The owners of a horse who was found to be suffering from hoof wall separation disease (HWSD) days after they bought him, and retired aged four, have spoken up in hopes of sparing others the same fate.

Graham Hall told H&H his daughter Olivia was 18 last autumn when she spent the £5,000 her grandparents had saved for her on a horse she hoped to take with her to Sparsholt College. Her grandfather, who was suffering from cancer, named the horse Enzo, but died shortly afterwards.

“So she not only lost her granddad, she lost all the money,” Mr Hall said. “It was horrible.”

Mr Hall said his wife and daughter went to see the horse and liked him.

“Once she decided she wanted him, we arranged a vet check,” he said. “And the problem was – this is the twist in the tale – there was no passport available.

“At the time of looking at him, the seller said she’d got him from Ireland and she was waiting for the passport to arrive. My wife said that was no problem, as long as we got it. Then we arranged the vet check and the vet phoned and said he was happy to do the check but there was no passport available, and were we happy with that. We said that was fine.”

Genetic condition

The Halls had not realised that the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society, and British Connemara Pony Society, require foals to be tested for HWSD and their results recorded in their passports. HWSD is a recessive genetic condition so horses must have two copies of the gene mutation to suffer from the disease. Those with one copy are carriers; they will not show the clinical signs, the hoof wall that easily cracks and breaks, but both carriers and affected horses must have their status stamped in the passport

“The vet’s report said his hooves were tatty, but no concerns,” Mr Hall said. “Then the seller said she’d found the passport the day before we went to collect him, after we’d agreed to buy him, and had realised he wasn’t a part-bred Connemara but a pure-bred.

“We got the farrier a few days after we got him, because his hooves were a bit tatty, and he said to my wife ‘Is this a pure-bred Connemara?’ My wife said yes and he said ‘Have you looked in the passport?’”

Mr Hall said the farrier was not happy with Enzo’s hooves and suspecting HWSD, advised Mrs Hall to check the passport.

“She came home and got the passport, with its lovely green wallet around it, pulled the back page out, and there was a big red stamp, saying he had hoof wall separation disease,” he said. “So of course my wife got incredibly upset and we had to tell Olivia.

“We rang the farrier back and instantly, he said ‘You can’t ride this horse; all you can do is retire him and he’ll be ok for a while if his hooves are managed carefully. Olivia was in pieces, and then four weeks later, her granddad died. I was distraught for her.”

Mr Hall said his daughter was in two minds about going to college after this experience of the industry but he encouraged her to go, and managed to “dig deep” to afford to buy her a horse.

Concerns dismissed

He added that when he rang the seller to tell her about the HWSD, she dismissed it and said Enzo would be fine to be ridden.

“She disregarded the whole thing,” he said, adding that he wanted other people to know what had happened so they would be aware of the condition.

“For someone like me, you know, I’ve been in horses all my life, I got stung, and you don’t expect that, when you think you know the business,” he said. “The whole thing is completely wrong; that he was bred in the first place, tested and had hoof wall separation disease, then sold as a regular horse to a young girl. But if we can stop one person going down this road, telling the story is worth it.”

Olivia, who is studying equine science and business management with the aim of working in equine-assisted therapy, told H&H Enzo ticked all the boxes when she went to view him.

“He was super calm, really sweet and well mannered, and he passed the five-stage vetting, there seemed nothing wrong with him,” she said. “When we got him home, we knew something was up because he was struggling to walk on the stony pathway to the field but we thought he might just need back shoes on.

“Then my mum told me our farrier had mentioned this disease, and that she’d checked the passport and saw it, and I honestly broke down in tears because he took me so long to find, and with everything with my granddad, it was very hard to hear.”

Olivia said she messaged the seller, who said she was unaware of the stamp in Enzo’s passport and gave her husband’s number to Olivia; she said he told her “loads of horses have it, and it never affects them”.

“Which is obviously not true,” Olivia said. “So now he’s retired, with a lovely lady called Claire Smilie; without her, we would probably have had to put him down.

“I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through this; it’s awful.”

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Native ponies seem to pop up everywhere. While lovers of the variety pack of Britain and Ireland’s native breeds have always known about their hardiness, versatility and talent, the likes of equestrian influencer Harlow White’s Panda, a Connemara pony, have thrust these photogenic ponies in front of an even bigger audience.

“Owning a native pony feels like being part of history,” says Harlow. “Each native breed carries centuries of stories shaped by our landscape, climate and culture.

“I love their natural, unspoilt look. They don’t need exaggeration to stand out, rather their beauty comes from being exactly what they were bred to be.”

Panda – officially known as King Bunowen Castle Ali – is in the spotlight thanks to his eye-catching feats in the show ring last season. He stars on the cover of this week’s Horse & Hound (12 February), which includes a feature on the popularity of native breeds.

At Horse of the Year Show last October, the now 10-year-old grey claimed the Connemara pony of the year title. He’d already won the M&M young riders large breeds final before being crowned junior champion at the Royal International (RIHS) and rounded off his year with fifth in the Heritage supreme final at the London International.

But Panda isn’t the only native breed in Harlow’s stable. Besides another Connemara, she has a Shetland and her adorable Dartmoor Rolo (Coppinshill Commemoration). Together, Harlow and Rolo progressed from mini M&M to open and M&M workers classes at HOYS and victory at RIHS in 2023.

Rolo is now being ridden by Harlow’s younger brother Harlen, who is learning to showjump. It is a trajectory that highlights the longevity and adaptability native ponies can offer.

“What amazes me most about them is their versatility,” Harlow says. “They’ll turn their hoof to almost anything from showing and driving to jumping and being amazing family ponies. They really are true all-rounders. That’s why I’ll always choose a native breed.”

Native breeders have always celebrated the influence of their stock on pony breeding not just in this country but worldwide, whether it’s for top-class pony jumpers, mother-and-daughter shares or hardy types offering a more cost-effective horse-ownership option.

Not limited to mountain and moorland classes at prestigious showing championships, these versatile breeds race, event, and figure in pedigrees of FEI competitors. Increasingly, they flood the grids of social media, from cheeky Shetlands to pristine show ponies such as Harlow’s Connemara Panda – which can only be positive exposure for their future.

“Supporting native breeds feels important because it helps protect rare bloodlines and ensures these ponies continue into the future,” says Harlow, who has over 790,000 subscribers on YouTube and nearly 300,000 on Instagram. “I love how popular native ponies have become and it’s amazing to see them holding their own across so many different disciplines.”

Do you have a particular love for a native breed? Write to hhletters@futurenet.com for a chance to be published in Horse & Hound – please include your full address (town and county will be published). 

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Heartfelt tributes have been made to the outstanding Connemara stallion Silver Shadow, who died aged 27 on 11 October with his owners Liam Diamond and Dr Philip McManus and their families at his side.

Known at home as Shadow, he was born in 1998, bred by the late Michael Lenihan in Galway, Ireland. He was bought as a foal by Gabriel “Gaby” Corless. While watching his new colt out in the field, Gaby saw the sun throw a shadow down the hill, blending into a sliver-lined cloud formation that inspired the colt’s name.

In April 2002, the late Bobby Bolger purchased the four-year-old Connemara when he spotted his potential during a grading; Bobby was one of the three inspectors that day.

Bobby later put Silver Shadow through a Connemara Pony Breeders Society performance programme – which he managed with ease – and bred his first foal, a bay filly called Coral Misty Rose, now aged 22, who was a successful broodmare.

Silver Shadow’s performance career accelerated when John McManus and a teenage Michael Duffy piloted him swiftly through the Showjumping Ireland (SJI) ranks, progressing to grade A, clocking up admirable SJI points and notably taking on the Nations Cup at Fontainebleau in 2007.

At the end of 2008, Silver Shadow left Ireland for a four-year stint in Italy, then a further two years in Sweden.

“Back in Ireland in 2014, we were sending many performance ponies to Sweden and the lovely lady that we dealt with there told my dad, Liam, about this lovely stallion standing in a field in Sweden,” said Priscilla Diamond. “Dad instantly knew who it was, and recognising a gap in the performance market back home, didn’t think twice. He purchased him and within days Silver Shadow was on a lorry returning to his home sod in Ireland.”

Liam co-owned Silver Shadow with Dr McManus for the remaining 11 years of the stallion’s life.

“Who owned which half was debatable, but there was never a cross word uttered between them over Silver Shadow and both were with him upon his passing,” said Priscilla.

During those years, Philip’s son John McManus retook the reins to showcase Shadow at Clifden’s Connemara Pony Breed Society Spring Show. He also competed in a handful of SJI shows in Galway up to 1.20m with young rider Callum Quinn before he was retired from competition.

Shadow was available via AI only, but became a prolific sire, even after having an operation to remove one testicle.

“He came home that evening and recovered quickly,” said Priscilla. “There was great joy and job satisfaction when I scanned his first mare in foal the following breeding season”.

Hailed as the Galileo of the Connemara breed, the Connemara stallion Silver Shadow has left an extensive legacy of great ponies who have notched up wins at major fixtures including Dublin Horse Show, Clifden, Horse of the Year Show and Fontainebleau.

Among his progeny are names that showing buffs may recognise such as twice Royal International Horse Show winner Lisnadrisha Tic Tac, as well as notable ponies aplenty across other disciplines including incomparable jumper Cul Ban Mistress, who has several FEI medals to her name, and Doon Laddie, who competed for Ireland and Denmark.

“I haven’t met a Shadow pony yet that doesn’t like to jump, and you can spot a Shadow baby a mile away,” said Priscilla.

Shadow made headlines for different reasons when he was taken from his stable in early 2016 and feared kidnapped. A social media frenzy ensued with #findshadow trending until his safe return.

“A certain breeder, who was also out on the search, told me that his Garda brother had the whole country looking for him. He was found safe and well and none the worse for wear. Looking back, it was a great week for conspiracy theorists and made a great talking point for a long time after,” said Priscilla.

Shadow was a born performer, be that in the jumping arena, at a parade, or when being shown in-hand, and he remained a fun-loving character into his twilight years.

“He loved going on the lorry and retained a ‘let’s go’ attitude. He paraded in the Dublin Connemara stallion parade twice – once with Philip McManus in 2019 and later with my dad in 2023. Shadow floated about oozing presence that day; despite being the oldest boy there, he absolutely loved the attention and star status,” said Priscilla.

“After his retirement from competition, he was ridden leisurely by my daughter Talitha, and the pair loved going to the beach. He was always still full of zest with a lust for life. Until the end, he loved his paddock and went out daily with the enthusiasm of a three-year-old colt, and he loved rolling in the mud – it made him happy.”

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Equestrian influencer Harlow White, 14, was one of the youngest riders in the National Pony Society/Supreme Products mountain & moorland ridden Connemara pony of the year final at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), but age had no barrier to her claiming the top spot and the best gelding award with her mother Chelsea’s King Bunowen Castle Ali (Panda).

Performing flawlessly to a packed crowd, the nine-year-old gelding by Best Shadow Melody sparkled under the lights on the pair’s HOYS debut together.

“After everything that has happened this year, this is just extraordinary,” said an emotional Harlow, who burst into tears upon being announced as the winner to a rapturous applause.

“I have never experienced anything like it. I wouldn’t have wanted to take any other Connemara into the ring; Panda has been an absolute dream,” added Harlow, who fractured her ankle at the beginning of this year which meant she missed the qualifiers earlier in the season. Panda was partnered by Becki Penny to collect the first HOYS ticket in April at the National Pony Society (NPS) Spring Festival.

Harlow’s proud mother Chelsea praised Harlow’s determination.

“Harlow has worked harder than anyone I know and even through the pain and setbacks, she never gave up. Panda didn’t miss a beat and performed like he knew how much it meant to her,” said Chelsea.

Harlow has had Panda at home since April, making the win all the more special.

Harlow and Panda will also be contesting the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd junior M&M ridden large breeds pony of the year on Friday.

This is a memorable double for Harlow and Panda as the pair also stood M&M junior champions at the Royal International Horse Show in July – also on their debut.

Standing second was the exciting six-year-old stallion Copperbeech Encore, owned by Debbie Todd and ridden by producer Vikki Smith.

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If you’re looking for tips on how to buy a Connemara pony then this guide on what to look for, where to shop and how much you should expect to spend will help you on your search.

What is a Connemara pony?

The Connemara is one of the most popular native breeds due to its versatility, athleticism, level temperament and willingness to work. The breed originates from County Galway in Ireland.

The breed is now hugely popular in Ireland, Britain, North America, across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

The preferred height for a Connemara pony is between 128cm and 148cm, and you cannot show a pony that exceeds 148cm in affiliated mountain and moorland classes. Though, over-height Connemaras are in high demand in disciplines such as eventing and showjumping. Similarly, the part-bred Connemara is sought after and commands a high price as it can turn its hoof to many activities and do several jobs.

Connemaras can be of the following colour; grey, black, bay, brown, dun, with occasional roan, chestnut, palomino, dark- and blue-eyed cream

According to the British Connemara Pony Society (BCPS), the breed Connemara pony should be “compact, well balanced riding type with depth, substance and good heart room. Standing on short legs covering a lot of ground. It should have a good temperament, hardiness and staying power, intelligence, soundness, surefootedness, jumping ability, suitable for child or adult.”

What should I look for when looking to buy a Connemara pony?

The BPCS provides the following breed standard to be used as a guide when conformationally assessing a Connemara pony:

Head: well-balanced pony head of medium length with good width between large kindly eyes. Pony ears, well-defined cheekbone, jaw relatively deep but not coarse.

Front: head well set on to neck. Crest should not be over-developed. Neck not set on too low. Well laid-back shoulder giving a good length of rein.

Body: body should be deep, with strong back, some length permissible but should be well ribbed up and with strong loins.

Limbs: good length and strength in forearm, well-defined knees and short cannons with flat bone measuring 18–21cm. Elbows should be free. Pasterns of medium length, feet well shaped of medium size, hard and level.

Hind-quarters: strong and muscular with some length, well developed second thighs (gaskin) and strong low-set hocks.

Movement: movement free, easy and true, without undue knee action, but active and covering the ground.

Kerry Wainwright’s Skellorn Stud has produced several champion Connemaras of the show ring, including multi-garlanded ridden and in-hand stallion Skellorn Harrison, now 22, and his son, former Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) Connemara pony of the year Skellorn Deja Vu.

For Kerry, a good Connemara, no matter whether they are a native type or a sportier sort, should first and foremost have good limbs and conformation: “Start from the bottom up,” Kerry says, when she chatted to H&H in 2022. “Good, strong hindquarters are essential as that’s the engine of the pony. I also like a nice topline, shoulder and neck, too, as these indicate it will carry a saddle and ultimately have a job to do. A nice walk and good movement is also key from the performance aspect.”

Vanessa Clark has produced and shown Connemaras to top level for many years. Her mare Skaergaardens Delicious Love won the HOYS in-hand supreme final in 2022.

“The movement is the first thing that stands out, whether I am judging or looking for a pony to buy,” Vanessa says. “I like something that can open the shoulder and that can use itself, and I also want a pony to move from behind, really bringing the hocks forward. It’s so important to have that power coming from the back end. As I’m usually buying for top-end showing, I want a pony that immediately catches your eye, too.

“A pony being four-square is important, but it’s hard to find something with a good foreleg on it these days. I like symmetry all the way down into the hoof. Today, you do see a lot of Connies that are back at the knee, a big no-no for me. I also don’t like to see upright pasterns, or something that lacks limb or bone. I like a pony with a good front, and a nice deep body for the saddle. I would also be looking for pony characteristics to shine through.”

Is the Connemara pony right for me?

“The Connemara cross has become increasingly popular in grassroots eventing,” Nicola Baguley, who owned Connemara stallion Glencarrig Dolphin when she spoke to H&H back in 2022. “There’s a pyramid of riders and the grassroots people make up the base of it. I could have sold cross-bred youngsters 10 times over as there’s a demand for quality horses with nice, trainable temperaments as well as that all-important get-up-and-go which Connie blood adds. They’re also a popular choice for children coming off ponies, as they are more forgiving and have the ability to sort themselves out.”

“One of the key drivers of the increase in demand is that more people are opting just to have one pony in the family for a lifetime,” explains Kerry. “They want a pony which the mother can hack out during the week and the daughter can compete on the weekends, but that also won’t be outgrown; a proper, solid Connie will carry a lot of people for a long time and as it’s a native breed they’re relatively low maintenance while still being a performance animal.”

Vanessa adds: “Connies are very intelligent, and many people can underestimate them. You do have to get on with a Connemara, otherwise you are wasting your time. When you’re getting to know one you have to bend over backwards for them a little bit until you form a bond. If you can build that trust and bond, though, a Connie will move the earth for you. You won’t find a better pony, if you have that important connection.”

What about part-bred Connemaras?

Part-bred Connemara ponies and horses are also exceptionally popular in multiple disciplines. If you’re seeking a performance animal with temperament, talent and hardiness then a part-bred Connemara could be the way to go.

Debbie and Charlie Handley of the Wellbury Park Stud introduced the Connemara to their breeding programme for the level-headedness they bring to the crosses.

Debbie began her breeding journey with an Irish Draught stallion who was put to thoroughbred mares to produce event horses.

“I’ve always liked Irish crosses and the Connemara is renowned for being a good all-rounder,” explains Debbie, when she spoke to H&H in 2022. “We’ve crossed our stallions with all sorts and bred some very nice stuff,” Debbie adds. “The Connie puts bone onto the foals, but they tend to be more athletic than a pure-bred. They also bring a nice temperament to the mix which is what I aim for over anything else. The demand for Connie crosses is so high that we now sell our youngsters as foals; the money we can ask for them means it isn’t worth keeping them until they’re four-year-olds. The spectrum of people that Connemaras suits is so broad.”

How much should I pay for a Connemara pony?

“It really does depend on a few factors, but gone are the days of being able to buy a just backed Connie for around the £3000 mark,” Vanessa says. “Some of the most in demand types are the eventing and Pony Club types that will also do workers. An all-rounder that does everything with little to no fuss can go for anywhere around £20,000, as would a nice novice with HOYS potential.

“If you’re buying out of the field it’s obviously less, but colts and fillies with good breeding are definitely holding their value. And over height Connemaras are very popular and are also fetching a lot of money.”

Where should I buy a Connemara pony from?

There are several places to purchase a Connemara pony from. You can buy privately or from one of the many long-standing breeders located in either Ireland or England.

You can find current ponies for sale on online sites, such as Whickr.

Alternatively, you could attend one of the breed sales in Ireland. In Clifden, known as the heart of Connemara, there is a Connemara Pony Sale held several times per year. The sale offers ponies at different stages of training, from unbroken youngsters to those that are ready to start competing.

If you are based in England, you will need to consider that you will need to arrange an equine transporter to safely transport your new purchase over the water and back home.

“A lot of people go to Ireland which is understandable,” Vanessa says. “Connemara is the most beautiful place and it’s a real experience. I’ve been there many times and it’s brilliant. Irish ponies do have the bone, too. But, as the cost of getting a pony back over to the UK has risen so much I would always encourage people to have a look around locally, too.

“See what’s on your doorstep; there are some lovely ponies who have been well produced. Ireland will always be there and it’s handy to go for a visit to get your eye in anyway.

“If you see something you like out and about on the circuit, don’t wait for an advert to go online. You could approach the owner and see if they might be open to a sale.”

What happens when I’ve agreed to buy a Connemara pony?

When you have agreed on a sale, it is time to organise a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended. If the pony is for a child, perhaps asking for a trial period would be sensible, but not all sellers wish to let their animals go out on trial, so don’t be surprised if this request is turned down.

It’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting what you intend to use the pony for and who the rider will be. If you want the pony for showing, ask the vet to inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults even if they don’t impact the pony’s soundness or performance.

For more information, you can read H&H’s ultimate guide to buying a horse. 

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The owner of a pony who was a multiple finalist at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), Olympia and the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) has paid tribute to the “perfect Connemara” after his death aged 29.

Jane Sonnex and Victoria Taylor’s stallion Glencarrig Bobby had been looking “as fit as a fiddle” until he suffered a bout of colic on Saturday (4 January) and could not be saved.

“He was never sick or sorry; never on any medication and he lived out his days in the countryside, in Derbyshire, happy and healthy,” Victoria told H&H.

Victoria was only 11 when Bobby arrived as a five-year-old, so was too young to ride a stallion of his type under some societies’ rules. But she could ride him at HOYS, and did so many times.

“He’s the one who started my love of native ponies – that’s what we have now,” Victoria said. “I was 11 or 12 and he was taking me in the open classes. He went to HOYS and RIHS multiple times and Olympia. The last time in London he was really cheeky; as he got older, he got cheekier and started putting extra party pieces in his show, which isn’t cool! He was full of character; a really special pony and so kind.”

Victoria said one highlight was when they placed equal second at HOYS in an M&M ridden class. They also bred one foal from Bobby, who went on to become a children’s riding pony, and he featured on the cover of H&H in 2010.

“It was for a feature on Connemaras being the perfect pony,” she said. “In my mind he was the epitome of a proper, perfect Connemara. They don’t seem to breed them like him any more.”

Victoria attempted to contest some veteran classes with Bobby once he was old enough, but they were not entirely to his taste.

“The veterans don’t gallop and have to go round quite slowly and he wasn’t up for that!” she said. “So he’d been retired about 14 years. He had his orchard and used to charge round, head in the air and sorting; he wasn’t even stiff and he looked incredible. Every morning and evening, he’d be at the gate whinnying. Being in the yard and not seeing him is hard; he was very special to us.”

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Leading working hunter pony rider Ruby Ward admitted she was feeling the nerves as she entered the TopSpec Arena to jump in the 2024 HOYS 143cm M&M working hunter pony of the year final aboard Angela Hunt’s dun Connemara mare Lady Dublin Of Corderry (Dory) on day two of the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

The pressure had accumulated as Ruby and Dory are the reigning Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) M&M working hunter champions and plaited reserves, and they also picked up a lovely win at Royal Windsor in May. They were also champions at Royal Cheshire and at Lincoln earlier this year.

It was Ruby’s ambition to do the ‘big three’ by winning HOYS with the scopey yet mannerly Dory, an 11-year-old by Gwennic De Goariva.

“She’s never won here before,” Ruby confirmed. “But she’s done the three — Windsor, RIHS and now HOYS — in the same year; she is the first pony I’ve had do this.”

Of the 143cm course, which was designed by David Cole, Ruby said: “It was tricky. There were a few challenges including short doubles, which suited Dory as she can shorten her stride. And there were skinny planks which were also tricky.

“I did feel the pressure today, but I had to put it out of my mind and focus on having fun with it,” Ruby continued.

This was Ruby’s fourth HOYS win. She was last champion here in 2018 riding 133cm mare Noble Peppermint.

“Dory is so mannerly; she pops round and does her job without making any fuss at all,” Ruby said. “She was a bit sharp last night during the working in as she was excited, but today she got on with her job.”

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A home-produced stallion who has been with his family for seven years took home the 2024 HOYS Connemara pony of the year final at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Equine physiotherapist Ailsa Vines rode her own Moyabbey George, an 11-year-old by Castlestrange Fionn, into the top spot.

George was bred by Tony Walsh out of Glencarrig Heather. Ailsa bought him out of Ireland from his former owners, the Curran Family, who were ringside to watch his victory here in Birmingham.

“He had mainly been run as a stud stallion and he was lightly backed,” revealed Ailsa.

In 2008, Ailsa won the same final at HOYS aboard her own Knockmore Merrel Prince.

“We thought we’d already owned our ultimate Connemara of a lifetime, but we’ve now found George and he’s definitely been our next one,” she said. “We’ve taken it very slowly with George; he did two novice seasons and then it was Covid, but he’s a better pony for it. He was fourth at HOYS three years ago, too.”

Ailsa gave birth to her first son in January, so she’s strived for a fun year with no pressure: “We decided not to aim for the Royal International, so we went to Dublin instead, and we ended up winning there, which was incredible. I couldn’t wish for a better pony. His temperament is second to none and he’s definitely a pony of a lifetime.”

Ailsa juggles her new family with running her equine physiotherapy business, but she’s aided greatly by her mother, Kath.

“I couldn’t do it without Mum,” she confirmed. “Or my trainer, Stuart Mason; he’s completely transformed George. I’m lucky that I’m self-employed so I can make George a priority and fit work in around him, though it’s difficult to do everything.”

Harrison Taylor and the 2021 winner Skellorn De Ja Vu, owned and bred by Kerry Wainwright, came second in the 2024 HOYS Connemara pony of the year final.

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A Connemara mare became a double 2024 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) winner — and a section champion — as she headed the NPS/Supreme Products supreme M&M working hunter pony championship on day four of the show.

Angela Hunt’s athletic dun Lady Dublin Of Corderry (Dory) initially jumped to the 143cm section with her rider Ruby Ward.

This year’s 12-fence course, designed by Kevin Millman, was without the iconic water-splash on this occasion owing to bad ground conditions. This made some riders take a breath and predict an easier challenge was ahead. They were, however, still required to be on the ball and navigate testing lines, sizable oxers and an impressive bullfinch, and clears still had to be earned. Ruby and Dory jumped one of seven clears in the 143cms, scoring a style mark of 18/20 for their efforts.

Dory, a Gwennic De Goariva 11-year-old, had reigned in plaited ranks on Wednesday, winning the 143cm final and posting section reserve.

Ruby, last M&M worker champion here in 2018 with Welsh section A Blackhill Imogen, has forged an exceptional partnership with Dory. As well as their two newly-acquired Hickstead wins, their 2024 CV includes BSPS championships, Royal Cheshire and Lincoln championships.

“She’s such a good girl,” said a thrilled Ruby, who is in her third year with Dory. This is the third time the mare has qualified for the RIHS, though she couldn’t attend the final during her debut season owing to a mouth injury.

“She did jump very well here last year, but she’s stepped it up this time and has done amazing,” said Ruby. “It was a spooky course, and they more than made up for not having the splash in there. But Dory is so honest and she takes anything on.”

Ruby also has exceptional form in plaited workers here at Hickstead. In 2019, she won the 133cms and finished reserve with her family’s legendary mare Noble Peppermint and in 2022 she was worker champion with 143cm contender Noble Ronan.

Judges of the four sections were Jackie Beatham (jump) and Lorayne Ahmet (conf).

“We saw some lovely jumping rounds that flowed forward, kept in rhythm and were balanced,” Jackie said. “Our champion’s round was very educated. The pony was beautifully balanced and careful, but looking through her ears at all times.”

Lorayne added: “She was a very feminine mare, though was also workmanlike. Her jockey rode her beautifully, too.”

Reserve in the NPS/Supreme Products supreme M&M working hunter pony championship fell to the current HOYS M&M working hunter pony champions, Ollie Rowlands and his mother Fiona Aston’s home-produced Delami Bravado. The Welsh section A won the 122cms before putting on an exemplary performance in the championship, with Ollie impressing with his sympathetic riding.

Lorayne said: “He was a lovely rider with a great set of hands on him. He showed his pony to perfection. In general, some of the shows were a bit hurried which let combination’s marks down.”

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A Connemara pony returned to the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) stage to claim the 2024 UKPH/Anthony Evans Insurance amateur riders M&M championship with his owner on board.

Megan White steered her own home-produced dun gelding Thunderbolt Fairy Robin Bambi before judges Angela Calvert (ride) and Caroline Hamilton (conformation) to hold onto a top initial pull after the go-round. This was the second time in their partnership that this consistent combination have won this crown.

Back in 2021, Robin won this title under Lancashire-based Megan. Later that day, he scooped the overall young riders tricolour with junior jockey Grace Litherland in the saddle.

Now 13, the Coral Bambi son is co-owned by Megan and her mother Suzanne White.

He has been the pony to accelerate Megan to the top in showing. In 2018, the pair made their debut at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) after winning three qualifiers and they also finished third in the SEIB Search For A Star championship at Your Horse Live.

“I wasn’t going to bring him back to the RIHS,” said Megan, who works on a dairy farm. “We did one qualifier to have a go, which he won. I never expected him to come back and do it again. He loves his job and he’s known as Mr Reliable. I always enjoy riding him, win or lose, as he always gives me the best ride.”

Robin was also third in the junior large breeds final with Jennifer Sellers.

Reserve for the 2024 UKPH/Anthony Evans Insurance amateur riders M&M championship was seven-year-old Fell stallion Greenholme Larry, owned and ridden by Jessica Morgan.

Larry, who is by Greenholme Diego, was bought three years ago from Steph Peto. Jessica and her mother, Debra, were not in the market for a pony at the time:

“But Mum fell in love with him so he came home,” said Jessica, who works as a care worker. “We’ve just pottered around with him for the past few seasons as he’s taken a while to mature, but he’s stepped up and done so well this season.”

This term, Larry booked his open RIHS pass at BSPS Area 9B, when he was also section champion, and two weeks prior to the RIHS final he qualified for HOYS for the first time.

“He has exceeded all of our expectations,” Jessica added. “He’s totally home-produced, with Mum and I doing it all together. We go to a show most weekends; it’s our time together.”

Third position was taken by another Connemara, Murvey Dodgy, a nine-year-old by Banks Timber ridden by his owner Heather Carey-Gwyther.

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A field of 12 beautiful native ponies vied for the coveted British Show Pony Society (BSPS) 2024 Royal Windsor ridden M&M championship on the penultimate day of Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Making history as he came out on top of his class for the third consecutive year and the championship for the second year on the trot was Amanda Sharman’s immaculate Connemara stallion Castle Kestrel, piloted — as always — by his long-term producer Lucy Glover.

The nine-year-old is out of Castle Melody by Glencarrig Knight, the same stallion responsible for yesterday’s reserve M&M in-hand supreme champion, Cloverhill Magic.

Kestrel is no stranger to the spotlight, having reigned in this championship at Windsor last term.

While the championship was due to be held in the Castle Arena for a second year, a last-minute schedule change meant competitors returned to the grass surface of the Copper Horse Arena where they had competed before judges Jayne Brace (ride) and Stuart Hollings (conformation) earlier in the day.

Alongside The Baker Family trophy, Kestrel took home a ticket to the BSPS supreme M&M final held at London International (LIHS) in December, a championship he won back in 2022.

Amanda bought Kestrel, also a Horse of the Year Show winner, as a yearling from PJ Watson. He has been with Lucy since he was a three-year-old.

“He went even better and he really upped his game in the championship,” said Stuart. “I would have loved to have had a ride on him.”

Reserve in the 2024 Royal Windsor ridden M&M championship, and also qualifying to see Santa, was Sarah Parker riding Sarah Weston’s powerful Welsh section D Llynhelwyg Mistar Jones, an eight-year-old by Gobell Telynor who was recently champion at the NPS Spring Festival where he booked a return visit to HOYS.

The stallion stood third at LIHS last season with Tayla Lewis in the saddle as usual rider Sarah was on board eventual champion, Nipna Midnight Rambler.

“We went into the championship with a very open mind, though it was definitely between the Welsh cob and the Connemara in the end after the go-round,” added Stuart. “Though, we also liked the Welsh section B (Cadlanvalley Masterclass), the Welsh section C (Gems Malt Whiskey) and the Dales (Nipna Mighty Oak). The gallop played a big part; some really went for it, and others didn’t as much.”

During the morning’s classes, some competitors found the conditions ‘challenging’, as Jayne, who asked riders to perform their own show, explained: “There was so much rain yesterday that the corners and the sides of the ring were very muddy; some ponies were able to handle the deep going, others struggled.”

Stuart added: “I would also advise competitors to watch others during the conformation phase. Unless you’re pulled in first you should know exactly where to stand your pony up for the judge. Some riders came wandering out asking where to set their pony up when they should have been watching those go prior. It’s a ring-craft thing.”

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The owners of a Connemara who enjoyed success in top-level working hunter classes have paid tribute to “the biggest legend of all time”, after her death at the age of 23. Golden Island Star had retired from the show ring but was still in active semi-retirement until she succumbed to a bout of colic.

Claire Somerset, who rode “Fiona” at events including Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), told H&H her family bought the mare 15 years ago, and she was first competed by Claire’s sister Alice.

Together, Claire and Fiona competed in mountain and moorland and plaited working hunter classes, more recently turning their attention to British Showjumping.

“She was the biggest legend of all time; everyone loved her,” Claire said.

Claire and Fiona were also on the British team that competed at the Royal Dublin Show in 2015, in a competition run by the British Connemara Pony Society.

“Jumping clear in the 15hh workers at HOYS in 2015 was probably my highlight,” Claire said. “It was a big course; I was terrified, and she just took me round. It was so special to be there, then to jump clear felt incredibly special.

“Then she came second there in the M&M workers so we went into the championship in the main ring. It was a great day.

“She was so kind and gentle on the ground – she was amazingly sweet, considering she was such a competition horse; she was the only one my dad could bring in – then as soon as you got on, she was ready to compete and ready to jump.”

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A Connemara pony dazzled on day three of the 2023 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) to take the Westown Stud junior M&M ridden pony of the year championship. This was the second year on the trot that the impeccable Eastlands Dunedin, a gelding by Eastlands Harleybrae out of Eastlands Dunrose, has won at the NEC.

Dunedin is owned by Susan Pool, produced by Lauren Beaumont and ridden in junior classes by Lucinda Leeming. He was bred by John and Dianna Staveley.

Last season, the nine-year-old provided Lauren with her first HOYS Connemara pony of the year title. In last year’s championship the pair stood alongside Lucinda who had taken the Welsh section A title on her family’s Thistledown San-Siro.

“Susan saw Lucinda win at HOYS last year,” explained Lauren. “There aren’t many people she would let ride him, but they look amazing together as a combination and Lucinda is a beautiful rider; the picture is absolutely perfect.”

The first-season pairing has had few outings, but they have been successful on every occasion. On their first attempt at Derbyshire Festival they won and took the HOYS junior section championship. They were also fourth at the Royal International Horse Show.

“He’s a pleasure to produce and he loves it here at HOYS,” said Lauren. “When he goes through those curtains he switches on and delivers the goods.”

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The reigning Royal Windsor and London International Horse Show M&M supreme champion ticked another accolade off his bucket list, as he netted the National Pony Society/Baileys Horse Feeds M&M ridden Connemara pony of the year title at the 2023 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Amanda Sharman’s impeccable Glencarrig Knight eight-year-old Castle Kestrel gave his producer/rider Lucy Glover her first HOYS victory since 2018, when she finished as supreme pony champion aboard part-bred Carmens Novello. In the same year she won the Welsh section B pony of the year final riding Carrwood Shimmering Gold.

Lucy was emotional after the win on Kestrel, a former H&H cover star, who she backed herself and has produced since he was a novice.

“I didn’t think he’d win this one as well, though it was the one I have wanted for him and he does deserve it,” said Lucy. “The more he wins the more pressure I do feel, but HOYS is such a lottery and all I did was go in and hoped he went well. There were so many beautiful ponies in that ring.”

Lucy said Kestrel, who is out of Castle Melody, is a relatively easy stallion to produce, thanks to his level head and generous temperament: “He’s so kind; my four-year-old niece goes in the stable with him. He’s very vocal and you know you’ve got him, but he’s so friendly and he has a big heart.”

Kestrel’s breeder, Henry O’Toole, was ringside to watch the triumph.

“He came over especially to see him which has been very special,” said Amanda. “Everyone connected to him is here.”

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Connemara gelding Grey’s Village Melody melted hearts at this year’s British Connemara Pony Society breed show when he was spotted carrying a three-year-old jockey in the show ring, on his debut in a showing class.

Grey’s Village Melody, known as Brian by his connections, is an eight-year-old by famed stallion I Love You Melody out of Barana Grey. Owned by John and Emma Rugman of Clarkstown Connemara Ponies, Brian had jumped double clear at a BE100 a week before his mini rider jumped aboard.

Emma bought Brian as an unbroken three-year-old from Ireland. She had had a penchant for the stallion and mare combination for many years, since she bought Brian’s brother from breeder Brian Tuohy.

“The line just works for us and so I’ve always sought out ponies with this breeding,” said Emma. “I bought Brian unseen from Cian Fenney; I’ve owned his siblings so I was pretty sure I’d like him.”

Although Brian mainly events, Emma said that he would do any job: “He’s just up for anything, though he lives for his jumping. At home he’s a nanny to all the youngsters but there’s not really anything he can’t do.”

Last season, Emma’s stepdaughter Izzy Rugman took Brian’s reins, but this term Annabel Ridgway has taken over the ride. They have qualified for the Pony Club championships and are hoping to qualify for Badminton at a Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships qualifier next month.

“They’ve had some amazing results after some brilliant performances,” Emma said.

At the Connemara breed show, Emma’s three-year-old niece Ida Crutchley steered Brian in the family pony class to finish third.

“He was as good as gold, even though it was his first showing show; it was all very different for him, though he did a lovely show and looked after Ida,” said Emma. “Ida was desperate to be let off the lead rein and have a trot on her own, but we said maybe next time!

“This line has fitted in with us so well; the ponies have the perfect combination of talent and temperament. I’m now very lucky to have the dam at home with us, at the age of 23. She arrived with us seven weeks ago from Ireland and she’ll live out her days here.”

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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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The hugely popular Connemara pony Laburnum Richard delighted his owner, and his ringside fanclub, as he netted the NPS/Supreme Products mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter pony title at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) for the second time during his career.

Laburnum Richard, who is known at home as Pedro, and his long-term owner/rider Amy Smith began their campaign by winning the first of the four M&M worker classes, the exceeding 143cms. There were a handful of clear rounds in this section, but as the heights of the ponies downsized, the clean scoresheets became more elusive. In the 122cm class, not one combination jumped clear.

Amy and 16-year-old Pedro were heading to the RIHS with form; in May, they won the M&M worker accolade at Royal Windsor for the fourth time. Today also marked Pedro’s third Hickstead win in the exceeding 143cm class.

“He’s won and been champion here before, and he’s also stood reserve,” explained Amy, who has been juggling Hickstead preparation in between wedding planning as she’s due to marry her fiancé John Canavan in exactly four weeks. The couple got engaged at last year’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). “Pedro is a work of art. He takes management and riding, and he has to live a very varied life. He doesn’t come out unless he needs to, but when he’s out at a big show he loves it. He thrives on occasions like this. Ever since we arrived here on Monday he’s been like a four-year-old; he loves the atmosphere.”

“When I walked the course it seemed a lot more technical than in previous years and it was probably one of the best tests I’ve jumped here,” added Amy. “The clears seemed to dwindle away as the heights went down. The ground had to be taken into account. Those with more experience didn’t ride directly on the boggy ground but stuck to the outside of the fences to get a better shot. It rode very well, but it took a lot of thinking.”

Amanda McHale judged the jump section of the classes, while Malcolm Fry was assessing conformation:

“Our champion first came into the ring hours before the championship, but during his final performance he still had his ears pricked and he was up for the job,” Amanda said. “He jumped magnificently. He is so workman-like, and he sits up and looks through his bridle. He’s a proper native working hunter pony.”

Reserve was Ashley Bird riding his equally consistent Hickstead working hunter contender, the Welsh section D Gwerniago Gethin, who had netted the 143cm class. The bay stallion last won here in 2018, and he also has two HOYS wins to his name.

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Home-produced Connemara gelding Emlaughmore Lightening gave his owner a first-ever Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) victory as he lifted the UK Ponies and Horses amateur riders championship against 28 other entries.

Casey Ormrod’s Emlaughmore Lightening, who is known at home as Cian, is an eight-year-old by Contepomi Cashel out of Blakehill Patience. The mannerly grey was initially pulled in 15th after the go-round by judges Clare Dew (ride) and Natalie Middlemas (conformation). Casey had not expected to move up the line-up to win, despite pushing the boat out during her show.

“I just can’t believe it,” said full-time beauty therapist Casey, who rode a show incorporating an extension through the change of rein. “We were pulled in about half way down the line, and my decision to ride a slightly different show was completely spur of the moment. I thought I might as well go for it.”

Last season, Lancashire-based Casey and Cian finished second in the Connemara final at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) on their first appearance there, and they’re booked in to return to the NEC later this year.

“I bought Cian as a two-year-old and I did a novice season with him before stepping him up to the opens,” said Casey, who finished fifth in the Pretty Polly final at last year’s RIHS on Cian’s debut at the show. “Now, I hope he’ll go on to do some jumping. He’s a quirky Connemara and he has his moments, but he’s a very good boy in the ring.”

Showing is a hobby for Casey and her family.

“There are a lot of early mornings and I have a great support system in my parents who help me out a lot,” she said.

In second was Amber Twambley riding her own Copella Black Knight, another home-produced eight-year-old gelding. The Welsh section B is by Eyarth Braveheart and he is booked in to compete in three finals at Hickstead this week.

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Home-produced Connemara mare Ballinaguilkey Minstreal jumped to the first Royal International (RIHS) ticket of her career, after winning the 143cm mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter pony qualifier at NPS Area 24.

Ballinaguilkey Minstreal, who is known as Minstrel in the stable, is also providing her owner and rider, Esther Edwards, with her very first RIHS ride. It was third time lucky for the pair, who had stood second in two RIHS qualifiers prior to their victory.

“I cried and cried,” explains Esther, who juggles showing around her management role in the family’s restaurant business. “My husband came to the show with me as a one off, and so to win in front of him was extra nice.”

Esther purchased Minstrel as a five-year-old during lockdown in June 2020. She was bought unseen from her breeders, the Walshe family, who are based in Ireland.

“I’d been looking for a pony for a while and on speaking to her breeders I decided Minstrel was the one; within a week of ringing up she was at home with me,” continues Esther, who had been on the hunt for a replacement for her older pony who had retired from workers after an arthritis diagnosis. “It can be a bit deflating when you have to start all over again with a completely new pony, but I have always believed in Minstrel.”

During 2021 and the early part of 2022, Esther and Minstrel started showing, combining flat and working hunter classes. They contended the novice circuit before dipping their toe into RIHS qualifiers with some success.

However, Esther’s ambitions were brought to an abrupt halt last May when Minstrel had an accident in the trailer, putting her out for the majority of the season.

“She slipped in the trailer and got stuck under the breast bar,” says Esther. “Thankfully, she made a full recovery and after some time off, vet treatments and numerous X-rays, she was able to start jumping again a few months later; now, she’s going better than ever. I did have to sell my trailer and get a 3.5 tonne lorry, more for my peace of mind.

“We are complete amateurs and although I’ve ridden and shown ponies since I was young — I’m now 36 — I’ve never made it above county level,” continues Esther. “I have dreamt of this since I was a teenager. It’s so rewarding to have done all the work myself, though without my riding instructor, Sharon Owen, teaching me for the past couple of years I don’t think I would be here. It really is a dream come true.”

At present, Esther and Minstrel are gearing up for their impending Hickstead debut, as Esther explains: “It’s a long way around that ring so I’m working on both our fitness levels at the moment, probably mine more than hers! I’ve been to watch at the RIHS many times but I’m so excited to finally be able to ride my own pony there.”

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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

A Connemara pony who has competed at top level in the show ring for numerous years is shining in his new role as a Pony Club pony.

Heather Carey’s Walstead Guinness and 11-year-old Harry Clark were recently spotted turning their attention to the world of Pony Club mounted games.

Harry’s mother, Vanessa Clark, bought Guinness in 2016 and she enjoyed many victories with him, including qualifying him for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and London Olympia, before selling him to Heather in 2020. Guinness, also champion at the BSPS championships during his career, has returned to the Clark family on loan.

“We are so lucky to have him back,” says Heather, who also noted that the versatile gelding has been to HOYS as a junior ride. “He arrived back in February and while it’s a very new partnership, Harry and Guinness are getting on so well. I always thought they’d make a lovely combination, but at the time [of selling] I thought he was too good to just be our fun at home pony.”

Walstead Guinness’s show ring experience ensures he fares well on the Pony Club circuit.

“Harry has done some dressage with him, too, but he does absolutely everything so well, and with a smile on his face,” said Vanessa. “Harry has come off a Dartmoor pony and a Connie is a big step up, but Guinness always has his ears pricked and he gives 100%. He’s such a happy and safe pony.”

“Guinness’s forte is halt to canter, which means he’s ideal for games as he can just set off from a stand still.”

Harry is a Blankney branch of the Pony Club member.

“Guinness does the bending, flag race, ride and lead and the sack race, and he seems to enjoy them all,” Harry explains. “He’s such an easy pony, and he goes into games like he does anything else. At home we do a lot of hacking and I’m looking forward to getting him out to a show soon, too. He’s a brilliant pony.”

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The James family’s much-loved Connemara gelding Glenmore Gwennic (Glen) made it into the history books as he won the 22nd Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) ticket of his prolific ridden career by lifting the amateur mountain and moorland (M&M) qualifier at Staffordshire County Show (31 May – 1 June).

He added a 2023 amateur ticket to the open and working hunter passes he won this year, at National Pony Society Area XI and British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Area 7 respectively.

Glen was bought unseen from Ireland as a five-year-old. He enjoyed a low-key novice season, winning at the BSPS winter championships on one of his debut outings. The now 16-year-old won his first Hickstead qualifier as a six-year-old and he has since competed at the prestigious final in four sections, open M&M, Pretty Polly, amateur and M&M working hunter, multiple times.

“He thrives on the flat as much as he does in the workers,” said Emma, who works at Aston Martin’s headquarters and has ridden Glen at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) on several occasions. “He’s a born show-off. He’s a big-ring pony so Hickstead is the ideal venue for him to really go.”

In 2019, Glen won the open Connemara and New Forest section at the RIHS. Over the years, he has stood second in both the amateur and Pretty Polly sections, and he has also occupied third spot over fences.

When asked about the secret to his consistency and longevity in the show ring, Emma said: “We take him swimming a lot which keeps him fit. I’m lucky that I keep him at home, too, and my sister will help out with him while I’m away. This will probably be our last decent shot at the RIHS final, but he still absolutely loves his job. We have a few young ponies at home, but it will take something very special to replace Glen.

“He’s an absolute diva and he always gets what he wants, when he wants.”

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A Connemara gelding made it into the history books as he galloped away with the Royal Windsor M&M working hunter pony accolade for the fourth time in his career.

Amy Smith’s 16-year-old bay gelding Laburnum Richard (Pedro) has been the exceeding 143cm contender to beat over the past decade.

“He’s now won this championship four times, and he’s made five appearances here,” said Lancashire-based Amy. “He’s 16 this year but he’s looking and feeling better than ever. In showing, horses and ponies often have short-lived careers, but I’ve looked after Pedro so well over the 13 years I’ve owned him and he is consequently still out there winning major titles, while still loving the job. He’s like a fine wine. There’s no way I could retire him; it would be criminal.”

“I’ll never in my lifetime have a horse like him,” added Amy. “He’s like a third child to me; I owe him everything and more.”

Lisa Kelly designed the working hunter courses the competitors in each of the four height sections had to navigate. Second to Amy and Pedro in the exceeding 143cm section was Amy’s sister, Vikki, riding her own Connemara JP Corbally, another uber-consistent contender.

“Vikki wishes I would retire Pedro so she can have the big win,” Amy laughed. “I love jumping Lisa Kelly tracks. They ask enough questions and they might look simple to those sitting on the outside of the ring, but they aren’t. It’s days like today which make the early mornings and the late nights worthwhile.”

After the second time Pedro was champion at Royal Windsor, Amy said she was hesitant to bring him back to the show:

“So I skipped a year with him,” she said. “And then I asked myself what I was doing. Pedro doesn’t like small area shows and he loves an occasion; this is where he thrives. So, I brought him back the following year and he was champion again.”

Ella Enyon and winning 133cm, Rebecca Faulkner’s Welsh section C Joyton Sunshine, were reserve in the Royal Windsor M&M working hunter pony reckoning.

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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

Connemara pony Slieve Rushen Frank is a man of many talents and today (23 April) added Petplan Equine Area Festival final winner to his already impressive CV at the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships.

The eye-catching 14.2hh grey is a cracking event pony, scooping a BE100 placing with rider Gabriella Kozersky in the run-up to their novice bronze under-21 Area Festival final win.

The pair also have a working hunter ticket for the Royal International Hickstead this summer.

“It’s definitely a partnership that has developed and we’re now very much more confident together. We very much understand each other now,” said Gabriella, 17. “He definitely has a personality and knows that he is king of the yard! He loves performing and loves all the attention.”

Their class-topping score 72.15% is a huge new personal best in pure dressage.

“I just went for it today, especially in the mediums, I thought ‘why not?’ and he really responded to me,” said Gabriella.

Winter Dressage Championships: ‘he felt quite invigorated this morning’

Molly Rowan Sharples and Sheepcote Jackson have had a spectacular 24 hours at the Winter Dressage Championships. The pair danced their way to Spillers medium freestyle silver glory last night, before doubling up with the PDS Saddles elementary freestyle silver class this morning on 74.68%.

“I actually felt like it was an even better test than yesterday, it felt much more fluid,” said Molly, who was riding the 10-year-old gelding for her boss, David Pincus.

“I felt like I really got connection from behind. We were both a bit tense yesterday, so it was nice to get second chance to make things even smoother.”

“I went over all the individual things last night, to think how do them better today and it was brilliant. He usually gets quite tired after doing one class, but he felt quite invigorated this morning.”

Zoe Florence headed the novice silver under-21 Area Festival final on the six-year-old Sweet Madness, who the Aberdeenshire-based rider backed and produced herself.

The chestnut gelding requires careful management following an arthritis diagnosis, which includes “taking things slowly”, listening to the horse, plenty of stretching and walking, as well as dietary support.

The emotion caught in Zoe’s voice as she described how proud she was of her horse, with whom she scored a class-topping 69.51%,

“I’ve trained with Annie [Maclennan], Nicky Heale and Albert van Schie and it’s really helped a lot – he’s a little bit like a mare to ride because he’s just so sensitive. This is his first big thing,” said Zoe.

“He was really good, a little bit tense, but he knew what he was going to do. I think a fly landed on him and he said, ’get off!’ I just gave him a pat and he was fine. He was super; he coped with everything so well.”

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The owner of a cob who was bred “by mistake” and is now excelling at prix st georges (PSG) dressage, on the hunting field and team-chasing has paid tribute to his ultimate all-round ability.

Sarah Vousden is succeeding with two “exceptionally versatile” horses; 12-year-old Harley, a cob with no recorded breeding, and 15-year-old pure Connemara George, who also competes at PSG and inter I level dressage.

Sarah told H&H she lost her cob Medwyn this week aged 29.

“It all started with him,” she said. “I’ve had horses most of my life, tried eventing in my early 20s and ended up over-horsed, and I got Meddie on load to get my confidence back. I bought him 18 months later and owned him for 21 years.”

Sarah showjumped Meddie to 1.10m, but as he was “14.3hh on a good day”, the distances proved an issue, so she turned to dressage.

“Having been an eventer, dressage wasn’t my thing!” she said. “But we started doing quite well at unaffiliated, and that started my love of dressage. He hunted too and was a proper all-rounder, and I realised I loved natives, and the variety. But he got me into dressage.”

Sarah and Meddie competed up to elementary, then she bought Harley as a five-year-old.

“His breeding’s unknown; the lady I bought him from, who’s a friend, got him at six months old, he was a mistake in the field,” she said. “She got him to keep her youngsters company but later backed him, and she said ‘I’ve got a cob who would be perfect for you’. He was going to be my hunting cob but because of Meddie, I started schooling him and we’ve just kept going.”

Sarah had already bought George, as a just-backed four-year-old who had his very challenging moments, but he has also turned out to be versatile, she said, and what she learned from him and Meddie has helped Harley’s progress.

Sarah and Harley did their first team chase last spring – “I was going to sit at three or four but the others were a bit sticky so we ended up leading for half the course!” – and she is a Bicester subscriber. “He loves a hedge,” she said.

They also do beach rides, as well as recently coming fourth at advanced medium level dressage, and 10th in the PSG Addington Area Festival qualifier.

“He adores his hunting and I’m very pleased we do dressage as I think that gives me the control I might not have otherwise!” she said. “I think he enjoys dressage too; he just loves life and whatever he’s doing, he’s got his ears pricked. He always wants to do his best for you and he loves a crowd.

“I love country music so my PSG freestyle music with him is a country mix including Take me Home, Country Roads, and when we did a demo to that, the crowd was clapping and laughing, and he loved it.”

Sarah said Harley is an advocate for “being the underdog and doing it anyway”.

“We don’t have a medium trot, and I think some people get stuck at novice for that reason but I’ve got to PSG without it, it’s only one movement,” she said. “I just go to get a qualifying score and a point or two, and if I do, I’m thrilled.”

Sarah believes the word is spreading about how much cobs are capable of and how versatile they are.

“But at PSG you don’t see many cobs in the classes,” she said. “I think people are concerned about competing against warmbloods, but don’t worry about what they’re doing, just try to better your last score, or improve that movement. I had to change my mindset, or I was constantly comparing myself to the big-moving warmbloods, which you can’t do. To me, he’s worth his weight in gold.”

George was the first horse Sarah competed at PSG; she said she became despondent having scored 63% on him at novice but trainer Tom Graham encouraged her to try the higher moves, so she moved up, and is now scoring the same at PSG level.

“We found he could do the movements, and 63% at PSG is something to be proud of!” she said. “I’m so proud of producing these types of horses to this level; they’re my life.”

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A Connemara stallion made a glorious London International Horse Show debut as he lifted the 2022 BSPS Heritage M&M ridden supreme championship on the final day of the show.

Amanda Sharman’s seven-year-old Castle Kestrel and his producer Lucy Glover led the field of 38 from the off, scoring 46/50, the highest ride marks across the board, from both performance judges Jill Burgess and Fiona Holton. He then similarly delighted conformation judges Joyce Coltart and Ann Bigley to achieve 47/50 and 46/50, respectively, putting him on a winning score of 185/200, nine marks ahead of second place.

“It was a unanimous decision,” said Jill. “He had an outstanding way of going and he really moved, which is so important for a native; they must move in accordance to their breed type, and he did just that.”

Joyce was also impressed with what the lightly-shown stallion had to offer.

“He was of outstanding quality, with good bone and limb, and he screamed Connemara at me,” she noted.

This was the third time Lucy has ridden in the BSPS Heritage supreme ridden final, and while she has netted best of breed rosettes before, this was the first time she has occupied the top spot.

Kestrel, who is by Glencarrig Knight out of Castle Melody, was bred by Henry O’Toole. Amanda bought him unseen as a yearling from PJ Watson.

He joined Lucy’s yard when he was a three-year-old and he goes home to holiday with Amanda at the end of the show season. He qualified for London at the BSPS Heritage championships in October and other results added to his CV this term include wins at Royal Windsor and Lincolnshire Show, and a top seven finish at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

“He’s so kind and easy to do, though he is a vocal pony who likes to chat,” said Lucy. “We’ve taken our time with him; this is only his second open season.”

Lucy and Kestrel were first of the Connemaras to perform.

“I had watched a couple of sections before me and I just decided to go for it in the end,” said Lucy. “His trot is beautiful so I tried to show that off as much as I could.

“This is one I’ve always wanted to win, though it’s so hard to qualify so to just get here is amazing.”

Amanda was ringside to watch the triumph.

“This is my first time owning a London-qualified pony,” she said. “I always knew he had something like this in him. He’s a superstar.”

It was a day for the greys as finishing reserve in the 2022 BSPS Heritage M&M ridden supreme on a final total of 176/200 was 18-year-old Victoria Harker riding her mother Jenny Harker’s Welsh section A stallion Dukeshill Pearly Spencer. The Dukeshill Magnum eight-year-old qualified for London last season and he booked a return pass at the BSPS Heritage championship show.

“Every time he goes into the ring he gives me 100%,” said an emotional Victoria, who has loaned “Dennis” since he was a three-year-old from his breeders Jo and Kathy Sheil, but revealed that her mum Jenny had recently purchased him and gifted him to her as an early Christmas present. “I have a ‘Dennis show’ which I ride when I can; it’s technical and includes a canter on the straight, a serpentine and a walk to canter, which he is the master of.”

Dennis won the Royal Welsh in-hand as a yearling and a two-year-old. He has been one of the most consistent breed representatives over the past couple of seasons under Victoria.

“He thinks he’s 17.2hh despite being just 11.2hh,” said Victoria, who has ridden Dennis to top placings at HOYS and the RIHS during their partnership. “We call him Dennis the Menace at home as he’s a bit of a character.”

“I never expected to get this far so young,” added Victoria, who is still on a high after her 128cm show pony Ardenhall Blenheim won the show pony championship at HOYS earlier this year.

In third on 168/200 was the Highland best of breed, Jane McNaught’s Dunedin Mascot, ridden by Katie Common, who were both making their debuts in the final.

The other results were:

4, Felicity Thompson’s Salcombe Starehole Bay and Katy Marriott-Payne (Dartmoor) 164/2005, Julie Pennell’s Nipna Midnight Rambler and Sarah Parker (Dales) 164/2006, Felicity Thompson’s Salcombe Frowder Cove and Alice Tomlinson (Dartmoor) 158/2007, Samantha Walker’s Melau Aramis and Lauren Brill (Welsh section B) 158/2008, Leisa Woodward’s Hilltop Ned and Rebecca Penny (New Forest) 157/2009, Ruth Robert’s Wildhoeve Oki Doki and Clare Fitch (Fell) 156/20010, Caitlin Hamilton and her own Nipna Invictus (Dales) 155/200

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Robyn McGee’s Connemara gelding Walstead Page Boy has died aged 18 as a result of a strangulating lipoma.

Walstead Page Boy, who was known as Fred at home, won at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2014 and he was mountain and moorland (M&M) young rider champion at the Royal International (RIHS) in 2015.

Robyn bought Fred in 2015 from Terri Gregson who rode him to his HOYS and RIHS victories. He was started under saddle by Millie Allen, who qualified him for both HOYS and the RIHS for the first time.

Fred joined Terri in 2012 and the following year he won the New Forest and Connemara final at the RIHS. During their partnership they also won the £1,000 supreme final at North of England, were champion at Midland Counties and reserve champion at Lincolnshire.

“He was a showman and every time I rode him he made me feel like I was on top of the world,” said Terri, who noted that Fred gave her a first ever triumph at HOYS. “When we were together, I was making memories with my best friend. He was a dream-maker who always tried his heart out. If I was ever struggling he was always there for me; he was Mr Reliable. Robyn then gave him the most amazing home.”

Robyn also enjoyed multiple successes with Fred, lifting reserve in the National Pony Society gold medal final at Blair in 2017, narrowly missing out on an Olympia ticket in 2019 and winning other championship titles on the Scottish county show circuit.

“I had him for seven years and we did everything together,” said home-producer Robyn. “He had a very varied life and he loved hacking, though we still had a lot of fun in the ring.”

Alongside his showing successes, Fred was known for his genuine and easy-going nature:

“As well as being a nice type he was so gentle, friendly and loving; he never put a foot wrong,” said Robyn. “He always spoke to me when I came to the yard and he was so good with children.”

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Glitz and glamour: 28 winners from the 2022 BSPS summer championships

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On his final Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) appearance as a working hunter, Cheryl Mackintosh’s Connemara Woodbank Smokey Sam (Sammy) jumped his heart out to win the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd HOYS 143cm M&M working hunter sash with Scottish producer Kirsty Aird.

Kirsty and Sammy were winners here in 2018, the same year Kirsty took the overall M&M working hunter championship with Fell stallion Greenholme Emblem.

“I’m so looking forward to riding Sammy in the main arena championship later on as in 2018 I rode Emblem,” said Kirsty, who qualified Sammy for HOYS on home turf in Scotland at the Royal Highland Show back in June. “Funnily enough, 2018 was his first HOYS appearance as his worker, and this year will be his last. He’s going out on loan now to show as a veteran and to do some in-hand classes. It’s fantastic to finish at the top, and I have some exciting novices coming through.”

Kirsty and Sammy will be attempting to do the rare season double later on in the championship; earlier in the year they lifted the supreme M&M working hunter championship at the Royal International.

“He’s Mr Consistent,” said Kirsty. “He knows his job and he loves the crowd. He’s such a showman. Covid has made everything particularly tricky for Scottish riders due to the restrictions, so it’s been great for him to have a last spin at HOYS.

“Cheryl has owned him for many years and he’s always been allowed to be a real pony; he goes home for his winter holidays and has proper down time.”

There were six clears across the board in the HOYS 143cm M&M working hunter championship:

“There were some easy parts in the course but it was square and up-to-height in other parts, so they really tried to catch out from that point of view. I had to really ride the corners,” Kirsty explained.

Yesterday’s HOYS New Forest winner Lovelyhill Folklore, ridden by Vikki Smith, took second place for owner Penny Sutton.

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Amy Tough landed her seventh Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) working hunter title as she jumped to the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd HOYS exceeding 143cm M&M working hunter tri-colour riding Sarah Robson’s incredible Connemara King Rover (Bertie).

“That was amazing,” said Amy, who has ridden the King Harp 10-year-old since he was a six-year-old. “He’s been great throughout the four seasons I’ve ridden him, but this year has topped them all.”

Amy and Bertie certainly have been the combination to beat in exceeding 143cm classes this season; in July they jumped to victory at the Royal International (RIHS) at Hickstead.

“He was bought from a dealer in Newmarket, but he originally came over from Ireland and had been hunting with a child,” said Amy, who was winning the HOYS exceeding 143cm M&M working hunter pony title for the fifth time during her career and has also been horse worker champion here twice, too. “This is lucky number seven for me!

“The course rode really well; it was flowing and I think the result came down to the show.”

At home Bertie is known for his loving nature:

“He’s the kindest boy and he’s the most consistent pony I’ve ever had; he jumps clear after clear. He’s phenomenal.

“I show jump him a lot and I’ve evented him up to BE100 level. He’s a proper all-round pony. He’s now actually for sale so this will probably be my last ride on him.”

Amy Smith and her own Laburnum Richard, a two-time winner of this class in previous years, took second, while Ross Keys and Dycott Welsh King came in third.

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In a highly competitive class, only foot-perfect performances were awarded with a place in the final line-up, but it was eight-year-old Eastlands Dunedin who shone the brightest to claim the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) Connemara championship.

Ridden beautifully by Lauren Beaumont, the gelding by Eastlands Harleybrae out of Eastlands Dunrose, pulled it out of the bag to land the win for owner Susan Pool.

“He was here last year but we didn’t get placed,” said Lauren who qualified the gelding at Royal Cheshire County. “He just feels really mature this year – he’s strengthened up again and he just shone in there. He felt amazing.”

The gelding who topped the HOYS Connemara section has been based with Lauren since he was three.

“He came straight from his breeder and I backed him and he’s been with me since,” she said. “He’s just such an amazing pony. He’s very easy to do at home and absolutely loves hacking – we very rarely go in the school. It’s important to us that he has a varied lifestyle.”

This time last year, Lauren had not long given birth to her daughter Grace who is now 18 months old.

“It’s hard juggling horses and family life, but we manage,” said Lauren. “She was a baby last year but is two in January and doesn’t want to stay in her pram anymore, so it’s tricky keeping her occupied.”

Eastlands Dunedin will now head for the Heritage championships: “It’d be lovely to get him qualified for Olympia, so that is our next big aim,” added Lauren.

Judges awarded the runner-up prize in the HOYS Connemara class to Emlaughmore Lightening and Casey Ormrod and third position to Coral Malachy and Samantha Roberts.

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The owner and breeder of half-siblings who were placed first and second in a British Eventing open novice class said she is delighted to see them bringing joy to their new riders.

Kilimazing Brimstone, 10, won the section at Shelford Manor under Ella Howard, with 18-year-old Kilimazing Topaz, ridden by Anna Gilchrist, second.

They are both out of Connemara mare Eudene Moonstone; Topaz by thoroughbred Dow Jones and Brimstone by Connemara stallion Minsmere Sunseeker. They were bred by Tango Fawcett, who still owns them, and produced by her children Freddie and Jemima Fawcett.

“Ella won that class last year, and Jemima won it on Topaz the previous year, which is kind of amazing,” Tango told H&H.

Tango said she owned Moonstone for some 15 years until her death two or three years ago, but she can see her in her offspring.

“I can see her face so clearly when they turn and look at you,” she said. “It’s lovely our children have had such a wonderful time on these horses, and now other children are having a happy time. That makes me happy, and feel we’ve done that. How can you get any better than that, as a breeder?”

Tango added that her children have had most success on her home-breds; both Freddie, now 23, and Jemima, 18, still event and ride the young horses.

She added that it was touching to see the reunion of Topaz and Brimstone at the event, having been parted for about 10 months.

“What’s amazing is that once they’d met, and clocked each other, they were whinnying continuously to each other when they then parted,” she said. “People say horses don’t recognise [each other] but these two absolutely did; it was lovely.”

She added that Tango has competed to intermediate level but has stepped down owing to his age and when he has had enough, he will return home.

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I Love You Melody, the prolific Connemara stallion who has sired performance ponies all over the world, has died aged 26.

“Melody” had been in good health and was still happy in his breeding duties, when he had a suspected heart attack while being led in from his field by his owner Jimmy Canavan of Fernville Pony Stud, in Galway, on 30 July.

Jimmy bought Melody from his breeder Hubert Laurent in France, having seen him shown as an unregistered three-year-old colt in 1999. He was by Idenoir, and the first foal out of Equinoxe Melody, who is now in her 30s.

“When my dad came back to Ireland he spoke about Melody for a few days and my sister Carmel said ‘Go and buy him’,” John Canavan, Jimmy’s son, told H&H.

“Dad rang Hubert and asked to bring him over to Ireland for inspection but Hubert only wanted him to go to Ireland as a registered stallion, so he was classified in France before he came over.”

John said initially his father received some negativity for bringing a Connemara over from France.

“There were loads of people saying we shouldn’t be bringing in a stallion from abroad when we have the best ones in Ireland. But everything being bred at the time was so closely related, and Dad thought Melody would be the perfect outcross for the breed so he became one of the first people to bring in an outcross,” said John.

“A lot of the well-known people in the Connemara world started bringing mares to Melody, and that first year the foals were going out and winning the foal classes. People started realising he was a really good addition to the breed. He came into a yard of established stallions, we had Moy Hazy Cove, RossCastle Fred – but he always stood out. He was a star for us.”

During his prime Melody covered on average 70 to 80 mares per year and he remains a much sought-after performance stallion. He currently has more than 100 offspring registered with Showjumping Ireland, almost 20 of whom are grade A.

“He leaves behind such a legacy all over the world. When people are buying performance ponies they are looking for that Melody line. When my father bought him he always said that the Carna Bobby [Melody’s great-great-grandsire] bloodline was going to be the bloodline that was going to bring that performance back into the breed. It was a lovely thing for Dad to do that,” said John.

“Dad was offered a lot of money through the years for Melody and could have sold him, but there was no way. He’d have sold everything in the house bar Melody, he was so loyal to him.”

John said Melody was an “amazing” pony, who loved children.

“He would always put his head down to the kids so they could pat him. My other sister Marion’s kids used to ride him bareback with just a headcollar, and that was in the middle of the covering season. Carmel used to ride him a lot and would hack him up the road and into the lake just behind our farm. He had a really sensible head and knew his job.

“He really was such a kind animal, we were so lucky with him – and we knew we were, we always knew exactly what we had with Melody.”

John, who owns one of Melody’s sons – four-year-old stallion Clonfert Melody’s Boy – with his partner, showing producer Amy Smith, said Melody’s death was very unexpected.

“He’d never had a sick day or cost us anything in vets’ fees in the 23 years we had him. He was such a healthy pony to the final minute. I believe he waited for Dad to come down, he didn’t want to go without saying goodbye and he died in his arms,” said John.

“We can’t get over the reaction we’ve had following his death, our Facebook post has been shared 375 times and we’ve received messages from people all over the world; America, Australia, the Czech Republic. It’s been really emotional reading through them.

“He was such a special pony and we’ve kept him on the farm so he has his place in his paddock where he lived most of his life. He’s left a gaping hole in our family.”

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“The journey home will seem a hell of a lot shorter now,” said Scottish rider Kirsty Aird, after she took the NPS / Supreme Products RIHS M&M working hunter pony supreme championship aboard Cheryl Mackintosh’s Connemara Woodbank Smokey Sam at the 2022 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

The Fly The Last Flute 13-year-old, a winner here and section reserve in 2019, made light of the stunning track, which included an open water jump and a bullfinch.

“We left at 10.30pm on Sunday night and were here at 9.30am on Monday morning,” said Kirsty, who is based at Netherton Equestrian in Perthshire.

Kirsty last won the RIHS M&M working hunter pony supreme championship in 2013 with Connemara Falfield Beeleaf.

“The course today was challenging, as in the distances were quite open and there were some tricky bits in there to make the riders and ponies think about their lines,” said Kirsty, who also rode Sam to win Horse of the Year Show in 2018, the same year she took champion with Greenholme Emblem. “Sam loved it; the difficult parts made him think and I could feel his athleticism come out.”

Kirsty has ridden Sam for four seasons. He’s based with Kirsty during the season, and heads home to Cheryl during the winter months.

“After being reserve with him here in 2019 it was incredible to go one better,” she said. “Lockdown in Scotland was a lot stricter, too, so the ponies didn’t get the outings that many of the English ponies got. I love the course and the ring here at Hickstead.

“Sam is the kindest pony and he’s such a trier. He loves the crowds and rises to the occasion. He’ll head to Blair Horse Trials for the Scottish Finals before going to HOYS in October.”

Cheryl was ringside to watch her pony triumph:

“He’s a darling of a pony and he always gives 100%,” she enthused.

Cheryl bought Sam from Steph Peto as an eight-year-old:

“He wasn’t for sale but I pestered Steph to sell him as I’d always adored him,” she said. “During winter he has four months off. He lives like a pony out on the hill. He’s got a Shetland named Gucci to keep him company. He lives a very varied life which is nice.”

Gemma Pallett and her five-year-old first-season Welsh section C mare Dycott Sparkling Lady won the 133cm class before claiming reserve in the championship. They added this victory to the championship title they achieved at Royal Windsor back in May.

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Lancashire-based Sandra Burton experienced a moment of deja vu at the 2022 Royal International Horse Show when she was crowned Corroconsult/BSPS RIHS Heritage M&M supreme with nine-year-old Connemara stallion Aniar Cashel, five years after she took the same accolade with his sire.

Ride judge Helen Horsfall, who was alongside Valerie Hodgett, said: “He was a very typey, lovely pony. I would definitely use him as a stallion. I was delighted with our classes; I asked riders for plenty of walk and trot and they all delivered.”

Emotions were running high as Sandra left the arena to greet her family.

“He just lifted to the grandstand and gave me one of his best rides yet,” said Sandra. “He gave me a lovely gallop, and came back to me well. I am just so pleased with him.”

Aniar was initially pulled fourth in his class.

“He went well, but all of the ponies did, so it was brilliant to be moved to the top place,” said Sandra. “I think the most unexpected thing is that I won this championship with his dad, Banks Timber, a few years ago, so I never dreamed I’d come back and do it with him.

“Aniar has the same temperament as his dad; they’re both so well behaved and have a lovely attitude to their work. They’re just like each other.”

It took Sandra seven hours to get to Hickstead, and she’s travelling back home tonight after brief celebrations.

“We have work commitments tomorrow morning; we run a milk round and I’ve left my sister in charge,” she said.

Katy Marriott-Payne rode last year’s RIHS Heritage supreme winner and this year’s Royal Windsor supreme champion Salcombe Starehole Bay into the reserve slot for his breeder Felicity Thompson.

“He was a beautiful type,” said Helen.

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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The leading working hunter pony Rebels Flight has died aged 26.

Connemara gelding Rebels Flight, known at home as Rebel, won accolades over fences at most major shows up and down the country and was a three-time winner of the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) with his rider Sarah Parker.

Sarah bought Rebel as a three-year-old from a lineage advert in H&H just after she passed her trailer test aged 17. Sarah backed Rebel herself and produced him up the ranks as a mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter pony.

Rebel won at the RIHS three times in a row, in 2008, 2009 and 2010, and he was also a runner-up at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). He qualified and was placed at HOYS every year since he first qualified until he last performed there over a decade later.

Rebel was regularly referred to in the pages of H&H as being Sarah’s “pride and joy” when she was quoted after shows. 

“I will never forget him making the toughest courses look like a walk in the park,” said Sarah’s good friend, Rebecca Penny. “The bigger the track, the better he jumped and he loved a challenge.

“He absolutely lived to jump and he used to get so excited about going to a show. He loved nothing more than a big crown and a meaty course.”

Rebel retired from the show ring aged 19. He has spent the last three years living with Nicola Donaldson who is based down the road from Sarah, helping children with additional needs and doing pony parties.

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The owner of a pony with an incurable disease that makes his hooves “like paper” hopes to raise awareness about the condition.

Sarah Cawley’s 13-year-old Connemara gelding Cloudy was diagnosed with hoof wall separation disease (HWSD) around four years ago.

The genetic condition, which affects some Connemaras and part-breds, is characterised by a hoof wall that easily breaks and cracks, and a coronary band that appears normal. This can result in losing shoes easily, and those affected can experience severe discomfort despite careful management. In some cases euthanasia may be necessary.

Sarah bought Cloudy from her aunt in 2017, and said he had always had “trouble” with his feet.

“I’ve known him since he was five when my aunt imported him from Ireland. He would lose shoes easily and we always just thought his hooves were fragile,” she said.

“The summer after I bought him his feet began cracking more than usual and one day he flung a shoe and half his hoof wall was attached. He was dog lame and couldn’t walk.”

Sarah contacted her vet and it was initially thought Cloudy had an abscess. X-rays were taken and Sarah read about HWSD online.

“Many people haven’t heard of HWSD as it’s not a common condition and it’s often mistaken for white line disease [when the external hoof wall separates from the underlying laminae resulting in the horn along the white line becoming crumbly and soft]. Farriers in the past have just thought Cloudy had bad feet. When the vets diagnosed HWSD they didn’t know what to really do about it so I was passed to specialist farrier, Neil Jackson,” she said.

“Neil has done lots of research on different ways to help Cloudy. There is no cure, and we just have to manage it the best way we can. He gets his feet done every four to five weeks and we use things like glue, or lightweight shoes with copper nails. At the moment he is barefoot behind and has shoes on front. We’ve tried hoof boots, but the trouble is because Cloudy’s feet change shape so quickly and often, the boots suddenly don’t fit even though I have lots of sizes. Sometimes he will be fine for a couple of months but then he can suddenly deteriorate and his hooves are like paper.”

Sarah said Cloudy continues to have good weeks and bad.

“Four weeks ago his feet looked absolutely fine, then two weeks later they deteriorated again. His back feet look like someone has taken scissors and slit them,” she said.

“It’s an awful disease but I’m really lucky because Neil does so much to help keep him comfortable, I’d be lost if he ever retired. It hasn’t changed how I see Cloudy, it’s not his fault. He’s the loveliest horse and he has a home with me for life. He’s in and out of work depending on how he is, on his good days he can be ridden in the arena but he’ll never be jumped and we don’t do roadwork or anything that might be hard on his feet.”

Awareness of HWSD has slowly increased over the years, and in 2016 the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society introduced the requirement for all registered foals to be DNA tested to find out if they carry the gene mutation. The British Connemara Pony Society introduced the same requirement the following year. Older horses and ponies can also be tested.

More breeders and sellers are sharing test results in sale adverts to help buyers know if a horse or pony is a carrier of the gene. The test determines if ponies are normal (N/N), or if they carry one copy (N/HWSD) or two copies (HWSD/HWSD) of the mutation. Those that carry two copies are highly likely to be affected with hoof wall separation disease and only animals with the two copies will show clinical signs.

“When Cloudy was born there was no such thing as a test. He’s well bred, and there was nothing to suggest there was anything wrong when my aunt got him. It’s a really draining disease – financially and emotionally. I’m lucky I can afford to manage Cloudy, but others might not be able to and they could be faced with putting their horse down,” said Sarah.

“I hope by sharing my story this might help others and raise more awareness about HWSD. If your Connemara keeps losing shoes or has bad feet it’s definitely worth testing so you know what you’re dealing with.”

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A rider who took on her first race at a point-to-point aged 69, side-saddle on her part-bred Connemara, said she wants to do it again — and will go faster next time.

Belinda Wilkins and Mystical Maisie finished the side-saddle dash in style at the Royal Artillery at Larkhill meeting on 22 January.

Belinda told H&H she and Maisie had “never got out of a slow canter” in the side-saddle, until four weeks ago.

“I was told last October they’d be running a dash at this meeting and I immediately said ‘I’m going to do it’,” she said. “I thought it was a bit of a tall order but had it in my mind all the time, then two weeks before, said ‘I’m going to put my entry in’.

“That’s when I told my daughter and I think it was all a bit much for her to cope with. My answer was ‘I’ll just do the training’, and each day I posted on Facebook what we’d been doing, including beach rides, and my daughter could see my progression and that I was in control and there was no stopping me. I knew perfectly well I was going to enter, all along.”

Belinda, who has ridden since childhood, comes from a line of side-saddle riders; her mother took part in a side-saddle display at Olympia, her grandmother and great-grandmother both hunted side-saddle and her great-great-grandmother’s riding habit is in a museum.

Belinda’s daughter, Caroline Wilkins, is also accomplished, appearing in Downton Abbey hunting side-saddle and taking part in a display at the 2015 European Dressage Championships in Aachen.

“I had all these pictures of all of them and then a gap for me!” Belinda said. “I had a go about 20 years ago and felt so uncomfortable, I gave it a miss.”

She then tried again, on a horse of Caroline’s, but it was only when she was loaned one who was “more suitable” that Belinda “suddenly realised I quite enjoyed it”.

She and Maisie, who is now 13, have since done more together.

“I bought her as a hunter but she’s turned out to be brilliant at everything,” Belinda said. “We’re going arena eventing next weekend, then out with the Beaufort the next. We mainly go astride; I did go to the opening meet side-saddle but then did a quick swap after we moved off, but I think I can manage a bit more than the meet so I’m going out next month and will do an hour or so.”

Belinda added that the side-saddle dashes; this one at seven furlongs and run for charity, are “good for someone like me who isn’t ready for the big fences in some of the races”.

“Or I don’t think my family would let me!” she said. “My daughter was a bit worried to have her mother gallivanting across country on my whizzy little horse; they were worried she’d take off but I’d been training her out hunting to stay behind when the others took off.”

There were some anxious moments on the day of the race; the M27 was closed en route, and Belinda’s husband Miles had a “terrible panic” when it was announced that another rider had fallen during the race. But Belinda and Maisie held their nerve to finish third.

“It felt like sailing; that feeling when you get to the crest of the wave and are planing,” she said. “I felt like I was floating, sailing along with the wind. It was sensational.”

Some other unplanned moments came when the horses spotted the fallen rider, who was not hurt.

“I get puffed out easily and didn’t want not to get to the finish line so I went off at about 15mph,” Belinda said. “The racehorses just went; they said ‘go’ and within about three seconds, I couldn’t see them. I thought I could catch the girl in front but couldn’t get closer so I thought I’d just enjoy it. Then the girl in front’s horse spooked at the poor rider who had fallen. A Range Rover was coming over to her for first aid and I wondered if I should slow up to let them go in front of me but thought ‘No, no jockey slows up for anyone!’”

Having pulled up after the finish line, not without some difficulty, it did not take long for Belinda to start planning her next dash.

She plans to carry a whip next time, as side-saddle riders use to give aids on their non-leg side, as Maisie drifted away from the crowd somewhat.

“I could have gone faster, and I will do next time!” she said, adding that she wants to take 30 seconds off her time at the same race next year. “But I wanted to complete it and still be in control, and Maisie loved it.

“My family were so pleased, and my son brought his two little girls, who are six and three and learning to ride side-saddle too, so we’ve got the next generation coming along as well.”

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A Connemara pony competing in horse classes – Fairfax Hot Tottie – headed the Heritage Insurance diamond qualifier at Vale View, Leics.

Her rider Georgia Sims is the reigning champion in this class, having won at the Blue Chip championships with Cassina III the last time they ran in 2019, but brought out the 17-year-old mare on this occasion to claim a ticket.

Georgia has owned the 148cm Connemara for six years and jumped up to 1.20m in ponies, switching her to horse classes two years ago when she turned 16.

“My plan is to defend the title with her and Cassina, who I also had in the qualifier but she had a pole,” said Georgia, who is based in Leighton Buzzard. “I have four others in competition, so we’ll be aiming at a few more Blue Chip qualifiers with them.”

Another Connemara was also collecting a red ribbon at Stainsby Grange Equestrian Centre in North Yorkshire last week, where the discovery qualifier was won by Charlotte Teague and Rickamore Barclay, who more usually competes in working hunter pony classes.

The seven-year-old Connemara is in his first full season competing, and just missed qualifying for the workers at Horse of the Year Show this year. He is jumping in British Showjumping (BS) classes over the winter.

“We bought him as a youngster but because of lockdowns we didn’t get him out until August this year and he went straight into open workers,” said Charlotte. “I’ll be doing a bit of BS with him until January, but then I am out of ponies.”

While Charlotte won’t get to contest the Blue Chip Championships in 2022, she plans to carry on competing the pony in workers and plaited under-15hh mountain and moorland classes.

“We’ll hopefully do some horse classes showjumping as well,” she added.

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PROLIFIC Irish working hunter pony Blackwood Fernando, made the trip over from the Emerald Isle to triumph at his first ever Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2021 at the impressive age of 24. He and his rider Alicia Devlin Byrne, impressed the judges with their foot-perfect clear round to land the M&M exc. 143cm working hunter pony of the year title.

Fernando is a Connemara by Ferdia out of Dancing Queen, bred by Patrick Mcnamara.

“We do working hunter showing in Ireland and he’s won everything including Dublin Horse Show,” explained an emotional Alicia. “He’s also done puissances and won a team chase two years ago; he just loves to jump. I’ve always wanted to bring him here, but they only held the first HOYS qualifier in Ireland this year, so we’d never even tried to qualify until this year.”

Alicia has owned the gelding for 15 years and started competing him in 2005.

“We’ve grown up and done everything together – I got him when I was 12,” said Alicia. “He still feels so good for his age and has had a quiet couple of years with Covid, so when the qualifier came up, I thought why not? Because of his age, I wanted him to have this chance to come over and show what he can do. The clear round was great and I was hopeful, but it was still a total shock to win.”

Despite his confidence in the ring at HOYS, Alicia admits that Fernando is “a bit of a softy”.

“He’s great in the ring and a real showman, but he’s quite soft and a bit cowardly in real life,” she said. “He’s been annoyed with me the last few weeks because I’ve been trying to keep him clean and he’s been wearing a hood which he hates. He’s been in an absolute sulk about it. He’ll have a break over the winter now, so no more hood!”

When she’s not riding, Alicia is a teacher in Wicklow, Ireland.

“I have to go and tell my boss that I won’t be back at work tomorrow as we’ll have to stay for the championship now,” she said. “He did tell me to go and win, so I’ve only done what he said!”

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IN his first open season, Kerry Wainwright’s 10-year-old dapple grey stallion Skellorn Deja Vu defied his lack of experience to land the Connemara title at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2021.

The breeding stallion was backed as a youngster before being turned away to run with sport horse mares. He was brought back in two years ago to establish his ridden career with rider Harrison Taylor who gave the stallion a fabulous ride, showing off the pony’s floating paces and impeccable manners.

“This was his first time here at HOYS, so we’re shocked he has won,” said Harrison. “I re-backed him two years ago before lockdown, and then we did a few shows when things opened up again, but this is his first proper season.”

The pair qualified at the NPS Summer Championship show.

“He’s mostly just covered mares, so it’s been quite a big change in routine for him, but he’s taken to being ridden and shown really well,” added Harrison.

“Harrison has done a fabulous job with producing him under saddle,” said owner Kerry. “I’ve still got Deja Vu’s father Skellorn Harrison, so it’s lovely to see his son doing so well.”

Deja Vu’s HOYS experience isn’t quite over just yet, as he is also competing in the Price Family Supreme In-Hand Pony of the Year on Friday.

“He’s the nicest pony. Considering he’s run out with mares and foals and can come here and behave so impeccably is testament to his amazing character,” added Kerry.

Sam Roberts rode Jane Matthews’ Coral Malachy into second place, with Amanda Sharman’s Castle Kestrel third under Lucy Glover.

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Who doesn’t love a Connemara? This versatile and hardy breed is a favourite for many. From hunters and showjumpers to Pony Club ponies, here’s our pick of Connemara ponies for sale on the H&H website this week, or if none of the below suit your needs, start your search for your next horse here. Our website has more horses than ever currently listed for sale – thanks to our partnership with SEIB, we are now offering all standard horse for sale adverts for free. Have you got a horse to sell? Place your free advert here.

1. ‘Beautiful’

Height: 14.2hh

Gender: mare

Age: five

Selling points: “This pony was bought as a project in the spring and has been professionally backed and schooled over the past few months. She is very gentle and loves being groomed, pampered and given lots of attention. She will follow you around the field “helping” with poo picking. She is snaffle mouthed and responsive to the rider’s aids, with balanced paces, walking, trotting and cantering on both reins. She hacks out and is well behaved in open spaces. However, she is not a novice ride as she is still a little green and sensitive but will take confidence from the rider. She has no known vices, lumps, bumps scars or blemishes. We are looking for her forever home, where her gentle nature can be fully appreciated.”

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2. ‘Ideal project’

Height: 15hh

Gender: gelding

Age: three

Selling points: “‘Troy’ has been professionally broken this summer. He has a very trainable and willing attitude and is showing a nice jump and good movement on the flat. He is hacking out alone and in company and has been on hound exercise already this autumn, where he was extremely well behaved and took it all in his stride. He is already doing some good work on the flat and is an event/working hunter prospect. He will make an ideal project for someone to bring on for themselves, or produce and make a profit on. He is good in all ways with no vices. Open to any vetting/trial/trainer. He will not be sold to total novice due to his age/experience.”

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3. ‘Talented’

Height: 14hh

Gender: gelding

Age: five

Selling points: “This striking gelding stands out in any crowd. He has flashy, straight, uphill paces and so much jump! Standing at 14hh makes him perfect for working hunter classes. This pony has no vices and will take a confident jockey to the top in any chosen discipline.”

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4. ‘Future star’

Height: 15hh

Gender: gelding

Age: five

Selling points: “This is an athletic purebred Connemara gelding has a great future ahead of him. ‘Robbie’ is a stunning, well-bred purebred Connemara with a lovely kind temperament. He is nice to ride, loves jumping and is an athletic pony with the will to perform and to please. He rides beautifully on the flat and has been well schooled over cross-country and showjumping fences. He is a forward going pony but always controllable and always ridden in a snaffle. He could make a very good event type or working hunter. He has everything you need to win; three beautiful and expressive paces and he is a comfortable ride with a soft snaffle mouth. He has a fantastic jump and has jumped up to 1.20m loose with potential for more – he has a great technique. Robbie is always motivated and willing to please – he could excel in any discipline in the future – his strength is dressage and jumping but he also loves cross-country. He is easy to shoe, box, catch, ride and in traffic and he hacks out alone or in company. Robbie should suit a competition home, teenager or experienced mother/daughter share. He has no stable vices and is open for any vetting.”

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5. ‘Top prospect’

Height: 15hh

Gender: mare

Age: four

Selling points: “Recently over from Ireland, this stunning, talented cCnnemara out of I Love you Melody and Corrib Prince is excelling in all disciplines since arriving. She hacks out alone or in company and has enormous potential jumping and schooling. She would suit a competent teenager or young adult wanting to go far.”

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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

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Up-and-coming native pony producer Vicki Casey had her own Connemara stallion Frederiksminde Volcano right on song to win over sticks and clinch the NPS/Supreme Products Supreme M&M working hunter pony accolade at the 2021 Royal International Horse Show. 

The final reckoning was a wonderful display of the native breeds, each combination producing outstanding gallops to ensure they were in contention for the top title. But it was Vicki and her 143cm winner who stole the hearts of the judges.

The 10-year-old, by Lissroe Hurricane, has already proved himself on the flat, winning at HOYS in 2019. This was his first major worker victory, as it was Vicki.

Vicki, who started producing full-time last year, has owned “Barney” for five years.

“He arrived and just never left,” said Vicki. “I was gutted as the year he won HOYS the man who sourced him from Ireland, Henry Kelly, sadly passed away so never got to see him compete there.”

Barney started his jumping career as a six-year-old but has taken time to learn his trade.

“He’s been a slow burner,” Vicki added. “He was the clumsiest pony I’ve ever met. While he’s very intelligent he can be backward thinking so we’ve taken our time with him. He’s got quite a long list of quirks, and his answer when he doesn’t like something is to go backwards. I actually bought him to event, but soon after he arrived he took a massive disliking to water so that plan went out of the window. I was slightly concerned about the water here, but he was no problem.”

Vicki knew Barney had potential to make it in the worker ring when he won the open final at Equifest as a seven-year-old:

“At this point I thought he could be a bit special,” she said. “He’s my best friend; I do everything with him.”

Former dressage rider Vicki currently has 12 show animals at her base in York.

“Barney has been the one to put me on the map,” she added.

The Richardson family continued their winning streak with their 122cm debutante Elberry Suilen. The 11-year-old Welsh section A was piloted by Emma Atkins on route to standing section reserve.

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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Find out who took home the 12 native breed titles as well as the overall championship title

Girl power prevailed in the Horse & Hound mountain and moorland (M&M) supreme championship at the 2021 Royal Windsor Horse Show as a Connemara mare was Jennie Loriston Clarke’s choice to take the overall title over 11 other quality native breed champions.

Leading lady was Vanessa Clark’s nine-year-old Skargaardens Delicious Love who was led out by handler Henry Hird.

“Today was a day off from the office but this was a lot harder work,” said Henry, who made light of the ample space in the Castle Arena and kept up with the mare’s movement. Delicious, who is by Wirtsmühle Delaney’s, was effortless throughout her championship performance, her floating paces captivating judge Jennie and the crowd alike. During her individual trot up, she received the loudest cheer from the grandstand audience. 

“I had goosebumps watching her in there,” said Vanessa, who is renowned for her production of Connemara ponies. “I know I’m probably biased but she really looked beautiful. She just loved the space and she could really show her movement and what a superstar she really is.”

Delicious, who is Royal International bound under saddle this year with Jo Jack, recently produced two foals via embryo transfer. The colt and filly, who are by Vansessa’s multi-HOYS in-hand finalist Castle Emperor – who now resides in Germany – were born in May. 

“I wanted to do some ridden shows with her this season, but also wanted a foal, so given the situation last year she went down to my friend, Amber Clutton-Brock and her team at Equibreed,” explained Vanessa, of the 2017 HOYS ridden champion. “We love Delicious to bits and we are very blessed to have two healthy, beautiful foals, too.”

Henry first showed Delicious at Midland Counties in June where she was breed champion.

Reserve was the Welsh section A champion, the Kilbey family’s grey mare Idyllic Guinevere. The eight-year-old by Lacy Buzbee out of Delami Misdemeanour has been a prolific winner in-hand and was shown with a strapping colt foal at foot. 

The other breed champions were:

Dales: Carrock Alice

Philip Ward-Burton led out Caroline Threlfall’s six-year-old mare who is by Westwick Taffy out of Carrock Peggy. 

New Forest: Sway Supernova 

The six-year-old stallion by Perrone Palaver out of Sway Shes A Gem is a home-bred from the Blomfield family.

Fell: Bybeck Timonthy

Colin Robert’s four-year-old grey Fell stallion beat The Queen’s mare in his class on route to the section championship.

Highland: Highland Chief Of Talisker

Amber Thorpe’s 10-year-old stallion by Highland Chief Of Whitefield out of Rhidorroch Of Talisker is best known for his ridden successes, which include standing overall M&M supreme at the RIHS in 2019.

Dartmoor: Moortown Fox Tor

Owned by Julie Barton, this Moortown Crusader five-year-old out of Moortown Hunting Lass is RIHS bound on the flat and was handled here by Katie Bacon. The Dartmoor champion also received a special breed award.

Exmoor: Bluebarn Nancy

The nine-year-old by Buttondown Gideon out of Blossom is owned by Julian Walters and David Hodge and has picked up several accolades in-hand, including at the 2019 NPS summer championships.

Shetland: Blackertor Magento

The biggest breed classes of the day resulted in this seven-year-old stallion by Clivocast Napoleon standing champion for breeders Julian Walters and David Hodge. Magento was reserve in the Price Family supreme at Herts County earlier in the season.

Welsh section B: Rotherwood Rambling Rose

The nine-year-old mare by Lemonshill Topnote out of Milltop Rosebud was victorious for her owner/handler Gareth Roberts.

Welsh section C: Synod Miss Judy

Aimee Devane and her mother Mary Hoare’s 12-year-old broodmare, by Synod Grouse out of Synod Mollie Malone, captured her section title on her Windsor debut. 

Welsh section D: Broughton Blonde Bombshell 

On only her second show ring outing, this three-year-old filly netted the breed title for breeder Alison Jones and handler Charlie Jones.

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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Legendary Connemara stallion Bunowen Castle Ri has died aged 23.

Owned by breeder and well-known judge Jackie Webb of the Blackthorn Stud, “Ri” was known for his illustious partnership with Matthew Lawrence, who rode him to stand NPS Baileys Olympia M&M supreme champion in both 2005 and 2007.

Ri was also champion at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2005 — the year he also stood reserve supreme pony of the year — and was ridden champion at Royal Windsor.

“I went to see three colt foals that Sarah Hodgkins of the Spinway Stud had imported from Ireland,” said Jackie.

“We had lunch and then had a look at the colts; I thought Ri looked a nice foal and picked him out of the three. Winter crept on and one day I got a call from Sarah who told me that she was considering gelding them as it was extremely muddy at her place and the boys were making a mess. I quickly jumped in the lorry and met her halfway to pick him up.”

“He was very gangly as a youngster but I knew he was going to be a star, even if some other people didn’t know what I thought was so special!

“We showed him as a three-year-old in hand but as he was quite immature, he didn’t start his ridden career until he was five.”

Ri and Matthew hit the novice circuit in 2003, starting their unstoppable partnership. In his first open season (2004), Ri was third at HOYS.

“We were very lucky that he always qualified for HOYS and Olympia first time out,” added Jackie. “One of my favourite memories was watching him stand champion at Royal Windsor under the floodlights.

“We retired him from the show ring in 2007 after Olympia. We’d decided before the show that he would bow out. He’d been at the top for five years and he’d done everything he could do, including winning the breed show supreme both in hand and under saddle.”

Although only lightly shown in hand, Ri was also reserve in two Cuddy qualifiers, narrowly missing out on his HOYS ticket.

“At home he was a real Jack the Lad; he knew he was the most important person here,” said Jackie.

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“He was so well behaved at the big indoor shows, though would sometimes be a little wicked when Matthew would try to get back on after the conformation section. He absolutely loved Polos so we could usually distract him with those.

“At home, he ran out with an old mare — dam of his last son Blackthorn Pirate King — and he lived out his days with her. I could have sold him several times over but he did not owe me a single thing. He was happy as a sandboy right up until the end.”

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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

With no shows for the moment, most showing stars — both horse and human — have been enjoying some R&R at home before the season, hopefully, gears up in time for summer.

One legend of the show scene who’s certainly been making the most of his winter holiday is 2018 Olympia mountain and moorland (M&M) supreme ridden champion Banks Timber (Tim).

Joe Burke’s grey Connemara stallion, who is ridden by Lancashire-based Sandra Burton during the season, is currently serving mares in Ireland at Joe’s base.

“Tim does love being home,” says Joe. “He associates being here with covering mares which keeps him interested. His incredible temperament makes it easy for him to switch from covering stallion to show pony when he’s back with Sandra”

Tim’s enviable tally also includes a win and championship at the Royal International (RIHS), a second at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and an apperance in the Cuddy in-hand final.

“He was back with Sandra last summer but only managed to get out to two shows and spent most of his time enjoying hacks and forest rides,” adds Joe. “He came home at the back end of last year, pre-Brexit to avoid the uncertainty around travel. His 2020 offspring were very special. He will be standing at stud again this year and has quite a few mares booked in, some travelling from the UK.

“He will be standing alongside his son Aniar Cashel and grandson Alexander Cashel, his nephew Manor Duke and our two other clifden supreme champions Currachmore Cashel and Drumbad Fletcher Moss, so it’s an exciting time.”

“As you can see, he’s enjoying the down time! I’m starting to hack him out a couple of time a week to get him ready for some of the early shows.”

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.

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

Former Olympia mountain and moorland ridden supreme champion Fly The Last Flute (William) has been put down suddenly age 15.

The prolific Connemara gelding, bred by Elaine Tomlinson, was owned and ridden by Sandra Burton and her daughter Emily.

William scooped the coveted Olympia accolade on his debut in 2013 with Sandra at the helm. The then eight-year-old, by Cocum Camelot out Sydserff Flute, had qualified at the final opportunity of the season after standing champion at Countryside Live.

“I went to Olympia just hoping he’d cope with the atmosphere,” reminicised Sandra, who had bought William — a relation to her former Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) winning Connemara Lintavon Ciro — just the year before. He led the 40-strong field after the ride section of the championship with two 45/50 marks.

William’s impressive tally included seven HOYS tickets in the open Connemara class. In 2015, he placed second at the final.

His last season in the show ring was in 2018 when he qualifed for the HOYS junior ridden final with Matthew Procter. William lived out his days with the Burtons at their base in Wigan.

Continues below…

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“He was always such a character and loved attention,” added Sandra. “He was still reguarly ridden at home and acted as the babysitter to the young ponies. We adored him and he will be dearly missed.”

Before he commenced his ridden career as a gelding William also sired some successful progeny, including 2018 143cm M&M working hunter pony of the year Woodbank Smokey Sam.

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If you’re fortunate enough to own, breed or ride Connemaras then you’ll agree with these six reasons why they’re definitely an elite breed of pony.

Why do you think Connemaras are a step above the rest?

1. They’re super-versatile

Whether you want a pony to enjoy the quiet life with or want a partner who can up the pace when needed, a Connemara is the perfect choice. The ideal happy hacker or an exemplary competition pony, a Connie won’t be out of place in any home.

2. They shine in the show ring

If you want a pony to stand out in the show ring then look no further. If you pick the right pony with correct conformation and movement (don’t forget to check out the breed standard), and combine it with correct training and production you can go far in the show ring. Plus, a good Connie can usually compete on the flat and over fences due to their athleticism. A judge will certainly struggle to keep their eyes off an outstanding Connemara with floating paces, flash and presence.

3. They’re ideal for all of the family

While individual temperament certainly comes into play, a Connie of average height is the ideal size for an adult as well as a growing child. The breed is one of the lighter of the natives so can be an apt choice for the teenage jockey who isn’t quite ready for a horse but is too tall for a small breed.

4. They can (usually) jump

The Connemara is known for its athleticism and talent over fences. Once again, it’s horses for courses, but the breed certainly has a top record when it comes to jumping. And it’s not just in the working hunter pony sector they can reign, you’ll often find Connies out on the hunt field, in the show jumping ring or tackling three-days events. Don’t forget about crosses, too; the Connemara cross is one of the most popular mixes and is often crossed with sport horse types to produce an elite athlete.

Continued below…

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5. They’re (generally) low maintenance

Native ponies are a popular choice with many owners due to their easy-going natures and low maintainance needs when compared to bigger horses. Connemaras adhere to this trait and are generally un-demanding, trouble-free ponies to have on the yard. Though of course there are always quirky exceptions to the rules…

6. They’re super-beautiful

Want to be greeted with a stunning, elegant view every single morning? Get a Connemara and you won’t be dissapointed.

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Heading out with a novice pony this year? Check out these 9 potential super stars you could be standing next to in the line-up.

Which combinations do you think will take the show scene by storm?

1. Bluehaven Rock Goddess

Victoria Costello’s six-year-old home-bred Welsh section C mare will be entering her first ridden proper show season with producer Lauren Beaumont.

“Bambi, as she is known at home, has had a successful in-hand career up until she was a three-year-old winning multiple bronze and silver medals,” says Victoria. “She competed lightly under saddle last year and she will be produced by Lauren for the foreseeable future. As her breeders, myself and my parents are very much looking forward to watching her out under saddle.”

2. Lindeth Whistleblower

Sam Bently, age 12, will be making his debut with his novice five-year-old 14hh show hunter pony.

“Sam has won the Royal International (RIHS) twice and is looking forward to getting his new pony out this year,” says Sam’s mum Nicola. “They are coming along much quicker than we anticipated which is credit to his producer, Charley Baxter, and also the temperament of the pony.”

3. Moin na Guise Paddy

Despite being 10, the scopey Connemara will be hitting the working hunter circuit for the first time during 2020. Ridden by 14-year-old Soffia Cynwyl, Paddy has had two double clears in the British novice show jumping classes and has qualified for the NSEA Arena Eventing Championship representing Cardigan secondary school.

“Paddy is a real character and makes us laugh,” says Soffia’s mum Anwen Francis.

4. Loughmore Rebel

The four-year-old class one Connemara stallion owned by Steph Peto is set to have a bright future under saddle. He had multiple successes in-hand as a three-year-old including taking reserve supreme at the Connemara breed show and youngstock supreme at NCPA Pony of the Year show.

“We are extremely excited to get him out under saddle this year,” enthuses Steph.

5. Redshaw Romeo

Phil Creighton and team will be producing the four-year-old intermediate show hunter for owner and rider Hazel Noble.

“He has been a winner in-hand and has been now been broken,” explains Phil. “He is a wonderful young horse and is going amazingly.”

6. Glenkyle Swallow

Kelsey Walker’s novice four-year-old Connemara will be making a ridden debut with Emma Boardman who is currently breaking the mare.

“We bought her as a three-year-old old from Jackie Parry,” said Kelsey. “Swallow was very lightly shown in-hand last year with great success being supreme in-hand NCPA Northern Spectacular.”

7. Gigman Babylonian

Alicia Thomas will be riding her own Palomino Welsh section B in novice small breeds ranks this term.

“I’ve waited so long for a palomino section B to come along so this is a very exciting season for me,” says Alicia. “He attended his first show and started off his season just how we wanted, with a win.”

8. Brandreth Just Fine

Ferdi — as he is known at home — was bought by Sue Plevin as a suprise for her daughter Emily’s 21st birthday. The five-year-old by Fortino will contest a handful of novice intermediate show riding type classes.

“We really think a lot of him and are very excited to bring him out this season,” says Steven Hulston of the Cuddington Stud, who will be producing him this year.

9. Shilstone Rocks River Dart

After the retirement of her big winner Shilstone Rocks North Westerly, Chloe Chubb has a new Dartmoor stallion from the same stud waiting in the wings.

“I have him on loan as they want him back to breed from eventually but the plan is to get him out under saddle in 2020,” says Chloe. “He is by Shilstone Rocks Snow Goose who I rode at HOYS to be fourth many years ago. He is a scopey Dartmoor with a good amount of limb. He is very laid back about it all and if he can do half as well as his dad and Windy, I’ll be happy.”

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A 21-year-old pony proved that age is no barrier to success when he swept the board at this year’s British Connemara Pony Society Performance Awards.

Smokin’ Gun was named ambassador for his breed at the event, having tallied the highest points after a phenomenal season across the disciplines.

The 14hh dun is being ridden by Dr Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher, who turned 60 this year, giving the pair a combined age of 81.

They won four of their nine BE80(T) starts and finished inside the top five on all of their 2019 runs, also qualifying for the BE80(T) championships on their first attempt.

At dressage, they stepped up to elementary and qualified for the Petplan area championships, having won the BD veteran novice championship last year.

They also won their only start in working hunters and went reserve champion at the SSADL championships.

“He is only 14hh and I am 5’9” but he takes up the leg, and because he has a great big personality and heart, I feel like I’m on something twice the size. He is magnificent,” said Rebecca, a vet based in the New Forest.

Gunner was bought by the Hamilton-Fletcher family eight years ago and was originally ridden by Rebecca’s daughter Bethany, who is now studying physics at Bristol University.

The pair “did everything together”, making numerous appearances on Pony Club and school teams, including on the winning team at the Pony Club eventing championships in 2013. They were also individual dressage champions at the school NSEA championships and competed extensively in working hunters, qualifying for the Royal International Horse Show.

One of their principal claims to fame is as the only pony and rider combination to compete successfully at the Pony Club championships from junior to novice, intermediate and open.

“Now Bethany has grown up and gone off to university, I resurrected my riding gear, found it still fitted and decided to have some fun myself,” said Rebecca.

“Last year we shared him and she was still going out competing when she came back from uni but this year I have taken him over myself. We’ve had a fabulous time — he is still very much my daughter’s baby though, he’s never had a fault cross-country and if I were to spoil his record, I don’t think she would ever forgive me!”

Gunner, who was bred in Ireland and is by the stallion Gun Smoke, has claimed the Connemara points title before, but is thought to be the first pony over the age of 20 to scoop the award.

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“He’s a wonderful example of the versatility, soundness, toughness and longevity of the native ponies,” Rebecca said. “Touch wood, he is the soundest horse and has never been sick or sorry, he thrives on being busy and competitive.

“People say to be why don’t you take him to Olympia [for the veteran showing championship] but he doesn’t like going round in circles and you’re not allowed to gallop — he lives to gallop, so he would sulk and be fed up!”

Rebecca is now looking forward to next year, including a bid at the BE80(T) championships, which was postponed as a result of the wet autumn.

“We’re looking for new challenges now, and it’s lovely to be able to look forward to a new season when he’s 22,” she added. “I think we might give riding club teams a go, which is something we haven’t done before.”

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“The things we’ve had to do to keep him clean this morning,” said Cathy Wood as she watched her snow-white Connemara stallion Contepomi Cashel step up to clinch the overall Horse & Hound-supported Mountain and Moorland (M&M) in-hand championship at the 2019 Royal Windsor Horse Show.

While the weather stayed dry for the native ponies, two previous days of heavy rain meant that walkways and collecting areas were blanketed in thick mud.

Cathy added: “He’s had to be fully bandaged and rugged and he’s had to wear a tail bandage right down to the bottom of his tail — it’s been a nightmare. When we were sat in the lorry last night we thought the show might be called off as the weather was that bad.”

Nevertheless, the 12-year-old stallion — who is co-owned with Emma and John Rugman — was on song with usual handler Jamie Frost to be pulled forward by judge Allan Robertson to claim the supreme title.

Continued below…

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“This is my first time at Windsor,” added Cathy, who breeds event horses from her base in Devon. “We’ve entered for the past four years, but due to covering commitments, we haven’t been able to come.

“Contepomi is such a powerhouse and I love his trot. He was my first Connemara and now I have a herd of them.”

Contepomi was a Cuddy finalist in 2015 and has since notched up several in-hand titles on the county circuit. At this show, he also proved his credentials as a sire as his three-year-old daughter won the youngstock class and stood eventual breed reserve.

Reserve champion went to the Dales champion, Sarah Noble’s big-moving mare Stuffynwood Daffodil who was led by Everret Hayes.

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 our full report and analysis from this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show in the 16 May 2019 issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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What does it take to win the Mountain and Moorland (M&M) supreme title at the Olympia International Horse Show, not once, but twice? Lancashire-based Connemara specialist Sandra Burton and her family show team scored their second Olympia victory last December with Joe Burke’s stallion Banks Timber, a title she also won in 2013 on her own gelding Fly The Last Flute.

We caught up with this talented amateur who shared her tips for home-producing to the very top:

Read the full interview with Sandra in H&H magazine (7 March issue) — out now!

1. Juggling duties

Six days a week, Sandra runs a milk round with her sister Janet while her daughter, Emily, works full time as a veterinary nurse.

“We get up early to do the milk and then once that’s done, we’ll do the book work,” said Sandra. “Even though the job has it’s drawbacks, it does mean I have the rest of the day to do the horses, which is especially helpful during winter.”

2. Making it work

When attending the Royal International (RIHS) in 2017, where Tim and Sandra won the M&M championship, the team had to put in some extra work to ensure they could be back on the showground for the supreme on the final day: “We doubled up the milk before we went, drove down, did the showing and as we won we had to arrange going back for the supreme,” said Sandra. “So we left mum with the wagon, borrowed someone’s car to drive home and deliver the milk, before driving back down to do the supreme — It’s safe to say I was absolutely knackered.”

3. Find your passion

Even though she began with Fell ponies, Sandra’s real love and majority of success has come from her involvement with Connemaras. “I didn’t get my first Connemara until 1998. He was a gelding I’d seen in H&H called Lintavon Ciro I went to see him in Scotland and just feel in love with the breed. He wasn’t the easiest and could be full of himself in the ring. He qualified for HOYS several times and eventually won in 2004.”

Her love and knowledge of the breed has seen her compete on a string of successful ponies at top level for over 15 years.

4. Put in the time

Despite being an amateur show team, the Burton’s always ensure that once they are in the ring, they provide a performance good enough to compete against the pros.

“You have to put the time in at home,” urged Sandra. “We do our homework so that when we go in the ring, we do our best and on the right day, we can get the results.

“If you want to do well, you have to be dedicated, especially as the standard in showing classes is so high these days.”

5. Enjoy the job

“I think a lot of people can lose track of enjoying the job,” said Sandra. “When we go to shows we make sure we go to the ones we enjoy, and these might not necessarily be qualifiers. You can get caught up in the chase to qualify and lose the fun side of showing. We put so much money into it that you need to go out and enjoy your animals, or what’s the point?”

6. Keep going

“Try not to get discouraged if you don’t get what you want straight away; I have been disappointed many times. You’re always going to be beaten somewhere along the line; you have to come away from each show and think about how you can improve. If you have this attitude, you won’t give up.”

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Who doesn’t love a Connie? Athletic, versatile and extremely gorgeous. Check out these seven superstar breed representatives who shone in the show ring last term.

Which one would you like to add to your yard?

1. Thunderbolt Fairy Robin Bambi

Megan White had an incredible 2018 on her lovely dun gelding, who secured her three Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifier wins as well as the junior championship at the Royal Highland Show. The pair were also third in the inaugural SEIB SFAS mountain and moorland (M&M) final in November.

2. Beechmount Emperor

The five-year-old grey gelding had an impressive debut season with his owner Amber Thrope. The pair were open champions at Ponies UK in March and qualified for the Royal International (RIHS) and HOYS early in the season.

3. Banks Timber

The stunning stallion topped of his year with the BSPS Olympia Heritage title. Ridden by Sandra Burton, the Joe Burke-owned 11-year-old also qualified for the Cuddy in-hand final, alongside his son, Aniar Cashel.

4. Castle Emperor

Matthew Lawrence rode Vanessa Compton’s dun stallion — a previous Cuddy in-hand finalist — to win his second HOYS qualifier of the term and stand champion at NPS Area 25.

5. Tyan Ma’Lady

This big winning Connemara mare, who is owned by Janine Sehne and ridden by Sue Deakin, added Cuddy finalist and H&H cover star last year to her already impressive tally, which includes multiple appearances at HOYS, RIHS and Olympia.

6. Skellorn Prairie Starlight

Katy Seedhouse’s gelding and Harrison Taylor not only landed the Heritage junior supreme at the RIHS in July after winning their open ridden classes, but were also crowned M&M junior ridden pony of the year at HOYS in October.

7. Corrig Prince

On his first attempt at an Olympia qualifier, the then six-year-old gelding and Zoe Moore-Williams won their class and took the direct ticket to the Christmas final at Bath and West.

8. White Diamond

Katie Goulding piloted her own gelding to land his first HOYS qualification at NPS Area 25 and stand section reserve.

9. Emlagharan Ceolaire

The home-produced six-year-old gelding was Pretty Polly supreme at Cheshire Premier in May, giving owner Olivia Rocks her first ever ticket to Hickstead.

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

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