H&H showing columnists Stuart Hollings discusses the future of the HOYS supreme in-hand final

AFTER being affectionately known as The Cuddy for the past 18 years, I’m delighted that the supreme in-hand championship at next week’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) continues to flourish with a new sponsor in Darren Price and his family, who have signed up for three years.

Just as HOYS plays a most significant role in keeping showing alive, so too does this prestigious in-hand competition that began way back in 1965 with nine qualifying rounds.

Without it, I fear that many relevant classes, particularly on the county show circuit, could be phased out completely which would be a major blow to all those involved.

This year, the qualifying routes were opened up. In addition to the customary 20 direct qualifiers to the NEC, there was also another competition within the competition, as 20 more specific breed/type shows ran qualifying rounds for a semi-final held earlier this month at Stoneleigh Horse Show, where the top two gained access to HOYS.

These two animals were a Highland stallion that stood third at the final in 2018 and 2019 and a riding pony who will be making her HOYS debut. She was my 2021 Great Yorkshire pony breeding champion.

Of the 22 animals in the catalogue, seven are in the horse division, and eight of the 15 ponies represent native breeds.

It is encouraging to see several home-bred equines through to the final. After all, this competition is not just a showcase for the proud owners and professional handlers, but also celebrates the breeders.

With this in mind, the competition returned to its roots with more emphasis on breeding when I judged the in-hand final at HOYS with Stella Harries in 2001, and was aptly named the Breeders Challenge. The classes were split by age, with 16 in the youngstock section and nine broodmares/stallions.

While many are happy with the present-day height format, mountain and moorland (M&M) enthusiasts believe that dividing the classes into plaited and non-plaited sections would make the judges’ task easier.

Given these various permutations and the fact that unlike other showing sections, this variety of in-hand finalists is less easy to predict – albeit making for a more exciting competition – should the organisers consider delaying that decision until after the last qualifier to provide a more satisfactory balance?

This year’s judges at Birmingham are bloodstock agent Charlie Gordon-Watson, who has purchased 63 Group One winners to date, and Ro Rennocks of the Rendene Stud, which she started in 1973 breeding Welsh section B and riding ponies.

Charlie comes with an all-round equestrian background; he won the lead-rein class at Royal Windsor on the home-bred Blagdon Cuckoo, evented at Pony Club level, showjumped, rode a winner at Cheltenham, played polo at Cirencester and was joint-master of the Cottesmore for eight seasons.

His sister, Mary, was world and European champion as well as an Olympic gold medallist aboard the family’s eventer Cornishman V. Their mother, Thalia, won the supreme M&M in-hand championship at Ponies of Britain show in 1963 with her Connemara Silver Lining and bred the legendary show pony Prosperity Of Catherston.

Ro and her husband Ren have qualified 21 ponies for the in-hand supreme over 30 years, winning the overall crown in 1990 with Rosevean Honeysuckle and again in 2004 with Kingvean Gypsy Star. They also bred Rendene Royal Charm, the 2014 champion. They first qualified for the Lloyds final at Essex County show in 1985. I remember that day well, because I was the judge!

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in H&H magazine, on sale Thursday 30 September

You might also be interested in:

‘Cuddy’ rebranded as HOYS welcomes major new sponsor, plus latest partnership news

Meet HOYS 2019 Cuddy star – Heronsmill Tiger Lily

Life lessons: Ian Boylan on patience, pot-washing and hydration

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

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) supreme in-hand championship has a new title sponsor and a new name for 2021 and beyond.

The Price Family will sponsor the coveted championship, formerly sponsored by Cuddy, for the next three years.

The family, which has sponsored classes at HOYS for the last five years, adds the championship to its collection of supported classes.

“Horse of the Year Show is a very special occasion for the Price family, and we have been lucky enough to have some amazing experiences as competitors and sponsors over the years,” said Darren Price.

“We really want to continue to support and endorse HOYS, so we were excited when the opportunity arose to sponsor the supreme in–hand championship.

“We will do this alongside our continued sponsorship of the mini show pony of the year championship, both classes work well together with the aim of supporting and encouraging our breeders and developing our young jockeys to continue in our great sport.”

HOYS confirmed this week that it intends to go ahead as planned at the NEC this year.

Event director Emma Williams added: “On behalf of Horse of the Year Show, we would like to thank the Price family for their continued support of the event. It is paramount for the continuation and success of the event that we have the backing of families like them within the showing community.

“We are delighted to continue working alongside the Price family in support of both of these prestigious championships.”

Meanwhile, Ayrshire-based Hamilton Tarmac will take on title sponsorship of the small show hunter of the year championship.

This is one of HOYS’ longest-standing classes and was first held in 1954. The class will be named the Hamilton Tarmac Small Show Hunter Championship.

Morean Hamilton said it was a “natural stop” for the company, which is a keen supporter of HOYS.

“As regular attendees at the show, it seemed the natural step, in these difficult times, to pledge our support of HOYS by offering our sponsorship,” she said. “My husband and I are delighted to be associated with a show that means so much, to so many.”

Ms Williams added: “We are delighted to welcome Morean Hamilton and the team as new sponsors, they have been wonderful supporters of the show as competitors and to see this relationship develop into class sponsors is a transition that we are extremely grateful for.

“The small show hunter championships is a fantastic class steeped in history and tradition; always a favourite at Horse of the Year Show we cannot wait to welcome competitors into the arena once again to contest the championship.”

NAF

Top showing producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable and former England footballer Michael Owen’s Manor House Stables have both signed partnership deals with NAF.

Katie has spent much time working with the NAF team to select the right supplements to support each of her horses.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have forged an official partnership with a brand as established and trusted as NAF,” said Katie. “I truly believe in the products that they produce and it is exciting to be working with their entire team.

“We have a variety of different horses on the yard, each of whom has different requirements. The depth and strength of the NAF range, along with their expert advice, means that we have been able to select the right supplements for each horse, ensuring that they are happy, healthy and ready to perform.”

Isla Boxall-Loomes, advertising, social and PR manager at NAF, added: “The name Katie Jerram-Hunnable is synonymous with showing and we are delighted to be in the position of announcing this official partnership with such a renowned rider and producer.

“With the horses now established on the supplements that have been selected for them, we are looking forward to seeing the results. We are all excited for the competitive calendar to get under way and we look forward to following Katie and her horses throughout the remainder of the year and celebrating the successes that are yet to come.”

NAF Racing has welcomed Manor House Stables, the Flat racing yard owned by Michael Owen and business partner Andrew Black that is home to trainer Tom Dascombe, to its rosta.

The NAF Racing range incorporates products specifically targeted for racehorses, recognising that their needs differ to other equine athletes.

Michael said: “As a former elite sportsman, I am fully aware of the fine margins that can be the difference between success and failure. In the same way that footballers need to get the right nutritional balance between fuel and hydration for optimum performance, it’s important that horses get the right balance too.

“This is why I am delighted to welcome NAF on board as a main sponsor at Manor House Stables. With over 30 years’ experience, they are leaders in their field and I look forward to a successful partnership both on and off the track.”

NAF Racing manager Sammy Martin added: “I am thrilled that we are in the position of being able to announce an official partnership with Manor House Stables. They are focused on ensuring that each and every horse receives the five-star care and support that they require from the day that they arrive on the yard as a youngster all the way through to their first visit to a racecourse and beyond.

“The hands-on approach adopted by both ourselves and the entire team at the yard will of course be critical to the success of the partnership and we are truly excited to follow the progress of all of the horses whilst being available to share our knowledge and help the horses deliver every time.”

NAF has also renewed its sponsorship deal with Hartpury and will be headline sponsor of the Gloucestershire venue’s 2021 Festival of Dressage, Showjumping Spectacular, and international horse trials. Each event will once again be prefixed with the NAF Five Star brand.

This summer also marks the 10th anniversary of the brand’s involvement with Hartpury International Horse Trials.

“With the disappointment of cancelled events throughout 2020 we are delighted to be celebrating both the return to sport in 2021 alongside our 10th year of support of the NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials,” said NAF sponsorship and events manager, Eloise Chugg-Martin.

“During that time, we’ve seen Hartpury evolve and expand into the Hartpury University and Hartpury College we know today. Adding both the Festival of Dressage and Showjumping Spectacular to our portfolio in 2020, we are proud to be fully supporting equestrian sport throughout all major events on the Hartpury calendar.”

Cazoo

The leading online UK car retailer has been revealed as the main sponsor of the Derby Festival (4-5 June).

The Cazoo Derby Festival, Epsom, features two Classics — the Cazoo Oaks on the first day and the Cazoo Derby on day two. All races will be shown live on ITV Racing.

The multi-year partnership includes naming rights, brand exposure and exclusive naming of eight races during the festival. In addition, Cazoo will also be given “significant” year-round exposure and branding rights at all of the Jockey Club’s 15 racecourses.

“We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Cazoo Derby Festival, one of the biggest events in horseracing,” said Alex Chesterman, Cazoo founder and chief executive.

“As the second biggest spectator sport in Britain, we look forward to engaging with racing fans around the country through this extensive partnership with the Jockey Club and to delivering the best car-buying experience to horseracing fans across the country.”

Jockey Club chief executive Nevin Truesdale, added: “Cazoo is a highly ambitious and successful growth brand that matches our ambitions for the future of the world’s most famous Flat race.

“You cannot overstate the importance of the Cazoo Derby to our sport globally and it’s vital we work with a partner passionate about bringing that to life in the years ahead. I’m delighted to welcome the Cazoo team to the Jockey Club and horseracing as a sport.”

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

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

How to keep (and lose) a sponsor

Calls for riders to work smarter to help sponsors *H&H Plus*

Martin Collins

The arena surface provider has resurfaced two arenas at a Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) centre to help the group struggling with the effects of lockdown.

The indoor and outdoor arena surfaces at Penniwells RDA, which had been in place for more than 20 years, started to deteriorate during lockdown.

The group had no income, owing to Covid, and no funds to replace these, so contacted Martin Collins to see what the company could do.

General manager Nicholas Collins visited the branch and saw the impact Covid was having. He decided to resurface the arenas and also made a donation to the group to help them through the pandemic.

“Without the support of Martin Collins we would have really struggled to have good surfaces again,” said Penniwells RDA centre manager, Sarah Healing.

“They have both been topped up and levelled out and are riding as if brand new. The horses are going so much better and we ride confidently on them without having to worry about avoiding any areas. We will be for ever grateful to Martin Collins and promise to look after them the very best we can, hoping they will last for the next 20 years as before!

“Their generosity came at a time we needed it the most.”

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

The in-hand show producer on the importance of patience, his obsession with breeding the best and his days as a restaurant manager.

Ian Boylan says: “I always maintain the importance of real, honest stable management. With youngsters, it’s all about keeping them happy and content as well as injury free. All my horses go out in the field regularly and have lots of rest in between shows, with plenty of downtime and peace and quiet. I’m fanatical about deep beds, which encourages them to lie down and relax properly.

“I treat the stallions like normal horses; they’re never segregated and everything is done to improve their general wellbeing.

“These days, I’m more patient with my horses. When I was younger, I was so hungry to do things that I probably didn’t give some of them enough time and got carried away by my own drive. I wanted to be really good, but some animals need more time and I have learnt that you can’t push a young horse. I don’t like to see them doing too much too soon.

“When I was a young lad and aspiring producer, Jerome Harforth of the Stanley Grange Stud was my mentor. Having worked there myself, I admired the way he could run so many good horses at once; he was one of the only producers to have a successful stud as well as separate horse and pony in-hand and ridden teams. What he has achieved is phenomenal.

“Prior to this, I worked at the Oakley Stud and was fortunate to work with legendary stallions including Oakley Bubbling Spring. I’ve always been obsessed by bloodlines and was exposed to breeding before I really knew much about it. Now, I’m a devotee to the British Riding Pony and promoting their breeding.”

Ensuring hydration

“When at a show, the one thing I always do is ensure my horses are given water, and their temperatures are monitored closely throughout the day. Sometimes you see horses being compromised and it’s a pet hate of mine to see an animal obviously in need of a drink.

“If anything looks off colour at any time, I will take their temperature; youngsters can quickly overheat when stressed, so I make sure they’re comfortable.

“Before I step into the ring, I make sure I have the owner’s specific membership card in my pocket if it’s a qualifier; over the years, there have been a few mishaps where another handler from the team has the card I need so I always check. Finally, I always give the bridle a quick glance over as I don’t want a loose horse.

“Once, I was showing a two-year-old colt in a championship after a big win and the next thing I knew he was trotting around the ring on his own. He was a nice character so we managed to get him back without any problem, but it was a potential nightmare!”

Be the best

“I come from a non-horsey background. I haven’t always worked with horses, but my mum told me always to try to be the best at whatever you do. I’ve had breaks from horses and have done various different jobs, including leading a call centre team and managing a French bistro, but this ethos has always stuck with me. In the restaurant, I began washing pots and I climbed my way up the ladder until I was manager.

“I have a 20-year connection with the Litton Stud and they have given me the most incredible opportunities. I love all their stock and I have been fortunate enough to use their stallions.

“I wished I’d had the chance to show their late stallion Llanarth Aristocat in his heyday. He is also the stallion who brought me and the stud together and is responsible for our friendship.”

About Ian Boylan

Ian Boylan is a leading show producer based in Lancashire. Specialising in in-hand production, he has won accolades at major shows across the country and is a regular face in the Cuddy in-hand supreme final at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). He won the pony section and overall reserve in 2017 with Litton Salvador.

Ref: 21 January 2021

You might also be interested in…

Sally McMillan had no idea her home-bred filly would end the 2019 season by taking the world’s most coveted in-hand accolade – but she did. Alex Robinson speaks to the hobby pony breeder, the filly’s handler and the HOYS judge about what makes her so special...

Heronsmill Tiger Lily

Age: four

Breeding: Chycoose Troubadour x Trellech Courvoisier

Owner/breeder: Sally McMillan

Producer: Sarah Baker

Handler: Matt McGivern

Greatest achievements: shown five times in-hand during 2019, including at HOYS where she won the Cuddy supreme in-hand championship. She landed her HOYS place at the Royal Welsh show where she’d earlier stood riding pony breeding champion.

Owner/breeder Sally McMillan

“It’s crazy to think that we qualified a home-bred pony for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), let alone won the final. I keep only five mares, including Heronsmill Tiger Lily (Lily), and I don’t breed from each every year, to keep numbers manageable, as I fit the ponies around work as a solicitor.

“Lily’s dam, Copybush Eye Of The Tiger (Tiger) – a full sister to 1994 HOYS in-hand supreme champion Copybush Catchphrase – was bred just five miles down the road by Sarah Baker, who now produces Lily. Growing up, I’d always admired the Copybush ponies.

“A good friend of mine, Wendy Campbell, bought Tiger as a yearling and I’d always coveted her. In 2009, she let me borrow her to have a foal and a few years later I was given the opportunity to buy Tiger. Lily has always had star quality, she has this extra presence; it’s something I can’t quite put my finger on.

“Lily’s third ever outing was the Royal Welsh, where she qualified for the Cuddy. Since I was a child I’ve always dreamt of breeding something to go to HOYS, but even in the run-up to the final I couldn’t believe we were going. And I can’t even put into words what winning meant.

“Even though she will eventually be a broodmare, I’d like Lily to have a career under saddle, so she will be broken and aimed at some novice classes in the future.”

Handler: Matt McGivern

“Prior to last year I’ve always been in the saddle, so when Sally approached Sarah about producing Lily I can’t say I had the Cuddy final in my sights. It has always caught my eye, but it’s a completely different world and the spectrum of animals is so broad.

“The Royal Welsh is our local show so we went with no preconceptions. It was magical to qualify in front of a home crowd. Sarah won the Cuddy final in 1994 so it was sentimental just to be attending. On the morning of the class I saw some of the other ponies being long-reined and worked for the class, and I did wonder if I should be doing the same with Lily. But she’s the most unflappable mare. She just had a graze, and a sleep in her stable, before the class.

“I looked down the line at the Cuddy regulars and felt incredibly honoured to be there. When the commentator announced the winner was from Wales, the crowd erupted.

“In the stable Lily can be stood resting a leg with her ears back, but the minute she gets into the ring she rises to the occasion. Every single time she’s been out she’s given it her all, and I think this is down to the fact she’s not been over shown and we’ve nurtured her personality; she’s not been manufactured into some fire breathing dragon. She’s just a normal pony at home and it’s paid dividends.”

Judge: David Ryde-Rogers

“As soon as the 2019 Cuddy finalists stepped into the arena at HOYS, myself and my co-judge, David Minton, watched each pony intently.

“When this filly entered we were both drawn to her. ‘Golly, she’s striking,’ I said. She was alert, bright and looking ahead over the treetops.

“Once she was stood up, I couldn’t fault her. Her conformation was exemplary and she had lovely limbs. When she went to move, she was really super. She didn’t put a foot wrong either; she was relaxed and didn’t break stride, trotting right around the back of the line in step with her handler.

“It was a close call between the Connemara stallion (Castle Emperor), who stood second, but we decided this filly just had the edge after giving a spectacular show. Some of the other entries did let themselves down by not standing.

“As well as being quality, she was also immaculately turned out and was in perfect condition. She couldn’t have presented a better picture.

“When I later read that she had connections to the Copybush ponies, I understood why she was so quality.”

Ref: H&H 11 June 2020

You may also be interested in…

‘I loved her from the moment I saw her’: HOYS champion dies unexpectedly

8 of the most successful show horses who won at Royal Windsor as novices

If a novice wins at Windsor, you can almost guarantee it will go on to achieve big things in the

We can’t wait to see: ‘Classy’ show horse Times Square III

We miss watching our favourite horses during the Covid-19 lockdown, so we’re finding out more about some of the stars

Legends of our sport: Revered showman David Tatlow *H&H Plus*

As winner of scores of top-class championships, David Tatlow followed his father to become one of the most revered showmen

Top riders who started off in the show ring *H&H Plus*

Some of the world’s best jockeys, eventers, showjumpers and dressage riders started their equestrian careers in the show ring. Tricia

Pearl Underwood's Broadstone Dolce Vita (below) was crowned the Cuddy in-hand supreme champion at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) this evening (Friday 6 October). The broodmare, who was shown with her foal at foot, qualified at Derbyshire Festival (10-11 June) with Billy Moran and headed the horse championship in Birmingham before standing overall supreme.

Reserve was the pony champion, Litton Salvador (below), a three-year-old show hunter pony who is owned by Caroline Cochrane and Iain Almond.

Litton Salvador qualified with producer Ian Boylan at the National Pony Society Summer Championships (1-3 August).

The Cuddy supreme in-hand championship is the pinnacle of in-hand showing and the accolade that everyone wants to win. Here are the other 20 animals who qualified for the final this year:

Budore Big Jim

This six-year-old took the first ticket at the Northern Ireland Festival in April. The section D stallion, by Llansantffraed Bonheddwr, is home-bred by the Budore Welsh stud and handled by James Cleland, whose family owns the stud.

Alonby Chardonnier

The qualifier at Nottinghamshire County (13-14 May) went the way of this home-bred and home-produced three-year-old colt, led by Ian Boylan.

Moortown Crusader

This Dartmoor stallion, owned by Diane and John Jordan and led by their son David, qualified at Devon County (18-20 May).

Llanarth Fiery Jack

Simon Bigley presented this Welsh section D to take the ticket at Royal Bath & West (31-3 June).

Rhos Exception

Jill Godden’s home-bred show pony is a nine-year-old broodmare, who booked her passage to Birmingham at Midland Counties (3-4 June).

Moortown New Romance

The Jordan family’s 13-year-old Dartmoor mare with colt foal, by The Replica, took the ticket at Royal Cornwall Show (8-10 June).

Stage Music

Virginia Russell-Wood’s 10-year-old with Tiger Attack foal at foot was led to victory at South of England (8-10 June) by Geoff Grace.

Skellorn Bronze Soldier

Kerry Wainwright’s 10-year-old home-bred Welsh section B stallion netted his ticket at Royal Three Counties (16-18 June).

Paddock Rio

The Cuddy ticket at Royal Cheshire County (20-21 June) was handed to this seven-year-old belonging to Lynne Wilson and produced by Colin Tibbey. Colin is the defending supreme champion with last year’s victor Moelgarnedd Stadros.

Superior Choice

This two-year-old by Emperor Augustus is owned by Pat and Tim Martin and Dorothy and Keith Walsh and took the ticket at Royal Highland (22-25 June).

Sharptor Trinity

The only Shetland through to the final was this nine-year-old belonging to David Hodge and Julian Walters, who qualified at Royal Norfolk (28-29 June).

Langaller Leading Light

This three-year-old filly owned, bred and handled by Charles Upham qualified at the National Hunter Supreme Championships (4-5 July).

Castle Emperor

Vanessa Clark’s Connemara stallion is no stranger to the NEC spotlights; he took his fourth-ever ticket to the final at Kent County (7-9 July).

Eastlands Rashiebrae

Amateur Jessica Walsh booked a place in the Cuddy final at Great Yorkshire Show (11-13 July) with this Connemara mare, who was bred by her owners John and Dianna Staveley.

Bracklinn Jackpot

The Smith family’s 10-year-old home-bred Fell stallion, by Carrack I’m Your Man out of Southolme Beauty, qualified at The Showing Register’s summer show (15-16 July).

Manorlea Maisie May

Clive and Beverley Abel’s seven-year-old Welsh section A mare, by Shoregreen Cracker Jack, was victorious at the end of Sarah Tibbey’s lead-rein at the Scottish Horse Show (18 July).

Triple Crown

This two-year-old by Kings Master got through for Martin Wood — also owner of last year’s Cuddy in-hand horse champion and reserve supreme Ballycreen Rainbow Magic — by winning the qualifier at Royal Welsh (24-27 July), presented by Simon Charlesworth.

Fouroaks Coco Chanel

Sarah Tibbey led this 14-year-old Welsh section A broodmare to qualification at Pembrokeshire County (15-17 August). This was the third Tibbey-produced pony through to the final.

Shilstone Rocks North Westerly

This Dartmoor stallion (pictured winning at Ponies (UK)) belonging to Oliver Burchell and Linda Calcutt was HOYS-bound after contesting the qualifier at Bucks County.

Kellythorpes Provocateur

The Leeman family’s home-bred and home-produced three-year-old filly by Kilvington Scoundrel collected the last Cuddy ticket on offer at the BSHA national championships (8-10 September).

Don’t miss the full HOYS report in next week’s issue, on sale Thursday 12 October.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It is one of the most sought-after accolades, and last week we showed you the 22 animals vying to be crowned the Cuddy in-hand supreme champion.

This evening (5 October), Moelgarnedd Stadros stood top of a stellar final line-up at Horse of the Year Show. 

The six-year-old Welsh section B stallion (above) is owned by Gareth Williams and produced by Colin Tibbey.

Standing reserve supreme was the horse winner, Martin Wood’s Ballycreen Rainbow Magic, beautifully presented by Simon Charlesworth.

Martin and Simon were the defending champions after taking the title here last year with Romanno Royale, following Rendene Royal Charm’s success in 2014.

Reserve in-hand horse was Charles Upham’s Chantry Clover Girl, while the Shetland Sharptor Trinity stood reserve pony for David Hodge and Julian Walters.

There were 22 finalists, including an amateur husband and wife duo and several owners qualifying animals for the first time. Scroll down to see the full line up and find out where they collected their HOYS tickets.

1. Native Star

Sarah Milnes’ home-produced three-year-old collected her ticket at the BSHA National Champs (9-11 Sept), handled by Kerry Jagger.

2. Cockney Ruby

Simon Charlesworth presented this three-year-old by Rendene Royal Charm for Martin Wood at Bucks County (1 September).

3. Miss Velvet Brown

This three-year-old lifted the Cuddy qualifier for owner Rosemary Penn at the Sport Horse (GB) national hunter championships (20-21 August). Miss Velvet Brown is by Aveia and was bred by Ann Bassett.

4. Sharptor Trinity

This nine-year-old Shetland mare was pulled forward from 13 entries at Pembrokeshire County (16-18 August). She is owned by David Hodge and Julian Walters, who are based in Okehampton, Devon.

5. Tiger Attack

Billy and Joanne Moran’s home-bred four-year-old topped a 19-strong class at the NPS Summer Championships (2-4 August).

6. Colbeach Duet

A former winner under saddle at HOYS and the Royal International, Jerome Harforth’s eight-year-old picked up her Cuddy ticket at the Scottish Horse Show (19 July). The mare was shown with her first foal at foot — a filly by Turberry Top Cat.

7. Ballycreen Rainbow Magic

This is the second qualified horse owned by Martin Wood. The three-year-old by Kings Master is produced by Steve Pitt and stood top of 18 entries at TSR Summer Gala (16-17 July).

8. Idyllic Perdita

Allister Hood judged the Cuddy qualifier at Great Yorkshire Show (12-14 July), where his choice was this nine-year-old home-bred of Mark and Liz Kilbey. The welsh section A, shown with her colt foal at foot, is the first Cuddy finalist for the Kilbeys in nine years.

9. Berkeley Square

This Irish-bred grey shown with her Wish Upon A Star foal at foot is owned by Michael Cooke and Tony Reynolds. She collected her ticket at Kent County (8-10 July) and this is the first horse that Michael and Tony have qualified for the final.

10. Paddock Rio

Lynn Wilson’s six-year-old Welsh section B stallion topped the Cuddy qualifier at Royal Norfolk (29-30 June).

11. Kellythorpes Notorious

Lisha Leeman’s colt by Kilvington Scoundrel qualified at Royal Highland (23-26 June). The yearling is produced by Jerome Harforth and was shown by James Crockford.

12. Moelgarnedd Stadros

Producer Colin Tibbey led this Welsh section B to victory at Royal Cheshire (21-22 June). The six-year-old by Hilin Carnedd out of Weston Park Musk Rose is owned by Gareth Williams and has been used at stud for the last two seasons.

13. Valeur Dancing Fairy Lustre

This 15-year-old section B broodmare collected a first in-hand ticket for Paul and Julie Landon at Royal Welsh (18-21 June).

14. Moorcroft Master Tom

Carl Hester had 15 forward at Royal Three Counties (17-19 June), and he awarded the ticket to this Welsh section C stallion. The six-year-old is owned by Dafydd and Sian Morris, and was shown by Dafydd.

15. Fouroaks Coco Chanel

It poured with rain during the Cuddy qualifier at Derbyshire Festival (11-12 June), but this Welsh section A still dazzled to collect the ticket for owner/handler Sarah Tibbey. Coco Chanel, by Gwynrosyn Frenin out of Fouroaks Carmela, was given to Sarah by breeder John Lowe as a surprise Christmas present.

16. Chantry Clover Girl

This 12-year-old will be making her fourth appearance in the final at HOYS after Henrietta Knight gave her a ticket at Royal Cornwall (9-11 June). Led by Charles Upham, the mare is by Power Blade and out of Paris Clover.

17. Raritat

Jane Townshend’s sport horse has showjumped to 1.20m level in the Netherlands, and collected her Cuddy ticket at South of England (9-11 June). The mare was shown by Alex Kelly with her seven-week-old Timolin foal at foot.

18. Castle Emperor

Vanessa Clark’s Connemara stallion headed the Cuddy line-up at Midland Counties (4-5 June). Vanessa produces the five-year-old herself and he meets handler Jack Cochrane at shows.

19. Shildon’s Excalibur

Bath & West (1-4 June) was this three-year-old’s second-ever outing for owner/breeder Vicki Rudd, and he duly earned a Cuddy ticket. The Welsh part-bred by Rotherwood Peeping Tom, led by Mark Reeves, was chosen from a line-up of 24.

20. Ysselvliedts Highwood

This Dutch-bred Welsh section A is home-produced by amateur husband and wife team Nicky and Tony McGuire. Nicky works at an animal feed store and Tony, who led the eight-year-old stallion at Devon County (19-21 May), is a gardener.

Continued below…

Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:

Heavy horses take centre stage at HOYS with return of musical drive

Sarah Parker: sneak a look at the yard of a HOYS champion

21. Colne Tigerbay

Ann Overton-Ablitt’s home-bred section A stallion qualified at Nottingham County (14-15 May). Handled by his producer Sam Morsley, the three-year-old is by Nantdywyll Telor and out of Colne Tiara.

22. Brookvale Mr Tom

The first Cuddy ticket up for grabs in the Emerald Isle — at the Northern Ireland Festival (22-24 April) — went to this six-year-old by Mynach Arion. Owned by Connor McCormick, the home-bred stallion was led by Connor’s son, Charlie.

Don’t miss the full HOYS report in the 13 October issue of Horse & Hound.

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

Irish competitors will no longer have to travel overseas to pick up a ticket for a number of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) showing classes, as qualifiers will return to the Emerald Isle in 2016.

Six qualifying classes will be held at the Northern Ireland Festival (22-24 April). Show organiser John Irwin told H&H he has been “walking on air” since receiving the confirmation on 30 November.

The show has been granted qualifiers for the Cuddy working hunter of the year championship (horses) as well as the 133cm, 143cm, 153cm and intermediate working hunter pony of the year. It has also been awarded a Cuddy in-hand championship qualifier.

“It has been a while since we have had HOYS qualifiers in Ireland, and to get that range is fantastic,” Mr Irwin said. “It just lifts the show to a different level.”

Tattersalls and Clogher Valley Show are among the Irish shows that have held qualifiers in the past.

However, no HOYS-connected classes were held in Ireland in 2015.

Mr Irwin started the festival 11 years ago and it has grown from being a one-day show with 300 entries to a two-and-a-half-day show with 1,600 entries.

He said that next year he has plans for it to run over the full three days and the total prize fund will be around £16,000.

The show is held just over the border in the Republic of Ireland at Cavan Equestrian Centre in Latt.

“My phone has not stopped ringing — so many people are excited,” he said.

Grandstand Media — which runs HOYS — has not yet released its full list of qualifiers for next year’s show.

A Grandstand Media spokesman told H&H on 26 November that qualifiers are usually finalised by the end of the year.

Ref: H&H 10 December, 2015

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 15-year-old Welsh section C mare clinched the result of her life when taking the Cuddy supreme in-hand title at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Ceri Fell’s Parvadean Delight (pictured right qualifying at Royal Norfolk) had tried four times before being officially retired on her last appearance in 2008. However, her condition at the beginning of the year led owner Ceri and breeder Justin Davis to give her another shot, and this time, she was the one in the final spotlight.

Reserve went to the horse section winner. This was the much-fancied hunter filly, Rosemary Penn’s two-year-old chestnut Hunter Show champion, Lovestruck, shown by Steve Pitt.

Hotly contested M&M working hunter pony classes played to packed stands and after three excellent sections, the title went to Sophie Hetherton-Davies with her six-year-old Fell gelding, Brooksand Kitchener. This was a first HOYS win for Sophie, who has been competing here for more than 12 years.

David Cole’s inventive course, which included a mock ‘Stonehenge’ complex, jumped well and there were plenty of clears, particularly in the lower divisions.

One of the best came from last year’s dual ridden and worker champion, the Dartmoor stallion Pumphill Buckthorn, who won a strong class and went on to take reserve with Sarah Parker (nee Challinor).

Sue Fairlie’s home-bred Welsh D, Fairlies Red Flare, repeated last year’s result to head the over 138cm class for Amy James.

The Colne Mountain & Moorland mini sash went to the lead rein victor, the six-year-old Dartmoor Newoak Balladier, ridden by Victoria McDowall and produced by Julie Templeton. The first ridden winner, Georgia Darlington with the evergreen Welsh section A, Wortley Celebration, stood reserve.

Stay in touch with all the action from HOYS on Horseandhound.co.uk throughout the show and enjoy over 20 pages of reports in next Thursday’s magazine.

Thursday showing results

Colne M&M mini (M Northam) FR.– 1 & res, S Darlington’s Wortley Celebration; 2, E Lister’s Dykes Diplomead; 3, A Bromwich’s Waulkmill Redstart. LR.– 1 & ch, A McDowall’s Newoak Balladier; 2, K Cutler’s Monksfield Hunstman; 3, K Williams’ Horninglow Derwent. PRP Rescue Services M&M WHP (Ms D Chadwick, M Northam) 122cm.– 1 & res, P Hall’s Pumphill Buckthorn; 2, J Armson’s Hanmere Showman; 3, F Suffling’s Briars Amaretto. 138cm.– 1 & ch, S Smith’s Brooksand Kitchener; 2, H Somerset’s Tyasn Tullamore; 3, C Harrison’s Furzeley Charade. exc 138cm.– 1, S Fairlie’s Fairlies Red Flare; 2, M Norris’ Dolellog Ceris; 3, S Potts’ Claremont Spiral. Cuddy supreme in-hand (R Oliver, D Blair) pony.– 1 & ch, C Fell’s Parvadean Delight; 2, J Harforth’s Stanley Grange Cocksure; 3, J & D Jordan’s Moortown Countryman. horse.– 1 & res, R Penn’s Lovestruck; 2, P P Jarret & D Evans’ Eastern Index; 3, G Brereton’s Catwalk.

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 victorious return for Mandy Higgins’s Pinewell Bucks Fizz saw the Section A stallion stand Cuddy supreme champion for the second year in succession at HOYS.

Bred and shown by Colin Tibby, the attractive roan claimed titles at South of England, Cheshire County and Scottish Horse, as well as going supreme at Newark and Notts this season.

“I’m speechless,” said Mandy, “until last year I’d never even had a horse qualify for HOYS.”

Paul Armitage took reserve with John Dunlop’s Little Alice after heading the Cuddy supreme horses. The homebred 11-year-old has taken titles at The Royal show, Three Counties and also the National Hunter show.

“Little Alice was second here in the Ladies Hunter with Sue Rawding in 2004, and fourth in 2006,” said Paul, “This is her first foal, and she is back in foal to Roeview Pride.”

Sally Carpenter’s Willoway Lord of the Rings claimed the mountain and moorland working hunter pony title, ridden by her niece Charlotte Harlow.

“The over 138cms was a technical course and up to height, you had to get the right stride to be in with a chance,” said Charlotte, “but I enjoyed every minute of it.”

Julie Barton’s Dartmoor stallion Moortown Honeyman, who triumphed here two years ago returned to head the 122cms mountain and moorland workers with Kate Bacon and take reserve.

The 138cms went to Katy Seedhouse with her mother’s Springfieldpark Razzle. As Katy is studying law at Warwick University she relies on her younger brother Alastair and her mother Paula to keep the Welsh section C fit.

“We’ve had a few comments about his weight,” said Katy, “but whilst he lives on fresh air, my mother has lost two stone exercising him for me.”

Yasmin Cuddy headed the intermediate show hunters with her mother’s Galtee Park after qualifying at their first and only attempt at BSPS Area 16, Wincanton.

Stay up to date with the latest news from HOYS on Horseandhound.co.uk, plus don’t miss H&H’s 17-page report on all the action from HOYS, on sale 15 October

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 part-bred Arab bloomed in front of a packed audience to land the Horse of the Year Show Cuddy Breeders’ Supreme in-hand ticket at the Royal Cornwall Show — marking a first major win for her owners.

Leading Wycroft Passion Flower to the top in-hand accolade was Andrew Pitman, who described the moment he was called forward with the two-year-old bay filly as “something he had always dreamed of”.

Passion Flower, also known as Flora, won the two and three-year-old class on her way to claiming the Anglo and part-bred Arab championship.

“I’ve never won it before and we are absolutely delighted,” said Andrew, who led Flora for her owners Lynda Goodall and her mother Jacky Upward. “As a breeder it’s very difficult to get recognised — it’s all my breeding which makes it even more special,” he added.

Eighteen breed champions made it back for the Cuddy on the second day of the show, all closely inspected by judge Frances Cash, who made the trip to Cornwall from Ireland.

“She’s very elegant and a lovely model,” said Frances. “She has the makings of what I would like to think will be a very nice child’s show pony,” she said.

Don’t miss H&H’s full report from Royal Cornwall in a forthcoming issue of H&H

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It was third time lucky for Barbara Smith’s home-bred riding pony champion Fenwick Bloomsbury, who landed the Horse of the Year Show Cuddy Breeders’ Supreme in-hand ticket at the Bath & West Show.

Barbara’ son Nigel led Fenwick Bloomsbury to the top in-hand accolade, having previously stood reserve in the Cuddy at Devon County and Newark and Notts this term.

The chestnut mare won her brood mare class on her way to claiming the riding pony breeding championship.

“She has a lot of fans,” said Barbara, who is yet to watch Bloomsbury get beaten this year. “I am very pleased, but I was convinced it was going to happen to her somewhere.”

The 11-year-old, by Dawnway Minstrel Man, was previously shown at HOYS under saddle and was first shown as a brood mare last season taking championships at Three Counties and the NPS championship show.

A curious grandstand audience followed Stuart Hollings close inspection of the line-up of 18 finalists, which he eventually reduced to five when moved in to the main ring.

“The mare’s lap of honour just said it all,” enthused Stuart.

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

Just 24 hours before Horse of the Year Show’s (HOYS) Cuddy supreme in-hand championship, judge Jennifer Williams was asked to stand down due to a connection with producer Jerome Harforth, who had three exhibits qualified for the Cuddy.

Shortly before HOYS started, both Mrs Williams and the Yorkshire producer received anonymous letters threatening to expose them to the BBC.

Mrs Willliams was invited to judge at HOYS in May 2007. In May 2008, before Mr Harforth had qualified any horses for the Cuddy championship, she sent a broodmare to stud at his Stanley Grange Stables.

Under all breed society rules this connection is acceptable, but under HOYS rules it is not.

“Sadly, when Mrs Williams brought this letter to our attention, we had no option but to ask her to stand down,” said Mark Wein of HOYS organisers Grandstand Media.

With no time left to find an alternative, the long-standing judge Eddie Tamplin took sole charge of the championship.

Mrs Williams, wife of the late Dorian Williams, has had a long involvement with HOYS. She told H&H she was “devastated”.

“I feel deeply upset that something like this has happened, especially in the diamond jubilee year. I shall be seeking advice whether any further action can be taken [against the letter writers],” said Mrs Williams.

Mr Harforth said he was unaware of the HOYS ruling.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (16 October, ’08)

Watch Horse of the Year Show videos

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

Mandy Higgins’ charismatic seven-year-old roan section A stallion Pinewell Bucks Fizz, handled by Colin Tibbey, took the Cuddy supreme award on the second day of the Horse of the Year Show’s diamond jubilee.

“When he was born we thought the name suited his colour,” said Mandy, “but we soon discovered it suited his character as a foal.”

Robert Walker had to do a marathon sprint from one end of the complex, after winning in the hacks, in order to show Jill Day’s two-year-old hunter Vantage Point to head the Cuddy horses.

“This really was a first,” said Jill, “as we never show in hand, but he’d already qualified when I bought him after Newark & Notts.”

After the first mountain and moorland working hunter pony class produced several clears, it was all change as poles fell and eliminations mounted up in the next class. However, Barbara Williams’ Trefynys Princess Saskia and Louise Jones went clear for the section C mare to claim the title.

“I think after the first class they upped the height and then the doubles were catching ponies out,” said Barbara. “But Louise rode it really well, and Saskia is so full of character she just makes you smile.”

Reserve for the second year running went to Katie Bacon with Julie Barton’s Moortown Honeyman who took the title here two years ago. The Dartmoor stallion’s breeders Diane and John Jordan, travelled up from Devon to support him. They have produced two Cuddy finalists previously.

Natasha Yates was another to score her first HOYS win when taking the iintermediate show hunter title with Twice as Smart. Lightly shown this season, the five-year-old who was champion at East of England is produced in Wales with Debbie Thomas, and meets up with Natasha, who works in London, at shows. He will go home to Cornwall for a winter break.

Results Thursday 9 October

Balanced horse feeds working hunter M&M(P Rennie, K James) 122cms.— 1& res. J Barton’s Moortown Honeyman; 2, J Price’s Colliyers Oriel; 3, K James’s Bronheulog Monarch. do 138— 1& ch. B Williams’s Trefynys Princess Saskia; 2, A Bebbington’s Rushmoor Sunrise; 3, J Cooper’s Starcrest Mel Aur. do 148.— 1, T Barrett’s Prince; 2, C McCullagh’s Gwarchod Sparkling Comet; 3, P Cox’s Burnmoor Caradog.

Cuddy supreme in hand (C Tamplin) pony.— 1 & ch. A Higgins’s Pinewell Bucks Fizz; 2, A Daunt’s Cotrell Lara; 3, S Grimshaw’s Moluccas Cinnamon Secret. do horse.— 1& res. J Day’s Vantage Point; 2, T Wareham’s Top Totty; 3, M Hennesey’s Atonement.

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

TONY WAREHAM realised a lifetime’s ambition for breeder Val Scouller when her home-bred hunter mare, Bonheur, earned the Cuddy in-hand Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ticket at Kent County (11-13 July).

“I’ve been showing for her for 40 years and, as Val’s not in the best of health, I’m absolutely delighted to be able to make this phone call,” said Tony.

The mare, by the show jumping stallion Earl Cottage, had previously been reserve twice in Cuddy qualifiers, after standing champion at Devon, Royal Cornwall and Three Counties.

On her only other outing this term, the seven-year-old won her small broodmare class at the Royal. And here, as an added bonus, her foal — by Deltic — was also champion.

Judge Guy Landau — in unaccustomed role — was thorough in his inspection of all 16 finalists, but had little hesitation in awarding reserve to Anna Ash’s Welsh section A mare, Loxwell Pippa. This was totally unexpected by the family and Anna could hardly speak.

“We bought her from Hay-on-Wye sales,” she said through the tears. “Never in our wildest dreams did we think she would do so well — we’ve never even been in a Cuddy qualifier before.”

Read H&H’s full report on all the show ring action from Kent County in the current issue of Horse & Hound (24 July, ’08)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A pure-bred Irish Draught mare made history at Harrogate when she became the first of her breed to win the Cuddy qualifier at the Great Yorkshire Show (8-10 July) — and, it is believed, be the first ever to qualify for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Judge Margaret Furness had 14 animals to choose from, with five called forward for further inspection. Enid Lord’s home-bred 16-year-old broodmare, Ballineen Glen Abbess, got the nod over Sue Grimshaw’s riding pony breeding champion, Kitty Kelley, making her first — and last — showring appearance this year with her first foal at foot.

Preston-based Enid Lord last competed at HOYS as a show jumper on her home-produced mare, Banbury Cross, in 1993 — finishing fifth in the grade C final — and little did she dream she would be returning.

“I honestly thought there was no point in us going into the Cuddy, but I always believe in supporting the breed, so I did,” she said. “I will be so proud to represent them at HOYS.”

Glen Abbess has been a wonderful model and last year, while she was in-foal, stood ridden and in-hand champion at the Royal and won the Blue Chip ridden title. This year, she repeated her Royal in-hand form and this was also her second consecutive Great Yorkshire Show in-hand tricolour.

Her strapping foal, by her own Irish draught stallion Bealagh Blue, was champion colt foal in the hunter breeding section and reserve foal overall.

Read H&H’s full showing report from the Great Yorkshire Show in this week’s Horse & Hound (24 July, ’08), on sale now

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 Welsh Mountain pony stood out from the crowd to land the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) Cuddy Breeders’ Supreme in-hand ticket at the Royal Cornwall Show.

Leading Vervale Galileo to the top in-hand accolade was Colin Tibbey, who described the seven-year-old grey as a “beautiful pattern of a pony”.

The Welsh section A won his stallion class on his way to claiming the section A championship.

“He’s got that extra bit of snap about him which makes him stand out from the crowd,” said Colin, who leads Galileo for his hairdresser owner Clive Johnston, of Northern Ireland.

A curious grandstand audience followed Henrietta Knight’s close inspection of the quality line-up of 18 finalists, which she eventually reduced to six.

“He’s an outstanding pony,” said Henrietta. “He’s a lovely model of a Welsh Mountain pony – just look at the way he moves,” she said.

By Springbourne Caraway, Galileo has so far been unbeaten in his breed sections.

“He’s a very correct pony, but there were some good animals out there today,” said Colin. “This is his fourth breed championship win and his second supreme championship.”

“This is my first season showing him and he’s got quite a busy schedule ahead of him after today – including the Royal Welsh.”

Don’t miss H&H’s full report on the showing classes at Royal Cornwall, on sale 19 June, ’08

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A three-year-old sports horse breeding champion exceeded all expectations to land the HOYS Cuddy Breeders’ Supreme in-hand ticket for first time mother and daughter duo, Lyndsey and Linda Head.

Having never contested a Cuddy championship before, it was an “overwhelming” experience the pair said they’ll never forget.

After winning the sports horse breeding championship with their homebred Lyndell Amadallas, the Welsh breeders returned to clinch the HOYS ticket on the final day of Devon County show.

The liver chestnut mare gleamed as Arthur Illsley gave a full inspection of his 16 finalists, which he eventually reduced to six.

“She’s had a great career so far but I never expected this,” said Lyndsey, who led the daughter of Abraham to victory for her mother Linda. “She was champion of the hunter breeding at the Royal Welsh as a yearling and champion sport horse,” added Lyndsey, who also won the sports horse yearling class at the Exeter venue with Amadallas’ full sister Lyndell Andorra.

The good news was welcomed by all the family who recently had to have another full sister to Amadallas put down five weeks after birth.

“The foal was born with carpal valgus and although we tried to fight it for five weeks, there was nothing more we could do,” said Lyndsey. “The mother was then found a Welsh section C foal by the National Foaling Bank, who has been absolutely brilliant.”

Lyndsey said she has just started to break Amadallas, who she hopes to bring out under saddle next year before aiming her at an eventing career.

“My champion was typical of a good sport horse,” said judge Arthur Illsley. “She’s got lovely movement and is the sort of horse that you can see really doing something in the future — whether it’s in the eventing world or in the hunting field.”

Read H&H’s full report from the showing rings at Devon County, on sale 29 May, ’08

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Mountain Firefly, the reigning Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Champion at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), has died of a complicated colic at the age of nine.

Jack Cochrane, who inherited the mare after the death of her breeder, the late Ann Vos, in 2005, said: “I’m devastated.”

The mare, by Primitive Rising out of Fire Mountain, was also supreme at the 2007 National Hunter Show and her Catherston Dazzler foal, Firebrand, won both his classes.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (6 March, ’08)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A three-year-old hunter champion claimed the Cuddy In-Hand Championship at Bucks County Show – marking a double triumph for Moggy Hennessy this season.

Having already taken a Cuddy ticket at Kent County with her eye-catching roan Now We Know, Moggy is now Birmingham-bound with the bay gelding X Factor after winning the hunter breeding championship.

“I would not like to be the judge at HOYS because they are two very decent horses,” said Moggy, who is hoping X Factor’s previous owner Desmond Gibson, of Northern Ireland, will lead the three-year-old champion at the NEC in October.

X Factor, who was bred by Shirley and Jim Hurst, originally came from Ireland and his sire, Porsch, was a top show jumper.

“X Factor is the best in-hand show horse I have ever owned,” added Moggy. “I would love him for next year but they are all sold when they are three. He’s definitely the best potential show horse I’ve had – he’s very special and very aptly named.

“It has been a major achievement to get them both to HOYS and it’s been a fantastic season.”

www.hoys.co.uk

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

Glyncoch Hyfryd made a dream come true for her owner and producer Jan Pearce, when picking up a ticket to the 2007 Cuddy final at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at Builth Wells (23-26 July).

The Welsh Section A won her broodmare class on her way to claiming the section A championship. The 14-year-old grey mare is both bred and produced by the Pearce family.

“It was our dream to win at the Royal Welsh,” said Jan. “Our dream came true in our class, the championship and in the Cuddy, so we’re still on a cloud.”

Reserve in the Cuddy was the riding pony champion Bradmore Celebration, shown by Craig Elenor. By Sandbourne Royal Ensign, the two-year-old filly has already taken reserve in the Cuddy at Royal Bath and West and won the supreme riding pony championship at Three Counties this season.

“My champion was a beautiful section A mare,” said Cuddy judge Eddie Tamplin. “She was better than anything else in the class. My reserve was a lovely riding pony, who looked absolutely immaculate today.”

Read H&H full report from the Royal Welsh in the current issue of Horse & Hound (9 August, ’07)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Championship at Kent County Show has been somewhat of a Welsh breed benefit of late, but this year things swung in favour of the horses — much to the delight and relief of Moggy Hennessy and her hunter young stock champion, the eye-catching roan Now We Know.

Now We Know contests both hunter young stock and sport horse breeding classes, and is having a great season — picking up championships at Newark, East of England, South of England and Royal Norfolk so far this term.

“Today’s judge was a hunter man, but nine out of 10 times they don’t always go for the hunter types in a Cuddy,” said Moggy. “He likes horses to have good bone — and Pinky has so much timber.”

Reserve in the Cuddy was Emma Edwards’s yearling Runnow Rio Grande, who headed the sport horse breeding championship the previous day,.

.

“Runnow Rio Grande is home-bred and the seventh generation my mum and I have bred,” said Emma of the Catherston Dazzler-Copacabana yearling. “He’s an absolute sweetie and he knows he’s gorgeous.”

Read H&H’s full report from Kent County in tomorrow’s magazine (26 July, ’07)

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 broodmare contesting her final season in the show ring fulfilled all ambitions to land the HOYS Cuddy Breeders’ Supreme in-hand ticket.

It was the moment Cathy Wood will never forget, and one she will cherish forever – leading her own broodmare to glory in the top in-hand accolade at Royal Cornwall Show.

Having taken the riding horse broodmare championship with Woodlander Ilena, the Devon breeder returned to collect the HOYS ticket the following day.

The 12-year-old black mare sparkled as a packed grandstand followed Marion Thomas’s close inspection of the quality line-up of 18 finalists, which she eventually reduced to five.

“This mare has brought us a fantastic foal every season,” said Cathy, who jointly owns Ilena with Margaret Boyles. “We never normally do the Cuddy so I was already packed up ready to go home. We then decided we would give it a go so I had to ring my boss and ask for an extra day off,” she added.

By Woodlander Idor, Ilena has bred six nice foals – this year’s filly, currently unnamed, also won her class at the Wadebridge venue, while Ilena’s three-year-old son Elusive II, stood reserve to her in the riding horse brood mare and young stock championship.

“She’s a lovely mare who is so free moving and so correct,” said Marion. “She is producing nice animals because she’s so good herself. And I can see she has a lovely attitude to life.”

Cathy said: “I always think it’s fantastic to win against their own type, but to compete against other breeds is a different ball game all together.”

Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s full report from the Royal Cornwall Show, on sale 21 June, ’07

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

For the first time in the 26-year history of the prestigious Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Championship, a coloured horse will contest the HOYS final.

Richard Meade’s momentous decision in selecting Tracey Veale’s three-year-old skewbald filly, Shybont Bean Dance, for the top in-hand accolade at Royal Cornwall marked a milestone for breeders and producers of coloured horses all over the country. Word spread quickly.

“This is a great day for coloured horses,” said Lynda Lodge, British Skewbald and Piebald Society (BSPA) chairman. “Judges have started to look beyond the colour.”

For Devon-based Tracey Veale, who works as a part-time secretary and produces her horses from a DIY livery yard, it was a dream come true.

“The past couple of days have been surreal,” said Tracey. “Our lorry broke down twice on the way here and then my hunter kicked me in the leg, leaving me too lame to run up my filly. If it wasn’t for Tracey Kelly, I could have packed up and gone home. I didn’t ring her until 10.30pm, but as soon as I told her of my plight, she offered to show my mare.”

“This was a very interesting class, full of extremely fine specimens,” said Richard Meade. “It was a close decision, but my winner was well balanced and very well-proportioned for a three-year-old. I liked this filly very much and she deserved to win.”

Bred by Susan Hale of the Shybont Stud in Wales, the daughter of Wendy Bartlett’s stallion Masterpiece was acquired by Tracey when spotted by her mother, Greta, winning the yearling class at Devon County.

• Read the full report from Royal Cornwall in tomorrow’s Horse & Hound (22 June ’06)

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