the information included above is inaccurate in any way

View more horses for sale on horseandhound.co.uk

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A trophy will be presented at Cheshire County Show (18-19 June 2013) in memory of Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS) life member and steward Philip Adshead.

Mr Adshead died suddenly in August. He was 65.

His partner Rebecca Bennett is collecting donations towards the trophy for the coloured in-hand championship.

To donate, contact Rebecca, tel: 07778 866006.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (1 November 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

Spot height checks were sprung on 20 animals at the Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS) UK Championship Show (3-5 September). And, of those, just one appeared to measure more than 3cm above height.

Only entrants who had qualified for the Saturday evening performance, and whose Joint Measurement Board (JMB) certificates showed them to be close to the maximum in a height restricted class, were chosen.

Chairman Caroline Hamilton told H&H: “There are height issues in all showing societies.

“There was some bad feeling [among competitors] — no one knew it was coming so it was a shock to some. We were not trying to catch anyone out, but rather trying to instil confidence in the measurement system.”

CHAPS was following procedures set up by British Showjumping (BS) in 2008.

For the past two years, a BS vet and steward have been attending shows at random and measuring ponies.

Pam Rose of BS said: “Because we are measuring at a show and without the benefit of a measuring pad [a level, undercover area inspected by a JMB official], we use the FEI measurement protocol, which allows 3cm.”

She said the system has been successful with few ponies turning out to be overheight.

Ms Hamilton said CHAPS also allowed a 3cm margin of error as animals at the show might be “keyed up”.

The entry measured as being more than 3cm too tall was allowed to compete in the evening final.

And CHAPS still has to decide whether to suggest that animal and others who measured within the 3cm leeway are remeasured by the JMB.

Surrey rider Emma Rhodes was competing 17.1hh Miss Molly IV at the show for the first time.

She said: “I was not involved, but it was discussed a lot. Some of the ponies you see at shows like this are enormous, so I think it’s a great idea.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (16 September, ’10)

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The Coloured Horse and Pony Society — CHAPS (UK) — has fined a member and banned her from competition for six months after her pony tested positive for a prohibited substance.

Dianne Shepherd’s Murphy XVI won the Nuttal family ridden plaited pony championship on 31 August at the CHAPS championship.

But the pony was chosen for random dope testing and the sample proved positive for the sedative acepromazine (ACP).

Nigel Hollings, doping and disciplinary officer for CHAPS, said: “We have employed random testing for two years and this is the first positive result.

“Mrs Shepherd admitted straight away that she had given the pony a sedative for trimming prior to the show, but it was still a positive dope test.”

Mrs Shepherd and the pony were banned from CHAPS (UK) membership until 1 May 2009 by its disciplinary tribunal on 27 October. She was also fined £250, with £1,034 costs.

Fines of up to £5,000 can be issued by the CHAPS board and it has unlimited powers concerning bans.

Mrs Shepherd told H&H: “The pony needed clipping, so a week before the show, we gave Murphy a sedative and clipped him.

“I had no idea it would still be in his system. My 12-year-old daughter was riding him. It’s very upsetting as we have had to sell the pony to pay the fine.”

Mr Hollings added: “We would like to warn members to make absolutely sure that the withdrawal period for any drug is observed before competition. Ignorance is no excuse.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (4 December, ’08)

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

What happens at the grading?

First, the stallion must pass a full five-stage vetting. Each horse is then presented to the judge, who assesses conformation, then on a triangle in walk and trot. Four-year-olds and under are free schooled, five-year-olds and over are ridden and must perform in their designated discipline.

How are the marks distributed and what qualities are looked for?

Conformation marks are out of 100, split into 10 sections. Marks are given for correctness of type as graded (eg show horse, show jumper)

How many judges grade the stallions?

Five.

Which horses are eligible?

Any coloured horse aged three and over. It is optional for stallions to be presented at three, but mandatory for four-year-olds and over to stay in the appropriate studbook. All animals must grade with their own breed society first.

Do stallions need to a prior veterinary examination?

No, vetting is done on the day, for consistency.

How many stallions come forward and what percentage is successful?

On average, 25 stallions come forward for each of two gradings every year. Around 14% reach graded status, and 15% earn first stage approval.

What are the different grading levels?

First stage approval, graded and elite.

What is your assessment of the standard of presentation? How should people prepare?

People need to seek advice, as the current standard is insufficient and this is the biggest day of their stallion’s life.

Do you have turn-out rules?

Appropriate dress depends on the type of horse being graded. Sport horse handlers should wear white with the horse plaited; showing entrants wear tweed jackets and trousers, with horses plaited or traditional.

What is the entry fee and is any documentation required on the day?

From £100, plus £40 for a DNA test, if applicable.

After grading, does the stallion have to be reinspected?

If a stallion gets first stage approval, it has to be reinspected within two years. Each stallion can be presented only twice.

Dates and venues of 2007 gradings?

The spring grading is at Onley Grounds EC in Rugby on 25 February. The autumn grading is in October and will be in the Cumbria area. Contact: (tel: 01685 845045) www.chapsuk.com