Watching John Whitaker win the Cock O’ The North at the Great Yorkshire Show last week was an incredible experience. To lift a major trophy 51 years after your first victory is an achievement you simply couldn’t replicate in any other sport.

John admitted afterwards that this was the best of his seven wins and the atmosphere in the arena was special. The whole experience gave you goosebumps.

If last-man-in Richard Howley had jumped clear and snatched the win, I think the crowd would have booed him out of the ring. That’s despite how many years he’s spent living in Yorkshire! The backing you get from the home crowd is unmatched.

The Cock O’ The North is a unique class. While the Hickstead Derby is equally timeless, the Cock is accessible to most grand prix horses. That said, it usually takes a round in that massive arena for horses to settle and get their heads around the obstacles, like the double of walls and brushes.

There was a time when course-designers put real imagination into creating these enduring challenges. They carry just as much prestige today as they did half a century ago, which makes me wonder if we are capable of creating modern equivalents.

It remains one of a handful of events that hasn’t lost its value or respect and is arguably our biggest truly national class. Part of the magic is how easy the class is to follow for the public, to the point where even the security staff were buzzing about John’s win.

Despite everything he has achieved, John remains completely down to earth. I spent two hours wandering around the cattle lines with him. The Great Yorkshire is a proper county show, where you can still sit in the Jersey cattle shed and have a coffee with a group of local farmers.

“Only as good as the entry list”

A show is only ever as good as the riders on the entry list, and while big names still want to win at Great Yorkshire, how many of our top 20 riders do you see supporting our national championships? In Belgium or the Netherlands, team selection dictates that riders must compete at their national finals and it preserves their status.

Many of our finals have lost their gloss. The Big Star six-year-old final was fantastic when it was held at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), but now it has dwindled to the point where we sometimes see only 12 to 15 entries in a qualifier.

I talked about the talent seekers in my last column, and how difficult it was for course-designers to build a track that could cater for seven-year-olds and a broader spectrum of horses.

It’s a class that undoubtedly needs a rethink, but it’s attracted the biggest numbers of any qualifier this year. So when the discussion happens, we have to remember that changes need to benefit not only horses and riders but the show centres, who are also trying to make a living.

A framework for progression

One thing they have on the Continent that we lack is a framework for progression. Countries like France require riders to lodge a certain number of clears before they can step up. In Britain, someone jumping a 1m track today could enter a grand prix next weekend.

A tiered structure would raise standards, protect horse welfare and give riders meaningful milestones.

Without the current blanket approach, tack rules could also be tiered. Grouping a grassroots rider jumping 80cm into the exact same bracket as a professional jumping 1.30m makes zero sense.

Other countries adapt bit rules by level. In Germany, young horses must compete in a simple snaffle until they are six years old.

You only have to look at the Billy Stud to see the success of that approach; their young horses are almost always in snaffles.

It reminds me of a brilliant exchange between Tony Pavitt and Marcus Ehning in a collecting ring. Tony asked Marcus what they do in Germany if a young horse can’t go in a snaffle. Marcus just smiled and said: “We sell them to England!”

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Thwaites’ King’s Hurricane ruled in the Shire ranks at the 2026 Great Yorkshire Show, where he exuded presence and power while handled by Thwaites’ head horseman Richard Green to land the breed tricolour.

Known as “Duke” at home, he joined the Thwaites Shire Horse team as a three-year-old after being crowned junior champion at the National Shire Horse Show.

“From the moment he arrived, his education began as we started the process of breaking him to drive, with the aim of him becoming one of our working promotional horses,” explained Bev Holland, who works alongside Richard and Jonathan Jones to care for the team.

This is not Duke’s first success this term. Earlier in the season he won the four-year-old and over gelding class at the Shire Horse Society’s National Spring Show and was crowned champion gelding, before going on to claim the breed tricolour at Royal Lancashire.

Meanwhile, Duke’s driving training has continued alongside his showing, and he also competed in the driving ranks at Harrogate – his second show pulling the carriage.

Away from the show ring, Duke has spent the season representing Thwaites at hotels, inns and pubs across the country.

“He has quickly become a reliable and impressive ambassador for the company, taking everything in his stride as he continues to develop into a first-class driving horse,” said Bev.

“In the stable, Duke is a much-loved character with a wonderful personality. He’s always the first to greet everyone in the morning with a cheerful whinny, usually accompanied by a gentle bang on his stable door to remind us that breakfast is due.

“And after a busy day’s work, it’s fair to say Duke enjoys his own Thwaites tradition too – a pint of Thwaites Original, which he thoroughly appreciates!”

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Native type coloured pony Burghwallis Rainbow Warrior defied his odds and won a cracking coloured championship at the Great Yorkshire Show.

He was ridden by his owner Lucie Gordon Burgess, who had already steered him to win their class at The Lincolnshire to pick up a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ticket, only to go one better and stand champion coloured at Harrogate.

Lucie has had the six-year-old since he was three, and had lightly shown him until this season.

“He was backed and ridden away, then left to mature over winter and did a handful of novice shows in 2024, then again last year.

“He has come out this year completely on form after a tough start to the year with me moving bases and setting up completely on my own.”

The pair have also qualified for the Royal International Horse Show and London International Horse Show.

His rise through the ranks is all the more special to his team as he incurred a catalogue of issues as a youngster.

“He was a red bag delivery and never stood up for the first 24hrs of his life; vets thought he had neurological problems or some sort of toxin in his body as he really wasn’t well,” Lucie said.

“He came through it only to have major stress laminitis from the stress of weaning from his mother. As a yearling he was castrated and got the most horrific infection , which led to lots and lots of antibiotics which in turn gave him grade four gastric ulcers at 14 months old.

“He’s been through a lot in his short life and he really doesn’t know how special he is; he’s the happiest little pony.”

Reserve for the coloured championship at Great Yorkshire was Gail Conroy and Gillian Richardson’s Hykos Valentino (Finn), piloted by a beaming Anna Teague, 14, who had earlier netted Anna’s first HOYS pass in the non-native pony division.

“We have been lucky to have Finn on our yard since he was an unbroken four-year-old, and he first qualified the following year,” said Anna’s aunt, Jennifer Cowen.

This will be Finn’s third NEC trip.

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HAPPY tears flowed freely at the Great Yorkshire Show as Class One Irish Draught mare Appleton Aristocratic Lady (Libby) was led to victory in the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) Price Family supreme in-hand championship qualifier by her speechless breeder Jane Strickland.

It’s believed that the seven-year-old is the first of her breed to qualify here, a bonus for Yorkshire lass Jane.

Libby is out of Hazevern Royal Concerto – initially bought for Jane’s partner Ian to hunt – and by Corrindon Dancer.

When “Draughtie” needed assistance to foal, Jane called on her brother Andrew, who was ringside with Ian during the championship, and between them, they delivered Libby.

Determined that the foal would be a colt, Jane had intended to name him Walter after her father, but switched to Libby in honour of her mother Alice Elizabeth instead.

“And we were fortunate enough to take the prefix Mum had when we were showing riding ponies many years ago,” she explained.

Jane started showing the mare last year, both in hand and ridden.

“We started to realise we had something a bit better than we thought so we thought we’d do a bit more with her this year. I’ve always looked at her in the field and thought I like her, but I’m biased,” said Jane.

“I was wondering ‘what am I doing, entering back into this competitive world’, so for my 60th, my friend got me a ringcraft lesson.”

Having worked hard to improve their ridden performances, Jane and Libby are bound for Hickstead in the amateur hunter ranks this term, and her initial aim was the ridden Irish Draught class here – they finished fifth in extremely strong company – but thought that she “may as well enter the in-hand too”.

Standing supreme champion was more than she had dared dream.

“We showed here as children with riding ponies, but we never got into the main ring. I had no idea what we were going to do. Someone said I’d need to run the length of the grandstand and I thought I’d need oxygen! To run all the way round was impossible but it was nice to hear the cheers for the Irish Draught.

“This will take a few days to sink in. I just wish my mum and dad could have seen her, though I’m sure they’re watching from above.”

In reserve was Inverness-based Hunter Macdonald with his grandfather David Shand’s home-bred sports horse champion Achilty Miss Isabella. The two-year-old Trakehner filly is lightly but successfully shown, with two wins and a reserve title at the Royal Highland, and standing reserve overall light horse champion at Hambleton en route to Harrogate.

“It was incredible and such a privilege to show in that ring with that electric atmosphere. She’ll do a few more shows now and hopefully luck will be on our side somewhere along the road,” said Hunter, who had also watched Achilty Top Gun qualify for HOYS in the middleweight hunters earlier in the week with Richard Telford on board.

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John Whitaker joked that he “didn’t want to make it too easy” for the younger members of his family as he pipped nephew James to win the Cock O’ the North at the Great Yorkshire Show for the seventh time – 51 years after he first won the prestigious title.

John and his veteran superstar Equine America Unick Du Francport were second-last to go in the seven-strong final round, and as they went in in was James and Just Call Me Henry’s time of 40.7sec that was the one to beat.

John said it was “one of those rounds that everything came off”; they accelerated from the start, 18-year-old “Frank” looking like a horse 10 years younger as they cruised fast and sure, getting a cracking turn to the multicoloured oxer and taking a stride out to the second-last.

The noise from the crowd was building from the double of walls – and it became a roar as they cleared the final GYS planks to stop the clock on 38.77sec. Last to go Richard Howley and Hornet Des Grange finished a shade in front – but agonisingly tipped the very last fence for four faults.

“It felt really good,” John said. “My plan was just to try to beat James as Call Me Henry and James are very quick and mine isn’t really that quick. I made a plan and just knew I had to do everything from the word go.

“We were quick everywhere and everything came up; every time I turned, I had a stride, and he’s on really good form, which helps. He’s great.”

John added that it was “fantastic” to win the title again.

“It’s just a great show,” he said. “The Cock O’ the North is always an unbelievable atmosphere, and not a spare seat. It’s proper lovely, nice jumping.”

And asked what James said afterwards, John said “he didn’t say a lot, really!”

“I don’t want to make it too easy for the younger guys!” he said.

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A £1,000 prize for the heavy horse with the best tail at the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) “recognises the delicate balance between tradition, presentation and equine welfare”.

H&H reported that GYS organisers were to bring in a welfare-grounded rule this year stating that all horses must have tails. The move was a result of the number of entries in heavy horse classes with very short tail hair or shaved docks.

Now an anonymous donor has put forward the £1,000 cash prize for the heavy horse turnout classes, to go to the entry with the best turned out compliant tail.

“We are delighted that a supporter has come forward to offer such a generous prize,” GYS entries and livestock coordinator Amanda Stoddart-West told H&H.

“It is our hope that this will serve as a meaningful incentive, encouraging exhibitors to engage positively with this important progression. Change is seldom without challenge; but this award celebrates turnout that is not only impressive but responsible and functional, honouring both tradition and the fundamental principles of equine welfare.”

The rule states that all horses should have enough tail to combat flies and other insects. Tails may be plaited or wrapped “as appropriate” and some allowance will be made for horses’ age as “we recognise that tails may differ greatly in length and fullness depending on age of the animal and the growth stage of the tail”.

“Complete clipping/trimming of the hair of the dock in any horse/pony breed/type will not be permitted,” the rule states. “Shaping, pulling or thinning the upper parts of the dock hairs is permitted, leaving sufficient longer tail hair for adequate function.”

Great Yorkshire Show tail prize

Should there be a tie for the best compliant tail, the prize will be split.

Honorary show vet Julian Rishworth, who will be the judge for the prize, told H&H that in the wake of other welfare-based rules brought in by the GYS, covering issues such as rider size, whiskers and trimmed ears, concerns were raised about some of the ways tails were being managed.

“In particular, how to ensure that animals prepared for the show ring were not then compromised, in any way, for the period when they are not being shown,” he said.

“These situations are complex, steeped in tradition; practices that have evolved for a host of reasons. Similar to the whiskers issue, where people just removed them because that was what was done, it turns out that not removing them does nothing to detract from the overall aesthetic but allows the horse to retain an essential part of its ability to perceive its immediate environment around its muzzle.

“Likewise the tails issue, there is a host of justifications given for why things are done as they are, most of which don’t really stand up to proper scrutiny. This issue represents a significant piece of change management to alter some very entrenched views. Change is inevitable but has to be in a way that preserves what’s important about showing these horses while ensuring there aren’t inadvertent or deliberate adverse effects of normal functionality for the horse.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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A couple who are both horse loggers and who got engaged at last year’s Great Yorkshire Show have come full circle as they married at this year’s event (8-11 July).

Peri Dunford and Mark Jones said their vows in the woodland area of the show on Wednesday, with logging horses Stig (pictured right, above) and Tyne as witnesses.

The couple live near Preston and both are involved in the show’s forestry section, Peri horse logging and Mark logging and competitive pole-climbing. They hit headlines at last year’s event when Peri waited till Mark was at the top of one of the poles, got down on one knee and popped the question in front of a cheering crowd.

Show director Rachel Coates said: “Although this is not the first wedding we have hosted during the show it is in a unique location which is completely appropriate for a couple with such strong links to our forestry section. We were honoured they chose this space to tie the knot, and we wish them a long and happy future together.”

Mark and Peri met in a pub and soon discovered their mutual interest in horses. They both now work in Mark’s arboricultural business and at Myerscough College, Mark teaching chainsaw and tree-felling skills and Peri as an equine technician.

After the ceremony, Peri said: “It’s been fantastic, everything has been perfect. We can’t thank these guys at the show enough. It’s been so good.”

The couple had a short drinks reception, then changed and went back to the forestry section for Peri to take part in the horse-logging demonstrations and Mark to compete in the pole-climbing. After the show, they plan to take a month off for a honeymoon travelling in Iceland and Norway.

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

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The Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) is bringing in a rule next year – and an advisory this year – stating that all horses must have tails.

The move has come owing to the prevalence of entries in heavy horse classes with tail hair no longer than the length of the dock – or shaved docks.

GYS entries and livestock coordinator Amanda Stoddart-West told H&H the show team had noticed increasing numbers of essentially tail-less horses for the last couple of years.

“I don’t understand it, but it seems to have become a trend,” she said. “It means that for an hour in the ring, these horses have no tails all summer. We’ve had some complaints about it; members of the public and other equestrians saying, ‘Surely that’s not right?’”

Mrs Stoddart-West added that she saw many shaved or trimmed heavy horses’ docks at shows last summer, while she was acting as a voluntary welfare steward.

“Everyone we asked said it was because it was quicker than plaiting,” she said. “That’s just not good enough. It’s really sad for these horses.”

GYS vet Julian Rishworth told H&H tails are a “vital part of a horse’s basic requirements”.

“They should never be removed for aesthetic reasons,” he added.

Shire Horse Society CEO Victoria Clayton said the society was not aware of the rule.

“We had heard that there were rumours of such, but we had not received any official communication from the Great Yorkshire Show,” she told H&H.

“Our rules state that the docks ‘must be covered by a fan of hair’ for in-hand showing classes, although we do not apply this to turnout classes on safety grounds. It is hoped that safety is considered by the GYS for the turnout classes. Some horses who take part in turnout classes are also shown in-hand and we hope this is taken into account.”

Ms Clayton added that “hair getting caught in harness and traces is dangerous”. But Mrs Stoddart-West suggested that plaiting or wrapping tails could mitigate any such issues.

“They’ve done that for years,” she said. “And look at pure driving; they all have full tails. All horses should have tails; it’s as simple as that.”

Ms Clayton added: “The Shire Horse Society would not knowingly support any practice that caused horses to suffer any kind of welfare issue. The Shire Horse Society does not accept that clipped tails fall into that category. The Shire Horse Society’s primary purpose is to protect, preserve and promote the continuance of the breed.

“Where flies are deemed to be a source of extreme annoyance to a horse, there are other more efficient ways to limit this annoyance than having a longer tail, for example fly rugs, fly masks, keeping the horse in during the day and putting it out at night and garlic powder in the feed. All of these are not uncommon practices where/when flies are deemed to be problematic. A longer tail will not keep flies off a horse’s eyes or ears. Not one of our members’ equine vets have raised welfare concerns about clipped tails.

“We stand by that shorter tails are necessary for safety grounds for horses used in the turnout classes.”

World Horse Welfare director of communications and public affairs Jessica Stark told H&H the charity does not believe shaving docks for aesthetic reasons is ethical.

“Horses’ tails play an important role and are used for balance, communication and to deter flies,” she said. “For some individual horses, there might be medical or other legitimate reasons to shave their tails but the decision to do this should be welfare-based to ensure it is in the horse’s best interest.”

Petition

A petition on the Government website is also calling for a ban on shaved or very short tails for welfare reasons. The Suffolk Horse Society’s owners’ manual includes extensive guidance on plaiting tails.

British Equine Veterinary Association veterinary projects officer Lucy Grieve told H&H that whenever anyone does anything to an animal, the benefits and harms to them and us should be considered and that in most situations, there are compromises.

Examples “of situations where most people would be happy to compromise” could include keeping a horse on box rest to allow an injury to heal or clipping so a horse can be ridden in winter.

“If shaving or trimming a tail prevents problems (for example harness entanglement) or even saves time, and those benefits significantly outweigh any harms (for example inability to swish away flies), the decision may be easy,” she said. “If the outcome isn’t clear, we should probably re-evaluate our choice.

“Things become doubly difficult when there isn’t evidence of the degree of benefit or any harm. I don’t know of any scientific papers that indicate the incidence of full tails becoming entangled in harnesses, nor any evidence that demonstrates that the lack of a full tail results in increased fly stress. Where evidence is absent, we need to use opinion, experience, anecdote and common sense. Unfortunately, these can vary wildly.

“We should all reflect on our interactions with animals and do our best to minimise the negative effects and do our best to maximise the positive – as part of this process, and notwithstanding the need to protect our animals, we should also recognise the difference between what effects are proven and what effects are assumed.”

H&H has contacted the Clydesdale Horse Society for comment.

Do you think all horses should have full tails? Let us know your thoughts by emailing us at hhletters@futurenet.com including your name, nearest town and county for the chance to be published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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Two people who have had a major impact on improving equine welfare have been named joint winners of the annual Sir Colin Spedding Award.

Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) livestock and entries coordinator Amanda Stoddart-West and RSPCA case officer Kirsty Withnall were honoured at the National Equine Forum on 7 March.

Mrs Stoddart-West was recognised for her “pioneering work to enhance equine wellbeing” and Ms Withnall for her “tireless determination” in bringing to justice those responsible for causing animals’ suffering.

H&H has covered much of Mrs Stoddart-West’s work, including setting appropriate rider-to-horse weight ratios, raising participation age for foals and introducing welfare stewards.

“In the event of any of the welfare advances being challenged, Amanda has remained firm in her application of the principles, and because of her efforts, these are now being widely adopted across other shows,” her citation reads.

Mrs Stoddart-West said: “I was totally shocked to be told that I had been nominated, and incredibly honoured to be a joint winner of such a revered honour. There are great efforts going into ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare nationally, and this award is a reflection of all of those who are doing such great work in this area.

“I couldn’t have achieved any of what I have without the support of my employers the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, and GYS vet Julian Rishworth who I have been very fortunate to work alongside for the last 21 years.

“There have been times when we have been met with resistance to change but with the support of like-minded people within the industry, and thanks to my good friends and long-suffering husband and family, hopefully we have made a difference to welfare standards within the showing world.”

Ms Withnall has been lead officer in numerous large, complex, high-profile equine and multi-animal welfare cases. She “continues to show great tenacity and perseverance in bringing to justice those responsible for causing unnecessary suffering to animals,” her citation read. “Most notably, she has been the linchpin in many large-scale operations, where coordination and cooperation with numerous agencies have been vital in securing safe and efficient rescue for equines and other animals. Her diligent collection and collation of evidential material has led to successful prosecutions and the reduction of future cruelty.”

She said: “I am honoured and absolutely delighted to receive this extremely prestigious award. Through my 23 years working for the RSPCA, I know first-hand how rewarding but also extremely challenging the role can be, so it truly means a great deal to have my work recognised in this way.

“I’ve been incredibly lucky to work alongside some outstanding colleagues at the RSPCA, but also with support from other agencies and organisations such as the police, veterinary teams, local authorities and of course members of the National Equine Welfare Council and I believe this award belongs to all of them too. Together we have achieved incredible results through our joint efforts to protect animal welfare and will for many years to come.”

Anne Dicker, managing partner of the Catherston Stud, was highly commended for her work in helping to unite the equine sector. She has contributed to advancing equine groom apprenticeships, training fire responders, developing digital equine ID policy, and research to further the principles of the happy equine athlete.

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Showing – and the industry as a whole – must work together to continue the progress made to combat equine obesity, from grassroots to the top levels.

At the equine weight forum, at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), where the Weigh to Win body condition awards were handed out for the fourth year, representatives of showing societies joined vets, riders and the outgoing and incoming chairs of the Showing Council to discuss the issue. It was agreed that it is “crucial” for everyone to work with and via the Showing Council to improve consistency and help support judges and stewards.

“Taking it forward as a collective is the way forward,” said Hickstead director of showing David Ingle. “It’s about a united voice; if we have 40 different voices, nothing will land, it will be a lot slower and we might not do it. If we do it together, we will do it.”

The Horse Trust introduced the awards in 2019 to celebrate horses and ponies of a healthy weight; they are assessed by vets and rosettes are handed out separately to the class placings. Among the major shows to feature the scheme are the RIHS, the Hickstead Derby meeting, Royal Windsor and the Great Yorkshire.

Imogen Burrows, chair of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) ethics and welfare committee, said she and past BEVA president Lucy Grieve are among those “passionate about championing this”.

“We’re working on how to communicate it to clients and owners,” she said. “And this isn’t just showing; it’s a global equine industry issue, and we’re aware of that. I was really excited to be asked to help with the awards, and it really gave me a perspective on the pressure when you’re standing in the ring– I take my hat off to all the judges.”

Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher, an experienced equine vet, lifelong cross-discipline competitor and coach, who was involved in affiliated showing for years, said there is also a lot of work going on to combat equine obesity outside the show ring.

“We’re doing a lot of work with riding establishments,” she said. “The new regulations that came in five years ago have more emphasis on weight and welfare. We’re working with them to body condition-score animals, and encourage them to seek professional nutritional advice if there’s a consistent problem.”

Ms Hamilton-Fletcher spoke of watching a go-round of small ponies, and “all their bottoms were square”.

“But looking at the little 128cm showjumping ponies, there were no square bottoms,” she said.

“This is where we need to let judges and showing people see what they’re looking for, compared to what’s become normal in the showing world.”

The normalisation of excess equine weight was a key issue to be tackled, it was agreed; as people are so used to seeing it, it has become the norm.

“Reframing ‘normal’ is an important thing to do,” a spokesman for the awards said. “It is non-confrontational and would help people to retrain their eyes as to what is a healthy weight.”

Education was a key theme; there have been discussions about getting more information on obesity into the British Horse Society qualifications, the conference heard, to “get the information in right from the beginning”, so the message can be spread in every yard.

“On behalf of BEVA, we’ve been working on obesity for a number of years,” Ms Grieve said. “We’ve done lots of work with Tamzin Furtado [who is behind the awards with the Horse Trust’s Jan Rogers] trying to educate vets and make sure they’re on board, and trying to get farriers, physios and saddlers on board so everyone’s singing from the same hymn sheet.”

From a competitor’s point of view, showing producer Chris Hunnable said he and his wife Katie Jerram-Hunnable are “totally in support of all the hard work” involved in the awards and associated campaigning, and suggested it would be beneficial to have more feedback from assessors, on which to reflect. The possibility of feedback forms was discussed, with the view that exhibitors could read them or not as they choose.

Incoming Showing Council chair Liz Inman said that in her time as Burghley event director, feedback forms were introduced for the young event horse classes, which she said were challenging for judges but “in a positive way as it made them really think about their reasons for judging”.

The issue of show animals’ being fit for purpose was brought up; Katie referenced Shires.

“They’re the most unfit bunch of horses I’ve ever seen coming round the ring,” she said.

“I had an argument with an owner, who didn’t want the horse fit – but then it shouldn’t be in the ring. I wouldn’t ride it; I thought it was a disgrace it couldn’t walk, trot and canter round the ring.”

The need for veterinary research to continue, to improve knowledge on obesity, was discussed, as well as recent work looking at fat deposition in equine upper airways. Developing guidance and policy for showing societies is key, to be delivered in training for judges, stewards and exhibitors and by using “engaging positive language for vets, judges and stewards to use when tackling the challenging subject without causing people offence, which tends to have the opposite effect”.

The conference heard that welfare stewards are being present at shows to consider issues including body condition, and suitable rider weight, and it was agreed that “helping to support competitors through this in a positive way must be the way forward”.

“RIHS once again provided a warm welcome and an ideal base to bring together the equine weight forum,” Dr Furtado said. “Many changes and updates were discussed across the societies, including examples of new activities, training, and research projects which had all arisen from better collaboration between groups. It was really inspiring to once again see the showing organisations working together to be proactive about making change, and we have high hopes for the year ahead.”

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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

Katie Duxbury is a leading showing competitor who has ridden at HOYS, RIHS and Olympia multiple times. She is also a judge who sits on British Show Horse Association and Sports Horse Breeding of GB panels.

It was an honour to judge the novice hunter classes at the Great Yorkshire Show with my co-judge, Margaret Hopkins. This was my first time judging at Harrogate and the novice classes really are exciting and special; these horses are the future and you hope that the winners from both the lightweight and middleweight/heavyweight classes will go on to do great things during their careers.

I judged conformation during the lightweights and our winner (Say No More) was a classy, true lightweight who never faltered or put a foot wrong. However, we were disappointed that out of more than 25 catalogued entries, fewer than half were presented for judging.

It would seem that as the entries close so early in the year, competitors are entering their horses and making decisions later on, which is surprising given the cost of a class. But, the show is still one of the busiest in the calendar, and the number of spectators at the ringside proves that people are still keen to get out and about to proper county shows.

Practise makes perfect

The middleweight/heavyweight class was strong, with around 20 horses coming forward. Nothing went absolutely spot on during the go-round so Margaret and I weren’t afraid to shuffle around the final line-up depending on what rode and stripped well. Our eventual winner (Bloomfield Distinction) came up from fifth to win.

This horse eventually went novice champion and it was the presentation of his rider (Alice Homer) in the championship – she rode the most phenomenal gallop – that sealed the deal.

While I was impressed with the quality of the classes in general, some of the horses I rode were lacking preparation. I didn’t have any dreadful rides, but I had some very green ones. Some weren’t going forward or moving off the leg and it was apparent that they needed more mileage ahead of such an electric show.

The Yorkshire is a big ask for a young horse; the main ring is spooky with plenty to look at, and it can be hard to keep a horse’s attention. There are enough clinics and practice sessions on offer these days. I encourage riders to take advantage of them.

“Think before you post”

I joined my first judging panel more than 15 years ago but I am still a relatively young judge and in October I will officiate at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) for the first time.

I found the step up onto the panels easy, due to the support of the incredible senior judges who are always keen to share their knowledge and experiences with up-and-coming judges.

I always find my judging appointments very enjoyable on the day, but social media can taint experiences, as you never know what backlash is going to come following the competition.

A lot of people don’t think before they post on Facebook. Social media has made it easy for people to air opinions and disputes that they wouldn’t dream of bringing up in person if the individual they were targeting was standing in front of them.

On a positive note, I have noticed that some people have been challenged for their inappropriate posts and it seems that societies are beginning to do a bit more to police social media usage.

I know that we definitely don’t judge to get rich; even if I have claimed expenses for an appointment I am still usually left out of pocket by the time I’ve booked a hotel and travelled to a show.

We give up our time as we love the sport, so please remember this when you’re next tempted to comment on any judging that you might not agree with.

● What did you think of the standard of the showing classes at the Great Yorkshire? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 20 July, 2023

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

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

The Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) has introduced a rule banning excessive trimming of equine ear hair in the interests of horse welfare.

The show, which this year runs from 11-14 July, banned the trimming of whiskers and other sensory hairs before the 2022 event. A new rule for this year states: “Following several enquiries regarding trimming of ear hair, as part of reg.78 the hair on the internal aspect of the ear pinna should not be excessively trimmed as it performs a protective function against insects, sun and foreign objects.”

GYS entries and livestock coordinator Amanda Stoddart-West told H&H that although ear hairs may not be exactly like whiskers, “they do serve an important protective role”.

“Traditionally ears were always trimmed for purely cosmetic purposes to achieve the neatest look possible, but we must move with the times and put the animal’s needs first, and if it’s felt it’s necessary, an ear can be trimmed externally without touching the inner hair,” she said.

“Some breed societies do have rules stating that animals must be shown in a natural state and I would hope some of the other showing bodies will be moving in the right direction where the animal’s needs move higher up the priority list, so this sort of thing becomes the norm.

“Change can be difficult for all of us but having introduced the whisker rule last year, all animals bar one had its whiskers on which was very pleasing.”

Mrs Stoddart-West added that a number of people had asked for the ban.

“I think people are becoming more and more educated, and realise these inner ear hairs have a function,” she said. “Where classes allow it, we’re not saying ‘Ears are not to be trimmed at all’, just do it with thought, and consideration for your animal.”

The rule states that the society “may take actions against anyone who is in breach of any of our regulations”.

This could mean that if any of the GYS veterinary team were to spot a horse or pony with excessively trimmed inner ear hair, that animal may be prevented from competing.

GYS head equine vet Julian Rishworth told H&H: “I applaud and support the Great Yorkshire Show’s strong stance on welfare. The aesthetics of the horse should never come with a compromise to welfare, however seemingly small.”

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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

Sarah Chapman, founder of The Showing Register (TSR), on judging at Great Yorkshire and running TSR’s summer show

I WAS honoured to judge both coloured ridden and small hunter classes at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show. The numbers forward in the coloured classes were immense; in one class we had 48 ponies presented for judging. It proved that people are willing to spend their fuel money to compete at a prestigious show.

The organisation was excellent, aided by a team of great stewards who kept things running as efficiently as possible. Each exhibit was checked by a steward on entering the ring, to ensure judges didn’t have to get involved in the checks for whiskers, weights of horses and ponies, and the suitability of riders for their animals.

If a horse was deemed overweight, my co-judges and I reflected this in the marks.

Riders appeared to follow the rules and consequently we had no problems while judging these specific classes.

In the coloured section I set a show which I deemed to be “flowing”. I asked exhibits to extend during the middle of their performance to test the transitions within and between paces. I was able to see which animals were balanced, and which were anticipating. It was a test for some and it made for an interesting watch. I ensured I used a full range of marks, too.

On the go-round each combination was asked to gallop, and while it was nice to see riders enjoying themselves in front of a cheering crowd, some over-rode the extension. The gallop isn’t about going flat out. The animal should stay in the contact and should move off smoothly in a controlled way, building up the pace and coming back to the rider while remaining between the hand and the leg.

Our coloured champion (Starlight, pictured top) was a lovely mare. She was a real goer who strutted her stuff throughout the day.

In the small hunters, I was delighted with the rides my top three gave. There are a range of types to assess in this class, so it’s difficult to maintain consistency in the line-up, but our top few had enough limb and were quality animals.

Positive attitudes

OVER the weekend (16–17 July) we held The Showing Register (TSR) summer show, which was a great success. There was difficulty in the build-up to the show due to the weather forecast and the increased negativity surrounding showing, specifically Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers.

Given the heat, we put measures in place to ensure competitors could attend with confidence. Welfare was our main priority, so we had a British Horse Society welfare officer on site and ensured our first aid team was visible. We monitored temperatures throughout the day, water was placed by each ring and gazebos were put up so judges and stewards could seek shade. Everyone came with a positive attitude and we witnessed no sweaty horses or overworking.

If classes had more than eight competitors, after the go-round they left the ring and everyone returned individually to perform shows and trot-ups. It gave everyone the opportunity to rehydrate if needed. The feedback was positive, and the general consensus was that it was fairer as grooms weren’t required to go into the ring. Animals also performed fresher. There was a buzz during the placings, too, as there was no initial pull-in to follow. In all, it worked well.

Our TSR amateur rider and handler of the year finals were fantastic. The aim of these championships is to encourage people to improve their riding ability and their animal’s way of going. Some of these competitors, who had been talent spotted during the season, had never been to such a large show. It’s a way for them to step into affiliated showing with confidence.

Walk in their shoes

MOVING forward, and as a judge and show organiser, I feel it is important that competitors accept a judge’s opinion on a specific day. Showing is subjective and without an opinion we wouldn’t have a sport. Some areas could be made fairer, but it’s going to be difficult to put a rule in place for everything.

When I’m judging I give everyone feedback on their placing if I’m asked. But a different judge may well disagree with my opinion. Unless you’re standing in the middle of the ring it’s unfair to be disrespectful of a judge’s decision.

If you feel yourself constantly questioning judges, then I ask you to put yourself forward to become a judge

● How have you found riding in the heat? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 21 July

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

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A young showjumper had an “early birthday present” when she and former national champion Harriet Biddick stormed to victory in the mini major at the Great Yorkshire Show (12-15 July).

North Shropshire-based Ella Bryers, who turned 11 on Monday (18 July), was sixth to jump in the pairs class and produced a speedy clear on 19-year-old Bylands Music Man (Jack), a pony she has had on lease from Persia Calderbank since January. As Ella crossed the finish line, her partner Harriet set off on 12-year-old mare Fabienne II and sealed the deal when she jumped clear and stopped the clock on 62.04.

Ella’s mother Nicola told H&H her daughter was “very happy” to draw Harriet’s name from the hat.

“At first we didn’t realise who it was because we were thinking of Harriet’s maiden name Nuttall. But then we realised and Ella was very excited,” said Nicola.

“Harriet walked the course with her and when they came back Ella told me they had made a plan. It’s really nice for the kids to jump with seniors, they learn a lot and it gives them a bit of insight into horses.”

Ella, who was fifth in the Bolesworth International mini major with partner Jack Sterling last month, was “over the moon” to take the win this time.

“We joked it was down to girl power! After they won Ella said it was like an early birthday present,” said Nicola.

“Jack is such a fantastic pony, he enjoys being in the ring and is so quick and careful. He’ll potter round the warm-up but he comes alive in the ring.

“It’s the first time we’ve been to the Great Yorkshire Show and we’ll definitely be back, it was a really lovely day. Next week we are heading to the Welsh Home Pony and hope Ella might be selected for the 128cm team there, and she might jump the Horse of the Year Show qualifier too.”

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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 Pimm’s gazebo in full flight overhead and jumps blowing down as you’re clearing them — it was just another day in the office for national champions Adrian Speight and Millfield Baloney.

“We had a bit of excitement, didn’t we!” Adrian told H&H. “Bloody hell!”

The combination were last to go in the jump-off of the International Stairway class at the Great Yorkshire Show yesterday (13 July) and were turning for the last line when Adrian spotted the rogue red gazebo in mid-air.

“When I turned, I saw the marquee coming over the top of the stands and thought ‘What the hell; if he sees that I’ve got no chance’,” Adrian said. “I was talking to the judge afterwards and she said they didn’t know what to do, whether to ring the bell, but they didn’t so I just kept going.”

With the gazebo still soaring majestically, Adrian and “Louie” cleared the oxer and the double on the final line, with one fence to go. But the wind hadn’t finished with them yet as a few strides out from the last oxer, the filler blew down. In the last couple of strides, three poles and a wing followed suit, with only the top pole remaining in place, but turning not a hair, the pair cleared it in fine style, to huge cheers from the crowd.

“It was a bit bizarre,” Adrian said. “It was a beautiful day and Charlotte who was videoing from the gate wondered what was going on as there was no wind there but it took lots of jumps out behind me, although I didn’t hear anything. But of all the timings! Nothing before, nothing after, just then.”

Adrian said he felt the wind strengthening as he approached the last fence, adding: “The funky chicken came out! Elbows and everything. Some of it blew down a few strides out, but I kept going. He picked up and it felt like jumping a canal, it was so wide.”

Adrian praised Judith Whitham’s 16-year-old Balou Du Rouet gelding for pulling out all the stops to clear the fence, adding: “He really tried, bless him.

“We’d had the second fence down but it would have been a great story if we’d won! It didn’t faze him at all. Anything like Shires or scurry carts, he scoots away and would have been on the other side of the ring, but to jump his way out of trouble like that was tremendous; it could have been a disaster.”

Adrian and Louie finished sixth in the class, which was won by Anthony Condon on SFS Vincomte.

“Someone said afterwards what was going through my mind and I said ‘I can assure you it wasn’t my mind it was going through!’” added Adrian, who said on social media it was a “how much Vanish do I have at home” moment.

The pair will now contest the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at the Royal International Horse Show — “But I’ll check the weather forecast first!” Adrian said.

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

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

A gem of the county show circuit takes place this week in the Great Yorkshire Show and Britain’s showjumping youth teams are vying for medals…

1. Great Yorkshire Show

Dates: 12-15 July

More info: greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

How to watch: you can watch all the action from the main ring live on the show’s YouTube Channel

Get the H&H lowdown: special report on the showing and showjumping rings in 21 July issue of H&H magazine

Why we’re excited about it: one of the season’s biggest county shows, held across four days. The country’s leading professionals are set to attend with their best rides, to battle it out for some of the most coveted titles on the county show circuit. Unmissable viewing includes the hunter championship held in the famous main ring and the Price Family in-hand supreme. Despite the loss of some Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers this year, there are strong entry numbers across the board and competition is set to be as hot as ever. The Ripon Select Foods Cock O’ The North Championship, in the main ring on Thursday afternoon, is the pick of the showjumping classes at the Great Yorkshire Show.

2. Vale View Premier League

Dates: 14-17 July

More info: valeviewequestrian.co.uk

How to watch: streaming available via Horse & Country

Get the H&H lowdown: coverage in 21 July issue of H&H magazine

Why we’re excited about it: the final Premier League of the 2022 season will see plenty of the country’s top riders going head to head as they fight it out for the remaining coveted tickets to the National Dressage Championships. There’s several big names in action, including Emile Faurie, Lara Butler, Emma Hindle and Alice Oppenheimer, as well as some new and exciting combinations to watch out for.

3. TSR Summer Show

Dates: 16-17 July

More info: theshowingregister.co.uk

Get the H&H lowdown: report in 28 July issue of H&H magazine

Why we’re excited about it: two days of showing action held at Onley Equestrian Centre. As well as a schedule of HOYS qualifiers for all types and breeds of horses and ponies, there are a range of classes for novices and amateur competitors. The amateur rider and handler of the year championships are also held at this show; a select few individuals have been talent spotted throughout the season to compete in these finals, which are sure to be a showcase of many stars of the future.

4. Jumping European Championships for juniors, young riders and children

Dates: 11-17 July

More info: oliva-euchamp2022.com/en/

How to watch: live streaming via ClipMyHorse.TV

Get the H&H lowdown: report in 21 July issue of H&H magazine

Why we’re excited about it: Britain always puts out strong showjumping teams for the under-21 levels and this year’s teams, competing under the Team NAF banner, are no exception. Watch out for Oliver Fletcher (Hello William) and Lily Attwood (Cor-Leon VD Vlierbeek Z) in the young rider division.

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

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

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

THE removal of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers from the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) has sparked debate across the industry.

HOYS took some pony qualifiers from the GYS as the latter would not revoke its rider-age rule, by which ponies can only be ridden, anywhere on the showground by either the competitor, or another rider who is of the appropriate age for the class concerned.

H&H gathers views from across showing.

Julie Templeton: apply rules across the board

TOP show pony producer Julie Templeton believes riders’ size and weight should be key, rather than age, as she said in her recent H&H column.

She told H&H she believes those on all sides of the debate are on the same page, with horse and pony welfare “at the heart of all we do”.

She believes it was not fair for the GYS to lose its HOYS qualifiers, but thinks rules on rider size should apply across the board.

“My only concern with the GYS rule – and I think it’s appropriate the right-sized people ride the right-sized ponies – is that it should apply to all classes, not just target the plaited ponies,” she said.

“If you’re going to bring these things in, and with all the talk about social licence, we’ve got to protect our horses, their welfare and our industry. I wish it had been across the board.”

Julie pointed out that a 5ft 3in, lightweight adult cannot work in a 128cm show pony at the GYS, but a 5ft 10in lightweight adult could compete a Dartmoor pony.

“I don’t want to lose anyone their livelihood, and appreciate there’s a place for small adults working a pony in to give it confidence and set it up so the child has a positive experience,” she said. “Some of our children sadly only ride in the show ring, and it’s important they’re on ponies who understand and are straight, obedient, soft in the mouth and comfortable to ride.

“And we’ve got to be inclusive, for the children who may not have the facilities to ride at home; we want to encourage children from all backgrounds to enjoy riding.”

Julie also pointed out the exciting atmosphere at major county shows and that the classes concerned do not specify that they are looking for the safest ponies.

“There are lots of ponies for people to learn on at different levels,” she said. “One is the riding school pony, and if you want to change a show pony to a riding school one, that’s fine, let’s have a class for that. But at the moment, it’s for the best pony and the best pony might be a bit sharper and trickier.

“For it to be a positive experience, we want to help and support children until they’re confident to work the ponies in and haven’t left the industry because they’ve fallen off too many times.

“I completely understand the GYS rule, and they can put in place whatever rules they want, and it’s then a choice. You say to clients, ‘Let’s go there and have a lovely time,’ or ‘Actually, your pony might not fit in that environment.’ My overriding priority is the child’s safety and that they have a positive experience, so if we have a pony we think won’t cope, we’ll be honest with the client.

“They’re not robots and machines and we don’t want them to be – and one concern if you ban things is, what will then go on at home?”

Jill Perkins: wellbeing comes first

SHOWING would “find itself in hot water” if what went on in some lorry parks was lightlighted, a former British Show Pony Society (BSPS) judge believes.

Jill Perkins officiated at major shows in the UK and around the world.

“A child’s pony should be both beautiful and suitable,” she told H&H. “I would always look for a pony that was correct, a free-moving pony with perfect manners and really importantly, appears happy doing its job.

“As a judge, there was nothing worse than seeing a pony that had obviously been set up by an older rider. It does not present a pretty picture and it certainly doesn’t look natural when the child is just passenger rather than pilot, which is sadly too often the case.

“Now there is so much more information available, surely the physical and mental wellbeing of the ponies must come first. The relationship between pony and rider cannot be artificially created; a good judge should be able to recognise the true partnership.

“If your pony is set up by someone else and you are just plonked on board for the show ring, there is no real connection and frankly what is the point? You only have to consider the number of children who grew up riding show ponies and yet, possibly because of the pressured environment, they no longer ride as adults.”

Ms Perkins referenced the recent Showing Council webinar on social licence adding: “If a reporter or anyone chose to actually highlight what goes on in the lorry parks at most shows, I’m sorry to say showing would be find itself in hot water.

“We need to continue to do more to improve standards, and there are many other methods that can be used if we choose to open our minds and consider moving away from some of the outdated traditional ways – or maybe something as simple as more turnout, which was always good to settle an animal. Animal welfare should always be the top priority.”

Ms Perkins added that she believes the breeding of children’s showing ponies could be affecting the issue.

“Maybe we should be returning to breeding with a little more native blood?” she said. “Growing up, our ponies weren’t too hot for us to ride and if we came off a few times, then we were just put back on and tried harder. It taught us to ride and how to care and respect our ponies – often being told it’s an animal, not a machine! Or is it the way some are produced that means they need riding by bigger jockeys before they are considered safe for a child?

“Welfare needs to be considered right from the early days, including environment, handling and everything that forms the character of the animal.”

Paul Cook: properly prepared

BSPS chairman Paul Cook believes showing needs to be inclusive, and to ensure young jockeys have a positive experience, while horse welfare and rider safety are top priority.

Mr Cook told H&H that the BSPS “absolutely supports” the GYS on its size and weight rules, but does not agree with the rider-age rule.

“I think there are several parts to this,” he said. “We’re lucky in this country to have some beautiful, quality show ponies and show hunter ponies, and they need to be properly trained and the jockeys properly prepared.

“These classes cater for children from three years old – shows can be excitable places – and we’re talking about really quality, elite ponies. Some of the younger children need help working them in, and I think if the person riding the pony is suitably mounted, doing it correctly and supporting the child, that’s reasonable.”

Mr Cook said the BSPS has a clear welfare policy in its rule book, and there are stewards and judges to whom any welfare-related concerns can be reported at shows. He added that one consequence of the rider-age rule could be that it affected a child riding a 128cm pony in one class and a 138cm in the next who, with no one else to ride, would not be able to work the second pony in.

He said some producers might have horses in multiple classes and need someone else to warm up, so there is widespread precedent for working in under different riders. He pointed out that in (M&M) classes with no age limit, adults can ride ponies in the class and beforehand, but might not be able to work in the same ponies if they were entered in a first ridden class, for example.

“When we’ve got young children, we want to encourage them into the sport and make sure they have a positive experience,” he said, adding that although the ponies should be well-mannered in the ring, this is a big atmosphere, for which they should be properly prepared.

“We’ve got to think what’s right to give the child the right amount of confidence to enjoy their showing, on what are quality ponies. Saying a tiny tot has to do everything with their pony doesn’t seem to me the best way forward.

“We want children to go in the ring with the best chance of doing their best, with the ponies supporting them, and I’m not sure this rule allows that. There are plenty of rules to prevent people working ponies in when they’re unsuitably mounted, and I think it would be more helpful, if shows wanted to bring rules in like this, if there was consultation.

“I think there are better ways of educating people about doing the right thing than rules brought in with unforeseen consequences.

“I think we’re all on the same page – that horse welfare and rider safety are paramount and where children are concerned, we want them to really enjoy the sport.”

Amanda Stoddart-West: suitable for the job

THE welfare of horses and ponies in showing must be “greatly elevated” if the sport is to continue in the long term.

This is the view of Amanda Stoddart-West, entries and livestock coordinator of the GYS, which has been the first to introduce a number of welfare-related rules.

“Regardless of whether you feel the pony is a true child’s pony or not, seeing a pony forced to carry a rider that is far too heavy for that animal is not acceptable; we should be promoting the welfare of all animals, not accepting that a pony needs riding by a bigger person simply because it’s too hot for the job,” she told H&H. “Although the safety of children is obviously important, this should not under any circumstances be at the expense of the welfare of the pony; if a pony needs to be ridden by a larger, more experienced rider, maybe it’s just not suitable for that job.”

In response to the opinion that the classes are not titled “safest pony”, Mrs Stoddart-West countered that they do state “suitable for a child”.

“Or are children’s riding pony classes not really for children’s ponies and if not, why not?” she asked. “If this means potentially changing the dynamic, then wouldn’t this be a good thing? As well as the welfare aspect, at what point do we consider this from a fairness perspective, as surely a level playing field in all sport should be encouraged.”

Mrs Stoddart-West added that, as a child who grew up riding and looking after her own ponies, “I wonder how a child bonds, builds that trust or forms a relationship with a pony, if someone else does all the work?

“How does this encourage young riders to remain interested in showing? In hardly any other equestrian discipline do you see someone else riding the animal in before the class or competition.”

Mrs Stoddart-West also works in her spare time to improve welfare standards.

“Over the last few years, we have received photos, videos and reports from across the country from friends, exhibitors, judges, stewards and concerned bystanders,” she said.

“A few examples are photos of riders who are clearly far too big for their mounts, a video of a judge on a 12.2hh pony that is obviously struggling to carry him and ponies tied up really short overnight without hay or water, or being blindfolded until they enter the ring.

“The showing fraternity really needs to take things seriously, not only owing to social licence.

“In my opinion, the welfare of horses and ponies has to be greatly elevated within the showing sector, if we want to see riding and showing to continue in the long term.”

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Organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) have stressed the bigger picture in their horse welfare-related decisions and rules, as Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) “clarified” its removal of some of the show’s qualifying classes.

H&H reported on HOYS’ decision, which came about as the GYS would not drop its rider-age rule, brought in as people were still flouting the 20% maximum rider weight rule.

GYS has been the first to bring in a number of rules that are aimed at improved equine welfare, and have sparked debate.

“Everything we’ve implemented is firstly about equine welfare and as we have said before the level playing field [the rider-age rule] creates is an added bonus,” GYS entries livestock and entries coordinator Amanda Stoddart-West told H&H. “It’s all of those things that we should all be encouraging in our sport, rather than brushing them under the carpet.

“There’s been a lot of talk regarding social licence and that how in 20 years’ time, there won’t be anyone riding horses, and by not acting, we’re playing into the hands of the people who would like to see the end of horse sport. Unless we clean things up, that is what will happen. This is about equine welfare, and we’re also doing this because we care about shows, and the longevity of showing, and all equestrian sport.”

The GYS also brought in a rule banning horses or ponies with trimmed whiskers from competing at this year’s show, which was praised by World Horse Welfare.

“We’re all in the spotlight, and we need to be looking at this for the longer term rather than just the next show,” Mrs Stoddart-West said.

“While we would always be open to discussion on any matter, [the rider-age] rule will not be removed as we wholeheartedly believe it benefits ponies not to be ‘bottomed’ or flattened by a larger person before entering the ring. Again, we would reiterate that a child’s pony should be just that, suitable for a child and not one that needs to be ridden into the ground first.

“Horse welfare is and will always be our highest priority.”

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Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) has put out a further statement to “clarify” the changes to its qualifiers at the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS).

H&H has reported that the GYS had lost its qualifiers for the show hunter pony, children’s riding pony, lead rein pony of hunter type and plaited lead rein/first ridden HOYS finals.

This was because when asked by HOYS to drop its rider-age rule, put in place as people were still flouting the 20% maximum rider weight rule, GYS organisers stood firm.

“Whilst it is not the show’s policy to comment on other shows, Horse of the Year Show takes equine welfare very seriously and would like to further clarify the changes to its qualifying classes at the Great Yorkshire Show for the 2022 season,” a spokesman for HOYS organiser Grandstand Media said.

“In the last two years, Horse of the Year Show has tried on two separate occasions to hold discussions with the Great Yorkshire Show organisers, both before the 2021 season about these new changes, and again prior to the 2022 qualifier allocation.

“The Great Yorkshire Show is, of course, able to create and enforce its own rules where it sees fit. However, these may not always align with the views of Horse of the Year Show and the relevant societies which these classes are affiliated to, and the show reserves the right not to allocate qualifying classes accordingly. Horse of the Year Show fully supports the Great Yorkshire Show on equine welfare but believes the implementation surrounding this rule needs further thought.”

The spokesman reiterated HOYS’ statement that although it “always holds equine welfare as our highest priority, we also have a duty of care to the safety of the children riding in our qualifiers. We work closely with both the British Show Pony Society and the National Pony Society to ensure we are all driving the sport forwards in terms of fairness and welfare, and will continue to act as such, stepping in at our shows when we feel a pony is not suitably mounted”.

In response to the GYS’s explanation that the extra rule was brought in because people were flouting the 20% rule, the HOYS spokesman said: “Horse of the Year Show questions whether a more thorough policing of their previous rule regarding rider weight ratios would negate the need for these further restrictions.

“Horse of the Year Show supported the Great Yorkshire Show on their rule on anyone riding a horse or pony whose weight, including tack, is more than 20% of the animal’s weight, anywhere on the showground, and believe this addresses, should it be policed thoroughly, the concerns for equine welfare when it comes to being appropriately mounted.”

GYS entries livestock and entries coordinator Amanda Stoddart-West told H&H that by bringing up policing the rule in this way, HOYS is “surely acknowledging there is an issue”.

“If the policing had worked and everyone had abided by the 20% rule, we wouldn’t have had to bring in the extra rule,” she said. “Our show vet was regularly out at 3.30-4am in the lorry park still seeing people breaking the rule and he would ask them to dismount, only to see them on a different pony shortly afterwards. This is a serious problem that needed addressing.”

The Grandstand spokesman added that HOYS has a team of vets and FEI stewards at the show, “constantly assessing and policing the suitability of riders for their mounts during exercise time and warm-ups”.

“They have, over recent years, stepped in when there was an issue, and therefore we believe significant progress has been made in this area,” he said.

HOYS event director Jane Warmington added that the show “questions the logic” of the rider-age rule, “when applied to the ponies in question”.

“There are several examples where the pony would be eligible for multiple classes with widely varied age restrictions,” she said. “A Welsh section B pony could be entered in an M&M open ridden class and have a suitably mounted adult rider for the warm-up and the class. However, this same pony could also enter the show hunter pony class, but that same rider would not be able to warm the pony up if they are not under the relevant age restriction.

“Similarly, intermediate classes are age restricted for the rider at 25 years old, yet these same horses regularly compete in hack, riding horse and hunter classes with no upper age limit. We question what the difference between a 25-year-old riding this horse compared to a 26-year-old would be if they are both suitably mounted.”

The HOYS spokesman added that “a number of competitors” have been in touch to say the rule is “not workable in practice” and that they will not be able to attend if it is enforced.

Mrs Stoddart-West said she was surprised by this as the response she has had has been “overwhelmingly positive”.

“We’ve had people from Cornwall to Scotland saying they are going to enter this year for the first time to demonstrate their support for us,” she said. “We have had numerous comments from people all over the country saying how pleased they are that we are making this stand for horse welfare.”

She said the possible anomalies mentioned by HOYS have been raised before, adding: “Yes, we did receive a couple of emails and a phone call from Grandstand Media last year asking for the rule to be removed but, as this year, we refused for the same reasons. They had also asked how this was going to work when a small hunter may be ridden on a Tuesday by an adult and then be entered in the intermediates on the Thursday. We addressed this by adding the following to the regulation: ‘Where an animal is entered in multiple classes, the respective restrictions apply up to the conclusion of each class and thereafter immediately pass to those regulations associated with the next class; at all times the general rule about riders needing to be appropriately sized to their mount, is applicable’.”

The HOYS spokesman also said entries in the classes concerned had “declined, on average, 31.5% in the last three seasons”, adding: “As a result of this, exacerbated by the new rule, it is no longer viable to hold these qualifiers at Great Yorkshire Show.

“We hope this rule will be reconsidered for future Great Yorkshire Shows and welcome further discussion on this topic with the show organisers and relevant societies.”

Mrs Stoddart-West said the statistics show that entries had fluctuated, but no more so than in some other classes; the middleweight hunter in 2011 had 36 entries but in 2021 it had 17, and in each of the two years before that, it had 22 entries. She added that the rule will not be changed, as “Horse welfare is and will always be our highest priority”.

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Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) has removed 10 qualifying classes from the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) owing to its rules on rider size.

The GYS (12-15 July) will not hold qualifiers for the show hunter pony, children’s riding pony, lead rein pony of hunter type or plaited lead rein/first ridden finals this year.

The move is a result of a new rule brought in by the GYS last year, and applauded by welfare charities, that means show animals can only be ridden by the riders entered to compete with them in certain classes. A substitute rider may only ride the animal outside the ring if he or she is eligible in age to compete in the same class.

The rule is in addition to the ban on anyone riding a horse or pony whose weight, including tack, is more than 20% of the animal’s weight, anywhere on the showground, which has been in place since 2016. The age rule was brought in as some people were still flouting the 20% rule.

World Horse Welfare was among those backing the rule but GYS entries and livestock coordinator Amanda Stoddart-West told H&H HOYS contacted the show’s organisers to ask them to drop it.

“We were contacted by [HOYS organiser] Grandstand Media who said they had received safety concerns regarding our rider rule and asked for it to be removed in order for us to be given the qualifiers for those particular classes,” she said.

“The rule was introduced for the 2021 show as despite having the 20% rider weight rule in place since 2016, we were still seeing riders who were far too big for the animals, warming up in the vehicle parks and so on. While safety obviously factors highly in all classes across the show, the wording for the classes states that the pony should be suitable for a child, so suitability must be a major consideration when entering any class.

“There are plenty of other ethical ways to settle a pony rather than simply putting a bigger jockey on it to warm it up, or maybe the pony is just not suitable for some reason. The phrase ‘taking the edge off it’ has been used but surely this comes down to suitability and if the pony is suitable for a child, then this shouldn’t be necessary.”

The show’s equine vet, Julian Rishworth, added: “It’s hard to see why a welfare-based decision is being punished and it appears to be sending very strange messages and not ones that reflect well on HOYS.”

A spokesman for HOYS confirmed the decision was made owing to the rider-age rule.

“Whilst Horse of the Year Show always holds equine welfare as our highest priority, we also have a duty of care to the safety of the children riding in our qualifiers,” a spokesman for Grandstand Media said.

“We work closely with both the British Show Pony Society and the National Pony Society to ensure we are all driving the sport forwards in terms of fairness and welfare, and will continue to act as such, stepping in at our shows when we feel a pony is not suitably mounted.

“As a result of this new rule and a decreasing number of entries in these classes at the Great Yorkshire Show in recent years, it is no longer viable to hold these qualifiers at the Great Yorkshire Show.”

Ms Stoddart-West said looking at the past few years’ entries, numbers in the affected classes had fluctuated but “probably no more so than in any other section”.

“For example, in 2013 we had 19 lead rein of hunter type ponies entered and in 2021 we had 17 entries in this class, which considering the circumstances surrounding last year doesn’t seem too bad,” she said. “Likewise in 2011, we saw 14 first ridden entries and in 2021 there were 15, or the 13.2hh children’s riding pony, which had 15 entries in 2011 and 16 last year.”

GYS CEO Nigel Pulling said: “We have also received a great deal of support across the equine sector from those who think welfare changes have been and are necessary in the showing world to ensure longevity, particularly in light of the Animal Welfare Act. Welfare is of the utmost importance here at Great Yorkshire and will remain at the top of the agenda for all animals on the showground at all times.”

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Excess equine weight and whisker-trimming were among the horse-welfare issues highlighted by British Show Pony Society (BSPS), as it has been confirmed that overweight and obese animals should be placed lower.

As well as safety, child safeguarding and biosecurity, judges at the BSPS judges’ conference and AGM on 5 February were reminded that horse welfare within showing, as with all equestrian sport, is under scrutiny.

“Horse welfare is one of our top priorities and we have policies signed off for 2022 which will be reviewed throughout the season,” said BSPS chairman Paul Cook. “The Great Yorkshire Show’s decision to ban animals with trimmed whiskers competing at their show is a new rule for 2022, and we consequently ask our judges not to penalise ponies who come forward with untrimmed whiskers in BSPS classes.”

Judges were also presented with several situational dilemmas with which they may be presented with in the ring, including equine obesity. Overall, it was confirmed that overweight or obese animals should be placed down the line.

“Horses must be fit for purpose,” said BSPS judge Brigit Ensten. “It doesn’t matter which class it’s in, fat horses are the worst to watch or ride.”

Fellow judge Brian Williams added: “I would always mention it to the competitor no matter where the animal placed in the line. There’s nothing worse than judging a beautiful animal which is overweight. We owe it to the competitor to let them know our opinions which they’ve paid for on the day. It may help them in the future.”

The Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) was praised for allowing researcher and equine obesity specialist Tamzin Furtado, working with the Horse Trust, to attend in 2021 and give awards to the animals in the healthiest condition in each of 12 classes, an extension to a pilot that first ran in 2019.

RIHS showing director David Ingle said: “It showed that we are willing to open the doors at any level and that showing isn’t hiding from equine obesity.”

To improve safety across the board, the BSPS also informed judges of the new ruling that no ponies are to be galloped on the go-round in BSPS classes.

Also discussed was how judges should deal with a pony which is noticed to be “unlevel on occasions” during its individual show at a fixture where no vet is present on the show ground.

“It’s one of the most contentious situations for judges and it provokes the biggest amount of complaints from competitors,” said Paul Cook.

There was various discussion, which ranged from judges’ placing the pony down the line or giving it fewer marks, to removing it from the ring completely as soon as slight lameness was detected.

Top show producer and BSPS judge Richard Ramsay said: “It can be difficult, especially with parents watching by the side of the ring, but it becomes a welfare issue. We should not let ponies hobble round the ring. If I was ride judging and a horse was unlevel I would take it straight back into line.”

BSPS championship show director Philip Hilton added: “A pony is either lame or it is not. If it is lame consider exactly where you would slip it in and how the other competitors would feel if they placed below a lame pony. If a pony is lame it should be sent out of the ring.”

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Julie Templeton on why societies need to come together to benefit showing as a whole

AT this time in the showing calendar, as we all enjoy some well-earned rest and start working with some of the younger ponies, the show societies are all working hard to revise and renew their rule books ready to send out to members ahead of the 2022 season.

This is a thankless but necessary task that most members will not even realise is occurring. It’s so important that we check the current version of the rules so we can keep up to date with any changes.

Over the past several months many of the showing societies have been working together, alongside shows such as the Royal International (RIHS), on a number of issues. One such topic is the alignment of amateur rulings across all societies so that the system is as fair as possible, more transparent and is easier for competitors to understand.

This kind of collaborative working, where societies can bring things to the table and work together, is exactly what is needed in the showing industry to ensure not only its survival, but to promote its growth.

Whiskers debate

CONVERSELY, the Great Yorkshire Show announced that they were bringing in a new rule for 2022; they have introduced a ruling that exhibits with trimmed whiskers would not be allowed to compete. This has produced quite an outcry among competitors.

This issue has been on The Showing Council’s radar for a few years but it was felt that until the welfare policy and party were more established that this should remain on a slightly slower path.

While it seems like quite a trivial rule, it has caused lots of debate among riders, owners and producers and the hardest part of the process has been how to convey it to competitors.

It was agreed by the member societies that what could not be seen to happen was for trimmed horses and ponies to be penalised so that it affects placings in the show ring.

Great Yorkshire’s bold move means that trimmed horses and ponies won’t even be allowed to enter the ring. It’s going to be very hard to police on the ground and it will undoubtedly put another task in the already full lap of stewards and judges.

Going it alone

It is not for me to say whether or not I agree with this as a welfare policy. However, I do think that the show would have been better placed to try to bring this type of change in through The Showing Council, rather than just introducing it at their own show.

Great Yorkshire Show has an active voice at the table of The Showing Council through the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO), and could have asked for this to be discussed with all societies and associations. It would have made more sense for everyone to have input and then a strategic policy reached.

Ultimately stand-alone decisions like these make it confusing for the showing competitor.

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IT is hoped that momentum is being gained towards a point where untrimmed whiskers are the norm for all competing horses, as a major show and a breed society have introduced bans.

The Great Yorkshire Show (GYS), which is known for making welfare-led decisions such as its limits on rider weight, has ruled that animals are not to have had their sensory hairs trimmed to compete at the 2022 show, in all disciplines. The Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS) has also introduced a rule, to apply from January, banning the trimming of sensory hairs on welfare grounds.

GYS chief executive Nigel Pulling said: “This has been on the agenda for several years now. We are known for taking the lead on welfare and as such have decided to be proactive on this topic; we will be introducing this ruling for the 2022 Great Yorkshire Show.”

H&H has reported on the fact whisker-trimming has been banned by the FEI since July and that British Dressage and British Eventing have followed suit. National bans on trimming are in place in some European nations.

GYS livestock and entries co-ordinator Amanda Stoddart-West told H&H the move came from the show’s biosecurity an

d animal welfare committee.

“When you study the research that’s been carried out on this topic, you can’t just ignore it,” she said. “It’s a practice that has been a tradition in the showing world without any other purpose than aesthetics; we all have greater access to far more information these days and it’s abundantly clear that whiskers, or sensory hairs, are an extremely important sensory tool for the horse.”

Mrs Stoddart-West added that the GYS is proud to add its name to those that have already banned the practice.

“Let’s hope other shows, equestrian bodies and breed societies all follow suit and help to end this practice,” she said. “Switzerland, Germany and France have all implemented an outright ban on whisker-clipping; hopefully, the UK will follow suit.”

GYS equine vet Julian Rishworth added: “The severity of the adverse welfare effects of equine whisker-trimming are now well documented and proven. It’s fantastic that the Great Yorkshire Show, yet again, leads from the front on horse welfare.”

World Horse Welfare deputy chief executive Tony Tyler told H&H it is encouraging to see bans being implemented more widely.

“We hope this will signal that momentum is being gained, and it will continue until untrimmed whiskers become the accepted normal for all horses, whether competing or not,” he said.

The WPCS was unavailable for comment.

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FIVE years on from the introduction of its rider weight limits, the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) is seeing results – as no one was asked to dismount at this year’s event.

The county show hit headlines in 2016 when it stated that anyone who weighed over 20% of their mount’s weight would be asked to dismount, with scales on hand in case the point needed to be proven.

Eight people were asked to dismount that first year but during the 2021 event (13–16 July) the scales – charged up in readiness – did not have to be used.

“That really is progress,” GYS livestock and entries co-ordinator Amanda Stoddart-West told H&H.

“I think people have just accepted it now. Unfortunately, it probably still goes on elsewhere, but here, people know it’s monitored and they can’t do it.”

Mrs Stoddart-West explained the issue was first raised by vets in a committee meeting in 2015, and the 20% maximum was set based on the most up-to-date scientific research into the effects of rider weight.

She added: “It’s been very rewarding to see real progress, with these changes now largely accepted by our exhibitors. We may have missed a few but most understand the reason for these rules and are happy to abide by them. We all knew this change would take some time to be accepted but we are now seeing a real difference.”

Mrs Stoddart-West said the show had had a lot of support this year for its enhancing of the rules; announcing that only the child entered, or another rider who would have been eligible for that class, could ride the pony concerned, anywhere on site (news, 6 May).

“The original concerns were raised by two of our vets regarding a coloured horse, so it wasn’t purely about ponies, although latterly we were seeing more and more adults riding in children’s ponies before their classes, hence the reason for the rule enhancement,” she said. “We all have a duty to protect horse welfare.

“It was heartening that during this year’s show, exhibitors and even tradestand holders were helping to see the rule was upheld. This has to be good news for the animals, and many warmly welcomed a level playing field. Hopefully, more shows will soon follow suit so this becomes the norm.”

Mrs Stoddart-West said it was hard to tell if the new rule affected entries; these were down slightly, but across the board, which may have been owing to Covid.

“Change takes time but people do seem to be accepting it now,” she said. “If every show took it on board, I think we’d see a major difference. A lot of people are resistant to changing how they’ve always done something, but we can’t stay as we were 50 years ago; nothing stands still and we hope we’re improving things for all horses and ponies while making things fairer for everyone.”

GYS vet Julian Rishworth told H&H when the rule was first introduced that one rider asked to dismount said, “What am I supposed to do, put a child on and have an accident?”

“But if the pony’s not suitable for a child, should it be shown as a child’s pony?” he asked.

He added this week: “I was so pleased to see ponies being worked in by children, or being lunged, and that they still gave their best in the show ring.”

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers told H&H: “The Great Yorkshire Show was brave to be the first to introduce these guidelines, and five years on the benefits are being seen.

“This is not about rider weight as such but ensuring that riders are appropriately matched to their mounts, and the show’s pioneering approach has done much to raise awareness of this sensitive but important welfare issue, and paved the way for other show organisers to issue similar guidelines which should also be applauded.”

What do you think about adults riding ponies and the GYS’ rules? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, and you could win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

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

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade 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

A farrier has been crowned national champion at the Great Yorkshire Show (13-16 July) as he fought off stiff competition from the country’s best – including his wife.

North Yorkshire-based Steven Beane took the British Farrier and Blacksmith Association’s national champion title, while his wife Sarah was fourth – and the highest ever placed female farrier. Reserve champion was Lewis Balfour and Sarah took the prize for the “best shod foot”.

Steven enjoyed a successful run at the show during which he also won three classes; open agricultural shoe-making, heavy horse shoeing, and surgical shoe-making, and was crowned the show’s champion. Sarah won the open hunter shoeing class, in which Steven came second.

Steven, who met Sarah at a shoeing competition in Ayrshire 13 years ago, told H&H the Great Yorkshire Show had been a “good couple of days” for the Beanes.

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind,” he said. “It’s a funny thing, people ask why I do it but I just love the buzz of it. You enter competitions because it keeps your everyday standards higher. You’re putting what you do day in, day out against fellow farriers around the country. It’s the prestige of it.

“The national championship is the biggest competition we have in the UK, it’s the one everyone wants to win. Sarah’s ecstatic to have been in the top five, she wants to go on to be in the top two, and eventually wants to win it.

“We haven’t had many competitions in the last 18 months because of Covid, and even though I’m an experienced competitor I still went there thinking ‘am I still good enough to win?’. You don’t know until you go somewhere and compete against everyone else.”

Steven said there is “without a doubt” a rivalry between him and Sarah when it comes to competing.

“We’ve been training head to head and obviously we’ve kept our eye in the game by competing against each other in practice so that’s probably worked in our favour,” he said.

“I’m very competitive so I went with the aim to win. On the first day Sarah won and I was second, we have a hot tub at home and that night the hot tub chat was quite quiet!”

Steven said he believes competitions help keep standards of shoeing high.

“You have hunter and heavy horse shoeing and surgical and agricultural shoe-making; every single discipline as a farrier got tested. You can’t say ‘I have a weakness and don’t like shoeing Shires’, for example. If you want to be champion you have to be good at all of them, that’s key,” he said.

Continued below… 

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

“I never used to train in terms of fitness but now the classes and what they demand are a lot higher so since I’ve started training I’ve lost 12lbs by going to the gym, making shoes, and forging. I wouldn’t have said I was unfit before but I wasn’t as fit as I am now. You have to be really fit because the demand and standard is being pushed all the time.”

Steven has returned to work and said his success has been well received by clients.

“It’s been really nice, clients have been putting posts on Facebook. Some of the dressage yards and rehab yards I go to just know you as ‘Steven the farrier that comes here’ and now all of a sudden they’re like “oh!”. It’s nice for the clients,” he said.

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

Robert Whitaker pips his father John to the Cock o’the North title, local riders collect several spoils and a new course-designing team make their mark during the Great Yorkshire Show (13-16 July) at Harrogate showground

A WINNING RIDER born and bred in Yorkshire provided the perfect result for the partisan Great Yorkshire Show crowd at Harrogate. The cheers rang out long and loud for Robert Whitaker when Major Delacour produced the only triple clear to win the prestigious Ripon Select Foods Cock o’the North Championship.

“This horse is easy to ride, brave and careful, and he was spot on at every fence in every round,” said Robert, who has won this coveted title twice before, riding Ublesco and Finbarr V.

Course-designer Jason Abbs set a fair test for the 24 starters and the class developed into a real crowd pleaser with 11 combinations producing a zero score in the first round. Nine of those remained clear to contest the second jump-off, in which a skinny rail jumped downhill fell six times.

Drawn at the halfway stage, Robert Whitaker kept moving all the way and Major Delacour never faltered to post the first – and ultimately only – triple clear.

“I wanted to be quick, so we set off in a rhythm, maintained a good pace and we had a good shot to the skinny rails.

“We have done the county circuit to prepare and as Major has jumped puissance walls, I knew he was comfortable over bigger fences. I really could not have asked for more,” concluded Robert.

It proved a popular family affair when Robert’s father John Whitaker, also a previous title holder, finished second riding Unick Du Francport.

Even throwing in a few bucks along the way, the Zandor Z 13-year-old beat Robert’s winning time (45.67), but a brick slid past the point of no return at the first part of the penultimate double of Yorkshire walls for four faults (44.22).

“One brick was unlucky, but that’s showjumping and it might as well have been six,” reflected John.

“I am always more pleased when Robert wins, but I was trying to beat him,” added John with a wry smile.

Rounding out the top six on four faults were Harriet Biddick riding Galway Bay Jed, who cast a shoe in the first round, Conor McMahon (Calacas D’Aubigny), Keith Shore (Mystic Hurricane) and Paul Barker (Green Grass).

During the first round of this class, Guy Williams survived a nasty moment when his foot stuck fast in the nearside stirrup after parting company with Crispina Z at the first wall.

To her eternal credit, the horse stood stock still and speedy intervention by Simon Buckley and Joe Whitaker saw Guy freed quickly.

‘I had no great expectations’

LISA JONES and Diana P have enjoyed many showjumping successes during their seven-year partnership, but winning the International Stairway here at their local county show with the only double clear gave the popular owner and rider their biggest win.

While the pristine rings at Great Yorkshire were bathed in sunshine throughout the show, preceding torrential rain left the ground quite holding for the first couple of days. It affected some horses, but Diana P fairly skipped along.

“Diana has only just stepped up to this level and as Yorkshire tends to be one of the biggest tests, I came into the ring with no great expectations,” said Lisa.

The track included all the usual questions with a full-size water jump, a combination jumped uphill – the final part of which accounted for most faults – and the Great Yorkshire planks to finish, keeping clear rounds to a premium.

Just two combinations, Lisa and Diana P and John Whitaker riding Chankar Mail, maintained a zero score in the first round and they were joined in the (top five) jump-off by the fastest four-faulters Will Fletcher (Persimmon), Simon Buckley (Elia) and eventual fourth Mark Edwards (Montreuxs Tale).

After Stairway league leader Mark opened with another four-fault round to finish on eight, the pressure mounted on the leading two when Persimmon and Elia produced classic second-round clears for Will (51.66) and Simon (52.40).

John followed, but sadly for the supporting crowd, he slipped down to fifth when Chankar Mail lowered two of the last three fences.

Needing a clear round to win, Lisa returned with Diana P and she did not disappoint.

“She has a super brain, and she wants to win, but it has to be her way, so I have to subtly let her think everything is all her own work.

“It was a big test, and I thought the camber of the ring and the ground would play its part, but Diana never faltered,” said Lisa.

Riding a former eventer, Will felt safe in the knowledge that Persimmon (Percy) would not be unduly affected by the slopes or the going, and they came to Yorkshire in good Stairway form having won at the South of England.

“Percy puts everything into his rounds and as he loves a big grass arena I can get the best out of him,” said Will, who after lowering an early rail in the first round, picked up the pace to ensure a later jump-off position behind the two clears.

A magical winning double

TO record one win here is a great achievement, but Yorkshire rider Laura Stephenson enjoyed a magical winning double when her partner of 12 years Catherston Connor combined speed, accuracy, and agility to win the William Hanson Stakes and the Rudding Park Great Yorkshire Championship.

On the back of recent wins at Dean Valley and South View, the flying grey was truly in his element in this vast arena, and he matched his rider’s determination to pull off a series of tight turns consistently and successfully.

Even though they were well up on the clock in the three-strong jump-off in the William Hanson Stakes, Laura steered the acutest of angles to the final Yorkshire Planks, which Connor pinged over.

“In a small ring, Connor can lose time as he jumps so high, but in this arena, he covers the ground, but he can still turn back on a sixpence.

“I wanted to win and set my mind to do all the turns and angle fences, and everything paid off in both classes,” said Laura, who triumphed in the 2008 Cock O’The North Championship riding Sultano.

Set as the final 1.60m joker in front of the stands, the traditional Yorkshire planks played a huge part in the opening Badsworth Stakes Accumulator, in which riders had to risk galloping to them and clearing them to reap the reward.

Eight combinations did just that, with victory going to late drawn Adrian Speight and Millfield Baloney, who finished ahead of Mark Edwards riding Tinkers Tale and the pathfinders Kerry Brennan and Wellington M.

Having jumped mainly in Europe last season to keep ticking over, Adrian had “Louis” ready to bounce back after lockdown.

“It took a few outings to grind the rust off, but we are now enjoying the bigger shows.

“Louis is very rideable, and he has a great jump, but my arms were going like mad to push uphill for that joker,” said Adrian.

Saving the best ‘til last

THE irrepressible pair of Kerry and Wellington M made the most of the show being extended by one day and they saved their best until last to gain a decisive victory in the final Jon Doney Memorial Great Yorkshire Challenge.

Eight combinations came through to contest the jump-off, in which a typically determined round from Kerry saw Wellington M (40.14) finish ahead of Paul Barker riding Green Grass (41.56).

“Welly has enjoyed being a field pony during lockdown,” said Kerry.

“Work at home does not impress him, or get him fit, so it has taken a few outings to get him excited and he was certainly up for this today.

“This open track suited him, and after holding him to the double, I let him run down the final line, which he loves to do.”

For end-to-end action and thrills, the Yorkshire Dales Ice Cream mini-major whip attracted great crowd support, mainly due to Nick Brooks-Ward whipping the spectators up into a frenzy with his informative and amusing commentary.

Producing the winning round were Ella Kay (Kilcreene Apollo) and her partner Ben Hobday (Shadow Man).

Competing for the first time here, 10-year-old Ella oozed confidence and took charge during the course walk.

“I really wanted to win and as Apollo is very fast and careful and he looks after me I cut all the corners and jumped across the angles,” said Ella, who gave the same instructions to Ben.

“After Ella’s flying round, I felt the pressure, but followed instructions. Ella is a top trainer, I think I might book in for a lesson,” quipped Ben.

New course designer steps up

FOLLOWING the retirement of Bob Ellis after many years of service, it was all change in the course-builders’ corners.

Having worked under Bob and learned his Yorkshire Show trade for 10 years, Harrogate course-designer Jason Abbs has now stepped up to number one, with Ben Townley coming in to assist along with continued support from Kevin Millman.

“After the deluge, until the ground improved, we made a few concessions to get horses jumping with confidence,” said Jason.

“There is a fine balance between competitive sport and fairness to horses, and while course-designers cannot please everyone, I think the tracks did what they set out to do, and no-one said any course was unfair.

“There is always a great deal of pressure but having a good team behind me allowed me to focus on designing the next courses.

“The standout classes for me – and won by Yorkshire riders with the only double and triple clears – were the Stairway and Cock O’The North, and it was lovely to see those two great legends of showjumping, David Broome and Harvey Smith, walking the Cock O’The North course,” concluded Jason.

.

This report is also available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 22 July

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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.

A stunt rider thrilled the crowd at the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) with more than just his equestrian display when he proposed to his girlfriend in the main arena.

The delighted crowd applauded as Ben Atkinson, of Atkinson Action Horses, dropped to one knee in front of his unsuspecting girlfriend Georgie Jackson — who said yes.

Ben, 27, told H&H the feat had involved a huge amount of planning.

“At Christmas we were talking about what sort of proposal she’d like,” he said. “George is quite a private person so I thought she’d say she’d want it to be just me and her, but she said ‘I want big, and I want public!’

“I thought ‘I’ve got quite a public life, so I’m sure I can do that’.”

Ben knew the GYS was special to Georgie, 22, who had been every year since she was a child.

“It’s my favourite show too, and the only one all of both our families would be at so it was perfect,” he said.

Ben’s preparations included subtly ascertaining Georgie’s opinions on various rings, and collaborating with her mother on the right size. That all went smoothly, but getting her into the arena was another matter.

“She’s a farrier and a dressage rider; she has no interest in performing,” Ben said. “So I said I was down one rider and ‘I really need you to ride for me, I’m really stuck’. She said ‘Fine, for you, I’ll do it’.”

More subterfuge was needed with Ben’s team; there was a rehearsal involving Georgie, then another practice at which she was not present.

And after the display, with a favourite song of Georgie’s playing, Ben did the deed.

“It was so stressful!” he said. “I was working seven horses at liberty in front of everyone, it was pretty full-on, and I kept thinking ‘don’t lose the ring, don’t lose the ring’,” he said.

“I’d told her I was going to ditch my lunge whip and needed her to wait under the president’s box. Then I called her over and I could see her mouthing ‘What?’; she had absolutely no idea, then I got down on one knee.

“I had two horses ready and we did a lap of honour, with no bridles, to celebrate. It was amazing, and both our families were there so we went back to the lorry for champagne.”

Ben added that the reaction of the crowd was “incredible”, and his horses did not bat an eyelid at it. Then he found out the next day why the setting had been even more special.

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

“George spoke to her grandmother and found out it was at that show her grandfather proposed to her too,” he said. “That makes it even more special.

“George loved it and she loves the ring – and the ring fits. It was amazing.”

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

It’s one of the biggest county fixtures of the season and if you’re going to land a championship on Yorkshire soil then you need to bring your A-game — in the form of a blistering gallop in front of the grandstand crowd.

With its main arena and White Rose ring, the grassy turf at the Great Yorkshire offers riders the opportunity to let their mounts go down the long side.

Here are eight flawless gallops we snapped during 2019’s Great Yorkshire Show ahead of the 2021 renewal of the event, which kicks off tomorrow (13 July)…

1. The Forger

Libby Robertson piloted the stunning grey gelding to maxi cob victory, picking up a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ticket in the process.

2. KBF Crescendo

The then six-year-old mare — champion at 2018’s Royal International — was coloured champion with producer Jayne Ross at the helm.

3. MHS Charlie Fox

The novice hunter accolade went to Aubrey Chapman and the then five-year-old lightweight, who was ultra-exuberant as he galloped past the grandstand.

4. Red Rock III

Tracey Veale’s gorgeous gelding produced two awe-inspiring push-ons with producer Vicky Hesford to scoop the overall cob championship as well as the coloured reserve title.

5. Waitwith Texas Star

Jennifer Cowan geared up the Welsh section A gelding before galloping to the overall HOYS small breeds championship.

6. Brookdale Limited Edition

The Mears family’s prolific maxi cob took the ladies’ class with producer Danielle Heath, who was all smiles aboard the victorious grey.

7. View Point

The then reigning HOYS hunter champion lowered and went for producer Rob Walker as he secured the open hunter title. This was the eighth time Robert won the Great Yorkshire hunter championship.

8. Dyffryngwy Sir Picasso

The Mountain and Moorland supreme was clinched by the HOYS-winning Welsh cob, who was in perfect sync with his owner/rider Emma Boardman.

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 new rule, which would have applied last year had the show not been lost to Covid, concerns the ages of those riding any horse or pony on the showground. H&H speaks to the show, welfare experts and a producer to find out more

A NEW rule on rider age at the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) has sparked debate – and applause from welfare experts.

At this year’s event (13–16 July), equids may only be ridden by the riders who are entered to compete with them in certain classes. Any substitute rider may only ride the animal outside the ring if he or she is eligible in age to compete in the same class.

The rule, which would have applied last year had the show not been lost to Covid, is in addition to the ban on anyone riding a horse or pony whose weight, including tack, is more than 20% of the animal’s weight, anywhere on the showground, which has been in place since 2016.

A GYS spokesman said: “Animal welfare is of paramount importance and is an issue we take very seriously, without compromise. As such, our rules are very clear.”

GYS livestock and entries co-ordinator Amanda Stoddart-West told H&H the age rule had been brought in as some riders were doing their best to flout the 20% rule.

“We’ve had many emails from people saying ‘thank you, finally someone’s doing something about this’,” she said.

“This should ideally have come from breed or pony societies; it’s a shame a show has had to do it but at least it’s being discussed now. We’ve had supportive messages from judges too, saying it’s been needed for a long time.”

Producer Edward Young said he will not be entering the GYS this year, despite the fact it is his local and much-loved county show, owing to the rule.

“The GYS has taken a view on welfare, with the 20% rule, which hasn’t met a great deal of opposition,” he said. “But this is nonsensical.”

Mr Young gave the example of a girl at his yard who would have competed her 13.2hh followed by her 12.2hh in consecutive classes, so would not have been able to warm up the smaller pony.

“We’ve got a girl at the yard who’s within 20% so could warm up the other pony but that means taking another child, from another household, in Covid,” he said. “No one’s explained why a 7st 7lb adult isn’t abuse [in some classes] but a 7st 7lb child who’s too old is. My horse doesn’t know how old I am; he may have an opinion on my weight but he doesn’t care how old I am. I don’t see how they can hang this on the welfare peg, if the 20% rule is stuck to.”

Mr Young said he had heard the rule may have been to create a fairer playing field, as some children do not have lightweight adults to warm ponies up for them.

Ms Stoddart-West said it was based on welfare, and is needed as the 20% rule was not entirely complied with, but that the more level playing field is a not unwelcome effect.

“If people hadn’t tried to ignore the 20% rule, we wouldn’t have had to bring this one in,” she said.

World Horse Welfare deputy chief executive Tony Tyler told H&H: “We applaud the fact that the Great Yorkshire Show continues to set an example to others by taking steps that help ensure horses and ponies are not overworked and only ridden by appropriately sized riders at all times on the showground.”

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

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

The wild, stormy weather of late makes the summer show season feel like a lifetime away. So H&H is throwing it back to sunnier times when the horses were hairless and shiny and our showfields weren’t underwater.

Here are 27 beautiful moments H&H’s epic photographers captured from shows up and down the country in 2019…

Leading show man Simon Reynolds enjoys his lap of honour on the striking and beautifully balanced grey cob Copenhagen after taking the championship spoils at Lincolnshire county show.

The Wood family’s yearling colt Malus LVP Z is intrigued by the trophy he was awarded at the National Hunter championships, where he picked up his first Cuddy in-hand ticket.

Megan Hewitt salutes and smiles to the judges after a cracking show on multi-garlanded traditional pony Billy King Of The North.

The intermediate show hunter Noble Kings Speech is on the aids of Charlotte Elliott-Grooby as the pair go for the gallop en-route to the intermediate champions of champions title at the BSPS summer championships.

Brightwells Welsh section B in-hand champion Moelview Moonstruck displays elegance and quality as he poses beneath the backdrop of the Malvern Hills at Three Counties Showground.

Spectators arrive in their masses to watch the parade of champions at the annual Dublin Horse Show. Pictured is the Irish Draught champion, Marian Ryan and Kieran Smith’s Stormy Diamond Lady, ridden by Sean Tipperary.

Prolific mini pony Ravara Mr Todd looks after his jockey Milly Gilbert.

Flying Exmoor stallion Barhill Danny puts a smile on Gail Whetter’s face as he jumps clear, bags a HOYS ticket and the section championship at NPS Area 4.

Langaller Tarak (Kieran Baslington) appears to be enjoying every minute of his supreme performance at the CHAPS championships.

Who said ‘hairies’ can’t gallop? Southerton Jasper shows off his paces at Derbyshire Festival, where he picked up his first ticket to HOYS with his producer Jessica Talbot at the helm.

Ross Keys plants a kiss on the 2019 Royal Norfolk show Cuddy in-hand qualifier Ellister Islay Spruce, who is owned by Julie Barton.

The connections of the RIHS supreme coloured Springpond On The Razzle embrace the horse and his rider Sofia Scott after their victory.

Star of the future and Royal Highland show supreme hunter winner Under Attack works the camera as he appears to have spotted something interesting in the distance.

The Tyler family’s gorgeous Dartmoor mare Springwater Anna tops one of the strongest Cuddy qualifiers of the year at the Great Yorkshire show.

Jerome Harforth’s part-bred Arab Swan Lake — undoubtably one to watch — floats along at Midland Counties, where she took reserve in the Cuddy qualifier.

Talia Aristidou awaits the novice M&M championship results at Cheshire County Show with Thistledown El Toro, before being called out as winners.

Robert Walker lets Jill Day’s legendary lightweight View Point go in front of the Royal box at Windsor before lifting the hunter accolade.

Allister Hood looks proudly at Caroline Tyrell’s Carlsberg cob Our Cashel Blue, who clinched the supreme horse title at the RIHS.

Chloe Lemieux punches the air on her lap of honour after taking the supreme pony of the year sash at HOYS with Coco Bongo — the first working hunter pony to claim the title.

Riding horse contender Royal Illusion and Jordan Cook never miss a beat as they trot off with a host of title — including a supreme — at the BSHA National championship.

Mia Donaldson can’t believe it as she and 133cm Barfield Jackpot are called out as the supreme show hunter pony of the year at the BSPS summer championships.

Working hunter campaigner Rob (Harry Gaunt) looks in the game at Suffolk Show, where he scooped his section title.

Verity Murray and Gems Hobo celebrate taking the novice Heritage M&M working hunter honours at the BSPS winter championships with a storming gallop.

Despite all they’ve won together Emily Proud is still over the moon to win at the National championships aboard the Phillips’ ultra-consistent cob Randalstown Top Notch.

Course builder David Cole is papped making fun and challenging tracks for the competitors at the BSPS winter championships held at Arena UK.

Big-winning gelding Cotebrook Ben Alder is shown off in all his glory at the National Shire Show

Gamlingay Love In A Mist (Elma Cunningham) is crowned donkey champion at the Royal Highland Show, winning one of the famous blue Royal Bank of Scotland sashes.

Alicia Houlihan is in perfect step with her own Tina, who catches the eye in the SSADL championship at Hambleton.

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A horse beleaguered by health issues ticked an item off his owner’s bucket list this week when he was placed at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Sixteen-year-old Dutch warmblood Whitaker bounced back from a split in his tendon, colic and a navicular diagnosis to collect a rosette in the novice ridden hunter line-up.

His owner, 22-year-old vet nurse Danielle Burke, said she had “always dreamt” of riding at the show and getting a photograph “galloping down the long side of the arena”.

But her former showjumper exceeded expectations when he finished eighth of 18 entries in the class.

“It was amazing,” said Danielle, who has owned Whitaker for six years. “I was so nervous for weeks before thinking ‘have I done the right thing in entering’, but as soon as I got in the arena I knew I had to make the most of it no matter what happened, as it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me.

“He didn’t put a foot wrong, he’s always well behaved and knows his job but he warmed up lovely, did our go round and stood really well,” she said. “He also went amazingly for ride judge which wasn’t something I had experience with before, so I got anyone who I could to ride him in the last few months!

“When we got pulled eighth I was so shocked I felt like I’d won, especially as he was the oldest in the class.

“I owe a lot to my riding instructor Ruth Baxter, who has taught me since I was young, as she encouraged me to go for it,” she added.

Danielle has little previous experience of showing, although she has campaigned Whitaker in SEIB Search for a Star classes, “narrowly missing” out on Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualification on two previous occasions.

She was originally planning to affiliate Whitaker British Showjumping (BS) but a year after she bought him, he injured his deep digital flexor tendon.

“He was on box rest for four months and then had another six months off, but he recovered from it fine — only then, when we’d just been given the all-clear, he developed navicular,” she said.

“We have managed it with medication and he is 100% sound and has been signed off by the vet.”

But Whitaker’s problems weren’t over when last November Danielle found him suffering with colic in the field.

“He’d never had colic before and he looked to be in a lot of pain — we spent a very scary 90 minutes waiting for the vet,” Danielle said.

“Fortunately it turned out to be a spasmodic colic, but I had to spend the night sleeping outside his box keeping an eye on him. He didn’t poo for 16 hours and I spent the most stressful three days of my life trying to get him to drink.”

Continued below…

Road to the RIHS: ‘Live wire’ cob comes back from accident trauma and injury to qualify for Hickstead

Perseverance and patience have paid off for this pair...

‘It’s not easy. It’s hard work’: Rider shares her inspirational HOYS qualifying story to prove that you can do it too…

Mid-season slump? Read this...

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She said that the 16.3hh gelding, who is gentle enough to be ridden by her six-year-old niece, is doing “so well at the minute” that she hopes to try for HOYS qualification again this year.

“We’ll try for Search for a Star from August and see if we are third time lucky, but if not then I’ll just enjoy him — he’s great to hack, we’re starting to do a bit more dressage and we still go jumping on and off.”

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The Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) said it is “frustrated” by the fact people had to be asked to dismount as they were too heavy for their rides – a year after it first took a stand on the issue.

Of the 12 people asked to dismount during the 2017 show (11-13 July) four chose to be weighed, all of whom were found to be more than 25% of their ponies’ weight, let alone the 20% set as maximum by the show.

Livestock and entries co-ordinator Amanda Stoddart-West said it was “disappointing to be in the same position” as last year’s show, at which eight people deemed too heavy, each more than 20% of the horse’s weight, were asked to dismount.

“It’s a sad state,” she told H&H. “All we’re doing is protecting horse welfare, but I don’t know how you go about changing the whole attitude.”

The GYS schedule stated that action would be taken regarding riders of inappropriate weight for their mounts, whether during, before or after classes, and the same message was displayed on signs on the showground.

But Mrs Stoddart-West said most of the offenders were adults on ponies, sometimes riding for “hours” in preparation for a child to compete, and that some of those who were asked to dismount were less than polite.

“It’s in our regulations, but they seemed to think they were above it,” she said.

“We were told we didn’t understand the sport, that we were getting at the profession, encouraging eating disorders. One argument was that there’s no scientific proof behind the maximum weight but usually, if the picture looks wrong, it probably is.”

Mrs Stoddart-West said that although arguments ensued when riders were asked to dismount, the decision also had a number of supporters.

“Having been screamed and shouted at, to then hear people coming up saying well done and that we were doing the right thing made it worth it.

“We don’t want to sound arrogant but if people want to come to our show, they have to abide by our rules.

Overweight riders asked to dismount at show

The organising committee ruled that anyone deemed to

RoR to disqualify overweight riders at shows

Riders deemed to be too heavy for their

Could your horse help save others from overweight riders?

The Animal Health Trust is looking for horses

“We’re not trying to change the world, we just want people on the right horses. We will keep going with it.”

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EIGHT people were asked to dismount at the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS, 12-14 July) as they were deemed to be too heavy for their rides.

Vet Julian Rishworth, acting on a regulation set by the show’s committee, spoke to adults riding children’s ponies in the warm-up area on the Thursday of the show.

The committee had ruled that the maximum rider weight allowed would be 20% of the horse’s weight.

“We’ve been trying to tackle this very thorny issue for a while now,” Mr Rishworth told H&H.

“It comes down to horses who are too fat and riders who are too heavy for horses, which are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

“The weight of horses is a subjective issue to tackle but with riders’ weight, you can be more objective.

“We decided the more pressing welfare concern was jockeys who are too heavy or an inappropriate size.”

Research

Mr Rishworth said the committee set the 20% figure having looked into the results of various pieces of research, and that a set of scales was available, should any rider question the judgment.

“We said: ‘I’m sorry sir, you’re too big, please get off’, and all but one did,” Mr Rishworth said. “There were about eight adults riding kids’ ponies.

“It was interesting to see the reaction; other people working in came over and said ‘congratulations’. I think it’s generally recognised as a problem.”

Mr Rishworth said overweight riders are “absolutely a welfare issue”, and at future shows, horses and ponies warming up while carrying people who do weigh more than the 20% may be prevented from competing.

“Is it any less a welfare issue that it’s being ridden outside the ring?” he said. “No. Does it give that competitor an unfair advantage?

“One person we asked to dismount said: ‘What am I supposed to do, put a child on and have an accident?’ But if the pony’s not suitable for a child, should it be shown as a child’s pony?”

GYS livestock and entries co-ordinator Amanda Stoddart-West said the man who did argue when asked to dismount would be sent a letter informing him that he had ignored a show official and gone against a show regulation.

“We’re not saying people shouldn’t ride, just that they should be on the right size animals,” she said. A 12hh pony being ridden by a big adult is just wrong.”

Related articles:

• Calls for new rider weight rule in the show ring
• Owners struggling to spot overweight horses
• How much weight can a horse carry? [H&H VIP]

Tom Best, who was judging ridden mountain and moorland Horse of the Year Show qualifying classes at the GYS, also spoke to some competitors about the issue.

“One was embarrassed and said she was riding it as her daughter wasn’t confident and she wanted it to have big ring experience but others thought they were quite entitled to be bigger riders on smaller ponies,” he told H&H.

“There’s a growing feeling among judges and the showing community that something needs to be done.”

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I missed riding at the Great Yorkshire show again this year, after I broke two ribs last week in the jump-off of a class at South View.

My horse Candy Boy split his legs over a back rail; I went over the top and was kicked down the ring. I’ll be out of action for another three weeks — it’s one of those occupational hazards.

The Great Yorkshire is a show I have grown up with and I always compete there if I can. For me, it is the best county show on the circuit. It has a great atmosphere and a fantastic grass ring, which is enjoyable to jump on when we see synthetic arenas so much of the time.

The Cock O’The North was as strong a class as ever, with the lead changing hands right up until last draw. It was good to see someone different — Douglas Duffin — win.

They are a partisan crowd and, as a Yorkshireman, it has always been one I wanted to win. I first won it at 17 on a horse called Upton, tying on the exact same time as John Whitaker and Ryan’s Son. There was a big finish, with a line of fences along the grandstand, and after two years of trying, it meant a lot.

It was disappointing to be on the sidelines this time around as I had a couple of young horses I was hoping to jump. Hopefully next year I will be back.

The next generation

My daughter Chloe jumped at the Great Yorkshire on the horse I planned to ride, just having a fence both days. She is now 19 and has been helping to keep things ticking over at home riding the young horses.

After a couple of years out, I’ve been getting back into competing. I’ve pinched a couple of Chloe’s horses, which she wasn’t too happy about! She has some nice novices and making them is something she will need to learn to do.

This is the best time of year to jump in England. There’s Bolesworth, the Derby meeting and the Great Yorkshire in succession, and there is no real reason to go abroad.

A lot of the county shows have been making a real effort. Suffolk and the Royal Highland were both excellent this year. There are a lot of people trying to lift their game, and they should definitely be supported.

I still believe England is the best place to make horses. Going abroad is costly and 90% of the time you are jumping on a surface over plain obstacles. Plus there is not always great prize money on offer outside of the rankings classes.

Fingers crossed

The European Championships are ever more at the forefront of people’s minds at the moment, and I think Britain can be hopeful of securing its Olympic qualification at Aachen.

Di Lampard, the World Class performance manager, has done well so far this year. She has some good horses to pick from and we are in a decent position. You can’t tell what happens until you are at a championship, but we’ve had our share of Nations Cup wins and they remain as good an indicator as any of European form. They are big events that get you used to the pressure, and there is a different kind of pressure involved in team jumping.

• Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Robert Smith in H&H next week (30 July 2015).

Ref: Horse & Hound; 23 July 2015

The One Show is to be broadcast live from the Great Yorkshire Show this year.

BBC’s popular evening hour-long weekday programme will be broadcast from the show on 15 July.

It will be the first time that the entire programme has been broadcast live from an agricultural event.

Equestrian highlights at the event includes top showjumping action – such as the Cock O’The North Championship – showing and a Shetland pony Grand National.

Presenters Matt Baker and Alex Jones will be looking behind the scenes and trying their hands at traditional rural skills at the event, which is in its 157th year.

Bill Cowling, director of the Great Yorkshire Show, said: “The One Show has a hugely successful formula of combining the fun and quirky with information and insight, which is a similar ethos to our own.

“On the one hand we showcase the best of British farming and on the other it’s a fun day out for all the family so there is much synergy between us.

“I’m sure our visitors will relish seeing what lies behind creating a successful TV programme as well as meeting Matt, Alex and the team as they experience the Great Yorkshire Show for themselves.”

The programme’s set will be recreated at the centre of the event on the President’s Lawn, overlooking the main ring.

Series editor Gareth Collett said that the programme likes to reflect what people are talking about and doing across the country.

He said the Great Yorkshire Show has always been an important part of the year not only for the people of Yorkshire, but for the farming community as well.

“So it makes perfect sense for us to seize this opportunity to make our first visit to such a historic and still very relevant event,” he added.

“I also hear the pies are good.”

Around 130,000 people attend the event each year and this year’s show runs from 14-16 July.

Visit www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk for full information and tickets.

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It’s been another busy week for the Horse & Hound photographers, flitting between showjumping and showing at the Great Yorkshire Show, racing at Ascot, eventing at Great Witchingham and dressage at Hartpury.

Catch up with all the latest action below.

Stuck for things to do this week? Here are some horsey ideas to keep you busy

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Heavy rainfall has forced organisers to call off the remainder of this year’s Great Yorkshire show.

Unprecedented amounts of rain, causing muddy ground, has led to the 154th running of the popular show to be abandoned.

After the first day (Tuesday 10 July) organisers last night announced that there would be no show today (Wednesday 11 July) or tomorrow (Thursday 12 July).

“This has been the most difficult decision that I have ever had to make,” said show director Bill Cowling.

“It is heartbreaking for all concerned, our exhibitors, our visitors and, of course, our staff.

“The decision has been made because our car parks have become too muddy to use with any safety, and the safety of our visitors has to come first. We will be refunding all those who have bought tickets in advance and talking to our exhibitors.”

Extensive preparations were made to combat the wet weather, including installing new roads and new drainage systems.

“We have had more rain in the last month than ever before. Our showground is robust and has held up well, but if we cannot park cars safely then to abandon is a difficult decision, but it is the right one,” added Mr Cowling.

For more information visit: www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

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A former policeman and director of the Great Yorkshire Show has been jailed for two years after he filmed a man having sex with a male pony.

Police discovered a stash of videos and images depicting abuse of young boys and animals at Charles Littleboy’s home in Howe, Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

Last month, Littleboy, 55, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of making indecent images of children, four counts of distributing indecent images of children, five counts of possessing extreme pornographic images and a further count of possessing 3,904 indecent photographs of children.

He was jailed for two and a half years and was put on the sex offenders’ register for life, at Teeside Crown Court on Tuesday (8 May).

The court heard the video of the man and pony had been taken a number of years ago, when the man, Shaun Dodds, had been staying at his home.

Littleboy also had film of the same man having sex with a dog.

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In the latest episode of the Great Yorkshire Show’s video series focusing on showing competitor Kat Barley, her broodmare Mellamaid and filly foal Maid of Honour, we see how the filly is developing and what the judge will be looking for on the day.

Visit www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

In the third episode of the Great Yorkshire Show preview, you can find out which name was chosen for Mellamaid’s foal and see how the filly is getting on learning to be lead with and away from her dam.

In the second episode of the Great Yorkshire Show’s focus on Kat Barley and her broodmare Mellamaid, we meet her new filly foal.

The foal needs a name, so watch the video and then vote on your favourite name on the Great Yorkshire Show website.

Enjoy strutting your stuff around the yard? Then why not show off your modelling skills to a wider audience at the Great Yorkshire Show (12-14 July)?

Organisers are looking for two “faces” of the show, one female and one male, aged between 16 and 29, and are encouraging entries from the horseworld.

In addition to taking part in a catwalk show at the Harrogate venue, the winner will take home prizes including £500 and an introduction to a model agency.

Two years ago, Jimmy Atkinson from Weardale was chosen as king of the runway from the six finalists, and he is now urging people to follow in his footsteps.

Jimmy, aged 27, grew up on his parent’s farm where he still helps out at weekends.

Taking part in the competition was great fun and a brilliant experience. Being part of the Great Yorkshire Show was fantastic for me and although I’ve not pursued a career in modeling, I enjoyed every minute of taking part,” he said.

Apply at www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk by 6 May.

For more up-to-date news, see the current issue of Horse and Hound (14 April, 2011)

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Follow Kath Barley and her 19-year-old broodmare Mellamaid as they prepare to compete at the 2011 Great Yorkshire Show.

This fifth-generation home-bred mare has previously produced a filly and as you can see from the video, it won’t be long before she has a new foal at foot.

Showjumping at the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate was abandoned last night after the showground was hit by torrential rain and thunderstorms.

Riders such as Nick Skelton, Robert Smith and William Funnell had to contend with jumps blowing over, as well as the difficult underfoot conditions, so in the early evening organisers took the decision to cancel the qualifier for today’s Cock o’ the North class.

Showjumping was set to continue again this morning but, instead of riders having to qualify for the Cock o’ the North it is now open to any riders wishing to compete.

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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

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GREAT YORKSHIRE Harrogate, Yorks, 10-12 July

Cleveland Bay (Mrs B Martindale) y’ling— 1, T Both’s Blackclough Kilcara; 2, Mr & Mrs N Cowgill’s Highpasture Harlequin. 2-y-o— 1, D Keenleyside’s Forest Fine Lord; 2, J Firth’s Barbarian Buccaneer; 3, H Ketley’s Kirkmoor Elderberry Flower. 3-y-o— 1 & ch, H Ketley’s Kirkmoor Primrose Flower; 2, A Haigh’s Eden Valley Moses; 3, B Elias’ High Pasture Second Chance. mare— 1 & res, K Wylie’s Aderlaides Dancing Matilda; 2, M Brown’s Forest favourite Girl; 3, J Firth’s Willow Luceres. foal— 1, D Anderson; 2, K Wylie; 3, Mr & Mrs N Cowgill. part-bred, y’ling— 1, S Goddard’s Highmoor Showtime; 2, J Spencer’s Glanaig Man From La Mancha; 3, Dr M Curry’s Lindon Joint Honours. 2/3-y-o— 1, H Ketley’s Kirkmoor Scenic View; 2, J Foster’s Turn Back Time; 3, J Leighton’s Lowmoor Pillowfight. foal— 1, J Moore’s Jemoon Principal Boy; 2, Fullers’ Smart Thinking; 3 J Spencer’s Glenaig Spiderman. coloured, ridden (D Machin, Miss J Lewis) native/trad, horse— 1 & ch, J McTiffin’s Mr Morrow; 2, C Bardo’s The Humdinger; 3, P Langrick’s One for the Road. do, pony— 1, M Pickford’s Star Of Micheleane; 2, K McNeil’s Rock TJ; 3, J Moore’s Mr Lucky Charmer. non-native, horse— 1, K Ibbotson’s Heathers Edge Eurovision; 2, R Gardner’s Trigger Happy; 3, J Blundell’s Electric Storm. pony— 1, S Wood’s Snaafi Bright Spark; 2, T Brooks’ Millpond Look So Different; 3, B Liddle’s Mini Tidkin Soldier. Irish Draught (Mrs G Mitchell) mare— 1, E Lord’s Ballineen Glen Abbess; 2, A Ives’ Ballinmore Blissful Lady; 3, J Appleton’s Highlane Rosy Glow. y’stk— 1, K Fox’s Classical Blue; 2, M Chapman’s Attwood’s Crystal; 3, Mrs & Miss Jubb’s Benedicts Brianna Mist. ridden (C Hewlett, Mrs G Mitchell)— 1, E Lord’s Ballineen Glen Abbess; 2, J Sarsfield’s True Blue; 3, S Pittendrigh’s Castle Jordon. sport horse— 1, P Nuttall’s Knightsbridge; 2, V Fleming’s Lulu; 3, J Latham’s Mr Higgins. novice hunter (P Cook, Mrs J Hubbard) lwt— 1 & ch, V Evans’s Magnifire; 2, A Fradley’s Middleman; 3, K Talbot’s Vivaldi III. hwt— 1 & res, H McCloy’s Byram Park; 2, S Jones’ Mr Gibson; 3, G Pearce’s Artful Dodger VIII. open, lwt— 1 & ch, A Smurfitt’s Bow River; 2, J Day’s Suppose So; 3, A Somers’ Port Patrick. mwt— 1 & res, L Wallace’s Adamstown; 2, E Gibson’s Ringfort Landmark; 3, Countess Goess Sarau’s Granite City. hwt— 1, E Gibson’s Shelford Rupert; 2, L Homer’s King Of Ferns; 3, C Bardo’s Silverstream. 4-y-o (J Poole, Mrs J Hubbard)— 1, J Day’s Hitman; 2, K Davies’ Mr Denbee; 3, P Mortimer’s Greylands Royal Salute. working, open— 1, J Cochrane’s Mountain Ember; 2, Mr & Mrs T Fairburn’s Kilballyowen; 3, J Callwood’s Thor. novice— 1, D Reid Scott’s Harley Foxtrot; 2, J Furness’ Jolly Ginger; 3, V Ellis’ Ello Elvis. coloured in-hand (Mrs D Machin) native/trad, y’stk— 1, F Tucker’s Goerneth Well There You Are Then; 2, A Sands’ Millie. do, pony— 1, P Porley’s Monivae Royal Doulton; 2, B Seymour’s Hercules; 3, T Sharp’s Sorrelcourt Smarty Pants. non-native, horse— 1 & ch, C Martin’s Merrigans Heaven Sent; 2, T Nelson’s Blinkbonny Prince Harry; 3, J Hinds’ Zotigag. do, pony— 1 & res, E Carpenter’s Chiddock Skylight; 2, S Tower’s Tidkin Spirit In The Sky; 3, K Allen’s Millpond Look So Cheeky. hunter breeding (Lady Howick) mare, small— 1, Upham & Davey’s Irish Breeze; 2, J Moore’s Poppys Moon; 3, W Raper’s Loumic Fantasia. foal— 1, J More’s Jemon Principal Boy; 2 & res, M Grubb’s Lambwath Morning Grace; 3, M Varmen’s God’s Grace. lwt— 1, ch & Cuddy ch, Upham & Davey’s Euphoria; 2, S Smith’s Dreamcatcher; 3, K Barley’s Drummacy. foal— 1 & ch, H Bramley’s Triple Crown; 2, K Barley; 3, S Browne’s Millabouttown. hwt— 1 & res, S Fenwick’s Baydale Juno; 2, Moran & Haswell’s Tempting Touch; 3, E Jackson’s Bonnygate Dolly. foal— 1, Moran & Haswell; 2, S Fenwick; 3, E Jackson’s Thistlefold Ruby. hunter y’stk (J Chugg) y’ling— 1 & ch, M Grubb’s Lambwath Dalesman; 2, L Jackson’s Monaco; 3, G Parkin’s Haggbudh Classic Light. filly— 1, Nicholson & Ness’s Blakestones Dior; 2, J Cameron’s Pablo Princess; 3, A Clancey’s On Cue. 2-y-o, gelding— 1, Moran & Haswell’s Look North; 2, Mr & Mrs A Brewster’s Rockafella; 3, L Jackson’s Count Kallisto. filly— 1, J Moore’s Herzogin; 2, Moran & Haswell’s Willow Park; 3, S Fenwic’s BaydaleVenus. 3-y-o, gelding— 1, L Pitt’s Foxtrot; 2, Moran & Haswells Byron Lodge; 3 M English’s Va Va Voom. filly— 1 & res, M Larkin’s Langaller Tia Maria; 2, Moran & Haswell’s Dewsberry Park; 3, S Guthrie’s India Princess. M&M in-hand (Mrs J Etheridge) lge, y’stk— 1, M Woosey’s Morag Of ParkView; 2, S Walsh’s Strathleven Drumochter; 3, J Jackson’s Eastlands Beethoven. Exmoor— 1, S Burger’s Rossmill Boreas; 2, J Graham’s Kebroyd Catuvellauni. 4-y-o & over, lge— 1 & ch, S Burton’s Carra Cashel; 2, A Sharman’s Chiltern Blessing; 3, E Fenem’s Drumcong Alice. Exmoor— 1 & res, D Wood’s Cosmic Izar; 2, H Watson’s Brether; 3, S Dowdeswell’s Raphael. ridden (Mrs J MacInnes, Mrs J Bryer) sml— 1, J Stockdale’s Micklehill Aspara; 2, S Dowdeswell’s Raphael; 3, B Elliott’s Cosdon Carlos. sec A/B— 1 & res, J Staveley’s Newonhill Prince Alfie; 2 D Roberts’ Milford Mayfare; 3, A Metcalfe’s Abbeybells Sister Agnes. sec C— 1, S Dowdeswell’s Rhydd Ddu Glyndur; 2, C Holroyd’s Kilcobben Rainbow; 3, R McKenzie’s Waxwing Keori. sec D— 1, L Rigby’s Erwyd Calan Mai; 2 V Proctor’s Calerux Pariot; 3 S Kershaw’s Rhoscolyn Casino. lge— 1, B Robinson’s Severnvale Grey Bobby; 2, A Barnes’ Hobcroft Adam; 3, C Kitchen’s Lambrigg Amber. Connemara, New Forest— 1 & ch, J McCallum’s Sydserff Lord Of The Dance; 2, K Hawes’ Blue Steel; 3, D Cowan’s Wannie Siver Rocket. cob (D Machin, J Poole) lwt— 1 & res, V Jenkins’ Casanova; 2, Y Purser’s Blue Print; 3, Thompson & Sears’ Father Ted. hwt— 1 & ch, P Cooper’s Orion; 2, C Bardo’s Robocob; 3, S Iggulden’s Raffles. riding horse (Miss E Morley, J Poole) sml— 1 & ch, M Boundy’s Silken Story; 2, J Williamson’s Lyncomber Blue Print; 3 T Pethig’s In Tune. lge— 1 & res, K Hill’s Hillocks Rustic Gold; 2, A Blundell’s Dallas Gazumpa; 3, C Farnaby’s Vale Park Olympian. ladies’ hunter (Mrs P Stacy, Miss E Morley)— 1, H Hunter’s Applejack; 2, Countess Goess-Saurau’s Granite City; 3, S Clark’s Togher Princess. sml— 1, J Rooke’s Highlane Milo; 2, P Binks’ Suwanne River; 3, J Bartle’s State Policy. RP breeding (T Barron) mare, 128cm— 1 & ch, M Coombes’ Bradmore Faberge; 2, Mr & Mrs Clemett’s Holly Bush Coppelia; 3, S Kersey’s Kynnersley Purple Lace. foal— 1, M Coombes’ Goresmead Cartier; 2, S Kersey’s Senateview Freya; 3, Mr & Mrs Clemett’s Holly Bush Serenade. mare, 148cm— 1 & res, J Harforth’s Stanley Grange Heaven Sent; 2, S Plamer’s Palmfields Nightingale; 3, W Merryweather’s Yealand Paper Moon. foal— 1, S Tideswell; 2, J Harforth’s Stanley Grange Regal Heights; 3, W Merryweather. y’ling, 128cm— 1 & res, S Donovan’s Astral Heartbreaker; 2 A & C Smalley’s Barkway Bubbling Fun; 3, C Duke’s Greenbarrow Prince of Light. do, 148cm— 1, L Stevens’ Anndalyse Royal Windsor; 2, J Hugill’s Manorview Royal Celebration; 3, S Halliday’ Kismet St George. 2/3-y-o, 128cm— 1, T Potter’s Chagford Leon; 2, R Hulbert’s Brookwater Fairy Tale; 3, Mr & Mrs Clemett’s Holly Bush Minute. do, 148cm— 1 & ch, L Bishop Milnes’ Wayard Silhouette; 2, J Gilchrist’s Romanno Royal Talk; 3, W Merryweather’s Rosamel Dark Prince. Dales (Mrs D Charlton) 1/2-y-o— 1 & ch, R Corner’s Village May Queen; 2, R Longstaff’s Lowhouses Sierra; 3, G Gilthorpe’s Lowhouses Jemima. mare/gelding— 1, R Corner’s Village Blackthorn; 2,E Jones’ Westwick Matilda; 3, J Dennis’ Westwick Thistle. stallion— 1 & res, L Daley’s Sunny Browe Prince; 2, J Pennell’s Lowhouses Black Magic; 3, B Williams’ Silton Mr Tom. mare— 1, G Cockbain’s Castle Hill Sally; 2, L Daley’s Sower Mire Jill; 3, R Longstaff’s Lowhouses Jessica. foal— 1, R Longstaff’s Lowhouses Max; 2, L Daley; 3, Mr & Mrs Metcalfe. Dartmoor (Mrs E Newbolt-Young) 2/3-y-o— 1 & res, N Wright’s Treworgan Serenade; 2, N Taylor’s Huttons Ambo Atlanta; 3, A Rigby’s Dykes Lily Mead. stallion— 1, Mr & Mrs Anderson’s Dunmere Buff Ermine; 2, E Jones’ Nappa Cobweb; 3, P Revell’s Sharpham Master Bee. mare— 1 & ch, N Wright’s Vean Tatyana; 2, Mr & Mrs P Tyler’s Springwater Bartoli; 3, N Taylor’s Langfield Beth. foal— 1, N Taylor’s Langfield Pantalaimon; 2, N Wright; 3, S Hide’s Huttons Ambo Country Star. Fell (J Lee) y’ling— 1, C Sanderson’s Clifford Poker Princess; 2, Mr & Mrs Thomson’s Lunesdale Aurora; 3, G M Cockbain’s Carrock Stormbreaker. 2/3-y-o— 1, L Garbutt’s Little Margaret; 2, Mr & Mrs K Turner’s Murthwaite Gurkha; 3, M Wilson’s Townend Eden. 4-y-o & over— 1 & ch, D Crow’s Sleddale Rose Bud; 2, E V Empsall’s Lunesdale Mountain Music; 3, M Wilson Townend Bethany. FR (Mrs A Gomersall, Mrs A Colles)— 1, K Gillott’s Nantcol Lady Penelope; 2, E Curbishley’s Barkway Misty Morn; 3, K Choynowski’s Fofsway Perdita. LR— 1 & ch, J Dean’s Kilvey Honeysuckle; 2 & res, H Barton’s West Leake Sensation; 3, C Cochran’s Kenilwood Music Boy. M&M LR (T Barron)— 1, C Pickering’s Heniarth Quasar; 2, P Emmerson’s Fairmarsh Black Magic; 3, Templeton & O’Neill’s Waxwing Pop Along. Shetland (Miss B Wilson) stallion— 1, D Sandham’s Stow Vic; 2, L Hutchings’ Butterby Express; 3, Miles’ Hose Earl y’ling— 1, S Atkinson’s Butterby Ophelia; 2, D Sandham’s Sandhamvill Britney; 3, K Wilkinson’s Deraden Emerald. 2/3-y-o— 1, R Headon’s Langa Estelle; 2, J Devenney’s Julmar Chatterbox; 3, S Atkinson’s Horninglow Elterwater. yeld mare/gelding— 1, D Dick’s Phoebe Of Transy; 2, Miles’ Heathcroft Truda; 3, E Barnes’ Laddyll Fantasy. mare— 1 & ch, D Dick’s Exhibit Of Transy; 2, G Snaith’s Schivas Victoria; 3, S Atkinson’s Buckland Desto. foal— 1, A Eames’ Sandford Hazel; 2, K Wigley’s Ramper Sweet Basil; 3, S Atkinson’s Horninglow Binsey Fell. SHP (Mrs A Colles, Mrs A Gomersall) 122cm— 1, A Hay’s Farchynys Pererin; 2, R Frank’s Hollybush Trump Card; 3, P Prickett’s Uppacott Extravaganza. 133cm— 1, V Rudd’s Crimson Night Light; 2, L Burnip Antoinetts Catamount; 3, K Slight’s Mount Pleasant Stardust. 143cm— 1, J Staveley’s Goldsborough Noble Heir; 2, K Gallagher’s Sycamore Candyman; 3, A Yaqub’s Crafton Waltz Of The Toreadors. 153cm— 1, C Scholes’ Westwood Virginia; 2, M Thompson’s De Ja Vu; 3, L Jackson’s Yealand Myth. SP (Mrs G Hill, Mrs J Elston) 128cm— 1 & ch, M Baybutt’s Colbeach Salaman; 2, J Gill’s Charn Kingfisher; 3, T Georgakis’ Parkhill First Edition. 138cm— 1, J Gill’s Stanley Grange Roulette; 2, K Smith’s Wescoe Regal Charm; 3, L Kelly’s Mountcharles Firefly. 148cm— 1 & res, S Grimshaw’s Kitty Kelley; 2, J Cook’s Valentino’s Royal Touch; 3, C Cochran’s Courtvale Dark Secret. int SRT— 1, C Flather’s Lemington Moondance; 2, Cooper Corporation’s Foxy Formula; 3, P Ahern’s Whalton High Jinks. sec A (Mrs J Etheridge) y’ling, colt— 1, E Ferguson’s Mardenway 007; 2, Thistledown Stud’s Thistledown Van Baston; 3, Mr & Mrs Thomson’s Idyllic Vanquish. filly/gelding— 1, A Daunt’s Thistledown Paradise; 2, G Farrow’s Waitwith Deanna; 3, S Greenwood’s Glenrose Red Robin. 2/3-y-o, colt— 1, D Wilson’s Waitwith Golden Flash; 2, T Waddington’s Idyllic Adagio. stallion— 1 & ch, W Frank’s Sunwillow Galong; 2, S Greenwood’s Brierdene Ben Hur; 3, J Watson’s Llannor John Thomas. 2/3-y-o— 1, G Farrow’s Waitwith Wildflower; 2, L Atkinson’s Thistledown Candice; 3, E Thomas’ Weston Black Velvet. mare— 1, Mr & Mrs M Kilbey’s Idyllic Fonteyn; 2, S Clarke’s Eastways Fantasia; 3, S Groom’s Ringstead Yoyo. foal— 1, Stopford, Smith & McLagan’s Lingardswood Saffron; 2, G Farrow’s Waitwith Wild Cherry; 3, S Groom’s Legerview Sequin. sec B (Mrs D Addison) y’ling, colt— 1, S Anderson’s Thistledown Alhaarth; 2, J Stewart’s Thornberry Masterpiece; 3, P Richardson’s Barrdene Heart Throb. filly/gelding— 1, S Kersey’s Gipsyville Egyption Gold; 2, G Simpson’s Wortley Katrin; 3, J Beckett’s Goldlands Prince Charming. 2/3-y-o colt— 1, K E Cheetham’s Carrwood Bronze Wing; 2, S Anderson’s Thistledown Gallileo; 3, J Blackburn’s Stoak Tyrol. stallion— 1, G Hensby’s Laithehill Oberon; 2, J Blackburn’s Moelview Charmer Boy; 3, S Kersey’s Paddock Hyperion. 2/3-y-o— 1, L Wilson’s Westaire Chantilly Lace; 2, Mr & Mrs Butterworth’s Paddock Pashmina; 3, G Hensby’s Laithehill Pollyanna. mare— 1 & ch, M Gethin’s Mynach Oriana; 2, G Hensby’s Laithehill Mazurka; 3, L Holland’s Laithehill Garland. foal— 1, G Hensby’s Laithehill Soprano; 2, L Harrison; 3, M Gethin. welsh C (Mrs L Ferris) y’ling— 1, L Wilson’s Synod Radiant Ann; 2, C Hincks’ Avonvalley Pebl. 2/3-y-o— 1, Mr & Mrs S Heppenstall’s Glynwyn Penny Sweet; 2, E Ludwell’s Sorrel Court Seren Du; 3, S Kershaw’s Springfield Park Aston Martin. stallion— 1, S Perrins’ D’abernon Take That. mare/gelding— 1 & ch, Mr & Mrs S Heppenstall’s Glynwyn Pennies From Heaven; 2, D Gant’s Kirkhamgate Lady Rhiannon; 3, S Hymes’ Peasedown Razzamatazz. foal— 1, D Gant’s Kirkhamgate Game On. sec D, y’ling— 1, A Degnan’s Pennal Brynmor; 2, J Hart’s Mycathlly Touch Of Class; 3, C Anderson’s Glynhir Brenin. 2/3-y-o— 1, G Schofield’s Dearne Valley Savannah; 2, D Broster’s Harroclough Talisman; 3, N Smith’s Trevallion Ella. stallion— 1, L Breeze’s Finney Hill Mad Max; 2, S Gibbons’ Tymor The Tramp; 3, J Longbottom’s Bryncwmwl Mab-y-Rhys. mare/gelding— 1, N Smith’s Trevallion Jordon; 2, T Oughton’s Penstrumbly April Rose; 3, L Rigby’s Erwyd Calan Mai. foal— 1, N Smith.

Record entries have been received for this year’s Great Yorkshire Show, which takes place in Harrogate from 10-12 July.

Overall showing entries are up to more than 2,000, with records broken in five native pony sections and riding pony breeding — the latter having almost doubled from last year.

Bob Ellis takes over as show jumping course-builder for the first time, and the winner’s purse for the Ripon Select Foods Cock ’O the North class now stands at £7,000.

Spectators can also look forward to some fabulous offers on the Horse & Hound stand (no.148) at the show. Free copies of HORSE magazine will be available as well as lots of instant prizes, including Alpha dog feed, Spillers treats, Net-Tex products and more plus £500 of Harry Hall, Cottage Craft & Masta gear.

The show will be the perfect time to take out a subscription as you could save up to 35% and walk away with a Masta rug when you subscribe to either Horse & Hound, HORSE or Eventing.

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