Latest from Horse & Hound in Hoys

HOYS judge Helen Starkie reveals she is ‘a big fan of tradition’ when sharing what she’ll be looking for in the ring

Bethan Simons — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 08:10:00 +0000

Helen Starkie is one of the judges who has the enviable task of judging at the 2026 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

This year, what each judge is assessing will be revealed just the night before the class. Trialled in 2024, this format is back by popular demand. So, while we won't know what Helen is judging for the time being, we can learn a little more about her, her background in showing, and what she will be looking for in the ring.

Helen Starkie’s background in horses

Lancashire-based Helen has been involved with horses since a child.

“Being a pony-mad child, my parents bought me my first pony when I was 12 years old,” says Helen. “He was a great all-rounder that I enjoyed competing at local shows. In the 80s we hacked to shows, did three or four classes and then hacked home. How things have changed!”

Both of Helen’s sons – Jack and Morgan – rode and showed ponies, predominantly natives. Both sons were successful, too, winning the mountain and moorland (M&M) first ridden class at HOYS; Jack won aboard the multigarlanded Waxwing Paintbox in 2006 before going on to take the mini M&M championship, and Morgan steered Wendon Choice to the title in 2013.

“The photos take pride of place on my living room wall,” says Helen. “Competing with their ponies gave them a strong work ethics and made them competitive. They are 24 and 30 now and are both doctors.”

Jack and Morgan also rode a pony that Helen considers has had a significant impact on her: Pumphill Bennet.

“Both my sons rode him with great success and many wins at HOYS, Royal International, Olympia and county shows. He never stopped giving his all and the partnership that he had with the boys was a pleasure to watch. He’s 25 now and enjoying his well deserved retirement at home on our farm.”

Jack Starkie riding Pumphill Bennet (Image credit: Future)

Helen says, reflecting on her time in showing: “Showing has also taught me good sportsmanship, accepting wins modestly and to act professionally when results were not always in my favour.”

Helen’s judging experience

“I started judging and stewarding when my sons got older and I had time to put something back into the system, and hopefully encourage and advise people coming into showing,” she says.

Since then, Helen has judged a host of shows up and down the country, including judging the M&M final at London International, an appointment she considers a highlight.

“I also judged in New Zealand this year, which was a fantastic experience and I would love to go back there.”

What will Helen be looking for when judging?

“At HOYS this year I am hoping to see forward moving ponies with good limb and where applicable, true to type movement and conformation.

“I am a big fan of tradition in showing regarding dress, performance, manners and sportsmanship,” she says.

“One of my pet hates is ponies going over-bent and ponies not being true to type and lacking good limb.

“My advice to HOYS first-timers is to plan your working in times, and enjoy every moment and enjoy all the show.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news in the run-up to Horse of the Year Show, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Your comprehensive guide to the 2026 HOYS M&M qualifiers

Bethan Simons — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:45:27 +0000

I know first-hand how hard it is to find qualifier details and keep on top of entries, so I’ve collated your need-to-know information for all the 2026 HOYS M&M qualifiers, from minis to workers. From the Royal Highland to the New Forest, working out where to go to attempt to secure Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifications for you or your child’s mountain and moorland (M&M) ponies is no mean feat.

While the HOYS qualifiers list has been announced for 2026, the some fixtures are still confirming their judges. I’m frequently updating this page with all the new details as they are released so it can be your one-stop-shop for planning your qualification.

2026 HOYS M&M qualifiers

Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd Junior M&M Ridden Pony of the Year
Colne, Sweet Dreams Show Confectioners & Westown Stud M&M Mini Pony of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Connemara of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Dales of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Dartmoor of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Exmoor/Shetland of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Fell of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Highland of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden New Forest of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Welsh Section A & B of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Welsh Section C & D of the Year
Jacksons of Yorkshire M&M Working Hunter Pony of the Year

HOYS qualifiers for native ponies 2026

Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd Junior M&M Ridden Pony of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
NPS Spring Festival	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	25 April	Mrs N Oldershaw-Glenn (R) Miss E Briant MVO (C)	20 April
Royal Bath & West Show	Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet	28-30 May	Mr R Marks (R) Mrs C Dew (C)	28 April
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mr K Waler (R) Mrs S Hird (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mr R Parker Jones (R) Mr M Jones (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mrs C Scott TBC	20 April
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mrs Katherine Lloyd (R) Mr Erik Mackechnie-Guire (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mr Jerome Harforth (R) Miss Catryn Bigley (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mrs Heather Prescott (R) Mrs Sandra Seward (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
North of England Summer Show	Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool	26-28 June	Mr C Mc Cormick (R) Mr S Howard (C)	15 June; entries reopen on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Mr M Reeves (R) Mr S Hulston (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Scottish Horse Show	Highfield Equestrian, Howe	11-12 July	Mrs Debbie Spears (R) Mrs Barbara McGrath (C)	26 June; late entries 6 July. Entries taken on the day
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Mrs Hannah Turnock (R) Mr Malcolm Fry (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mrs J Lowth (R) Mrs J Stuart (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Mrs A Nicholls (R) Mrs E Russell (C)	TBC
125th Anniversary Show of the WPCS	Royal Welsh Showground, Powys	8 Aug	Mrs Jocelyn Price (R) Miss Sue Hardy (C)	TBC
NPS Area 7 Summer Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	15 August	Hannah Atkinson (R) Tracey Brooks (C)	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Denbigh & Flintshire	The Green, Denbigh	20 Aug	Mr Richard Miller (R) Mr David Davies (C)	10 July
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
NPS Area 4 Summer Show	Camden Equestrian Centre, York	31 Aug	Mr A Cooper (R) Mrs E Payne (C)	TBC
Moreton Show	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Penny Clifford (R) Amber Ling (C)	TBC

Colne, Sweet Dreams Show Confectioners & Westown Stud M&M Mini Pony of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
NPS Spring Festival (mixed lead-rein)	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	25 April	Mrs B McGrath (R) Mrs C Scott (C)	20 April
NPS Area 25 (mixed lead-rein)	CCR Equestrian Centre, Gloucestershire	10 May	Mrs H Horsfall (R) Mrs P Cox (C)	Pre-entries close 8 May; entries taken on the day
Midland Counties Show (mixed lead-rein)	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Miss A Grummitt (R) Mrs S Hughes (C)	11 May; late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mrs H Turnock (R) Mr S Howard (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mr E Mackechnie- Guire (R) Mrs J Price (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mr A Perkins Ms Penny Hollings	20 April
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mr Mathew Lawrence (R) Miss Vickey Hill (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mr Russell Sutcliffe (R) Mrs Ann Bigley (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show (mixed lead-rein)	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mrs Tracey Brooks (R) Mr Mark Sheen (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
North of England Summer Show (mixed lead-rein)	Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool	26-28 June	Mr R Marks (R) Miss P Bunting (C)	15 June; entries re-open on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire Festival (mixed lead-rein)	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Ms S Chapman (R) Mr K Baskeyfield (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Scottish Horse Show (mixed lead-rein)	Highfield Equestrian, Howe	11-12 July	Mrs Katherine Hartenfeld-Bowling (R) Mrs Julia Furness (C)	26 June; late entries 6 July. Entries taken on the day
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mrs Karen Thomas-McTiffin (R) Mrs Tweetie Nimmo (C)	5 May
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Ms Alex Kelly (R) Mrs Anne Hutchinson (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July.
RWAS Royal Welsh Show (Welsh only lead-rein)	RWAS Showground, Powys	20-23 July	Mr David Blair (R) Mr Tom Best (C)	20 May
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mrs S Hird (R) Ms C Bigley (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Mrs J Stuart (R–lr/C–fr) Mrs H Banbury (C–lr/R–fr)	TBC
125th Anniversary Show of the WPCS (Welsh only lead-rein)	Royal Welsh Showground, Powys	8 Aug	Mrs Elizabeth French (R) Mr Paul Brightwell (C)	TBC
NPS Area 7 Summer Show (mixed lead-rein)	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	15 August	Louise Gaunt (R) Julian Walters (C)	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Denbigh & Flintshire	The Green, Denbigh	20 Aug	Mrs L Partridge (R) Mrs H Davis (C)	10 July
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
NPS Area 4 Summer Show (mixed lead-rein)	Camden Equestrian Centre, York	31 Aug	Mrs J Webb (R) Mrs A Monson (C)	TBC
Moreton Show	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register (mixed lead-rein)	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Sandy Wooderson (R) Joanne Griffin (C)	TBC

National Pony Society/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Connemara of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
NPS Spring Festival	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	25 April	Mrs Nicola Shuttleworth (R) Mr J Walters (C)	20 April
Northern Ireland Festival	Cavan Equestrian Centre, County Cavan	1-3 May	Mr Mark Sheen Mrs Beverley Moore	5 April
Royal Bath & West Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Mrs C Dew (R) Mr M Tamplin (C)	28 April
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mr M Jones (R) Mrs Heather Prescott (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs K Wainwright (R) Mr Rusell Sutcliffe (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mrs L Hidderley Mr Peter Boustead	20 April
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Miss Vickey Hill (R) Mr Mathew Lawrence (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mrs Barbara McGrath (R) Mrs Ann Bigley (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mrs Victoria Goldsborough (R) Mrs L Gaunt (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
North of England Summer Show	Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool	26-28 June	Mr M Chadwick (R) Mr R Marks (C)	15 June; entries reopen on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Mrs V Sidaway (R) Mrs E Lyttle (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Clonmel Show	Clonmel Racecourse, Powerstown Park	5 July	Mrs M Ludlow (R) Mr P Hilton (C)	TBC
Scottish Horse Show	Highfield Equestrian, Howe	11-12 July	Mrs Julia Furness (R) Mrs Penny Clifford (C)	26 June; late entries 6 July. Entries taken on the day
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mrs Gill Evans (R) Mr David Puttock (C)	5 May
British Connemara Pony Showing Society Breed Show	Moreton Morrell College, Warwickshire	17-18 July	Ms Karen Tett (R) Mr Jerome Harforth (C)	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Mr Malcolm Fry (R) Ms Alex Kelly (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July.
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mr K Morris (R) Mrs G Simpson (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Mrs A Gomersall (R) Mr BK Gibb (C)	TBC
NPS Area 7 Summer Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	18-19 July	Adam Pike Lorayne Ahmet	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
NPS Area 4 Summer Show	Camden Equestrian Centre, York	31 Aug	Mrs M C Nimmo (R) Mr P Davis (C)	TBC
Moreton Show	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Jenny Crane (R) Anne Hutchinson (C)	TBC

National Pony Society/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Dales of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
NPS Spring Festival (mixed)	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	25 April	Mrs Nicola Shuttleworth (R) Mr J Walters (C)	20 April
Royal Bath & West Show (mixed)	Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet	28-30 May	Mrs C Dew (R) Mr M Tamplin (C)	28 April
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mrs Heather Presscott (R) Mr M Jones (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs K Wainwright (R) Mr Rusell Sutcliffe (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mrs L Hidderley (R) Mr Peter Boustead (C)	20 April
Lincolnshire Show (mixed)	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mr Mathew Lawrence (R) Miss Vickey Hill (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mrs Barbara McGrath (R) Mrs Ann Bigley (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show (mixed)	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mrs Victoria Goldsborough (R) Mrs Louise Gaunt (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
North of England Summer Show (mixed)	Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool	26-28 June	Mr M Chadwick (R) Mr R Marks (C)	15 June; entries reopen on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Mrs V Sidaway (R) Mrs E Lyttle (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Scottish Horse Show (mixed)	Highfield Equestrian, Howe	11-12 July	Mrs Julia Furness (R) Mrs Penny Clifford (C)	26th June; late entries 6th July. Entries taken on the day
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mrs Gill Evans (R) Mr David Puttock (C)	5 May
NPS Area 7 Summer Show (mixed)	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	15 August	Adam Pike Lorayne Ahmet	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Mr Malcolm Fry (R) Ms Alex Kelly (C)	TBC
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mr K Morris (R) Mrs G Simpson (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
Dales Pony Society Summer Show	Stratlam Farm, Barnard Castle	1 Aug	TBC	TBC
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Mrs BK Gibb (R) Mrs J James (C)	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
NPS Area 4 Summer Show (mixed)	Camden Equestrian Centre, York	31 Aug	Mrs M C Nimmo (R) Mr P Davis (C)	TBC
Moreton Show (mixed)	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register (mixed)	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Jenny Crane (R) Anne Hutchinson (C)	TBC

National Pony Society/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Dartmoor of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Royal Bath & West Show (mixed)	Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet	28-30 May	Mrs C Dew (R) Mr M Tamplin (C)	28 April
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mr A Cooper (R) Mrs M Taylor (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs J Stewart (R) Mr S Howard (C)	8 May
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Dr Dianne Hadwen (R) Mrs Nicki Oldershaw-Glenn (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Miss Catryn Bigley (R) Mrs Helen Horsfall (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show (mixed)	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mrs Victoria Goldsborough (R) Mrs Louise Gaunt (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Ms S Chapman (R) Mr K Baskeyfield (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Mr Russell Sutcliffe (R) Mrs Heather Banbury (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July.
New Forest & Hampshire County Show (mixed)	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Ms K Wainwright (R) Mrs S Wooderson (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 July	Mrs J James (R) Miss J Newbery (C)	TBC
Dartmoor Pony Society Championship Breed Show	Lady Willingdon Field, Whiddon Down, Devon	9 Aug	Mr Malcolm Fry (R) Mrs Gaynor Rossall (C)	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
NPS Area 4 Summer Show (mixed)	Camden Equestrian Centre, York	31 Aug	Mrs M C Nimmo (R) Mr P Davis (C)	TBC
The Showing Register (mixed)	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Joanne Griffin (R) Jo Stiles (C)	TBC

National Pony Society/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Exmoor/Shetland of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Royal Bath & West Show (mixed)	Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet	28-30 May	Mrs C Dew (R) Mr M Tamplin (C)	28 April
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mr A Cooper (R) Mrs M Taylor (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs J Stewart (R) Mr S Howard (C)	8 May
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Dr Dianne Hadwen (R) Mrs Nicki Oldershaw-Glenn (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Miss Catryn Bigley (R) Mrs Helen Horsfall (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show (mixed)	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mrs Victoria Goldsborough (R) Mrs Louise Gaunt (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Ms S Chapman (R) Mr K Baskeyfield (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Mr Russell Sutcliffe (R) Mrs Heather Banbury (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 July	Exmoor: Mrs J James (R) Mrs S Muir (C) Shetland: Mrs BK Gibb (R) Miss Z Bell (C)	TBC
New Forest & Hampshire County Show (mixed)	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Ms K Wainwright (R) Mrs S Wooderson (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
Exmoor Pony Society Breed Show (Exmoor only)	Exford Showground, Somerset	11 Aug	TBC	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Shetland Pony Society Breed Show (Shetland only)	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	22 Aug	Mrs V J Hampton (R) Mrs S K Ross (C)	TBC
NPS Area 4 Summer Show (mixed)	Camden Equestrian Centre, York	31 Aug	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register (mixed)	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Joanne Griffin (R) Jo Stiles (C)	TBC

National Pony Society/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Fell of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
NPS Spring Festival (mixed)	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	25 April	Mrs Nicola Shuttleworth (R) Mr J Walters (C)	20 April
Fell Pony Society Stallion & Colt Show	Dalemain, Cumbria	9 May	Mrs G Cowell Ms J Fairburn	25 April
Royal Bath & West Show (mixed)	Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet	28-30 May	Mrs C Dew (R) Mr M Tamplin (C)	28 April
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mr M Jones (R) Mrs Heather Prescott (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs K Wainwright (R) Mr Rusell Sutcliffe (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mrs L Hidderley Mr Peter Boustead	20 April
Lincolnshire Show (mixed)	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mr Mathew Lawrence (R) Miss Vickey Hill (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mrs Barbara McGrath (R) Mrs Ann Bigley (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show (mixed)	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mrs Victoria Goldsborough (R) Mrs Louise Gaunt (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
North of England Summer Show (mixed)	Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool	26-28 June	Mr M Chadwick (R) Mr R Marks (C)	15 June; entries reopen on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Mrs V Sidaway (R) Mrs E Lyttle (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Scottish Horse Show (mixed)	Highfield Equestrian, Howe	11-12 July	Mrs Julia Furness (R) Mrs Penny Clifford (C)	26 June; late entries 6 July. Entries taken on the day
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mrs Gill Evans (R) Mr David Puttock (C)	5 May
NPS Area 7 Summer Show (mixed)	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	15 August	Adam Pike Lorayne Ahmet	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Mr Malcolm Fry (R) Ms Alex Kelly (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mr K Morris (R) Mrs G Simpson (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Mrs J James (R) Mrs C Wrigley (C)	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
NPS Area 4 Summer Show (mixed)	Camden Equestrian Centre, York	31 Aug	Mrs M C Nimmo (R) Mr P Davis (C)	TBC
Moreton Show (mixed)	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register (mixed)	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Jenny Crane (R) Anne Hutchinson (C)	TBC

National Pony Society/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Highland of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
NPS Spring Festival (mixed)	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	25 April	Mrs Nicola Shuttleworth (R) Mr J Walters (C)	20 April
Royal Bath & West Show (mixed)	Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet	28-30 May	Mrs C Dew (R) Mr M Tamplin (C)	28 April
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mrs Heather Prescott (R) Mr M Jones (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs K Wainwright (R) Mr Rusell Sutcliffe (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mrs L Hidderley Mr Peter Boustead	20 April
Lincolnshire Show (mixed)	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mr Mathew Lawrence (R) Miss Vickey Hill (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mrs Barbara McGrath (R) Mrs Ann Bigley (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show (mixed)	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mrs Victoria Goldsborough (R) Mrs Louise Gaunt (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
North of England Summer Show (mixed)	Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool	26-28 June	Mr M Chadwick (R) Mr R Marks (C)	15 June; entries reopen on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Mrs V Sidaway (R) Mrs E Lyttle (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Scottish Horse Show (mixed)	Highfield Equestrian, Howe	11-12 July	Mrs Julia Furness (R) Mrs Penny Clifford (C)	26 June; late entries 6 July. Entries taken on the day
Highland Pony Society Breed Show	Strathallan Castle, Perthshire	12 July	Katherine Bowling-Hartenfield (R) Pat Rennie (C)	TBC
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mrs Gill Evans (R) Mr David Puttock (C)	5 May
NPS Area 7 Summer Show (mixed)	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	15 August	Adam Pike Lorayne Ahmet	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Mr Malcolm Fry (R) Ms Alex Kelly (C)	3 July, late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mr K Morris (R) Mrs G Simpson (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Mrs M Osborne (R) Mrs A Gomersall (C)	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Scone Palace International Horse Trials	Perth Racecourse, Perth	27-30 Aug	Ms Lizzie Briant (R) Mrs Debbie Spears (C)	TBC
NPS Area 4 Summer Show (mixed)	Camden Equestrian Centre, York	31 Aug	Mrs M C Nimmo (R) Mr P Davis (C)	TBC
Moreton Show (mixed)	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register (mixed)	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Jenny Crane (R) Anne Hutchinson (C)	TBC

National Pony Society/Supreme Products M&M Ridden New Forest of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
NPS Spring Festival (mixed)	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	25 April	Mrs Nicola Shuttleworth (R) Mr J Walters (C)	20 April
Royal Bath & West Show (mixed)	Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet	28-30 May	Mrs C Dew (R) Mr M Tamplin (C)	28 April
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mrs H Prescott (R) Mr M Jones (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs K Wainwright (R) Mr Rusell Sutcliffe (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mrs L Hidderley Mr P Boustead	20 April
Lincolnshire Show (mixed)	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mr Mathew Lawrence (R) Miss Vickey Hill (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mrs Barbara McGrath (R) Mrs Ann Bigley (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show (mixed)	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mrs Victoria Goldsborough (R) Mrs Louise Gaunt (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
North of England Summer Show (mixed)	Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool	26-28 June	Mr M Chadwick (R) Mr R Marks (C)	15 June; entries reopen on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Mrs V Sidaway (R) Mrs E Lyttle (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Scottish Horse Show (mixed)	Highfield Equestrian, Howe	11-12 July	Mrs Julia Furness (R) Mrs Penny Clifford (C)	26th June; late entries 6th July. Entries taken on the day
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mrs Gill Evans (R) Mr David Puttock (C)	5 May
NPS Area 7 Summer Show (mixed)	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	15 August	Adam Pike Lorayne Ahmet	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Malcolm Fry (R) Alex Kelly (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mr K Morris (R) Mrs G Simpson (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Mrs A Gomersall (R) Mr R James (C)	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
New Forest Pony Society Breed Show	Deepslade House, Bransgore, Hampshire	29-31 Aug	Mr Mark Sheen (R) Ms Lucinda Sims (C)	TBC
NPS Area 4 Summer Show (mixed)	Camden Equestrian Centre, York	31 Aug	Mrs M C Nimmo (R) Mr P Davis (C)	TBC
Moreton Show (mixed)	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register (mixed)	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Jenny Crane (R) Anne Hutchinson (C)	TBC

National Pony Society/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Welsh Section A & B of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
NPS Area 25	CCR Equestrian Centre, Gloucestershire	10 May	Mrs S Hird (R) Mrs C Willis Burton (C)	Pre-entries close 8 May; entries taken on the day
Royal Bath & West Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Mrs T Hook (R) Mr J Harforth (C)	28 April
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mrs M Taylor (R) Mr A Cooper (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs J Stewart (R) Mr S Howard (C)	08 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mr R P Jones Mrs S Charlton	20 April
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Dr Dianne Hadwen (R) Mrs Nicki Oldershaw-Glenn (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Miss Catryn Bigley (R) Mrs Helen Horsfall (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Alison Squires (R) Richard Miller (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Ms S Chapman (R) Mr K Baskeyfield (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mrs Gill Evans (R) Mr David Puttock (C)	5 May
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Mr Russell Sutcliffe (R) Mrs Heather Banbury (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
RWAS Royal Welsh Show	RWAS Showground, Powys	20-23 July	Mrs Natalie Mulrooney (R) Mrs Pam Cox (C)	20 May
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Ms K Wainwright (R) Mrs S Wooderson (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Mrs E Russell (R) Miss D Waller (C)	TBC
125th Anniversary Show of the WPCS	Royal Welsh Showground, Powys	8 Aug	Mr Tom Best (R) Mr David Blair (C)	TBC
NPS Area 7 Summer Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	18-19 July	TBC	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Denbigh & Flintshire	The Green, Denbigh	20 Aug	Mrs HS Davis (R) Ms J Sheil (C)	10 July
NPS Area 4 Summer Show	Camden Equestrian Centre, York	31 Aug	Mrs M C Nimmo (R) Mr P Davis (C)	TBC
Moreton Show	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Joanne Griffin (R) Jo Stiles (C)	TBC

National Pony Society/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Welsh Section C & D of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
NPS Spring Festival	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	25 April	Mrs Nicola Shuttleworth (R) Mr J Walters (C)	20 April
NPS Area 25	CCR Equestrian Centre, Gloucestershire	10 May	Mrs S Hird (R) Mrs C Willis-Burton (C)	Pre-entries close 8 May; entries taken on the day
Royal Bath & West Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Mrs C Dew (R) Mr M Tamplin (C)	28 April
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Welsh C: Mrs M Taylor (R) Mr A Cooper (C) Welsh D: Mr M Jones (R) Mrs H Prescott (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs K Wainwright (R) Mr Rusell Sutcliffe (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mrs L Hidderley Mr Peter Boustead	20 April
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mr Mathew Lawrence (R) Miss Vickey Hill (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Welsh C: Miss Catryn Bigley (R) Mrs Helen Horsfall (C) Welsh D: Mrs Barbara McGrath (R) Mrs Ann Bigley (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mrs Alison Squires (R) Mr Richard Miller (C)	6 May, late entries close 10 May
North of England Summer Horse Show	Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool	27-28 June	Mr M Chadwick (R) Mr R Marks (C)	15 June; entries reopen on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Mrs V Sidaway (R) Mrs E Lyttle (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Scottish Horse Show	Highfield Equestrian, Howe	11-12 July	Mrs Julia Furness (R) Mrs Penny Clifford (C)	26th June; late entries 6th July. Entries taken on the day
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mrs Gill Evans (R) Mr David Puttock (C)	5 May
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Mr Malcolm Fry (R) Ms Alex Kelly (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July.
RWAS Royal Welsh Show	RWAS Showground, Powys	20-23 July	Mrs Natalie Mulrooney (R) Mrs Pam Cox (C)	20 May
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mr K Morris (R) Mrs G Simpson (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Mrs E Russell (R) Mr A Thomas (C)	TBC
125th Anniversary Show of the WPCS	Royal Welsh Showground, Powys	8 Aug	Mr Tom Best (R) Mr David Blair (C)	TBC
NPS Area 7 Summer Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	15 August	Adam Pike Lorayne Ahmet	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Denbigh & Flintshire	The Green, Denbigh	20 Aug	Mrs N Oldershaw-Glenn (R) Mrs H N Wight (C)	10 July
NPS Area 4 Summer Show	Camden Equestrian Centre, York	31 Aug	Mrs M C Nimmo (R) Mr P Davis (C)	TBC
Moreton Show	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Jenny Crane (R) Anne Hutchinson (C)	TBC

Jacksons of Yorkshire M&M Working Hunter Pony of the Year

Below are the details of all the M&M working hunter pony classes that can lead to HOYS qualification.

Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mr S Howard (R) Mrs J Griffin (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs L Thorne (R) Mr M Lawrence (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mrs T Brookes (R) Mrs V Hodgett (C)	20 April
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mrs Penny Clifford (Jump) Mrs Fiona Holton (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mrs Barbara McGrath (R) Mr Russell Sutcliffe (C)	15 April
North of England Summer Horse Show	Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool	27-28 June	Mrs J Bushell (J) Miss N Mulrooney (C)	15 June; entries reopen on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Mr P Cook (R) Mr E Mackechnie-Guire (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Warwickshire Summer Fair	Dallas Burston Polo Ground, Warwickshire	4 July	Ms F Cabrol (R) Mrs A Nicholls (C)	TBC
Scottish Horse Show	Highfield Equestrian, Howe	11-12 July	Mrs Pat Rennie (R) Mrs Phillipa Macinnes (C)	26 June; late entries 6 July. Entries taken on the day
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Sheelagh Donger (R) Anne Hutchinson (C)	3 July, late entries at a higher rate until 13 July.
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mrs J Lowth (R) Mrs C Whiteley (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Dr D Hadwen (R–juniors, 122cm, 133cm/C–143cm, exc.143cm) Ms G Wright (C–juniors, 122cm, 133cm /R–143cm, exc.143cm)	TBC
125th Anniversary Show of the WPCS	Royal Welsh Showground, Powys	8 Aug	Mr Robert Parker-Jones Mr John Helme (C)	TBC
NPS Area 7 Summer Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	15 August	Vickey Hill (Jump) Sarah Verdon (C and show)	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
Moreton Show	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Sarah Verdon (R) Emma Payne (C)	TBC

For all your need-to-know information for other 2026 HOYS qualifiers, plus more expert showing advice from top riders and updates on shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Your complete list of HOYS 2026 qualifiers for all of your plaited ponies

Bethan Simons — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:38:23 +0000

I’ve collated your need-to-know information for all the HOYS 2026 plaited pony qualifiers all in one place because I know that working out where to go to attempt to secure Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifications for you or your child’s ponies is no mean feat.

While the HOYS qualifiers list has been announced for 2026, some fixtures are still confirming their judges. I’m frequently updating this page with all the new details as they are released so it can be your one-stop-shop for planning your qualification. This list covers show ponies, show hunter ponies, intermediates, minis and workers.

HOYS 2026 plaited pony qualifiers

Annabel’s Deliciously British Mini Show Pony of the Year
The BSPS Children’s Riding Pony of the Year
Lead Rein Pony of Hunter Type of the Year
The de la Hay Family Ridden Partbred Pony of the Year
The Honourable Stud Intermediate Show Horse of the Year
Shine Source Footwear Ltd Show Hunter Pony of the Year
The Smith Family Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year
NPS/Mole Valley Farmers Working Hunter Pony of the Year

HOYS qualifiers for plaited ponies 2026

Annabel’s Deliciously British Mini Show Pony of the Year

These qualifiers are applicable to both the lead-rein and first ridden British Mini Show Pony of the Year classes.

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Midland Counties Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Miss H Cook	11 May; late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mrs C Whitely (R) Mrs C Collier (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mr Nigel Hollings (R) Mr Martin Jones (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mrs E Livesey Mrs S Thomas	20 April
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mrs Suzanne Hatton (R) Mrs Evelyn Tate (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mrs Joanne Griffin (R) Mrs Ann Fowler (C)	15 April
North of England Summer Show	Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool	26-28 June	Mrs D Spears (R) Mr R Marks (C)	15 June; entries re-open on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Mrs L Windsor	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
BSPS Scotland Summer Show	Champfleurie Equestrian, Scotland	12 July	TBC	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Mrs Jackie Webb	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mrs M Coles (R) Mrs S Donger (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Miss J Ryde-Rogers (R–lr/C–fr) Ms K Pollard (C–lr/R–fr)	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Sharon Thomas (R) Penny Hollings (C)	TBC

The BSPS Children’s Riding Pony of the Year

These qualifiers are applicable to the 128cm, 138cm and 148cm classes. Some qualifiers will be holding mixed classes for all heights together.

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Royal Bath & West Show (mixed)	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Mrs J Ross (R) Mrs J Mead (C)	28 April
Midland Counties Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Miss H Cook (R) Mr T Wiggett (C)	11 May; late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mr K Morris (R) Mrs J James (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mr M Lawrence (R) Mr S Hollings (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mrs Sharron Kivlochan (R) Mr B Beardmore (C)	20 April
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mrs Suzanne Hatton (R) Mrs Evelyn Tate (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mrs Joanne Griffin (R) Mrs Ann Fowler (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show (mixed)	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mrs Sandra Seward (R) Mrs Heather Prescott (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
North of England Summer Show (mixed)	Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool	26-28 June	Miss D Spears (R) Mr R Marks	15 June; entries re-open on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Miss R Adlam (R) Mrs L Windsor (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
BSPS Scotland Summer Show (mixed)	Champfleurie Equestrian, Scotland	12 July	TBC	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Mrs Hannah Turnock (R) Mrs Jackie Webb (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Mr M Northam Miss L Nott	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register (mixed)	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Penny Hollings (R) Richard Ramsay (C)	TBC
BSHA National Championships Show (mixed)	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	10-12 Sept	TBC	TBC

Lead Rein Pony of Hunter Type of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Midland Counties Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Mrs S Hatton	11 May; late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mr S Howard	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mr M Jones (R) Mr N Hollings (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mark Northam (R) G Oakes (C)	20 April
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mr Chris Hunnable (R) Mrs Katie Jerram-Hunnable (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mrs Kathleen Scott (R) Mr Matt Ainsworth (C)	15 April
North of England Summer Show	Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool	26-28 June	Miss D Spears (R) Mr R Marks (C)	15 June; entries re-open on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Mrs R Ball	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
BSPS Scotland Summer Show	Champfleurie Equestrian, Scotland	12 July	TBC	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Bradley Beardmore	3 July, late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mrs L Homer (R) Mrs C Whiteley (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Miss L Nott	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Penny Hollings (R) Sharon Thomas (C)	TBC

The de la Hey Family Partbred Pony of the Year Championship

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Royal Bath & West Show	Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet	28-30 May	Mr Adam Pike (R) Mrs Lucy Killingbeck (C)	28 April
Midland Counties Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Mr S Somers (R) Miss C Pearsall (C)	11 May; late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mr S Howard (R) Mrs C Collier (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs J Webb (R) Mr R Marks (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mr I Dickson (R) Mrs G Kobbe (C)	20 April
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mrs Stephanie Smith (R) Mrs Shirley Crane (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Miss Sarah Chapman (R) Mrs Claire Oliver (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mr Richard Miller (R) Mr Martin Jones (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Mrs D Christie (R) Miss C Hyde (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
BSPS Scotland Summer Show	Champfleurie Equestrian, Scotland	12 July	TBC	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Bradley Beardmore (R) Tony Georgakis (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mrs C Whiteley (R) Mrs L Homer (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Mr J Grace Miss J Ryde-Rogers	TBC
125th Anniversary Show of the WPCS	Royal Welsh Showground, Powys	8 Aug	Mr Kevin Walker (R) Mrs Elizabeth French (C)	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Jo Stiles (R) Terry Chalmers (C)	TBC
BSHA National Championships Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	10-12 Sept	TBC	TBC

The Honourable Stud Intermediate Show Horse of the Year Championship

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Staffordshire County Show	The County Showground, Stafford	27-28 May	Ms T Pesci-Griffiths (R) Ms C Poole (C)	1 May; or 17 May at increased rate
Midland Counties Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Mrs D Christie (R) Mr S Somers (C)	11 May; late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mrs J Griffin (R) Mr R Parker-Jones (C)	19 May
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mrs Stephanie Smith (R) Mrs Shirley Crane (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mrs Joanne Griffin (R) Mrs Ann Fowler (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mr Martin Jones (R) Mrs Heather Prescott (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
North of England Summer Show	Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool	27-28 July	Mrs P Bunting (P) Mrs P Miller (C)	15 June; entries re-open on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	TBC	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Scottish Horse Show	Highfield Equestrian, Howe	11-12 July	Mrs Barbara McGrath (R) Mr James Knight (C)	26 June; late entries 6 July. Entries taken on the day
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mrs Penny Hollings (R) Mrs Karen Thomas-McTiffin (C)	5 May
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Faye Ludlow (R) Lucy Killingbeck (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
NPS Area 7 Summer Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	15 August	Melissa Richardson (R) Stuart Stafford (C)	TBC
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mrs C Whiteley (R) Mrs L Homer (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Mrs Heather Banbury Miss D Atkinson	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Sharon Thomas (R) Richard Ramsay (C)	TBC
BSHA National Championships Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	10-12 Sept	TBC	TBC

Shine Source Footwear Ltd Show Hunter Pony of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Royal Bath & West Show	Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet	28-30 May	Mrs Jamie Mead (R) Mrs Jayne Ross (C)	28 April
Midland Counties Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Mrs D Christie (R) Mrs L Murfitt (C)	11 May; Late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mr Parker Jones (R) C Walker (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs K Thomas (R) Mr S Somers (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mr Mark Northam (R) Mrs G Oakes (C)	20 April
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mr Chris Hunnable (R) Mrs Katie Jerram-Hunnable (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mrs Kathleen Scott (R) Mr Matt Ainsworth (C)	15 April
North of England Summer Show	Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool	26-28 June	Mr R Marks (R) Miss D Spears (C)	15 June; entries re-open on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Miss C Hyde (R) Mrs D Christie (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
BSPS Scotland Summer Show	Champfleurie Equestrian, Scotland	12 July	TBC	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Tony Georgakis (R) Bradley Beardmore (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mrs C Whiteley (R) Mrs L Homer (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Ms K Pollard Mr Karl Morris	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Terry Chalmers (R) Jo Stiles (C)	TBC
BSHA National Championships Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	10-12 Sept	TBC	TBC

The Smith Family Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Staffordshire County Show	The County Showground, Stafford	27-28 May	Ms T Pesci-Griffiths (R) Ms C Poole (C)	1 May; or 17 May at increased rate
Midland Counties Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Mrs D Christie (R) Mr S Somers (C)	11 May; late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mrs J Griffin (R) Mr R Parker-Jones (C)	19 May
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mrs Stephanie Smith (R) Mrs Shirley Crane (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mrs Kathleen Scott (R) Mr Matt Ainsworth (C)	15 April
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Mr P Cook (R) Miss R Adlam (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mrs Penny Hollings (R) Mr Robert Buckley (C)	5 May
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Faye Ludlow (R) Lucy Killingbeck (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mrs C Whiteley (R) Mrs L Homer (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Mrs Heather Banbury Miss D Atkinson	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Sharon Thomas (R) Richard Ramsay (C)	TBC
BSHA National Championships Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	10-12 Sept	TBC	TBC

NPS/Mole Valley Farmers Working Hunter Pony of the Year

These qualifiers are for all four sections of working hunter ponies.

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Northern Ireland Festival	Cavan Equestrian Centre, County Cavan	1-3 May	Mrs Tracey Brooks (R) Mrs Joanne Dean (C)	5 April
Midland Counties Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Miss C Pearsall (J – ints, 143cm/ C – 153cm, 133cm) Mr S Somers (C – ints, 143cm/ J – 153cm, 133cm)	11 May; late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mr C Whitely (R) Mr K Walker (C)	19 May
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mrs Liz Murfitt (Jump) Mrs Helen Taylor (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mr Kieran Ryan (R) Mrs Mair Ead (C)	15 April
North of England Summer Show	Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool	27-28 July	Ms E Hector (J) Miss N Taylor (C)	15 June; entries re-open on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Mrs A Calver (R) Mr P Cook (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
BSPS Scotland Summer Show	Champfleurie Equestrian, Scotland	12 July	TBC	TBC
Mid Herts Country Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	12 July	TBC	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Heather Banbury Jim McTiffin	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 Aug	Miss D Atkinson (R) Mr A Perkins (C)	TBC
Greenlands WHP Show	Greenlands Equestrian Centre, Wreay	15 Aug	TBC	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
Moreton Show	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Louise Windsor (R) Tony Georgakis (C)	TBC

For all your need-to-know information for other 2026 HOYS qualifiers, plus more expert showing advice from top riders and updates on shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Your complete guide to the hunter, hack, riding horse, cob, Arab, ladies side saddle and working hunter 2026 HOYS qualifiers

Bethan Simons — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:30:55 +0000

I’ve collated your need-to-know information for the 2026 HOYS show horse qualifiers, which includes hunters, hacks, riding horses, cobs, and working hunters in one place.

Negotiating where to go to secure Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifications for your horses is no mean feat, and I know first-hand how hard it is to find qualifier details and keep on top of planning your season, so this should help make it easier.

While the HOYS showing qualifiers list has been announced for 2026, the some fixtures are still confirming their judges. So I’m frequently updating this page with all the new details as they are released so it can be your one-stop-shop for planning your qualification.

2026 HOYS show horse qualifiers

The Harrod & Coles Family Cob of the Year
The Andrews Family Hack of the Year
The Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year
NeedleSmart, John Illingworth and Cliff Kirby Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year
Alan Marnie & Family Riding Horse of the Year
The Mears-Wood Family Ladies’ Side Saddle Horse of the Year
Hamilton Tarmac Small Show Hunter of the Year
Catplant Group of Companies Ltd. Show Hunter of the Year
Alan Marnie & Family (Meta Lounge Limited and SHB (GB)) Working Hunter of the Year

The Harrod & Coles Family Cob of the Year

These qualifiers are for both the lightweight and heavyweight cob sections.

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Rutland County Show	Rutland Showground, Oakham	19 May	Mrs S Chapman (R) Mrs S Smith (C)	12 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs Edwards (R) Mr Paul Cook (C)	8 May
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Miss Michaela Bowling (R) Mrs Lucy Killingbeck (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mrs Claire Oliver (R) Miss Zara Owen (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mr Craig Kiddier (R) Mr William Moran (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Miss Nicola Taylor (R) Mr Patrick Lobb (C)	5 May
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Faye Ludlow (R) Jim McTiffin (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July.
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mrs L Seletto (R) Mr D Dixon (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
Garstang Show	The Show Field, Preston	1 Aug	TBC	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
Bucks County Show	Weedon Park, Buckinghamshire	17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Edenbridge & Oxted Show	Ardenrun Showground, Lingfield	30-31 Aug	Charlotte Richardson (R) David Ingle (C)	TBC
Moreton Show	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Claire Oliver (R) Terry Chalmers (C)	TBC
BSHA National Championships Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	10-12 Sept	TBC	TBC

The Andrews Family Hack of the Year

These qualifiers for the hack classes are for both small and large sections.

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Staffordshire County Show	The County Showground, Stafford	27-28 May	Ms C Poole (R) Mrs J Burgess (C)	1 May; or 17 May at increased rate
Rutland County Show	Rutland Showground, Oakham	19 May	Mrs L Webb (R) Mr R Parker-Jones (C)	12 May
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Miss Z Owen (R) Mr J Cutts (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Miss S Turner (R) Miss S Ramsden (C)	8 May
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mr David Froggatt (R) Mrs Rosemary King (C)	27 April
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Emma Pond (R) Philip Hilton (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
Garstang Show	The Show Field, Preston	1 Aug	TBC	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
Bucks County Show	Weedon Park, Buckinghamshire	17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Edenbridge & Oxted Show	Ardenrun Showground, Lingfield	30-31 Aug	Vicky Smith (R) David Ingle (C)	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Claire Oliver (R) Olivia Minihane (C)	TBC
BSHA National Championships Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	10-12 Sept	TBC	TBC

The Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Rutland County Show	Rutland Showground, Oakham	19 May	Mrs S Chapman (R) Mrs S Smith (C)	12 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs Edwards (R) Mr Paul Cook (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mr J Cookson (R) Mrs Lucy Penrose (C)	20 April
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Miss Michaela Bowling (R) Mrs Lucy Killingbeck (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mrs Claire Oliver (R) Miss Zara Owen (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mr Craig Kiddier (C) Mr William Moran (R)	6 May, late entries close 10 May
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Miss Nicola Taylor (R) Mr Patrick Lobb (C)	5 May
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Faye Ludlow (R) Jim McTiffin (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mrs L Seletto (R) Mr D Dixon (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
Garstang Show	The Show Field, Preston	1 Aug	TBC	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Bucks County Show	Weedon Park, Buckinghamshire	17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Moreton Show	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Claire Oliver (R) Nathan Arnold (C)	TBC
BSHA National Championships Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	10-12 Sept	TBC	TBC

NeedleSmart, John Illingworth and Cliff Kirby Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Devon County Show	Westpoint, Exeter	21-23 May	Mrs J Woodward (R) Mrs C Roberts-Barr (C)	7 April
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mrs A Hanson (R) Miss J Miller	19 May
HoCoN	Forest Edge Equestrian Centre, Norfolk	7 June	S Turner T Austin	31 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Miss Gemma Lucas (R) Mr Bradley Beardmore (C)	20 April
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Miss Louisa Biles (R) Ms Fiona Grant-Chivers (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
North of England Summer Horse Show	Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool	27-28 June	Mrs H Woodward (R) Miss E Needham (C)	15 June. Entries reopen on show day at a higher rate
South East Arabian Horse Group	Merrist Wood Campus, Guildford	28 June	Miss L Rowe (R) Mrs V Russell-Wood (C)	22 June
The Classic Show	Myerscough College, Preston	5 July	Miss D Heath (R) Mr A Mickleburgh (C)	TBC
Arab Horse Society National Championship Show (three qualifiers)	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	18-19 July	Mrs J Judge (R) Mr G Smith (C)	TBC
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mrs V Ayling (R) Mrs L Lidbury (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Bucks County Show	Weedon Park, Buckinghamshire	27 Aug	TBC	TBC
British Arabian Championships	Vale View Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Vicky Smith (R) Clare Fitch (C)	TBC

Alan Marnie & Family Riding Horse of the Year

These qualifiers are for both sections of riding horse.

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Staffordshire County Show	The County Showground, Stafford	27-28 May	Ms C Poole (R) Mrs J Burgess (C)	1 May; or 17 May at increased rate
Rutland County Show	Rutland Showground, Oakham	19 May	Mrs L Webb (R) Mr J Geake (C)	12 May
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Miss Z Owen (R) Mr J Cutts (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Miss L Haines (R) Mr C Bartram Lawton (C)	08 May
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mr David Froggatt (R) Mrs Rosemary King (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mrs Claire Oliver (R) Miss Zara Owen (C)	15 April
Scottish Horse Show	Highfield Equestrian, Howe	11-12 July	Mr Brian Storey (R) Mr Jack Cochrane (C)	26 June; late entries 6 July. Entries taken on the day
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mrs Tracey Bailey (R) Mr Patrick Lobb (C)	5 May
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Emma Pond (R) Philip Hilton (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mrs L Seletto (R) Mr D Dixon (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
Garstang Show	The Show Field, Preston	1 Aug	TBC	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
Bucks County Show	Weedon Park, Buckinghamshire	17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Edenbridge & Oxted Show	Ardenrun Showground, Lingfield	30-31 Aug	Charlotte Richardson (R) David Ingle (C)	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Olivia Minihane (R) Terry Chalmers (C)	TBC
BSHA National Championships Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	10-12 Sept	TBC	TBC

The Mears-Wood Family Ladies’ Side Saddle Horse of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Royal Bath & West Show (mixed)	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Mrs M Underwood (R) Miss D Atkinson (C)	28 April
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mrs M Underwood (R) Mr R Parker Jones (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Miss Jo Jack (R) Miss S Ramsden (C)	8 May
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Miss Joanna Jack (R) Mr Jack Cochrane (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Miss Zara Owen (R) Mr David Dixon (C)	15 April
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mrs Samantha Stephenson (R) Mr Billy Moran (C)	5 May
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Jo Hales Emma Pond	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
National Side Saddle Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	24-26 July	TBC	TBC
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Miss J Wormall (R) Miss P Moon (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
National Hunter Supreme Championship Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	11-13 July	TBC	31 July
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
Bucks County Show	Weedon Park, Buckinghamshire	17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Edenbridge & Oxted Show	Ardenrun Showground, Lingfield	30-31 Aug	Jo Bates (R) Wendy Phipps (C)	TBC
Moreton Show	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Olivia Minihane (R) Nathan Arnold (C)	TBC
BSHA National Championships Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	10-12 Sept	TBC	TBC

Hamilton Tarmac Small Show Hunter of the Year

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Staffordshire County Show	The County Showground, Stafford	27-28 May	Mrs C Richardson (R) Mr N Collins (C)	1 May; or 17 May at increased rate
Royal Bath & West Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Mrs Charlotte Hurst (R) Ms Jeanetta Lafour (C)	28 April
Rutland County Show	Rutland Showground, Oakham	19 May	Mrs L Daly (R) Mr P Hilton (C)	12 May
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mrs M Underwood (R) Mr W Morris (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Miss M Hopkins (R) Mr D Bartram Lawton (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mrs J Smith (R) Mrs L Whitehall (C)	20 April
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mr Adam Forster (R) Mrs Anne Leaver (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Miss Sarah Chapman (R) Mr Matt Ainsworth (C)	15 April
Clonmel Show	Clonmel Racecourse, Powerstown Park	5 July	Mr Richard Mills (R) Mr Tim Wiggett (C)	TBC
Scottish Horse Show	Highfield Equestrian, Howe	11-12 July	Mr James Knight (R) Mr Jack Cochrane (C)	26 June; late entries 6 July. Entries taken on the day
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mrs Tracey Bailey (R) Mr Patrick Lobb (C)	5 May
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Jo Hales (R) Jim McTiffin (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Miss S Chapman (R) Miss P Moon (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
National Hunter Supreme Championship Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	11-13 Aug	TBC	31 July
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
Bucks County Show	Weedon Park, Buckinghamshire	17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Edenbridge & Oxted Show	Ardenrun Showground, Lingfield	30-31 Aug	Jo Bates (R) Wendy Phipps (C)	TBC
Moreton Show	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Libby Cooke (R) Terry Chalmers (C)	TBC
BSHA National Championships Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	10-12 Sept	TBC	TBC

Catplant Group of Companies Ltd. Show Hunter of the Year

These qualifiers are for all three weights sections of show hunter.

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Staffordshire County Show	The County Showground, Stafford	27-28 May	Mrs C Richardson (R) Mr N Collins (C)	1 May; or 17 May at increased rate
Royal Bath & West Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Mrs M Underwood (R) Mr M Maryan (C)	28 April
Rutland County Show	Rutland Showground, Oakham	19 May	Mrs L Daly (R) Mr P Hilton (C)	12 May
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mrs M Underwood (R) Mr W Morris (C)	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Miss Jo Jack (R) Mrs M Thomas (C)	8 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mrs J Smith (R) Mrs L Whitehall (C)	20 April
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mr Adam Forster (R) Mrs Anne Leaver (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Miss Sarah Chapman (R) Mr Matt Ainsworth (C)	15 April
Clonmel Show	Clonmel Racecourse, Powerstown Park	5 July	Mr Richard Mills (R) Mr Tim Wiggett (C)	TBC
Scottish Horse Show	Highfield Equestrian, Howe	11-12 July	Mr James Knight (R) Mr Jack Cochrane (C)	26 June; late entries 6 July. Entries taken on the day
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mr John Cookson (R) Mr Billy Moran (C)	5 May
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Jo Hales (R) Jim McTiffin (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Miss S Chapman (R) Miss P Moon (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
National Hunter Supreme Championship Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	11-13 Aug	TBC	31 July
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
Bucks County Show	Weedon Park, Buckinghamshire	17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Edenbridge & Oxted Show	Ardenrun Showground, Lingfield	30-31 Aug	Loraine Homer (R) Wendy Phipps (C)	TBC
Moreton Show	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Libby Cooke (R) Vicky Smith (C)	TBC
BSHA National Championships Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	10-12 Sept	TBC	TBC

Alan Marnie & Family (Meta Lounge Limited and SHB (GB)) Working Hunter of the Year

Below is the information for all working hunter qualifiers.

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Sport Horse Breeding NW Annual Show	Myerscough College, Preston	11 April	Mr C Kiddier (R) Mrs S Ramsden (C)	30 March
Northern Ireland Festival	Cavan Equestrian Centre, County Cavan	1-3 May	Mr David Bennett (R) Mrs Kathy Atkin Bowdler (C)	5 April
Hambleton District Show	Sutton Park, York	23-24 May	Mr B Storey (R) Mrs S Ramsden (C)	11 May
Staffordshire County Show	The County Showground, Stafford	27-28 May	Mrs C Richardson (R) Mr N Collins (C)	1 May; or 17 May at increased rate
Midland Counties Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Mr Paul Cook (R) Mr Philip Hilton (C)	11 May; late entries close 25 May
Rutland County Show	Rutland Showground, Oakham	19 May	Miss M Bowling (R) Miss A Levy (C)	12 May
Royal Cornwall Show	Royal Cornwall Showground, Cornwall	4-6 June	Miss Zara Owen (R) Mr David Dixon (C)	TBC
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Miss Michelle Underwood (R) Mr W Morris (C)	19 May
Defender Bramham Horse Trials	Bramham Park West Yorkshire	11-14 June	Anne Leaver Katie Duxbury	TBC
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Miss Jo Jack (R) Miss G Evans (C)	TBC
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Miss Jill Wormall (R) Mr T Wigget (C)	20 April
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Miss Joanna Jack (R) Mr Jack Cochrane (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Miss Zara Owen (R) Mr David Dixon (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mr Craig Kiddier (R) Mr William Moran (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
Warwickshire Summer Fair	Dallas Burston Polo Ground, Warwickshire	4 July	Mrs Jane Bradbury (R) Mrs Anne Leaver (C)	TBC
Clonmel Show	Clonmel Racecourse, Powerstown Park	5 July	Miss Michelle Underwood (R) Mr David Bartram Lawson (C)	TBC
Scottish Horse Show	Highfield Equestrian, Howe	11-12 July	Mr James Knight (R) Mr Brian Storey (C)	26 June; late entries 6 July. Entries taken on the day
Mid Herts Country Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	12 July	TBC	TBC
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mr Jody Sole (R) Mr Gary Parr (C)	5 May
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Emma Green (R) Lucy Killingbeck (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Miss S Chapman (R) Miss P Moon (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
National Hunter Supreme Championship Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	11-13 Aug	TBC	31 July
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSPS Summer Championships	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	25-29 Aug	TBC	TBC
Bucks County Show	Weedon Park, Buckinghamshire	17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Moreton Show	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Nathan Arnold (R) Claire Oliver (C)	TBC
BSHA National Championships Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	10-12 Sept	TBC	TBC

For all your need-to-know information for other 2026 HOYS qualifiers, plus more expert showing advice from top riders and updates on shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Your one-stop shop for the 2026 HOYS coloured qualifiers

Bethan Simons — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:30:37 +0000

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

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

While the full list of HOYS qualifiers has been announced for 2026, many of the hosts are waiting for their judges and schedules to be confirmed. I’m frequently updating this page with all the new details as they are released so it can be your one-stop-shop for planning your HOYS qualification.

2026 coloured HOYS qualifiers

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

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

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Royal Bath & West Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Mrs Sarah Chapman (R) Mrs Alison Gladwin (C)	28 April
Rutland County Show (including juniors)	Rutland Showground, Oakham	19 May	Mrs C Richardson (R) Mrs K Atkin Bowdler (C)	12 May
Derbyshire Festival (including juniors)	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Ms M Bowling (R) Mrs S Draper (C)	19 May
Lincolnshire Show (including x2 juniors)	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Ms Stephanie Turner (R) Mr David Bartram-Lawton (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show (including juniors)	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Ms Vicky Smith (R) Mr Ian Smeeth (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Tracey Brooks (R) Louise Gaunt (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
CHAPS Midlands (including juniors)	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	28 June	Ms Pamela Brown (R) Mr Richard Grace (C)	21 June; entries reopen on the day at a higher rate
Scottish Horse Show	Highfield Equestrian, Howe	11-12 July	Mrs Katherine Hartenfeld-Bowling (R) Mrs Emma Burrow (C)	26 June; late entries 6th July. Entries taken on the day
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Miss Nicola Taylor (R) Mrs Lin Herridge (C)	5 May
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Emma Green (R) Dawn Christie (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
RWAS Royal Welsh Show (including juniors)	RWAS Showground, Powys	20-23 July	Mrs Polly Archer (R) Mr John Helme (C)	20 May
New Forest & Hampshire County Show (including juniors)	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mrs N Turner (R) Mr V Seddon (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
Traditional of the Year Show (native/cob/traditional only)	Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre, Warwickshire	30 July – 1 Aug	Ms Sue-Helen Shuttleworth (R) Mrs Rosemary Keeling (C)	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Chaps UK Championship Show (including x2 juniors)	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	20-22 Aug	TBC	13 August
Edenbridge & Oxted Show (including juniors)	Ardenrun Showground, Lingfield	30-31 Aug	James Van Praagh (R) Leanne Pickford (C)	TBC
Moreton Show	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register (including juniors)	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Ben Hester (R) Ross Beeston-Delap (C)	TBC

For all your need-to-know information for other 2026 HOYS qualifiers, plus more expert showing advice from top riders and updates on shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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‘Go find a space where you stand out’: meet Royal International coloured ponies’ judge Nathan Arnold

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From the diminutive miniature to spectacular cob champion – 10 coloured winners at the 2025 Royal International

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‘He’s a proper geezer’: coloured cob with plenty of swagger stands champion at Royal Windsor Horse Show

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From bowtop journeys to HOYS: one talented coloured mare’s unusual path to the top

Hopeful of a pass to the 2026 HOYS heavy horse finals? Here’s your guide to the qualifying fixtures

Bethan Simons — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:28:44 +0000

I’ve collated your need-to-know information for the 2026 HOYS heavy horse qualifiers because, whether your planning to show your Shire horse in-hand, your Clydesdale in harness, or your Suffolk Punch under saddle, I know first-hand how hard it is to find Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifier details and keep on top of planning your season.

While the HOYS qualifier shows have been announced for 2026, many of the hosts have not revealed their judges yet, so I’m frequently updating this page with all the new details as they are released.

2026 HOYS heavy horse qualifiers

The Barber Family British Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year
Driven Heavy Horse of the Year
Shire Horse of the Year Championship supported by the Shire Horse Society

The Barber Family British Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year

Below is the information for all ridden heavy horse qualifiers.

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Woodbridge (Suffolk only)	Trinity Park, Ipswich	4 May	Miss Stephanie Turner (R) Mr Peter Crockford (C)	18 April
The Fife Show	Kinloss, Fife	23 May	Mrs Phillipa Miller (R) Mr P Bedford (C)	23 April (noon); or until 13 May (noon) at a higher cost
Staffordshire County Show	The County Showground, Stafford	27-28 May	Ms C Poole (R) Mrs J Wordsworth (C)	1 May; or 17 May at increased rate
Stirling Agricultural Show	Gogar Mains Farm Blairlogie, Stirling	13 June	Miss Kirty Aird (R) Mr Anson Franklin (C)	31 May
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Miss Michaela Bowling (R) Mr John Peacock (C)	27 April
Royal Highland Show (Clydesdale only)	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Ms Polly Coles (R) Ms Charlotte Young (C)	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mr Craig Kiddier (R) Mr Steve Ledsham (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
RWAS Royal Welsh Show	RWAS Showground, Powys	20-23 July	Mrs Sarah Chapman (R) Mrs Jayne Malkin (C)	20 May
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	TBC (R) Mr J Whittaker (C)	22 June; late entries close 19 July
Essex Heavy Horse Show	Beechwood Equestrian Centre	3 Aug	TBC	TBC
National Hunter Supreme Championship Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	11-13 Aug	TBC	31 July
National Shire Summer Show (Shire only)	Rockingham Castle, Leicestershire	23 Aug	TBC	TBC
Moreton Show	Moreton Showground, Gloucestershire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC
The Showing Register	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	5-6 Sept	Vicky Smith (R) Elizabeth Whitehouse (C)	TBC

Driven Heavy Horse of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
The Fife Show	Kinloss, Fife	23 May	Mr Walter Bedford	23 April (noon); until 13 May (noon) at a higher cost
Suffolk Show	Trinity Park, Ipswich	27-28 May	Mr T J Yates	Heavy horses: 24 April Light horses: 17 April
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mr P Bedford	8 May
Stirling Agricultural Show	Gogar Mains Farm Blairlogie, Stirling	13 June	Mr Benny Duncan	31 May
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mr Gawin Holmes	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mr Phillip Lloyd Williams	6 May; late entries close 10 May
RWAS Royal Welsh Show	RWAS Showground, Powys	20-23 July	Mr John Fairbairn	20 May
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mrs Y Simmons	22 June; late entries close 19 July
Essex Heavy Horse Show	Beechwood Equestrian Centre	3 Aug	TBC	TBC
National Shire Show (Summer)	Rockingham Castle, Leicestershire	23 Aug	TBC	TBC

Shire Horse of the Year Championship supported by the Shire Horse Society

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
National Shire Show (Spring)	Kelsall Equestrian, Cheshire	21 March	Stallions: Mr L M Fountain and Mr J Verhoeven Mares: Mrs S Ford and Mr A Franklin	20 Feb
Royal Bath & West Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	30-31 May	Mr Jack Kitching	28 April
Rutland County Show	Rutland Showground, Oakham	19 May	Mr R Green	12 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs Y Simmons	08 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mrs K Marx Mr B Morgan	18 May
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mr John Peacock	27 April
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mrs Judith Massey	6 May; late entries close 10 May
South Wales Shire Horse Society Annual Show	Bailey Park, Abergavenny	4 July	Mr Matthew Burks	TBC
Newport Show	Chetwynd Deer Park, Shropshire	11 July	Mr Jason Holder	TBC
Great Eccleston	Showfield, Great Eccleston	11-12 July	TBC	TBC
Nantwich Show	Reaseheath College, Cheshire	29 July	Delma Nulty John Etches	TBC
Ashbourne Show	Polo Ground, Osmaston	15 Aug	Andrew Callwood	31 July, reopening 1-3 Aug for HOYS qualifiers
National Shire Show (Summer)	Rockingham Castle, Leicestershire	23 Aug	TBC	TBC
SESHA		5 Sept	TBC	TBC
Penistone Agricultural Show	Penistone Showfield, Penistone	12 Sept	Mr A Whetton	TBC

For all your need-to-know information for other 2026 HOYS qualifiers, plus more expert showing advice from top riders and updates on shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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A victory for rarity: grey Shire tops the HOYS 2025 ridden heavy horse championship

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Got big dreams for your miniature? Here’s our guide to the 2026 HOYS miniature qualifiers

Bethan Simons — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:00:26 +0000

I’ve collated your need-to-know information for the 2026 HOYS miniature qualifiers to help fulfil your dreams of qualifying your miniature horse for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). Finding out who’s judging which fixture takes a lot of time and effort, so this should make planning your season much easier.

While all the HOYS qualifiers have been announced for 2026, many of the hosts have not revealed their judges yet, so I’m frequently updating this page with all the new details as they are released.

2026 HOYS miniature qualifiers

UKAMHS American Miniature Horse of the Year Sponsored by Pandoras Miniature Farm
Miniature Horse of the Year Supported by the British Miniature Horse Society

UKAMHS American Miniature Horse of the Year sponsored by Pandoras Miniature Farm

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
UK American Miniature Horse British Open Show	Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre, Warwickshire	25 April	TBC	TBC
Miniature Horse Club of Great Britain Spring Show	Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre, Warwickshire	26 April	Rosemary Keeling Kevin Blaskeyfield	12 April
Devon County Show	Westpoint, Exeter	21-23 May	Mrs E Willets	07 April
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mr Mark Sheen	6 May, late entries close 10 May
RWAS Royal Welsh Show	RWAS Showground, Powys	20-23 July	Mrs Ruth Roberts	20 May
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Miss L Willetts	22 June; late entries close 19 July
UK American Miniature AMHA Regional Championship Show	Pickering Grange Equestrian, Leicestershire	8-9 Aug	TBC	TBC
Miniature Horse Club of Great Britain Championship Show	Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire	15-16 Aug	TBC	TBC
AMHA European Regional Championship Show	Torhout, Belgium	23-24 Aug	TBC	TBC

Miniature Horse of the Year Supported by the British Miniature Horse Society

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
BMHS Spring Show	Stretcholt Equestrian Centre, Somerset	19 April	Mr Nick True (R)	TBC
Devon County Show	Westpoint, Exeter	21-23 May	TBC	7 April
Hertfordshire County Show	The Showground, Hertfordshire	23-24 May	Mrs L Rowntree	10 May; late entries accepted until 20 May at increased rate
Royal Bath & West Show	Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet	28-30 May	Mr R Stone	28 April
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mr M Jones	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs J Price	8 May
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Miss Henrietta Barton	6 May; late entries close 10 May
South Wales Shire Horse Society Annual Show	Bailey Park, Monmouthshire	4 July	Mr Simon Somers	TBC
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mrs Debbie Howarth	5 May
RWAS Royal Welsh Show	RWAS Showground, Powys	20-23 July	Mrs Beverley Beresford-Batten	20 May
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Miss L Barrow	22 June; late entries close 19 July
Garstang Show	The Show Field, Preston	1 Aug	TBC	TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show August	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	16-17 Aug	TBC	TBC
Edenbridge & Oxted Show	Ardenrun Showground, Lingfield	30-31 Aug	Jane Cooper	TBC
Denbigh & Flintshire	The Green, Denbigh	20 Aug	TBC	10 July
BMHS Breed Show	Moreton Morrell College, Warwickshire	5 Sept	TBC	TBC

For all your need-to-know information for other 2026 HOYS qualifiers, plus more expert showing advice from top riders and updates on shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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A competitor’s guide to the 2026 harness horse and pony HOYS qualifiers

Bethan Simons — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:58:40 +0000

I know first-hand how hard it is to find qualifier details and keep on top of planning your season, so I’ve collated your need-to-know information for the 2026 harness horse and pony HOYS qualifiers in one place. Negotiating where to go to secure your Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualification is no mean feat, but this should help make your planning much more straightforward.

While the HOYS qualifier list has been announced for 2026, the some fixtures are still confirming their judges. So I’m frequently updating this page with all the new details as they are released – most recently the Edenbridge and Oxted judges – so it can be your one-stop-shop for planning your qualification.

2026 Harness horse or pony HOYS qualifiers

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
British Driving Society Spring Show	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4 May	Caroline Dale-Leach MBE	28 April
Hertfordshire County Show	The Showground, Hertfordshire	23-24 May	Mr M King	10 May; late entries accepted until 20 May at increased rate
Bucks Spectacular	Newbury Showground, Berkshire	25 May	Mrs Beth Foster	TBC
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs D Holt Atkinson	8 May
Lincolnshire Show	Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire	17-18 June	Mr Richard Lanni	27 April
BDS Annual Show	Smiths Lawn, Windsor	21 June	Joanne Hartland	14 June
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Miss Araminta Winn	6 May; late entries close 10 May
Kent County Show	Kent Showground, Kent	3-5 July	Mr John Henry White	5 June
RWAS Royal Welsh Show	RWAS Showground, Powys	20-23 July	Mrs Janice Clough	20 May
Border Union Show	Springwood Park, Kelso	24-25 July	Mr Gordon Marks	TBC
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mrs R Neale	22 June; late entries close 19 July
Ashbourne Show	Polo Ground, Osmaston	15 Aug	Alex Hogg	31 July; reopening 1-3 Aug for HOYS qualifiers
Edenbridge & Oxted Show	Ardenrun Showground, Lingfield	30-31 Aug	James Lewis	TBC
Victoria Carriage Driving Extravaganza	Bury Farm, Buckinghamshire	12-13 Sept	TBC	TBC

View all the 2026 HOYS qualifying shows and classes

For all your need-to-know information for other 2026 HOYS qualifiers, plus more expert showing advice from top riders and updates on shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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A competitor’s guide to the 2026 HOYS showing qualifiers

Bethan Simons — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:07:16 +0000

If your summer showing season is centred around the 2026 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers, then I know first-hand how difficult it can be to find details of where the qualifiers are being held, who is judging and when the entries close, so I’ve collated all your need-to-know information in one place for H&H subscribers.

While the HOYS qualifier shows are well and truly underway for 2026, some of the hosts are still waiting for their judges and schedules to be confirmed. Below are links to individual summaries that list all of the HOYS showing qualifiers for each of the main sections. As H&H’s showing editor, I’m frequently updating these pages with all the new details as they are released (most recently the confirmed judges and closing dates for Stoneleigh Horse Show and NPS Area 7) so they can be your one-stop shop for planning your Horse of the Year Show qualification.

Not only do we have the complete list of qualifying fixtures for each class, but we’ll be sharing the confirmed judges and entry closing dates, too, as soon as they become available.

For more information about your 2026 HOYS qualifier options, find your class below, and follow the green link above straight to the important details you need to know.

2026 HOYS showing qualifiers by group

Coloured HOYS qualifiers 2026

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

Harness horse or pony HOYS qualifiers 2026

Harness Horse & Pony of the Year

HOYS heavy horse qualifiers 2026

The Barber Family British Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year
Driven Heavy Horse of the Year
Shire Horse of the Year Championship supported by the Shire Horse Society

HOYS qualifiers for show horses 2026

The Harrod & Coles Family Cob of the Year
The Andrews Family Hack of the Year
The Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year
NeedleSmart, John Illingworth and Cliff Kirby Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year
Alan Marnie & Family Riding Horse of the Year
The Mears-Wood Family Ladies’ Side Saddle Horse of the Year
Hamilton Tarmac Small Show Hunter of the Year
Catplant Group of Companies Ltd. Show Hunter of the Year
Alan Marnie & Family (Meta Lounge Limited and SHB (GB)) Working Hunter of the Year

HOYS in-hand qualifiers 2026

The Price Family Supreme In-Hand of the Year

HOYS miniature qualifiers 2026

UKAMHS American Miniature Horse of the Year Sponsored by Pandoras Miniature Farm
Miniature Horse of the Year Supported by the British Miniature Horse Society

HOYS M&M qualifiers 2026

Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd Junior M&M Ridden Pony of the Year
Colne, Sweet Dreams Show Confectioners & Westown Stud M&M Mini Pony of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Connemara of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Dales of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Dartmoor of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Exmoor/Shetland of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Fell of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Highland of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden New Forest of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Welsh Section A & B of the Year
NPS/Supreme Products M&M Ridden Welsh Section C & D of the Year
Jacksons of Yorkshire M&M Working Hunter Pony of the Year

HOYS plaited pony qualifiers 2026

Annabel’s Deliciously British Mini Show Pony of the Year
The BSPS Children’s Riding Pony of the Year
Lead Rein Pony of Hunter Type of the Year
The de la Hay Family Ridden Partbred Pony of the Year
The Honourable Stud Intermediate Show Horse of the Year
Shine Source Footwear Ltd Show Hunter Pony of the Year
The Smith Family Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year
NPS/Mole Valley Farmers Working Hunter Pony of the Year

HOYS veteran qualifiers 2026

Veteran Horse Society Ridden Veteran Horse of the Year

Enjoyed reading this? For more expert showing advice from top riders and updates on shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Our guide to where to go for 2026 HOYS veteran qualifiers

Bethan Simons — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:54:04 +0000

Is your veteran destined for glory? I’ve collated your need-to-know information for the 2026 HOYS veteran qualifiers because finding qualifier details and keep on top of planning your season leading up to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) is no mean feat.

2026 HOYS veteran qualifiers

Veteran Horse Society Ridden Veteran Horse of the Year

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Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Northern Ireland Festival	Cavan Equestrian Centre, County Cavan	1-3 May	Martin Surman (R) Michelle Pickford (C)	5 April
Hambleton District Show	Sutton Park, York	23-24 May	Mrs C Senior (R) Mrs K Wilson (C)	11 May
Royal Bath & West Show	Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet	28-30 May	Mrs Laura Nott (R) Mr Adam Pike (C)	28 April
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mr Martin Jones (R) Miss S Ramsden (C)	8 May
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mrs Mandi Meer (R) Miss Harriett Wood (C)	6 May; late entries close 10 May
NCPA Staffordshire Festival	Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire	4-5 July	Mr S Follows (R) Mrs L Rowntree (C)	19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Scottish Horse Show	Highfield Equestrian, Howe	11-12 July	Emma Jane Murray (R) Katrina Byrne (C)	26th June; late entries 6th July. Entries taken on the day
Stoneleigh Horse Show July	Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire	18-19 July	Ride TBC Nigel Vale (C)	3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
Denbigh & Flintshire	The Green, Denbigh	20 Aug	Diane Eaton (R) Kerrilee Wilson-Betts (C)	10 July
VHS Championship Show	Arena UK, Lincolnshire	4-6 Sept	TBC	1 June

For all your need-to-know information for other 2026 HOYS qualifiers, plus more expert showing advice from top riders and updates on shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Dreaming of qualifying for ‘The Price’? Our guide to the 2026 HOYS in-hand qualifiers

Bethan Simons — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:39:30 +0000

Finding out who’s judging which fixture takes a lot of time and effort, so I’ve collated your need-to-know information for the 2026 HOYS in-hand qualifiers. If you’ve got big dreams of qualifying your home-bred for the Price Supreme in-hand championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and joining the list of HOYS supreme in-hand champions, this should make the planning much more straightforward.

2026 HOYS in-hand qualifiers

The Price Family Supreme In-Hand of the Year

These qualifiers are for both the pony and horse championship.

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

Qualifier	Venue	Date	Judges	Entries close
Devon County Show	Westpoint, Exeter	21-23 May	Ms J Brace	7 April
Hambleton District Show	Sutton Park, York	23-24 May	Mrs L Killingbeck	11 May
Royal Bath & West Show	Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet	28-30 May	Mr Ian Smeeth	28 April
Royal Cornwall Show	Royal Cornwall Showground, Cornwall	4-6 June	Mr T J Chalmers	20 April
Derbyshire Festival	Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire	6-7 June	Mr K Walker	19 May
Royal Three Counties	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	12-14 June	Mrs S Biddlecombe	08 May
The Royal Cheshire County Show	Royal Cheshire Showground	16-17 June	Mrs M C Nimmo	20 April
Royal Highland Show	Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh	18-21 June	Mr David Dixon	15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground, Norfolk	24-25 June	Mrs W Toomer-Harlow	6 May; late entries close 10 May
Clonmel Show	Clonmel Racecourse, Powerstown Park	5 July	TBC	TBC
Great Yorkshire	Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire	14-17 July	Mrs Jane Domhill	5 May
RWAS Royal Welsh Show	RWAS Showground, Powys	20-23 July	Mr Martin Davies	20 May
New Forest & Hampshire County Show	The Showground, Hampshire	28-30 July	Mr W Fox Pitt	22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer Championships	Three Counties Showground, Malvern	4-6 July	TBC	TBC
125th Anniversary Show of the WPCS	Royal Welsh Showground, Powys	8 Aug	TBC	TBC
National Hunter Supreme Championship Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	11-13 Aug	TBC	31 July
Denbigh & Flintshire	The Green, Denbigh	20 Aug	Margaret Taylor	10 July
Bucks County Show	Weedon Park, Buckinghamshire	27 Aug	TBC	TBC
BSHA National Championships Show	Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire	10-12 Sept	TBC	TBC
NPS In Hand	Vale View Equestrian, Leicestershire	13 Sept	TBC	TBC

For all your need-to-know information for other 2026 HOYS qualifiers, plus more expert showing advice from top riders and updates on shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Pony Club riders need ‘dedication, teamwork and talent’ to claim new spot at HOYS

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 24 May 2026 08:53:45 +0000

The Friday audience at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) will be able to watch the “precision, creativity and exceptional teamwork” of the best Pony Club musical ride in the country.

HOYS organiser Grandstand has confirmed that the winning team in the Agria musical ride at the JCB Pony Club National Championships will perform in the Andrews Bowen international arena on 10 October. The East Cheshire has performed a ride at HOYS before, by invitation, but this is the first time the championship winners will earn a ticket.

“We are delighted to welcome the winning team from the Pony Club National Championships to the HOYS 2026 programme,” said HOYS event director Emma Williams. “Pony Club musical rides are always a crowd favourite and perfectly embody the teamwork, dedication and community spirit that sit at the heart of the Pony Club, as well as the commitment to young riders that Horse of the Year Show champions.”

Pony Club musical rides are performed by teams of six to 12 Pony Club members of any age, who “work together to create a choreographed display set to music of their choice, showcasing precision, creativity and exceptional teamwork”, a HOYS spokesperson said.

She added: “With a coveted Horse of the Year Show appearance now at stake, spectators can expect an unforgettable spectacle at the Pony Club National Championships on Saturday, 22 August at Offchurch Bury, as teams bring energy, colour and creativity to the arena in pursuit of the title.”

The spokesperson promised that the musical ride would be a highlight of the show.

Pony Club dressage chair Helen Griffiths said: “To see our Pony Club musical ride champions earn the opportunity to perform at HOYS 2026 is incredibly exciting and a real testament to the dedication, teamwork and talent of everyone involved.

“We’re thrilled that this talented team will have the chance to perform on such a prestigious stage in front of the wider equestrian community.”

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

Debate over new format for HOYS championship: ‘things have to evolve’

Bethan Simons — Thu, 21 May 2026 09:31:59 +0000

A new judging format for the 2026 Price family supreme in-hand championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) has been welcomed in showing – although there are some concerns.

This year there will be 20 places in the championship; all entries will be pre-judged in the TopSpec Arena, then go to the Andrews Bowen International Arena for final judging and placing. Previously, qualified horses and ponies – 24 last year – were judged separately in the TopSpec and the first two in each class competed in the Andrews Bowen for the championship.

A spokesperson for HOYS organiser Grandstand said the change was “designed to enhance the championship experience while giving every qualified exhibit the opportunity to shine in one of the show’s most iconic arenas”.

In-hand producer Simon Charlesworth told H&H everything has to evolve and in many ways he likes the idea, “even though it makes life harder in some ways for the likes of me”.

“We compete as a mixed group at the qualifiers so why change it at the final?” he said.

“With just one class, it will be harder for us producers to please all owners. Previously, if you had the good fortune of more than one qualified, there was a chance if they were in different sections that you could show both. It’s a nice problem to have, but when I have more than one qualified it’s something I worry about from the minute the second qualifies.

Great for owners

“It will also be harder to obtain a rosette for owners but I can see it will be great for all owners to see their horses in the main arena. I just hope that with 20 in the Top Spec, we’ll be given enough time in the timetable for the judges to see everything properly.”

Richard Miller, handler and co-breeder of the 2025 Price family supreme in-hand champion Heniarth Sh-Boom, told H&H he welcomes a return to all qualified animals appearing in the main arena.

“Not only will it add a greater sense of excitement among exhibitors, but also give recognition for the achievement of being the only representatives of their breed or type, and each being supreme champions of a major event to qualify,” he said.

“For some it seems to be a ‘rite of passage’ to assume they’ll qualify, but to the majority, especially native breeds, it is a once in a lifetime achievement so anything that celebrates that is to be encouraged.

“My concern is the collecting ring. It’s very tight and last year we ended up coralled in a corner while a display warmed up. I’m not sure how they will contain so many young horses and ponies including foals in such an electric atmosphere.”

Space concerns for 2026 Price family supreme

Space is also a concern for Mark Buckley; the British riding pony breeder has had several ponies in the championship in recent years.

“In terms of welfare and safety, the number of potential breeding and youngstock in such a pressured environment for the first time with greatly restricted space poses a risk,” he told H&H. “I have been a spectator in the TopSpec for many years and I do fear for some of the youngstock and handlers who enter the main arena for the first time.”

He added: “Commercially, there is the cost of hosting the Price given there is no levy. However it does generate footfall and this needs to be factored into consideration of its future. For me, there has to be a better way around the commercial issues than trimming down a flagship championship.

“For the competitor, there’s the effect of the loss of two finals and placings in both. This will have a psychological effect on breeders and competitors.

“But the in-hand final is so important – particularly for pony breeders – that as long as it stays on the card at HOYS, we have to accommodate any changes to the format.”

Timetable changes

A Grandstand spokesperson told H&H a number of timetable changes have been introduced this year in response to feedback on the Sunday evening finish.

“In planning the timetable, careful consideration is given to class sizes and how they can be accommodated safely and effectively within the show,” she said.

“Health and safety is paramount at HOYS, and this class will be run with that at the forefront of all planning. We recognise the importance of allowing horses and ponies appropriate time to settle, and arena familiarisation will form part of the planning.

“The rationale behind these changes is to reinvigorate the class and reinforce its standing as a highly sought-after qualification. We are also keen to raise awareness of the wide variety of breeds and types of horses and ponies at HOYS, while providing breeders with greater recognition in front of the audience.

“Consideration has also been given to how the class was structured in previous years, with a view to reintroducing an element of the nostalgic showcase that many remember so fondly.”

> What do you think of the change? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

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

The countdown is on –HOYS tickets for 2026 are on sale now

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:20:53 +0000

HOYS tickets are now on sale for the 2026 show. From 7–11 October, Birmingham’s NEC is transformed into an equestrian bonanza that fills 50 acres of the site with thrills, fun, and world-class entertainment, and we can’t wait.

Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) is a real feast for the horse lover and a major event in the equestrian calendar. Prestigious national and international showjumping classes are at the heart of the show, along with a vast array of showing championships, which for many riders is the pinnacle of their career. There are also hundreds of shops located in the retail village and plenty of food and drink outlets to keep you fuelled throughout the day.

HOYS tickets

General admission

Ticket prices vary throughout the week, depending on which session you attend and where you sit.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday tickets give you access and a seat for the whole day, while Saturday and Sunday sessions are split into afternoon and evening performances. Family tickets (two adults + two children) are available on the Sunday. Ticket prices are as follows:

Wednesday: £42–95
Thursday: £42–95
Friday: £49–104
Saturday daytime: £49–107
Saturday evening: £71–128
Sunday daytime: £49–104
Sunday evening: £42–95
Super Sunday (both sessions): £71–145

View ticket and seating options at axs.com

Season tickets

A season ticket will give you entry on all five days, provide you with entry to the TopSpec Arena public seating, plus an allocated seat in the Andrews Bowen International Arena, and full access to the shopping village.

Season tickets also include complimentary parking and an official show programme.

View season tickets at hoys.co.uk

Shopping-only tickets

If all you want to do is experience the retail village, you can purchase a shopping-only ticket for the Wednesday, Thursday or Friday for £19.40 each.

Buy shopping tickets at axs.com

The schedule is packed with showing championships alongside international showjumping classes. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

HOYS timetable highlights

The full schedule is jam-packed, but here are a few highlights to help you decide what day you’d most like to visit the show.

Wednesday 7 October: Working Hunter of the Year Championship, Talent Seekers international showjumping (including 7 Year Old Championship) and M&M ridden breed championships

Thursday 8 October: Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year Championship, Dressage Future Elite Championship, M&M Ridden Pony of the Year Championship and Senior Foxhunter Championship

Friday 9 October: Working Hunter Pony of the Year Championship, Pony Foxhunter Championship, Dallamires Stables Cup international showjumping

Saturday 10 October: Accumulator international showjumping, Double Harness Scurry of the Year Championship, Supreme In-Hand of the Year Championship and Puissance

Sunday 11 October: Speed Horse of the Year and Six Bar international showjumping, Prince Philip Cup Final, Supreme Horse of the Year Championship, Supreme Pony of the Year Championship and Leading Showjumper of the Year

The full schedule is available at hoys.co.uk

HOYS tickets group discounts

A 20% discount is available for groups of 10+ general admission tickets on all sessions expect Saturday evening.

Call 0344 338 8002 to make a group booking.

VIP experiences and hospitality tickets

Champions Bar – share drinks and nibbles with friends while enjoying panoramic views of the action in the Andrews Bowen International Arena, plus two course lunch included.

For more information, visit hoys.co.uk

Hospitality – if you fancy a refined hospitality ringside dining experience, whether for a private celebration or networking opportunities, you should opt for the hospitality experience, which starts at £234 per person.

For more information, visit hoys.co.uk

Parking

Car parking can be booked in advance for £14.95, which will save you up to £5 compared to paying on the day.

Book now at thenec.co.uk

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from HOYS and other major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

A different type of grand prix as dogs to shine at Horse of the Year Show

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:11:56 +0000

Spectators at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) this year will be able to enjoy another species in action as dog agility makes its debut at the event.

HOYS organiser Grandstand has announced that the Agility Nexus Hunter & Gather Dog Agility Grand Prix will feature at the 2026 show (7-11 October), bringing “the very best dog and handler partnerships in a fast-paced, high-level agility championship”.

HOYS event director Emma Williams said: “We are thrilled to introduce an exciting new dog display to this year’s programme. The Agility Nexus Hunter & Gather Dog Agility Grand Prix promises fast-paced, high-energy entertainment for spectators, adding another thrilling element to HOYS and giving audiences the chance to witness these incredible canine athletes in action.”

Agility Nexus, whose aim is to “evolve the sport through inclusivity, progressive competition formats and uncompromising standards in dog safety, judging and competitor experience”, is staging two finals, one for large and one for small and extra-small dogs.

“In a landmark step for the sport, the small dog championship will combine extra small and-small categories, creating the first major UK final of its kind to include extra small dogs at flagship level,” a HOYS spokesperson said.

There will be five heats, starting this month, offering qualification for a semi-final on 2 August at which 10 large and 10 small or extra-small dogs will earn their HOYS tickets.

Agility Nexus co-founders Neil Ellis and Dave Munnings said: “We are so excited to bring the Agility Nexus Hunter & Gather Grand Prix to Horse of the Year show. In 2026 this will involve the best extra small, small and large dogs in the country race against the clock over an agility course to be crowned the grand prix winner.

“Agility Nexus is an organisation which upholds the highest standards in dog safety, judging and competition, and we are proud to join the prestigious HOYS line-up. Get ready to watch some talented dogs and handler partnerships in action!”

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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Justine Armstrong-Small reveals what she looks for in working hunter pony classes, and shares her advice for first-timers

Bethan Simons — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:49:46 +0000

The judge and leading producer shares her thoughts and tips in this exclusive article for H&H subscribers

If you’ve spotted that Justine Armstrong-Small is down to judge your pony in working hunter pony classes, then you’re in luck. I caught up with her to find out what she’ll be looking for on the day.

About Justine Armstrong-Small

Justine Armstrong-Small is a showing judge and leading show horse producer who has won accolades at all major shows. She’s won the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) several times, and she’s reigned at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) before, too, which includes lifting the supreme horse of the year accolade in 2003. She has ridden many top working hunters, including the legendary Zin Zan, and more recently, the prolific middleweight Carlingfords King.

Justine is on the judging panel for the following showing societies:

British Show Pony Society (BSPS)
British Show Horse Association (BSHA)
Sports Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHBGB)
British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA)

Former HOYS supreme champion Zin Zan, who was ridden to glory by Justine Armstrong Small. (Image credit: www.trevor-meeks-photography.co.uk)

What does Justine Armstrong-Small look for when she’s judging?

Open working hunter pony classes

“By the time it gets to the summer season, I would hope that each combination entering the ring for an open class is established and will be attacking the course head on,” says Justine. “This is especially the case at Hickstead as it’s a course like no other and it requires forward, positive riding.

“I will be looking for a round to be ridden in a nice, forward rhythm with confidence. I like to see a pony going forward but in a mannerly fashion – not pulling the jockey’s arms out of their sockets with its head in the air.”

Justine hopes combinations for open classes will “attack the course head on”. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Some county shows and finals, such as the RIHS, have big, awesome-looking fences. These occasions can certainly provoke nerves and it can make some riders a bit hysterical,” notes Justine.

“My advice is to not panic so you don’t rush your pony out of its rhythm. Plenty of practice at home will go someway in subsiding nerves. Some jumps, especially at the RIHS, such as ditches, the open water and bullfinches, can catch riders out. Putting in the work in at home will mean you can ride confidently on the day.

“Take note if the ring is on a slope, too, as you’ll need to ride the hills in balance with control.”

Novice working hunter pony classes

“In a novice round, I’m looking for a pony to be willing as it takes on a course,” says Justine. “It doesn’t necessarily need to have its hocks right under it and it shouldn’t be over bridled, it just needs to be happy in its job and looking to the future.

“In a novice class I want to see a positive rider that’s supporting the pony and its balance, and not rushing it out of its stride. I see lot of people gallop at jumps and then a pony stops and they end up losing confidence.

“I know we ideally want to see a pony canter around, but at this stage I would rather see a pony take its time and the rider wait for it and trot into a fence than chase to it,” she advises. “When you chase them, they end up putting the breaks on.”

Cradle or nursery stakes

“In a cradle or nursery stakes class, I like to see a pony that doesn’t over jump. The pony should stay in a nice rhythm and not be tanking round the course,” says Justine.

“A nursery and cradle stakes pony should be in a lower gear than an open pony – think more 25mph to an open pony’s 40mph – and looking after their little rider.”

A good cradle or nursery stakes pony will look after its rider according to Justine. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

What does Justine look for in a champion working hunter pony?

Justine says her champion will have a bit of presence and look-at-me factor.

“Quite often at the workers – especially where the jumping phase is imposing – you don’t always get the best show animals through to the championship as they haven’t fared as well over the course as the jumping ponies, so it can be a bit of a lottery.

“The championship is still a showing class though, so I will be looking for something that is well put together and moves well. A champion should also cope with going round in a group with the others as they wouldn’t usually do that and some can get giddy at that point.”

Justine Armstrong-Small’s show ring pet hates

Justine shares one thing she really doesn’t want to see in the ring.

“I hate it when a rider slaps their pony on the neck with their stick. It’s a sign the animal isn’t going forward off the leg.

“I would usually deduct a mark every time the pony is smacked on the neck,” she warns.

“If the pony isn’t going, use your stick once as an aid correctly behind the saddle. Slapping them on the neck isn’t effective and if you do it going over a jump the pony is likely to drop a leg anyway.”

Advice for Hickstead first-timers

“The RIHS is an amazing track and the show is such an occasion. The fences are sturdy and are well-dressed so they’re an eye-full for both pony and rider,” says Justine.

“There are lots of natural features thrown in so you need to do your homework. Hiring a local cross-country schooling venue ahead of the show is a great idea – you can practice solid fences as well as riding into the water so you’re not caught out on the day.”

Any advice for HOYS for the first-timers

Justine recommends: “Before jumping at HOYS, you need to get some indoor practice as the ring is smaller and you have to use your corners and all your arena. The fences feel bigger in there, too, as it’s a smaller space, so be prepared for that.

“It’s very bright in the arena at HOYS, so try to go jumping in an indoor arena with the lights on as it’s very different to jumping outdoors or even in a normal indoor.”

Enjoyed reading this? For more expert training advice from top riders and coaches, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Transparency or a ‘state of limbo’? HOYS returns to 2024 judging format

Bethan Simons — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 12:42:37 +0000

Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) organisers have confirmed some of the 2026 judges – but will not reveal who is judging which class until the evening before.

In a return to the 2024 system, competitors will not know in advance of qualifying who they will come under until the show, a move that HOYS organisers Grandstand Media said maintains transparency and fairness, and has had mixed reactions from riders.

Pony specialist Gill Thompson told H&H: “I think the format is really refreshing. When we had the Australian judges, it was exciting as no-one knew what they would like or be going for so there were no preconceived ideas about who was going to do well. It was exciting to watch as spectators too.

“I also think that the atmosphere in the collecting ring was nicer as again, with no preconceived ideas on placings and preferences, it felt as if we were all on a level playing field. This year, where there are British judges, there may be some idea of preferences once the judges are released, but it’s still refreshing to have a different format.”

The judges already confirmed include those from Australia, Canada and Ireland as well as the UK. Some exhibitors, such as H&H columnist Rebecca Penny, are concerned that not knowing who is judging what means they may not be able to compete.

“Establishing that you or your horse or pony has a connection on the list leaves you in a very strange position, almost a state of limbo,” she told H&H.

Significant costs

“There are significant costs associated with running a pony on the HOYS circuit for a season, whether you produce it yourself or keep it at a professional yard, and those expenses continue regardless. In many cases, it is possible to make an educated assessment and narrow down who is likely to be appointed for your section.

“At that point a difficult decision arises: do you continue to spend thousands of pounds attending qualifiers, knowing there is a real possibility of the disappointment of not being able to compete on the day? Or do you conclude that such a financial commitment cannot be justified and instead choose to direct your time, energy, and resources elsewhere?”

For producers reliant on campaigning exhibits for multiple owners, it is particularly concerning. One such producer is Harrison Taylor, who last year rode a horse belonging to one of this year’s judges, so may not show under her this year.

“It’s tricky for us all not knowing who is judging and fearing someone’s going to be disappointed on the day,” he told H&H. “For me, it’s a really tricky situation – as it will be for many other people. I’m just hoping they don’t end up judging any of my classes as it would be so sad for my owners.

“I obviously have so many different types and I can’t hold them back for the fear of ‘what if?’ The only option I have is to crack on and keep my fingers crossed.”

HOYS encourages any competitors who believe they may have a conflict of interest with a judge to submit details and any evidence to entries@grandstand.co.uk ahead of the event so any potential conflicts can be managed.

One home-produced exhibitor, who does not want to be named, told H&H she has already contacted Grandstand Media as she attempts to plan her daughters’ season.

“I never take it for granted we will qualify, but with ponies who have previously qualified, I would hope that if we have them looking and going well enough, they will qualify again,” she said.

“HOYS said they will try their best to accommodate everyone, so I am waiting to hear whether I can compete or not. I accept conflicts can appear in any year, but with entries for qualifiers now opening, it would just be good to know whether I can enter as it makes a big difference to our summer as a family.”

Positive feedback

Event director Emma Williams said Grandstand had “an abundance of positive feedback” when this system was introduced, and “it was clear competitors valued this fresh approach”.

“By confirming a world-class panel while withholding individual allocations until the finals, we are able to maintain transparency and ensure every competitor enters the arena with confidence in the process,” she said.

A spokesperson for HOYS told H&H that in 2024, the team identified a small number of competitors who had possible connections to judges.

“Three qualified combinations were unable to compete: one due to declaring the connection only after qualification, and two who had been advised before the season that they would be ineligible under the appointed judge. An additional three competitors were informed prior to the season that they would not be eligible to compete under their allocated class judge.

“It is important to note that even if all judging allocations were published in advance, unavoidable connections would still occasionally occur. While we take every reasonable step to reduce conflicts of interest, some situations are unavoidable, and eligibility rules must be upheld to ensure fairness for all competitors.”

2026 HOYS judges confirmed so far:

Mrs Deborah Alderson
Ms Stephanie Barrington
Mr Jonathan Carnduff
Mrs Glenis Cockbain
Mr Graham Dunkley
Miss Lucinda Elliott
Mr Hayden Hankey
Mr John James
Miss Rachel Moore Rooney
Ms Meg Nicholls
Mrs Tina O’Brien
Mr Jim O’Brien
Ms Ann Rushton Green
Mr Randy Robertson
Miss Sacha Shaw
Mrs Helen Starkie
Mrs Susan Stockley-Bridges
Ms Julie Templeton
Mr Chris Yates
To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website,subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

From STARS to HOYS: 13 show ring opportunities for amateurs in 2026

Bethan Simons — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:36:22 +0000

It can be difficult to stay motivated when riding before or after work means tacking up in darkness and your gateways are ankle-deep in mud, so to get you off the sofa and into the saddle, I’ve rounded up the amateur showing classes, championships and finals you can try this year.

Spring shows will soon be kicking off and with a summer season just around the corner, there are plenty of opportunities for amateurs to qualify for prestigious shows. Just remember, before you enter a show, you must make sure that you consult the rules on amateur status, as there are variations between societies.

Amateur showing opportunities 2026

Thistledown Alice is Search For A Star ridden champion at Your Horse Live. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

1. SEIB Search For A Star

SEIB’s Search for a Star (SFAS) series is a brilliant stepping stone between grassroots and affiliated competition for both in-hand and ridden competitors. To be eligible to compete at their series of qualifiers and their finals, you have to fit their strict amateur criteria.

If you’re lucky enough to win, then half their championships are hosted at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), and the other half hosted at Your Horse Live. As well as their own shows, the SFAS series has its own team of judges who are all super-experienced in the ring, and will offer showing tips and advice on how to make the best of your exhibit.

For more information, visit seib.co.uk

2. Show Teams And Rising Stars (STARS)

Offering an all-singing, all-dancing glitzy experience, STARS is a favourite on the grassroots and Riding Club showing enthusiast’s calendar. Quite literally thousands of Riding Club members attempt qualification for the November finals held at Aintree Equestrian Centre each year.

For your chance to compete, you’ll need to be a member of one of 60 affiliated riding clubs, and collect points at the relevant shows. As well as competing individually, members can accumulate points for their club’s team, too.

For more information, visit starschampionships.co.uk

3. The Showing Register’s amateur-only HOYS tickets

The Showing Register (TSR) offers unique tickets to HOYS. You can bag a ticket by winning an amateur-only HOYS qualifier at their summer show, or sign up for their amateur league for the chance to make consistency count. Competitors in the league earn points through the season, with winners from each division gaining a golden ticket.

For more information, visit theshowingregister.co.uk

Glenkeeran Dance In The Deep, champion hunter type at the TSR Amateur of the Year Championships. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

4. TSR Amateur of the Year Championships

TSR’s Amateur of the Year championships, run for the first time in 2025 at Stoneleigh Park, was a resounding success and is set to run again in late November this year. There you’ll find festive fun in abundance, and a HOYS-esque experience for home-produced amateurs only.

For more information, visit theshowingregister.co.uk

5. BSPS Pretty Polly

The British Show Pony Society’s (BSPS) Pretty Polly classes are for home-produced pony exhibitors and are an enduring favourite. The finals are held at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), so they offer a second class for those competing at open level, as well as a chance for younger and less experienced combinations to compete alongside – rather than against – showing greats at one of our most iconic showgrounds.

For more information, visit bsps.com

6. UK P&H Amateur M&M final

Mountain and moorland exhibitors are lucky, because as well as the mixed-breed Pretty Polly final, they also have an amateur final hosted by the UK Ponies & Horses to contend at Hickstead.

For more information, visit ukponies.uk

7. BSHA Amateurs

Similarly, horse exhibitors have a range of amateur classes hosted at the RIHS, and governed by the British Show Horse Association (BSHA). Horses in these classes can be produced, offering riders whose circumstances mean they cannot keep a horse ticking-over themselves to compete against fellow amateurs.

There are, however, prizes for the highest placed home-produced combinations in each of these classes, and new for 2026 is a home-produced championship, where all of the highest placed home-produced horses will be pitted against each other.

For more information, visit bsha.online

Greenvale Don Legend tops the 2025 Rising Star hack and riding horse final (Image credit: creditUnknown)

8. BSHA Rising Star

Want strictly home-produced horse classes but still want to ride at one of the show season’s biggest events? Look to the BSHA’s range of Rising Star classes at the London International Horse Show (LIHS).

There are a range of classes for different types of horses, including working show horse classes, and Style and Performance classes that are judged entirely on performance with no conformation aspect, hopefully enticing owners of all types over 148cm. One benefit for those dipping a toe in showing for the first time is that there is no requirement for your horse to be ridden by a ride judge.

For more information, visit bsha.online

9. RoR Amateur Ridden Show Series

The Jockey Club’s Retraining of Racehorses have the RoR Amateur Ridden Show Series that culminates in a fabulous championship at the iconic Hickstead Derby Meeting in June. The top three from each qualifier go forwards to the final.

For more information, visit ror.org.uk

Grace Speak rides Mountain Gale to the oldest equine award and sixth place in the SSADL final at London International (Image credit: creditUnknown)

10. SSADL finals

If you’re home produced and have a veteran horse or pony, then look at the Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd’s offering. They run finals at both the RIHS and LIHS. Qualifiers are held at their championships and affiliated shows including Royal Windsor Horse Show.

For more information, visit seniorshowinganddressage.co.uk.

11. New VHS championship

The Veteran Horse Society (VHS) have announced that they have a brand new final hosted at HOYS. This newest championship for our treasured veteran horses is open to amateurs only.

For more information, visit veteran-horse-society.co.uk

12. BSPA home-produced championship

For coloured horses and ponies, there is a special championship for the highest placed home-produced exhibit in each of the British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA) classes at the RIHS.

For more information, visit bspaonline.com

13. Your society championships

From the National Pony Society (NPS) to the Coloured Horse And Pony Society (CHAPS) and the Sport Horse Breeding GB (SHB (GB)), your society will play host to a plethora of amateur-only classes and finals at their shows and championships. Usually there are some you’ll need to qualify for beforehand, while others you can enter on the day.

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

Come behind the scenes at double HOYS winner Harrison Taylor’s yard – complete with budding superstars and Christmas decorations

Alex Robinson — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 08:30:59 +0000

The show season just gone has been the most glorious yet for up-and-coming showing producer Harrison Taylor. The Lancashire lad gained his first-ever Royal Windsor title, was crowned overall champion at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), reigned champion on his Dublin Horse Show debut and won two of the most hotly contested finals at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). It was a year of dreams for the 24-year-old, but he’s only just getting started.

Based at his own yard in the town of Kearsley, Lancashire, Harrison has rapidly risen through the pony and native ranks and is now one to watch in horse classes. At HOYS in October, his own and Karen Wood’s lightly campaigned mare, Cranbornes Sirius, was crowned small hack of the year, before leading the intermediate show riding type field just 48 hours later. She had only contested a handful of shows prior to her reign in Birmingham.

“I still can’t quite believe what happened at HOYS; the hacks are definitely a section I’ve always wanted to win, as I consider it to be one of the hardest and most competitive,” Harrison reflects. “We knew Sirius was a top horse when we first saw her in the field at Jerome Harforth’s yard as a two-year-old – she’s such a mover – but you can never predict these things.

“She bred a foal for us a few years ago, so I’m lucky to have her three-year-old son by Tiger Attack, Leevale Jubilee Star, waiting in the wings as a large hack prospect. He’s just like his dam, only bigger.”

The home-bred Leevale Jubilee Star, a three-year-old by Tiger Attack out of champion small hack Cranbornes Sirius. (Image credit: Isabel Pearce Photography)

Foraying into the world of professional show production wasn’t always on the cards for Harrison. He began his competitive career, aged nine, in British Showjumping ranks, competing successfully on 138cm ponies.

Harrison explains: “We had two really good ponies, but when I was out of the class, we couldn’t afford to buy bigger ponies of the same level. We decided to try my smaller 138cm jumping pony, Skipper II, in the 133cm workers. I took him to the RIHS before he was sold on. Jumping was a great foundation and it definitely made me braver in the saddle.”

Harrison’s talent soon caught the eye of professional producer Penny Hollings, who asked him to ride a handful of show ponies, while owner Lynn Scott invited him to show Welsh section A Friars All Gold, who gave him his first HOYS ticket. Alongside taking rides, Harrison was developing his craft at home, home-producing his own ponies.

“I always wanted to work with horses, but my parents said I had to try something else first,” he says. “I went to college at 18 to study business, but I only stayed for three months. I then went to the Jinks Show Team for a stint, alongside running a small team at home. That was an invaluable experience in running a large yard and learning how to juggle competing lots of horses at the highest level at once. In 2021, I went out on my own full-time and things really started to kick off for me.”

Peter Jones’ home-bred Welsh cob stallion Menai Euromillions is being primed for the novice circuit in 2026. (Image credit: Isabel Pearce Photography)

The ponies that put Harrison Taylor on the map

One of Harrison’s long-standing clients and dear friends is esteemed Connemara and Welsh pony breeder Kerry Wainwright, of the Skellorn Stud. Over the years, Harrison has produced many Skellorn ponies to top level, including HOYS and RIHS winner Skellorn Prairie Starlight (Star), 2021 HOYS Connemara pony of the year Skellorn Deja Vu (Dan) and the multi-garlanded Welsh section B Skellorn Miss Ellie, a HOYS and RIHS runner-up under Harrison’s instruction.

Harrison recalls how their friendship began: “We’d bought the mare Skellorn Tootsie to jump. She didn’t have the scope, but through our acquisition of her, we met Kerry. Kerry invited us to her stud up the road in Cheshire, where we picked Ellie out of the field.

“We have an amazing thing going with Kerry and I’m so grateful for her support. She very much leaves me to get on with the job, though we’ll work together to pick out the ponies for the future. We have some exciting Connemaras coming through, including two-year-old Skellorn Lord Hamilton and his full sister, Skellorn Lady Harriet, a three-year-old, who I hope will be good enough to replace Dan, who has now retired but still lives with me.”

Harrison credits Star as the pony who truly put him on the map. Harrison’s long-time trainer, Stu Mason, mentioned that the then four-year-old gelding might be a good fit for him, as his former owners, the Seedhouse family, were looking to put him out on loan. Together, the pair won the open Connemara and New Forest final at Hickstead when Harrison was the youngest rider in the class, as well as the junior ridden pony championship at HOYS.

“He was an amazing pony who gave me so much, including my first taste of success at those big shows,” Harrison recalls. “I’ve also been fortunate to have ridden some top-class ponies, including Amanda Torrens’ part-bred Highmead To Be Or Not To Be, and I also started intermediate Shildons Royal Affair before he went to the Kirkbride family and won HOYS.”

Training philosophies and the home system

During the 2025 season, Harrison ran 15 show liveries – his biggest team yet. He has steadily built up his yard since the family moved to their base 13 years ago, and it now boasts 21 boxes, all-weather turnout, an arena, lunge pens and individual grass paddocks. He lives on site with his family and has weekly help from yard grooms Jade McGarry Bolton and Ella Tebay, as well as assistance at shows from his friend, Mia Whittaker.

Harrison’s mother, Nicola, is his right-hand woman and without her he couldn’t follow his dreams.

“I couldn’t do it all without my mum,” says Harrison. (Image credit: Isabel Pearce Photography)

He says: “I wouldn’t be able to do it all without her. She runs everything on the admin side – paperwork, invoicing, entering shows. She’ll also be out there all day putting me on breakers and watching me ride, giving her critique. We get on really well, too.”

On his training philosophy at home, Harrison adds: “We keep it simple and we always give a horse time – as much as they need. Plus, I’m competitive and a perfectionist, so I don’t rush a good animal. Once they’ve learnt the basics under saddle and are light, soft and forward, I mainly hack out. Early on, I do plenty of long-reining, lungeing and polework.

“I like them to enjoy life and only do the shows we need to do, as I prefer them to come out fresh and up for it.”

Hacking Jo Nicholls’ Dibynn Magic Mike, who is set for the novice circuit next season: “I like them to enjoy life, feel fresh and up for it.” (Image credit: Isabel Pearce Photography)

Harrison credits his owners for the trust they place in him. He never feels rushed to work to a time frame.

“I have such a good group of clients, many of whom are also friends and have been with me from early on,” he says. “We also like to have youngstock coming on all the time, so you’re always looking to the future. If I see something with potential – I like a correct horse with movement and glamour – I’ll usually try to buy in, at least a half, and I’m lucky that we can throw them in the field to mature. It’s so important to keep looking ahead; this game never stops.

“I’ve had to work to have such a good team of horses, though, as in the early days, like we all do, I had to take the rides I could get. I’m so excited about the 2026 string; it’s my best yet.”

One pony Harrison is particularly looking forward to returning to the spotlight is Lostock Up Till Dark, Caroline Hamilton’s home-bred coloured mare. Rising seven, she was supreme coloured champion at the RIHS on her debut there.

“She was also second at HOYS, which was great in her first season, as she’s still got somewhere to go,” Harrison said.

Harrison is also honoured to take the reins on Sandboro Sir Henry, Leanne Imbusch’s small riding horse contender. He has now been gelded after a prolific in-hand career when owned by Joanna Adams of the Tandridge Stud, another of Harrison’s long-standing clients.

“He’s a mega horse with an amazing temperament. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for him,” Harrison said.

Leanne Imbusch’s Sandboro Sir Henry – “He’s mega,” says Harrison. (Image credit: Isabel Pearce Photography)

Set for the novice circuit is Dibynn Magic Mike, Jo Nicholls’ striking hack contender bred by Di Nicholson, and Menai Euromillions, Peter Jones’ home-bred Welsh cob stallion.

With a variety of types and breeds to compete, Harrison finds there is little time to catch a breath during the show season.

“It can get relentless in summer; there’s a show every weekend,” he says. “Even if it’s not a qualifier, there’s always somewhere to go with a novice. Juggling it all can be a challenge.

“I do feel the pressure, too; I don’t get nervous, but I want to do well and keep the momentum up. When I took Sirius into the intermediate final after she won the hacks, for example, I felt it a lot then. A lot of people said I shouldn’t have done the second final after winning earlier in the week.”

But showing producer Harrison Taylor can’t imagine himself doing anything else.

“While I enjoy the big shows, I love the day-to-day at home, especially those little breakthrough moments during training. When you do well on a horse that you’ve produced from unbroken, it’s an amazing feeling.”

“I love the day-to-day at home” – grooming Tandridge State Affair. (Image credit: Isabel Pearce Photography)

Looking ahead, Harrison aspires to keep up his stellar form.

“Of course, winning a HOYS supreme one day would be nice,” he says. “But mainly, I’d like to keep producing nice horses. I think Rob Walker is my inspiration; he’s constantly got good horses coming through, which means he’s always at the top of the line.”

As winter takes hold and the showing community hunkers down ahead of next season, Harrison is working hard behind the scenes to ensure his exceptional string of horses are fully prepared for the stage. And if his past successes are anything to go by, he’ll be more than ready.

Enjoyed reading this? For more expert training advice from top riders and coaches, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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‘Once you’ve won there, you want to do it all again’: Jayne Ross on HOYS and KBF Lucia

Bethan Simons — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 08:30:48 +0000

On our 171st episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, which is sponsored this month by KBIS, we hear from 2025 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) supreme horse champion Jayne Ross on HOYS and KBF Lucia who she rode to her eighth supreme there.

Recorded shortly after she was crowned supreme horse champion at HOYS for the eighth time, Jayne shares some insight into what it’s like to be competing at HOYS and KBF Lucia, or “Poppy”, who is owned by Diane Stennett and Lucy Cameron.

“It’s a very very surreal scenario altogether; you tend to get into your own little bubble and you forget what’s going on with the rest of the world because it does become very intense,” she says of competing at the NEC.

“It’s very hands on with very strange timings. Because of the fact there’s a limited amount of room to actually exercise horses and things like that, and they’re limited with the number of stables they can put up, horses tend to be coming in and out all week.

“And on the whole, we’re starting between three or half past three in the morning in order to have horses ready to go indoors for what they call arena familiarisation, which is quite often is around half five in the morning because all that has to be done before the classes start at seven. Then we have to go back to our stables, which is a good ten minute walk. I’m lucky as I’m usually on board but my poor team are usually following with trollies of all the stuff we might need. So you’ve done half a day’s work before you even start your first class.”

Luckily, it seems that Poppy is something of a dream to prepare.

“She’s been ‘Perfect Poppy’ for a few years now,” says Jayne. “She’s the most phenomenal ride, both side saddle and astride. The only real pressure is to tell her, ‘come on Poppy, you’ve got this’.”

As well as reflecting on HOYS and Poppy’s rise through the ranks, Jayne reflects on her childhood and her career as a whole.

“I was not from a horsey background,” she says. “I was from a very sporty background in so much as my mother was an Olympic figure skater, and my father was twice world speedway champion in the 50s. So they were top-of-the-league sports people themselves, and so very good at backing us as a family and encouraging us to do whatever we wanted to do to the best of our ability.”

She goes on to share how her father “made the mistake” of taking her to see some friends who introduced her to ponies aged around four, and her first forays into showing.

“That was it I’m afraid. That was a really bad day for my father,” she jokes.

Jayne’s first HOYS win came “purely by chance” in 1966 on Cusop Pirouette, a 128cm show pony who went on to be champion.

“But that was it. Once you’ve won there, you want to do it all again,” says Jayne. “I’ve been unbelievably lucky in my career; I’ve had some fabulous horses, fabulous owners, fantastic wins. How lucky am I to have won that supreme eight times? I never dreamt it would happen. I have so many people to thank for that.”

To hear more on how she forged such an illustrious career, the importance of her team, and her commitment to her horses, tune into the 171st episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast.

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

The ‘wisdom, grace and enduring beauty’ of older horses celebrated in new HOYS championship

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 17:53:20 +0000

A new championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2026 will “pay tribute to the wisdom, grace, and enduring beauty of the veteran horse”.

HOYS organiser Grandstand said it is “thrilled” to announce the new class for next year, the Veteran Horse Society (VHS) ridden veteran of the year championship.

“This exciting addition will celebrate the remarkable partnership between riders and their much-loved older equines, offering competitors the chance to showcase their veterans in front of a world-class audience,” the spokesperson said.

“The new championship will shine a spotlight on the longevity, versatility, and enduring spirit of horses aged 15 and over.”

The class will be sponsored by the society, which was founded over 20 years ago to celebrate and support older horses and ponies. It will be run under VHS rules, so open to amateurs only

Its founder Julianne Aston said: “The Veteran Horse Society is delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity to open the famous HOYS curtains to the world of the older equine. It’s a privilege to host the very first veteran championship at this prestigious event.

“We believe spectators and competitors alike will be inspired by the quality, condition and presence of these incredible animals who have earned their place in the ‘arena of dreams.’”

There will be 10 qualifiers held across the country next year, at which tickets will be available for the Andrews Bowen International Arena next October.

“The introduction of the ridden veteran horse of the year championship reinforces HOYS’ commitment to celebrating every stage of the equine journey – from rising stars to lifelong companions,” the Grandstand spokesperson said. “This new class is sure to become a crowd favourite, paying tribute to the wisdom, grace, and enduring beauty of the veteran horse.”

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

Celebrating the HOYS supreme in-hand champions 2000–2025

Bethan Simons — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:21:10 +0000

In the world of in-hand showing, the Price Family supreme in-hand championship (formerly the Cuddy supreme in-hand championship) at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) is the one everyone strives to win. Competition is always fierce as only the very best examples of breed and type qualify from shows held around the country and only the champion from each qualifier goes through.

To celebrate this ultimate in-hand accolade, we take a look back through the H&H picture archives at the horses and ponies who have claimed the prestigious title since the turn of the century.

2025 champions

The 2025 supreme in-hand title went to the pony class winner, Meirion Davies and Richard Miller’s home-bred Welsh section A mare Heniarth Sh-Boom, who was handled by Richard while Meirion led her foal Heniarth Sherry Triffle.

The reserve supreme was the horse winner, Jill Whittaker’s home-bred Dakiora Royale, who was beautifully presented by Ian Boylan.

Reserve in-hand horse was David Shand’s home-bred Achilty Eclipse, shown by David’s grandson Hunter MacDonald, while Sue Brewis and John Harvey’s home-bred Elmswood Star Struck claimed the runner-up spot in the pony division.

Congratulations to all their connections.

HOYS Price Family supreme in-hand champions

2025: Meirion Davies and Richard Miller’s Heniarth Sh-Boom, shown by Richard

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

2024 supreme in-hand: Evelyn Tate’s Kirkwood Tabitha Twitchit, shown by Jerome Harforth

KIRKWOOD TABITHA TWITCHIT, exhibited by Jerome Hartforth winners The Price Family Supreme In-Hand Championship during the Horse of the Year Show held at the NEC in Birmingham in UK between 9 - 13 th October 2024 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2023 supreme in-hand: Angela Smith’s Tremarl Timber, shown by Simon Charlesworth

TREMARL TIMBER, exhibited by Simon Charlesworth winners of The Price Family Supreme In-Hand Championship during the Horse of the Year Show held at the NEC in Birmingham in UK between 4 -8 th October 2023 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2022 supreme in-hand: Rosemary Penn and Vicky Smith’s Lovestruck, shown by Steve Pitt

Horse No 1169, winners of The Price Family Supreme In-Hand Championship during the Horse of the Year Show held at the NEC in Birmingham in UK between 5 -9th October 2021 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2021 supreme in-hand: Regina Daly’s Tell Me Another, shown by Steve Pitt

Horse No 1616, TELL ME ANOTHER owned by Regina Daly and ridden / exhibited by Steve Pitt, The Price Family Supreme In-Hand Championship during the Horse of the Year Show held at the NEC in Birmingham in UK between 6 -10th October 2021 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2019: Sally McMillan’s Heronsmill Tiger Lily, shown by Matt McGivern

Sally Mcmillan owner of HERONSMILL TIGER LILY, winner of the Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Championship during the Horse of The Year Show at the NEC in Birmingham in the UK between the 2nd - 6th October 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2018: Mark Buckley’s Crafton Blythe Spirit, shown by Jerome Harforth

Mark Buckley riding CRAFTON BLYTHE SPIRIT for owner Mark Buckley, winner of the Cuddy supreme In-Hand Championship at the Horse of The Year Show 2018 at the NEC near Birmingham in the UK between 2nd- 7th October 2018 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2017: Pearl Underwood’s Broadstone Dolce Vita, shown by Billy Moran

BROADSTONE DOLCE VITA owned by Mr W & Mrs P Moran & Underwood ridden or exhibited by William Moran in the Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Championship during the Horse of the Year Show at the NEC near Birmingham, UK between 4th - 8th October 2017 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2016: Gareth Williams’ Moelgardedd Stadros, shown by Colin Tibbey

Colin Tibbey exhibited MOELGARNEDD STADROSS owned by G Williams winner of the Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Championship during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 5th October 2016 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2015: Martin Wood’s Romanno Royale, shown by Simon Charlesworth

ROMANNO ROYALE ridden by Simon Charlesworth for Vicky Smith Champion in Class 28, Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Championship during Horse Of The Year Show at the NEC Birmingham, West Midlands, UK between 07-11th October 2015 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2014: Martin Wood’s Rendene Royal Charm, shown by Craig Elenor

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

2013: Gareth Williams’ Synod Lady Lillian, shown by Katie Williams

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

2012: Romanno Bedriska, shown by Mark Armstrong

2011: Ceri Fell’s Parvadean Delight, shown by Justin Davis

2010: Mr and Mrs Parkin’s Catwalk, shown by Simon Charlesworth

2009: Mandy Higgins’ Pinewell Bucks Fizz, shown by Colin Tibbey

2008: Mandy Higgins’ Pinewell Bucks Fizz, shown by Colin Tibbey

2007: Jack Cochrane showing his own Mountain Firefly

2006: Debbie Barr and her own Waitwith West Wind

2005: Pam Sowerby’s Rotherwood Take-A-Peep shown by Jerome Harforth

2004: Ro and Ren Rennocks and Elspeth Ferguson’s Kingvean Gypsy Star shown by John Harvey

2003: Ann Fowler’s Broadgrove Chatterbox shown by Mark Northam

2002: Julie Rucklidge’s Jackets Maybe

2001: David Ross’ Rosslyn Sweet Repose shown by Robert Cockram

2000: Free Spirit

Relive the Horse of the Year Show magic on Channel 4 this weekend

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 18:12:07 +0000

Equestrians can relive the magic of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) on Channel 4 this weekend, as the highlights are broadcast on free-to-view television.

H&H reported in September that the channel was to show coverage of this year’s event, and it has now confirmed the programme will air on Saturday (1 November) at 5.25pm, giving fans the chance to watch HOYS on TV.

“The broadcast will bring viewers all the highlights, emotion and standout performances from this year’s iconic event – celebrating the very best of equestrian sport,” said a spokesperson for HOYS organisers Grandstand.

The coverage will be presented by Matt Baker, international dressage rider Gemma Owen and para dressage rider Tegan Vincent-Cooke, who will “guide viewers through the action and share behind-the-scenes insights from the NEC, Birmingham”.

Matt said: “Horse of the Year Show is a true celebration of the equestrian world, and I was thrilled to be part of the action.”

Gemma added that HOYS is a show she has followed since childhood.

“It’s a privilege to be part of the team bringing all the excitement and incredible atmosphere to viewers at home,” she said.

The programme, produced by West Wales-based Carlam Ltd, is scheduled to last an hour and 25 minutes.

The HOYS spokesperson told H&H: “We’re delighted that viewers will be able to experience the magic of Horse of the Year Show through Saturday’s Channel 4 programme. Our partnership with Channel 4 allows us to showcase what truly makes HOYS so special — the emotion, the energy, and the exceptional community that surrounds it.

“From our competitors and their remarkable horses to the devoted fans, this programme celebrates the spirit and passion that define HOYS.”

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

Watch the Horse of the Year Show TV programme live from wherever you are

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 12:30:34 +0000

Watch HOYS on TV and get a front-row seat for the highlights, emotion, and standout performances from this year’s iconic event, celebrating the very best of equestrian sport.

This year’s Horse of the Year Show was held at Birmingham’s NEC (8-12 October 2025), and this programme from Channel 4 will take us back through the action and share behind-the-scenes insights that you won’t have seen on the ClipMyHorse.TV live stream.

At a glance

When to watch: 5pm on Saturday, 1 November 2025
Where to watch: Channel 4
Watch HOYS from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal

How to watch the HOYS highlights programme

The follow-up highlights programme will air on Channel 4 at 5pm on Saturday, 1 November 2025. This 90-minute show will feature behind-the-scenes footage in addition to segments of competition, and will be hosted by Matt Baker, dressage rider and Love Island star Gemma Owen and para dressage rider Tegan Vincent Cooke.

If you want to watch the competition back in full, you can do so on the ClipMyHorse.TV archive.

How to watch HOYS live from anywhere

While it is not necessary to use a VPN to access the Channel 4 coverage, if you would like to protect your online viewing from being monitored by third-parties, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you do this. A VPN creates a private connection between your device and the internet, such that the servers and services you’re accessing aren’t able to track what you’re doing. All the information passing back and forth is entirely encrypted.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, where you can get 73% off, which offers a 100% risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.

How to use a VPN

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access.

3. Then head over to ClipMyHorse.TV on your browser or device and enjoy the livestream.

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Celebrating HOYS supreme ponies of the year: 2003–2025

Bethan Simons — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:45:29 +0000

We look back through at all the HOYS supreme pony of the year winners to celebrate the careers of the top ponies in the show ring since Horse of the Year Show introduced the supreme pony title in 2003.

This year’s Supreme Products 2025 HOYS supreme pony of the year title was lifted by Elmswood Spring Parade (Simba), led by John Harvey and with Florence Rendall, six, in the saddle. Simba was bred by John and his owner Brogan West, making the win all the more special.

HOYS supreme pony of the year winners

2025 supreme pony: Elmswood Spring Parade, ridden by Florence Rendall and led by John Harvey

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

2024 supreme pony: Derw Dream Boy, ridden by Sienna Clay with Craig Elenor at the bridle

Winner of the Supreme Products Supreme Pony of the Year Championship during the Horse of the Year Show held at the NEC in Birmingham in UK between 9 - 13 th October 2024 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2023 supreme pony: Swan Lake, ridden by Sophie Staveley

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

2022 supreme pony: Noble Peppermint, ridden by Elsie Lynch

Horse No 1125, winners of the National Pony Society/Mole Valley Farmers Working Hunter Pony of the Year Championship during the Horse of the Year Show held at the NEC in Birmingham in UK between 5 -9th October 2021 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2021 supreme pony: Roseberry Final Edition, ridden by Ellie Harrington

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

2019 supreme pony: Coco Bongo, ridden by Chloe Lemieux

MS CHLOE LEMIEUX riding COCO BONGO, winner of the RUCKLEIGH SCHOOL SUPREME PONY OF THE YEAR during the Horse of The Year Show at the NEC in Birmingham in the UK between the 2nd - 6th October 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2018: Carmens Novello, ridden by Lucy Glover

CARMENS NOVELLO for owner Charlotte Read, winner of the Rockleigh School Supreme Pony of the Year Championship at the Horse of The Year Show 2018 at the NEC near Birmingham in the UK between 2nd- 7th October 2018 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2017: Thistledown Van-Der-Vaart, ridden by Olivia Brightmore and led by Sharn Linney

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

2016: Litton Enterprise, ridden by Phoebe Price

Phoebe Price riding LITTON ENTERPRISE owned by Joanne Price, Champion in the Supreme Pony of The Year Championship during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 9th October 2016 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2015: Sarum Rembrandt, ridden by Sarah Parker

SARUM REMBRANDT ridden by Sarah Parker for S L & J M joyner, Supreme Champion in Class 52, Supreme Pony of the Year Championship, during Horse Of The Year Show at the NEC Birmingham, West Midlands, UK between 07-11th October 2015 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2014: Barkway Moonfairy, ridden by Talia Aristidou

Taliah Aristidou riding BARKWAY MOONFAIRY for Elizabeth Aristidou in the Supreme Pony of the Year Championship at the Horse of the Year Show at the N. E. C. Birmingham, UK between 8th -12th October 2014 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2013: Nynwood Fantasia, with producer John Harvey

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

2012: Stirlingdene, ridden by Frazer Atherden

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

2011: Crystal Vision, ridden by Harriet Dennison

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2010: Charn Secret Legend, with producer Peter Emmerson

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2009: Greylands Maid In The Dark, ridden by Harriet Dennison

CRYSTAL VISION AND HARRIET DENNISON (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2008: Chagford Lewis, produced by Katy Carter and ridden by her daughter Poppy

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2007: Waxwing Thumbs Up, ridden by Charlotte Dent

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2006: Fairholme Rossetta’s Rhapsody, ridden by Chloe Willett

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2005: Broadgrove Chatterbox, ridden by Jemima Walker

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2004: Chiddock Over the Limit, ridden by Nick Scholfield

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2003: Penwayn Ryan, ridden by Laura Collett

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About the HOYS supreme pony title

The supreme pony of the year was first crowned at HOYS in 2003. Until then the top ponies of the show went forward to the supreme horse of the year championship.

In 2014, the number of ponies forward for the supreme increased as all the mountain and moorland (M&M) champions became eligible (ridden pony, working hunter pony and mini pony), rather than only the M&M supreme pony of the year champion, as in previous years.

M&Ms have taken the supreme pony title on five occasions so far, starting with Welsh section A Penwayn Ryan in 2003. He was ridden by Laura Collett, who has since gone on to become a successful five-star event rider and won Olympic team gold in both Tokyo and Paris.

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Celebrating the HOYS supreme horse of the year winners 2003–2025

Bethan Simons — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 11:44:44 +0000

To celebrate the careers of the top showing horses for the past 23 years, we look back through the H&H picture archives at HOYS supreme horses of the year, including this year’s winner.

This year’s prestigious Horse of the Year Show title went to Jayne Ross riding Lucy Cameron and Diane Stennett’s KBF Lucia. An inimitable force in coloured and ladies horse classes, this special coloured mare notched up her fifth HOYS win in the coloured championship, going on to claim the Supreme Products 2025 HOYS supreme horse of the year accolade.

HOYS supreme horse of the year hall of fame

2025: KBF Lucia ridden by Jayne Ross, owned by Lucy Cameron and Diane Stennett

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2024 HOYS supreme horse: Mulberry Lane, ridden by Craig Kidder and owned by Sue Tennant

Winner of the Supreme Products Supreme Horse of the Year Championship during the Horse of the Year Show held at the NEC in Birmingham in UK between 9 - 13 th October 2024 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2023 HOYS supreme horse: Forgeland Hyde Park, ridden by Danielle Heath and owned by Guy Mears and Isabella Mears Wood

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2022 HOYS supreme horse: View Point, ridden by Robert Walker and owned by Jill Day

Horse No 1015, winners of the Catplant Group of Companies Ltd. Show Hunter Championship during the Horse of the Year Show held at the NEC in Birmingham in UK between 5 -9th October 2021 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2021 HOYS supreme horse: View Point, ridden by Robert Walker and owned by Jill Day

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2019 HOYS supreme: Twinshock Warrior, ridden by Jayne Ross and owned by Jill Marsden

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2018 HOYS supreme: Time 2 Reflect, ridden by Jayne Ross and owned by Diane Stennett

Jayne Ross riding TIME 2 REFLECT for owner Diane Stennett, winner of the Ripon Select Foods Supreme Horse of the Year Championship at the Horse of The Year Show 2018 at the NEC near Birmingham in the UK between 2nd- 7th October 2018 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2017 HOYS supreme: Diamonds Are Forever, ridden by Oliver Hood and owned by Annabel Jenks

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2016: Our Cashel Blue, ridden by Allister Hood and owned by Caroline Tyrrell

Allister Hood riding OUR CASHEL BLUE owned by Caroline Tyrrell, Champion in the Supreme Horse of The Year Championship during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 9th October 2016 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2015: Broadshard Simplicity, ridden by Jayne Ross

BROADSHARD SIMPLICITY ridden by Jayne Ross for Rosettes Direct, Champion in Class 51, Supreme Horse of the Year Championship, during Horse Of The Year Show at the NEC Birmingham, West Midlands, UK between 07-11th October 2015 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2014: Broadshard Simplicity, ridden by Jayne Ross

Jayne Ross riding BROADSHARD SIMPLICITY for Carol Bardo in the Supreme Horse of the Year Championship at the Horse of the Year Show at the N. E. C. Birmingham, UK between 8th -12th October 2014 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2013: Hallmark IX, ridden by Simon Reynolds

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2012: Pearly King, ridden by Simon Charlesworth

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2011: Comberton Clancy, ridden by Jayne Webber

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2010: Dunbeacon, ridden by Katie Jerram

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2009: Philanderer, ridden by Jayne Webber

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2008: Finn McCool III, ridden by Guy Landau

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2007: Broadstone Doulton, ridden by Robert Walker

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2006: So Smart II, ridden by Robert Walker

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2005: Bournebrook Golden Law, ridden by Shelley Perham

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2004: Soldier Brave, ridden by Jayne Webber

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2003: Zin Zan, ridden by Justine Armstrong-Small

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What is HOYS supreme horse of the year?

Supreme horse of the year is the title awarded to the overall champion ridden show horse at the Horse of the Year Show.

HOYS is one of two shows that all showing competitors aspire to qualify for, the other being the Royal International Horse Show. With qualifiers held around the country, only the best horses in the country collect an all-important ticket that allows them to compete in Birmingham.

Once a horse has qualified, their rider then has to produce them ready for the big day so they can beat the best horses in their class from around the country. Many horses struggle with the unique HOYS atmosphere and it’s a huge challenge for producers to have a horse sparkling in front of, and when ridden by, the judges without boiling over.

The lucky few who do win their class, and go on to stand champion, will get the opportunity to go forwards to the prestigious supreme championship to be crowned HOYS supreme horse of the year on the final day of the show.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from Horse of the Year Show, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Meet the inimitable hack and six more prolific show horses and ponies who bowed out at HOYS 2025

Bethan Simons — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:58:29 +0000

Horse of the Year Show is a fabulous end-of-summer finale for all, but for some it’s an emotional end to a happy and successful career. Here are seven prolific show horses and ponies who retired at HOYS 2025…

Who retired at HOYS 2025?

Forgeland Hyde Park and Isabella Mears Wood exit the arena (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Forgeland Hyde Park

It’s difficult to imagine the large hacks at next year’s Royal Windsor, Royal International (RIHS) and HOYS without the inimitable Forgeland Hyde Park, or “William”. Thrice hack of the year at HOYS and supreme champion horse in 2023, William is also a record six-times winner of the large hack final at the RIHS where he has also been champion three times, reserve champion twice, and reserve supreme in 2022. He also holds six titles at Royal Windsor in the hacks and he’s also stood champion intermediate at HOYS twice, at RIHS and at Windsor. What a horse!

Possibly the most decorated of HOYS’ retirees, William was bred by Carol Jackson by Kilvington Scoundrel out of Fernhill Park. He was produced in his early career by Jayne Ross and by Robert Walker on behalf of Miranda Wallace – who initially piloted him in intermediate classes – and the Wallace family.

He later changed hands and under the ownership of Guy Mears and his daughter Isabella Mears-Wood, William was piloted by producer Danielle Heath in the hack classes until Isabella graduated from the intermediates to pilot William herself in the hack ranks for the past two seasons.

This year the pair finished second in the hacks at the NEC, before Isabella dismounted and retired Will from the International Arena, meaning he bowed out at HOYS 2025.

“William has made every possible dream come true for me,” said Isabella, “and he owes me nothing. I take so much happiness from the fact I can offer him a home for life. He has trotted so many circles and centre lines in his 10-year long and successful career and he deserves a long and happy retirement just to be a horse. I’m very lucky to have the best husband who has built me the most amazing yard so we can have them all in my garden.”

Brookdale Limited Edition

Also retiring from Isabella’s team is Brookdale Limited Edition, or “Archie”. The 14-year-old maxi cob has been a ‘Mr Reliable’ for both Isabella producer Danielle – who campaigned him in ladies’ classes, too – for the last eight years, with Archie winning more than 50 classes for them during his career.

Earlier this year, Isabella and Archie notched up his fifth Royal Windsor victory. Archie also has four RIHS championships to his name and was a close reserve in the ladies’ show horse class at HOYS.

Rotherwood Fantasia stands show pony champion at HOYS 2025 (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Rotherwood Fantasia

Rotherwood Fantasia “Flossy” enjoyed a spectacular swansong at HOYS. The 13-year-old was steered to both the overall show pony title and the part-bred spoil by an emotionally overwhelmed Emma Harker, who is at the end of her final year in the 148cm class.

The win has punctuated their best season together, as the pair also won at RIHS this year. Flossy, who is by Landemann Nighthawk and out of Rotherwood Flight Of Fancy, will now retire to stud.

Merrycorner Mister Bui

Merrycorner Mister Bui posted an emotional retirement for his connections from the HOYS Top Spec Arena, with rider Ellie Harrington dismounting to lead the Templebready Fear Bui 14-year-old from the arena.

The show hunter pony known at home as “Buttons” won his fifth RIHS 153cm final this summer with his third rider, Ellie. He was previously steered to stand overall supreme pony at the RIHS by Harriet Dennison before Zara Brookes posted a further three overall show hunter pony titles with him before landing the HOYS final, too, in their final season together in 2023.

Cranbornes Sirius competing at HOYS 2025 (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Cranbornes Sirius

Having granted young producer Harrison Taylor, 23, his first Royal Windsor victory earlier this season, the Anton Scandal seven-year-old “Sirius” and Harrison posted his first win in the horse ranks at HOYS when the pair topped the small hack division. The pair were later crowned hack of the year, and then ended their week on a further high by claiming the 2025 intermediate show horse title.

Sirius is co-owned by Harrison and Karen Wood, who first spotted the mare as a two-year-old. She had a foal by Tiger Attack as a four-year-old, which is retained, and will now retire from the ridden arena to stud.

Larnleighs Dictator

Nicki Oldershaw Glenn’s home-bred Welsh section D stallion Larnleigh’s Dictator also retired having been ridden by Nicki‘s daughter Harriet Glenn for his 10th appearance in the Top Spec arena.

Eighteen-year-old “Ernie” is by Craignant Express out of Abergavenny Nutmeg, and often stood alongside his full brother Larnleighs Express at shows up and down the country, including at HOYS.

Over the years, Ernie has been piloted by several riders at HOYS, always giving a mannerly account of himself, and he’s also made multiple appearances at London International (LIHS).

Kaybrook Midnight Comet

Also retiring from the Welsh section Ds was Ellena Thomas’ ever-reliable Kaybrook Midnight Comet. By Trefaes Black Flyer out of Rhydeilian Morning Sunshine, Comet has notched up countless championships over the years with consistently mannerly performances and has stood in the ribbons at HOYS, RIHS and LIHS. The 15-year-old will now retire to stud.

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‘The most exciting title for some time’: Nigel Hollings on the HOYS show pony showdown and impressive breeding

Nigel Hollings — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 07:30:45 +0000

Producer and trainer Nigel Hollings reflects on an exciting HOYS, picks out some highlights and makes a suggestion

This was my 55th consecutive year attending the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) as a competitor, spectator or judge. Dreams were fulfilled and hopes dashed, together with successful first-time visits, final rides, family triumphs and dual winners.

The highlight of the week for me was the historical show pony championship on Saturday evening, which was one of the most exciting for some time.

The Harker family proved invincible yet again, but this time secured both places on the podium. Emma Harker was champion on her 148cm victor Rotherwood Fantasia, while her sister Victoria’s 138cm winner Stanley Grange Crescendo, ably piloted by Matilda Holmes, was reserve.

This is the third time in four years the Harker team has triumphed, as Ardenhall Blenheim – owned by Jenny Harker – won back-to-back championships here in 2022 and 2023. Continuing to shine, Fantasia topped the part-bred class the next day.

I’m proud of the fact that one year I bred, owned and produced a winning show hunter pony at HOYS. However, that achievement pales into insignificance when you consider that Rowfantina Man Of The Match scored to win the lead-rein of hunter-type class and Rowfantina Principal Dancer led the mountain and moorland equivalent.

A true family affair spanning four generations, both ponies are home-bred and owned by Mandy Burchell-Small and were led by her son Oliver and ridden by his daughter Isabel. The Rowfantina Stud was founded by Mandy’s late mother, Jean Shemilt, over 50 years ago.

Breaking records

I was blown away by this year’s Price Family supreme in-hand champion, Heniarth Sh-Boom, owned, bred and produced by Richard Miller and Meirion Davies. I believe that she is the first-ever Welsh section A mare to have won this prestigious final.

It was brilliant to see that judges Jayne Stuart and Godolphin bloodstock agent John Ferguson interacted so well during the process and encouraging to hear that all four in the championship were actually home-bred.

In contrast, I felt so sorry for the connections of Boston Black Tie who had his hack of the year crown removed the following day through no fault of his own, due to “human error’’. It must have been akin to winning the lottery then losing the ticket.

Although not the same, at least the promoted hack champion, Cranbornes Sirius, and Harrison Taylor enjoyed a lap of honour when they headed their intermediate show horse class two days later.

An inspiration

One of the most inspiring and incredible stories of the week involved Georgia Darlington and her mother Samantha’s home-produced 2022 HOYS intermediate worker victor, Jara.

Having qualified for the HOYS working hunter class at the British Show Pony championships in their last year together in intermediate ranks, Georgia decided to compete Jara at Birmingham just for the experience and with no expectations.

On the day, they jumped one of only two clear rounds against much bigger types and won probably the most competitive class at the show by six marks at their first attempt.

Just a thought: with so many ponies forward in the open mountain and moorland championship, is it worth considering having separate small and large breed championships followed by an overall supreme?

Post-show, I cannot wait to watch this year’s highlights on Channel 4 and hopefully these will include the award-winning performances of the two supreme champions: Elmswood Spring Parade, ridden by six-year-old Florence Rendall and led by John Harvey for Team Helliwell; and KBF Lucia, ridden by Jayne Ross who won her first HOYS championship in 1966 on the 128cm show pony Cusop Pirouette.

Congratulations to both parties!

● What changes would you make to the HOYS schedule of classes? Write to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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‘A bit of a journey’: rider who had two brain surgeries excels at HOYS – with one-eyed horse who was delighted to be back

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 16:06:57 +0000

A rider who jumped double clear at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) after two brain surgeries, on a horse who had had his eye removed and two years out of work, said she could not put into words how it felt.

Coach Stacey Cook and her own Gigant finished fourth in the NAF Five Star Bronze League Championship, which was only the 19-year-old gelding’s ninth class this year – and since 2023.

“He’s 1,000% a winner in my eyes, and I think he thought he’d won too,” she said.

Stacey bought “Griff” as a five-year-old and has “done everything with him”. They have jumped internationally and won up to 1.25m level, including the HOYS silver league final in 2019.

“Then he had to have his right eye removed,” Stacey said. “He had recurrent uveitis, and had a really bad flare that we couldn’t get under control. But actually, having the eye removed was the best thing for him, and luckily it was only in that eye.”

Stacey took Griff’s return to the ring very slowly to ensure he was comfortable and happy, but in 2020, she was diagnosed with a pituitary cyst, a benign growth in the brain.

“I was starting to get double vision, and they did tests and MRIs and found the cyst was putting pressure on my optic nerve,” she said.

“I had to have two operations, as after the first one, I had a spinal fluid leak so they had to go back in. It was horrible, and the recovery was a bit slow, but they keep checking me so hopefully it’s all OK.”

Stacey joked that she and her beloved Griff “go really well together” as she has some peripheral damage to one eye.

“And it’s my right one too, so we match!” she said.

“I had 11 months after the operation when I wasn’t allowed to drive and I’m a freelance coach so it was a massive hit,” she added. “Plus the headaches after the surgery were really bad so I was on morphine for ages. It wasn’t a pleasant time! But hopefully it’s all well now.”

Stacey also gave birth to her second daughter in late 2023, so when she and Griff went to a show this April, it was a year and 11 months since he had been in the ring.

“He’s jumped nine classes this year and been double clear in all of them, including HOYS,” she said. “I didn’t expect anything this year, not after two years out, I didn’t think we’d make it through the direct qualifier, let alone to HOYS, I just thought we could have a go. Then he won the direct qualifier, and qualified at the semi-final.”

Stacey bought Griff unbacked, attracted to his “really good attitude to life”.

“He’s a big personality and just a really lovely boy,” she said. “He really loves a big atmosphere as he likes to show off and he definitely knew we were back at HOYS. You wouldn’t think they’d remember but when they opened the curtains, he cantered through like ‘I’m back’! The feeling he gives me – I can’t explain it. He loves it.

“The whole day was really emotional and it felt like we’d won it. The whole family was in tears; it was really lovely. It’s been a bit of a journey.”

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From the Shetland to the Welsh cob, meet 25 stunning natives who won at HOYS 2025

Bethan Simons — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:17:48 +0000

There were a whole host of native winners at HOYS 2025 – and some won non-native sections, too, proving their versatility. From the lead reins through to the workers, the mountain and moorland M&M qualifiers for Horse of the Year Show are some of the largest showing sections. Here are the stunning natives that won this year.

Native winners at HOYS 2025

1. Thistledown Super Star

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Sharn Linney rode seven-year-old Thistledown Super Star – a mare by Donys Gwrda out of Popsters Megastar – to win the Welsh section C class and then stand overall mountain and moorland ridden champion.

2. Greenholme Kate

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

Producer Aimee Devane scored her first ever HOYS win aboard Chantelle Bryan’s Fell mare Greenholme Kate, before steering the Greenholme Warrior nine-year-old to the bridesmaid spot in the overall mountain and moorland championship.

3. Trenley Trinket

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Lauren Brill rode her own New Forest pony Trenley Trinket, a Millyford Majestic eight-year-old out of Trenley Tabitha, to the first red rosette of the show.

4. Pricklegate Brown Owl

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Shilstone Rocks Goss Hawk 10-year-old Pricklegate Brown Owl – owned by Andrea Baybutt – was ridden by Aliya Khan to better his previous second and stand top in the Dartmoor breed final.

5. Highcroft Romany

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Highcroft Romany, a six-year-old by Westwick Micky, made his first HOYS count by winning the Dales breed class. He was ridden by Jessica Talbot on behalf of his owners, Jessica’s dad and uncle, Jonathan and Julian Talbot.

6. Stowbrook Red Kite

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There were happy tears as Davinia Johnson rode her own Stowbrook Red Kite – by Blackthorn Sea Poacher out of HOYS and Olympia winning mare Stowbrook Jenny Wren – to the top spot in the Exmoor and Shetland final. The 16-year-old looked a picture after making a remarkable recovery from life-threatening illness.

7. Kincardine Uist

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Julie Smith’s Highland pony Kincardine Uist, by Glenbanchor Gillebrighde out of Kincardine Gael, gave Holly Smith the HOYS debut of dreams, topping both the ridden Highland and the junior large breeds, and standing junior M&M champion.

8. King Bunowen Castle Ali

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By Best Shadow Melody and out of Bunowen Castle Ellie, Connemara pony King Bunowen Castle Ali and his young rider, equestrian influencer Harlow White were popular winners of the Connemara breed class.

9. Llynhelyg Mister Jones

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

Producer Sarah Parker spotted the gentlemanly Llynhelyg Mister Jones when he was in the in-hand stallion class at the Royal Welsh and noted his fine temperament. Fast forward and Sarah rode the stallion – by Gobell Telynor out of Llynhelyg Sidan Ddu – to win the Welsh section D final.

10. Glebedale Jumanji

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

India Latter Sears and Glebedale Jumanji – a seven-year-old out of Pendock Jingle – topped the Welsh section A class. It was a poignant win for India who sadly lost Jumanji’s father Powys Sprite – who she rode to win twice at HOYS – earlier this year.

11. Kallared Heartbeat

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

Vikki Smith rode former Royal Welsh in-hand champion Welsh section B Kallared Heartbeat – by Rhoson Amlyn out of Eyarth Sophia – to win his breed final on his first appearance at HOYS.

12. Clonfert Melody’s Boy

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

By super stock-getter I Love You Melody out of Fernville Abbie, Amy Smith’s Clonfert Melody’s Boy was outstanding in the international arena to land the overall M&M working hunter pony title having taken a cracking turn around the 143cm track earlier in the day.

13. Anchor Lullaby

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

Exmoor Anchor Lullaby – by Anchor Honeymead out of Anchor Gretel – and Alice Bowling-Hertenfeld jumped a stonking clear in the junior M&M worker class to win and later stand reserve champion.

14. Moonpenny Delphinus

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

Moonpenny Delphinus was the second Exmoor (he’s by Moonpenny Aquarius out of Firthesden Poppy) to win a workers class. He and Molly Barker won the open 122cm class, having won the Royal International (RIHS) earlier in the year.

15. Dycott Special Delivery

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

Dycott Special Delivery – a Welsh section C by Cargasgar Silver Shadow out of Bryncarreg Luce – gave Georgia Love her first trip down the centre line when the 10-year-old won the 133cm M&M working hunter pony division.

16. Highland Des

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

Rachel Turner piloted Connemara pony Highland Des – by Knockdomney Boy out of Madam Nattie – to win the exceeding 143cm M&M workers class.

17. Marsh Walk On By

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

Reserve for the junior overall title was small breeds winner Marsh Walk On By, a seven-year-old Welsh section A by Haverford Walk In The Clouds out of Marsh Wisteria, piloted by Lilly Richardson. This was their second win on the bounce, having topped the Welsh section A open breed class in 2024.

18. Heniarth Sh-Boom

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Welsh section A mare Heniarth Sh-Boom, by Blanche Montana out of Heniarth Yippee-Aye, was handled by Richard Miller to win the overall Price Family supreme in-hand championship.

19. Wernderris Charlie Fox

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

Wernderris Charlie Fox – a nine-year-old Welsh section A by Uphill James Fox out of Wernderris Cha Cha – and his nine-year-old rider Jemima Makin-Jones were popular winners of the M&M mini championship having earlier won the M&M first ridden division.

20. Latjin VD Helling

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

Shetland Latijn VD Helling – an eight-year-old by Caz V Stal Nieuwemoed out of Rylanda VD Helling – won the M&M non-Welsh lead-rein pony of the year final ridden by Reeva Gardner and led by Jade Gardner. The trio went on to stand reserve mini M&M champions.

21. Rowfantina Principal Dancer

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

This five-year-old Welsh section A by Rowfantina Whisper Who Dares out of Rowfantina Prima Diva landed leader Oliver Burchell a good gift on his birthday. He topped the M&M Welsh breeds lead rein with Oliver’s daugher Isabel Burchell on board. He was bred by Oliver’s mum Mandy.

Natives who won at HOYS 2025 in non-M&M classes

22. Rowfantina Man of the Match

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

Natives who won at HOYS 2025 also donned plaits for non-native classes. Welsh section B Rowfantina Man Of The Match, by Monksfield Jupiter out of Manor Court Mayflower, won the lead rein pony of hunter type, led by Oliver Burchell and ridden by Isabel Burchell.

23. Rowfantina My Buddy

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

Rowfantina My Buddy, by Rowfantina Ottoman out of Manorcourt Mayflower, is another Welsh section B in disguise and wearing plaits at HOYS. He won the 123cm show hunter pony class ridden by Darcie Fielding. The pair were supreme hunter pony champions at RIHS earlier this summer.

24. Tullibards Silver Mine

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

Connemara pony Tullibards Silver Mine – by Carnaby Mirah out of Caladh Lady – flew round the plaited 143cm working hunter pony track and won, ridden by Anya Dewey Clarke.

25. Briar Puzzle

(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

Shetland Briar Puzzle – a 12-year-old by Northcousburgh Carlas out of Briar Pandora – and Alexia Lilley looked little but mighty in the overall coloured championship having won the coloured junior ridden final.

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‘It’s not about the win’: praise for tiny rider who put her pony before her HOYS dream

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 16:14:34 +0000

A young rider who put her Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) dreams aside for the good of her pony has earned praise and respect from across the industry.

Annabel Widdowson pulled up Whinney Lass in the Enablelink Ltd 128cm championship at HOYS after a stumble, in what her mother Kathleen said was an instinctive move borne out of concern for the mare.

“It was heartbreaking but it’s so lovely what she did has been recognised,” Kathleen told H&H.

Annabel got a good shot to a one-stride double, but Whinney Lass knocked the oxer coming in, then stumbled slightly after the vertical coming out.

The 22-year-old mare regained her footing and was ready to carry on but Annabel pulled up, jumped off and, patting her again and again, led her out of the ring.

“Full marks to her, she realised the pony was off balance. She felt something went wrong with the pony, immediately stopped and hopped straight off,” the commentator said. “To be able to feel that so quickly and understand your pony so well; full respect, absolute respect to Annabel there, she knew instantly something was wrong.”

Kathleen said she was hugely proud of Annabel, who is only 10.

“She said ‘Mummy, she seems like she’s hurting’,” Kathleen said. “She said [Whinney] felt like she was almost panicking a bit when she stopped, so she just got off and gave her a cuddle, it’s as simple as that. We were just blown away by her maturity.”

Annabel came in again on her veteran superstar Bunbury Conquest, with whom she won the HOYS and London International 128cm titles last year, and put in a fabulous round to finish fourth. She then came fifth in the CT Equine Collection 138cm championship with Unsphinx D Hurl Vent.

“It’s lovely, the support she’s had has been overwhelming, more than if she’d won it,” Kathleen said. “So many people found it inspirational for the kids watching; it isn’t about the win, it was instinctive, and about the pony.”

Kathleen said superstar Whinney Lass was fine, but is likely to retire at the end of this year, after a career in which she has won every 128cm title, with Annaliese Allison, Izabella and Sophia Rogers and Annabel.

“She doesn’t need to prove anything,” Kathleen said. “These ponies have given Annabel the best start in the sport, she owes them so much and it’s charming to see how much she loves them. I think everyone’s said she’ll be a rider but now she’s shown her maturity; I was so proud of her. She didn’t really understand; she just said ‘Of course, Mummy’, and even after she jumped ‘Questy’, she only wanted to know if Whinney was ok. It’s really nice it was recognised.”

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‘You never get used to something like this’: Ross reigns for eighth supreme champion horse title at HOYS

Bethan Simons — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:02:56 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So what’s next?

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

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

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‘Am I dreaming?’: producer leads home-bred who survived two rare operations to HOYS 2025 supreme champion pony title

Bethan Simons — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 08:58:34 +0000

John Harvey could scarcely hold back tears as he led the Supreme Products Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2025 supreme champion pony from the Andrews Bowen International Arena under the lights before a packed crowd.

At the other end of the lead was Brogan West’s Elmswood Spring Parade (Simba), bred by John and Brogan, with six-year-old Florence Rendall in the saddle, a combination John had led to top the lead-rein final and the mini championship 24 hours before they stood 2025 supreme champion pony.

“Absolutely unbelievable,” said John. “As I was trotting out I was thinking, ‘Am I dreaming this?’”

John, who last led mountain and moorland champion Nynwood Fantasia to the supreme spot in 2013, explained that this victory was especially sweet.

“This is my first home-bred winner,” he said. “So this is just the icing on the cake.”

And it almost never happened. It became clear that Simba could be seriously ill when he suffered a second nosebleed in a week as a two-year-old. John’s own vet advised that Simba be rushed to the Royal Veterinary College for treatment, where they found that Simba had the potentially lethal condition guttural pouch mycosis; an infection erodes the arterial walls in the guttural pouches, where there are many important nerves and major blood vessels.

Two dangerous operations ensued and a small balloon was used to block the bleed. Simba spent a month in hospital, and thankfully survived his ordeal.

“It was such a worrying time,” said John. “To think we almost lost him makes days like today all the better.”

Although John owns and leads Simba with Florence, the five-year-old is produced by Florence’s mother, Rachael Helliwell, who has leased him for this season.

“We saw him last year at Hickstead and we basically begged John to have him,” said Rachael, whose first HOYS pony supreme was in 2011 with Crystal Vision, ridden by Team Helliwell stalwart Harriet Dennison.

“We were quite lucky; we gelled and bonded with him. Florence and Simba are a lovely partnership. He’s a beautiful little pony to produce. She rides him mainly off the lead at home. They hack out and do everything.”

The pair were second at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), but he remains lightly shown, and John explained that he’ll come home with a view to contending first riddens next year.

While John and Rachael had planned Simba and Florence’s supreme show, Florence — who described standing supreme as “amazing” — had other ideas. She insisted that she would perform at least some of her indie performance with only one rein.

”It wasn’t planned. She decided she was going one-handed and that was it – so we just went with it and luckily it paid off,” said John.

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Home-bred grey comes of age to win HOYS grand prix with rider who came back from serious injury: ‘He ticks all the boxes’

Lucy Elder — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 22:57:19 +0000

Ireland’s Trevor Breen and home-bred Kannoon Blue delivered the sole double clear to win the HOYS leading showjumper of the year title (12 October) – a triumph that concluded with a three-Whitaker showdown.

The nine-year-old grey breezed over Alan Wade’s intense grand prix track, seizing victory with scope to spare.

“Kannoon Blue is a phenomenal horse. He’s a half-brother to Highland President, who would traditionally be my best horse,” said Trevor, in reference to his European team silver medal-winning ride.

“But this guy is really coming of age this year. He’s just got better and better. I’ve always believed in him, so it’s nice when that starts to come into fruition.

“He ticks all the boxes, he has huge amounts of scope, he’s unbelievably careful and he’s quite quick as well – and he’s getting quicker.

“He’s an unbelievable horse to ride. I really think there’s not much that he won’t be able to do in the future.”

Trevor returned to competition at the end of last year, after breaking his neck and back in a fall in Hamburg in May 2024. He won a grand prix in Dubai in January and has “kicked on” since.

“It’s been a phenomenal year – I couldn’t have dreamt of this kind of year when I was lying in the hospital bed in Hamburg,” he said.

“Huge thanks to my team, my wife Caroline, my family, owners and staff at home. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to come back and to get going as well as I have with all the horses. It’s a huge team effort, thank you to everyone for putting me here – it’s all down to them.”

He added: “The atmosphere here is brilliant. All the riders love riding here. You go in there and you just grow – it’s just amazing and the crowd get behind you.

“Even though John Whitaker was last to go – and I nearly wanted him to win myself, because he’s a legend of the sport and British as well – there was still huge support for me in there, and I’m hugely grateful for that, it’s really appreciated.”

Eight challengers

Eight competitors went through to the jump-off – six clears and the two fastest combinations with four faults.

Former winner Jodie Hall-McAteer and Key West were the first of the four-faulters to go against the clock, ramping up the pressure on the remaining seven by virtue of a neat clear. Eventual runners-up Sandy Mclean and Gino F, who also carried four faults from the first round, were next in – and shaved close to three seconds off Jodie’s time.

The next three riders – Jessica Burke (Seapatrick Toulon), Joe Stockdale (Its Confidential) and William Whitaker (Cristallo’s Double Take) – each picked up a smattering of faults, before Trevor and Kannoon Blue raised the bar.

From here, it was Ireland versus the remaining Whitakers. Robert Whitaker and the great Vermento were drawn as the penultimate combination to start, and Robert’s father, showjumping legend John Whitaker (Equine America Unick Du Francport) was the final rider to challenge for the title.

Robert caught Trevor on time, but a rail at the Evoke oxer dropped him to third in the final results. John, a touch steadier, also had a pole at the butterfly upright to finish fifth.

“I’m happy with the way the horse performed – he jumped very good. He’s had a little break, and he’s very fresh; probably a bit disappointed I didn’t win it, but that’s showjumping for you,” said Robert.

Amazing comeback

Sandy faced an anxious wait to see how far his tactical, speedy jump-off performance could lift him up the leaderboard. Their second place was all the more special for the journey this pair have been on together.

“It’s hard coming back in with four faults, being the right start of the jump-off, and not really knowing what you’ve got to do,” said Sandy.

“He’s such a big, scopey, fast horse that we threw down the mark, and it nearly paid off. I didn’t think we’d end up as high as we did, but I’m absolutely delighted.

“Lexi, my groom, walked him off, so I was able to go and watch – and I nearly fell off the edge of that bannister! I thought, ‘We’re getting closer to it here’. It got to a point where we were guaranteed top five, then top four, then top three, and before you knew it, we were second.

“I’ve been riding Gino F for seven years, he taught me to jump the big classes and he’s been unbelievable. Just over a year ago, he sustained a bad injury and had to be on box rest – we didn’t know if he’d jump again. So to be back at this level again with him a year later is just unbelievable.”

Vet Peter Schofield was key in getting to the bottom of Gino’s injury. It’s down to him, as well as the care and rehabilitation provided by Sandy and his team, support from those involved in his mum’s riding school, and daily trips to a Scottish beach, that the horse recovered .

“It took a lot of time, and now he is back and feeling amazing,” said Sandy.

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Team Fitch secures one-two in the ridden pure-bred Arab of the year championship at HOYS

Bethan Simons — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 18:50:00 +0000

Clare Fitch enjoyed a spectacular one-two in the NeedleSmart, John Illingworth and Cliff Kirby ridden pure-bred Arab of the year championship, coming away from the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) final with not just the title but the runner-up spot.

Six-year-old stallion Ghaali (Gary), who moved to Clare’s base from Dubai two years ago, was pulled forward into the top spot. The grey son of Ed Sarab is owned by Jassmin Paton of the UAE.

“I’m thrilled,” said Clare. “It was a big deal for the UAE to send a horse over and I was desperate for him to prove himself. We want to increase ridden showing within the UAE, so for him to be an ambassador for them is just wonderful.

“He’s the easiest stallion I’ve ever had. He’s lovely and he loves the job.”

Gary stood supreme pure-bred at the British nationals as a novice last year. This year, he took the first HOYS ticket of the season at Devon County and he hasn’t been shown since.

“Because he’s a young stallion, I like to keep them quiet and take it easy with them to start with,” explained Clare. “Next year, I’d love him to go to Windsor and I’d love him to go to the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) as he’s not done any of those things yet so we will see. But definitely, hopefully, more riddens!”

Reserve pure-bred Arab of the year championship goes to stablemate

Stablemate Hadiat Qayima (Ollie) – who Clare has had to keep separate from her winner for the duration of their time at the NEC “as the two of them love each other” – took runner-up spot, ridden on this occasion by Jayne Ross.

“He was bred by Joyce Robertson and is owned by her daughter, Michaela Brand. I’ve done horses for them for a long time,” said Clare.

The eight-year-old chestnut Vivegas gelding “has been really on form,” said Clare, and was reserve supreme at the British nationals, then champion at the British Arabians last month.

“They’re both two lovely horses. The judge said that they both gave incredible rides, which I’m absolutely thrilled with.

“The ride can be so nerve-racking; I was hoping I could’ve gone sooner with Gary being a young stallion but I ended up being the last to go in my section. But actually, he went beautifully so I’m not complaining – just my nerves had to hold a bit longer!”

Clare has a long history of campaigning in the ridden Arab championship, taking her first HOYS win in 2002, but had to wait 10 years to win it again in 2012. She’s enjoyed a decent clutch of victories since, most recently with Susan Robinson’s 2018 and 2022 winner AJA Giuliano.

“I’ve been incredibly lucky and I’ve had some beautiful horses,” said Clare.

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‘The best pony you could ever imagine’ is crowned HOYS mountain and moorland mini champion

Bethan Simons — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 18:09:12 +0000

The championship in the Colne & Sweet Dreams Show Confectioners mountain and moorland mini champion title went the way of the first ridden victor Wernderris Charlie Fox, providing young jockey Jemima Makin-Jones with a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) sash after overcoming a setback last year.

The 11-year-old Welsh section A, by Uphill James Fox out of Wernderris Cha Cha, is bred by Serena Crump and is the epitome of the perfect children’s pony.

“He’s just the most special pony that you can do anything with,” said Jemima’s mother, Annabel Makin-Jones. “He’s even teaching my sister’s children to ride because he’s so safe.

“He’s just the best pony you could ever imagine. Jemima does everything on him and he will never, ever be sold.”

Charlie was a working stallion and covered quite a few mares before joining the Makin-Jones family.

“He was backed late, at eight years old, by Ellie Meldrum, then we bought him a year later,” Annabel said. “We had him cut and he’s been with us for exactly two years this week.”

The pony missed out on much of his season last year owing to injury and this marks the perfect end to his comeback.

“I can’t believe it, this really is the icing on the cake. It was so unexpected.”

After a season on the flat, Charlie will return to working hunter classes next year alongside his ridden showing.

Reserve mountain and moorland mini champion

Reserve was awarded to home-produced combination seven-year-old Reeva Gardner riding her mother Jade Gardner’s Latijn VD Helling, winners of the Westown Stud mountain and moorland non-Welsh breeds lead-rein pony final.

The Burnley-based Gardners’ afternoon began with coming third in the Welsh breeds lead-rein final with Gwyrddparc Haribo, but they were soon hot-footing it to their non-Welsh breeds final with last year’s HOYS ridden Exmoor and Shetland winner, “Latz”.

“He’s amazing, he’s honestly made our dreams come true,” said Jade.

The eight-year-old gelding is in his first season on the lead rein and he’s taken to it amazingly: “He takes everything in his stride and he’s not fazed by anything,” Jade said. “He’s taken to having Reeva on his back – he’s only ever had adults before – like a duck to water.

“Reeva does everything with him, they are the best of friends. She takes him in and out of the field, they go to the park for ice cream, they go up and down the beach. It means the world to us honestly, we never thought we’d win HOYS it’s unbelievable. He just loves to flick his little toes and show off!”

Although she has some time left in lead-reins, Reeva has contested a few first ridden qualifiers this season and had four thirds, so she’s going to focus on those next term, with eyes on the junior qualifiers the following year if all goes to plan.

“We’ve got long-term dreams for him, he’s an angel!” Jade added.

Best bits from this season have included second at Cheshire County and the Royal Highland – “a real highlight; our favourite show of the year,” said Jade – where they clinched their HOYS ticket and also stood champion.

The final vying for the mountain and moorland mini champion spot was the winner of the Welsh breeds lead-rein pony class, Rowfantina Principal Dancer, bred and owned by Mandy Burchell-Small, led by Mandy’s son Oliver Burchell – on his birthday – and ridden by Oliver’s daughter Isabel Burchell. This was the second time the family team have been in the top spot here this week, as Rowfantina Man Of The Match won the lead-rein hunter pony championship led and ridden by the same pair.

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‘She’s just right’: Jayne Ross rises to the top in the 2025 coloured championship at HOYS

Bethan Simons — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 17:12:49 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Runner-up in the HOYS 2025 coloured championship

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

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

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

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

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

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

And what of his future plans?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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‘This was her turn’: young mare enjoys her moment in the spotlight taking the 2025 riding horse of the year title at HOYS

Bethan Simons — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 15:48:07 +0000

A bridesmaid has finally had her moment in the spotlight by taking the 2025 riding horse of the year spot at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), sponsored by Alan Marnie and family.

Vicky Smith and Jane Davies’ home-bred Timolin seven-year-old Tremarl Timpani (Kate) took the 2025 riding horse of the year title having stood reserve at both Royal Windsor and the Royal International earlier in the season.

“She’s so young and she’s only in her second season,” said Vicky, “So for her to have been so consistent all year is amazing. She’s won the Royal International twice, she’s won Windsor, so now that she’s won here it really is fantastic. There were two horses in the championship that beat her at those fixtures, so it’s lovely that this was her turn here.

“I’m also just delighted for her breeder, Jane. She bred Kate with her mum, Olwyn, who’s now 87. Jane’s here to see Kate, and for these small studs, it’s great just to be here, but to be here and go champion is magical.”

And next year?

“There’s no fixed plan for her yet,” said Vicky. “It’s more a case of having some fun with her. She’ll go out in the field now with her mates for the winter and we’ll see about going again next year. Long term I know Jane wants to keep her as a future brood mare but until then… we’ll see.”

Kate is not the first champion Vicky has bred for Jane. Kate’s full brother Tremarl Timber – owned by Vicky’s mum Angela Smith – was overall champion in the Price supreme in-hand final in 2023, shown by Simon Charlesworth on Vicky’s behalf.

“I’ve her full brother taking his first season in his stride and hopefully has big thighs coming; hopefully they’ll be quite the force to reckon with in the future.”

Jane said: “After what her brother did, and now this here, it’s quite overwhelming. Her mum came to the Price final on her mum, so hopefully in the future it would be nice to think we can carry on that legacy with her as a brood mare.”

Reserve for the 2025 riding horse of the year title goes to first home bred

Reserve for the 2025 riding horse of the year title was Jayne Ross with Danni Radford’s home-bred Ladies Man (George), winner of the Alan Marnie and family small riding horse of the year final.

Jayne has enjoyed a “fabulous” season with the nine-year-old son of sport horse stallion Tiger Attack, out of a former hack mare of Danni’s, Looking Glass Image.

“He’s only done three classes this year,” said Jayne. “He was champion at Royal Windsor, champion at New Forest and Hampshire, and now he’s here.”

Before this year George was campaigned successfully as a small hack and Jayne explained more about the swap: “We decided to move him up into the riding horse classes because he’s got such a really big, scopey step and he loves to cover the ground.”

Jayne added: “He’s so reliable in a situation like [today]. He’s lovely, absolutely lovely and he’s not spooky in the slightest. He’s a big scopey mover even though he’s only a little horse, so you have to just go with him, but you can ride him to the bridle and away you go.”

With umpteen championship appearances at HOYS – not to mention at other big shows around the country – what does this mean to Jayne?

“You never stop getting a buzz from riding in a championship like this, especially when you’re on a lovely horse that you can relax and enjoy,” she said. “ Sometimes you go in there slightly wondering whether the horse will stand or what he’ll make of the crowd – but that’s just not the case with him. It was absolutely delicious.”

Proud owner and breeder Danni was “absolutely over the moon” to be ringside watching George, her first and only home-bred in the Andrews Bowen International Arena.

“I never dared breed another! I bought his dam when I was younger and did a bit with her – I actually sold her a couple of times but she kept coming back to me because she was a little bit tricky. So then I put her in foal when I left school and started working and George was the result.

“I never thought he’d do all this, I just thought I had a nice horse. He definitely got his movement from his dad!”

Jayne added: “Danni and her family do him from home most of the time and he comes to visit me every now and then. He’s very much their family pet and – apart from their daughter – he’s the love of their life. It means a lot to them to win here.”

Also in the 2025 riding horse of the year championship were second-placed small riding horse Times Square II, owned by Guy Mears and ridden by Danielle Heath, and second placed large riding horse, Debbie Harrod’s King Of Clubs and James Smyth.

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A victory for rarity: grey Shire tops the HOYS 2025 ridden heavy horse championship

Bethan Simons — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 15:01:52 +0000

A rare grey Shire found himself at the top of the line in the Barber Family British ridden heavy horse championship, providing his producer with a second victory since this Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) final was introduced in 2016.

Emma Green rode six-year-old Cardington Billy Bob (out of Cloverfield May Queen) to victory, a gelding she bought unseen as a three-year-old.

“He’s a dead easy, genuine horse – his stablemate is completely different in that respect – but he’s taken it all in his stride. When we qualified him, we thought well we’ve got two that are very different but let’s run him because it’ll do him good,” Emma said.

“Billy Bob has totally exceeded all our expectations. He’s such a lovely boy. When I ride out at home I ride this one and lead Charlie, the other one I had in today, and he does that in the dark, he’s so genuine and so special.”

Emma intends to keep going with the Burlington Park Loose Valley son, who seems to have found his calling in the show ring:

“He’s one of those horses that loves it, likes the attention, likes the shows so I think this is his job and he can keep coming back.”

“Queen of the heavies” Emma, who was also in the placings with Lindy Winship’s Higher View Charlie for the final, last won the final in 2022 with Westfield Calendar Girl who, she notes, is a “very different” character.

“We’ve had seven or eight qualify for this final and it’s just about keeping going and finding horses to bring out, especially when there just aren’t the numbers.”

Shire horses are deemed at risk by to the Rare Breed Survival Trust – having declined in response to “agricultural mechanisation”, and only surviving to modern times owing to “the support of a small number of individual breeders” – and grey Shires even more so; some sources say there are only 200 or so globally.

Emma added: “Shires are rare anyway but even more so are the greys. We are wanting to promote the breeding of them so it’s good for him to come. The only problem is we need more on the ground because people want them but it’s just breeding them.”

Runner-up in the ridden heavy horse championship “keeps getting better and better”

A second Shire took up the runner-up position in the ridden heavy horse championship and this was Neil Wray’s Acle Mojo, with Neil’s partner David Drake at the bridle.

The Rookhills Leapley Lad eight-year-old is out of Acle Queen Of Diamonds, and Neil bought him as a five-year-old unbacked stallion. Mojo was bred by Bryan Banham, whose Acle Carousel won the Shire horse of the year accolade in 2022 and featured in the line-up again this year alongside three others boasting the same prefix this time.

“We’ve spent the last three years showing Mojo. He was here last year when he was third, and the year before he was fourth – we’ve got better. But this may be our last season as we have young horses at home and we will be looking for a new home for him unfortunately.”

Neil found the horse advertised on Facebook.

“He was with a Shire horse breeder called Jonathan Worthington from Cheshire; he’d been his stud stallion for a couple of seasons. We were lucky enough to pop across, see him stood in the field and thought, ‘That’s the one.’”

In his third HOYS final, low-mileage Mojo has only ever contested 10 shows in total. He qualified this year at the National Hunter Supreme Show, and other highlights include second place at the National Shire Show this spring, having won there the previous year.

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Team Hood enjoy 100th HOYS lap of honour as they land the 2025 cob of the year championship

Bethan Simons — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 11:39:11 +0000

Oliver Hood and Catherine Dickens’ Carters Top Gun gave a faultless performance in the 2025 cob of the year championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) to land the title, sponsored here by the Harrod and Coles Family.

The victory came less than 12 hours after he took the first tricolour of the day, the maxi cob championship astride Indigo Jones but most notably, it was Team Hood’s 100th lap of honour and centre-line moment at HOYS, a testament to the family’s incredible influence on the showing industry.

Oliver said: “At the beginning of the week, I felt I was coming here with one of the best teams of horses I’ve had in a long time. You hope that something good will happen, but you never know, and two in one day is just phenomenal.”

Known as “Alfie” at home, the twice Royal International (RIHS) cob champion and 2024 reserve supreme has also twice stood champion at the Hickstead Derby Meeting, but a win here has always eluded him.

“He’s won most major competitions and he’s been second and third here before so we were wondering had we missed our chance, but you keep going, keep persevering and hope you have your day,” said Oliver.

Alfie was started by Robbie Hague at Buttons Farm, from where Oliver’s late father, the great showman Allister Hood steered Team Hood to dizzying heights.

“He’s probably one of the last horses that my father had started there,” reflected Oliver, making the triumph all the more poignant.

In complete contrast to the “nervous” Indigo Jones, Oliver said that Alfie is “one if the most laid-back horses” on the yard.

“You wouldn’t believe it, but at 12 o’clock the girls turn off the radio and it’s like clockwork: he has a siesta. You can hear him snoring from the other stables.”

Oliver’s wife, Amelia, was also in the supreme having piloted Firespell (Harris) to second place in the heavyweights.

“Again, what a special day to have us both in the championship,” commented Oliver. “Harris has been the gift that just keeps on giving. If we’re having a bad day, Harris is the one that picks us up. But today he’s given Amelia a fantastic ride and just been phenomenal.”

Reserve 2025 cob of the year for another “Alf”

Kevin Lee aboard Gillian Eaton’s charming blue and white Ad Blue (Alf), winner of the morning’s Harrod and Coles Family lightweight cob contest, was called forward as the reserve in the 2025 cob of the year championship.

The now seven-year-old gelding made his first trip to HOYS last year, at the end of what was his novice season, which started, according to Kevin, when the pair “wobbled around” their first novice class last April. The season ended with the pair claiming fourth place in not only the lightweight cobs but the coloureds, too, having booked their spots in both finals at Moreton in Marsh.

“This year we qualified for the cobs at the Great Yorkshire, and the coloureds at Derbyshire Festival,” said Kevin. “We were reserve supreme at the CHAPS [Coloured Horse and Pony Society] championships and the CHAPS Spring Show. He’s not really done a great deal other than that!”

Kevin continued: “This win meant the absolute world. It’s something you dream of for years and years and years – you think, ‘If only…’ I always thought I could potentially do it on him, but I never thought it would actually happen this year.”

Owner Gillian bought Alf three years ago from Ireland: “I just saw his picture, then they sent me a video and I thought, ‘Why not?’” And the rest, as they say, is history.

Kevin described Alf, so named after Gillian’s late father, as “an absolute pleasure”.

“He’s just a jolly, happy person. He loves the ring, he loves his job. He goes in and he always tries his best and I could never fault him; he’s always willing.

“We mainly hack. We’ll school once, maybe twice, a week during show season. But all winter we’ll hack and we do some polework. He’s very easy-going, he only takes 10 minutes working in; he had no working in before going in tonight, that’s how straightforward he is.”

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British Olympian snares brilliant one-two aboard future stars and reflects on what makes HOYS so special: ‘It’s a celebration of the horse’

Lucy Elder — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 11:34:30 +0000

British Olympian Holly Smith bagged a one-two in Sunday morning’s (12 October) Grade C championship at HOYS aboard a brace of exciting young horses.

TJ Hall LTD’s Nike Van Het Singraven, who was crowned seven-year-old champion earlier in the week, continued his run of form to win – while his stablemate Sing Z backed up the yard’s form to finish second.

The serpentine line in the jump-off course had echoes of Saturday night’s international rankings class. It encouraged riders to angle the middle orange and white upright as steep as they dared, before testing their ability to rebalance on the turn to a double.

Sing Z showed effortless adjustability to glide into the lead, before his friend edged ahead.

A bright future beckons for this pair with Holly in the saddle, supported by her long-standing backers.

“I’m absolutely delighted, they are two top-class seven-year-olds,” said Holly. “Nike is an absolute star of the future, as is Sing Z.

“A massive mention goes to the team of owners behind this and my team at home, Ben and Lily. Su and Gordon Hall have been massive supporters of mine, and also Joanne Broadway with Nike for putting her belief in me. It’s not just me, it’s not just the horses, it’s the whole team, and days like today make it worth it.

“With the novice horses, it’s a journey to try to qualify to get here and you never quite know how they’re going to react on the night. I did have a second place earlier in the week in the Talent Seekers with Nike, where I took the seven-year-old final [which was incorporated into the class], but then I’ve had a few eight-fault rounds with them just being a bit green at screens and little bits and pieces. But for the results to come in today, I’m really chuffed for everybody.

“At the beginning of the week Sing especially was like, ‘What’s going on here? There’s a screen above the fences’. Nike is a bit more laid-back and loves it. I could feel them both grow in confidence throughout the week – they’ve had two and three classes each, and went absolutely amazing today, I couldn’t be more delighted.”

Nike had already franked his name as one to keep an eye on in the build up to HOYS, but his flashy stablemate Sing Z also deserves to be on fans’ watchlists.

“Joe Trunkville produced Sing Z originally and took him to Lanaken and as a five-year-old,” said Holly.

“Su and Gordon Hall bought him from Joe and he was produced by Tabitha Kyle for a year. She’s now furthering her career and her learning with Grey Broderick in Ireland, so I took him on.

“The Halls are long-term owners of mine, with Fruselli and Hearts Destiny, and I think he is a real star of the future. He’s been a little bit under Nike’s shadow. But watch out for him, he’s a very good horse.”

She added: “HOYS is a celebration of the horse. I grew up doing all sorts of disciplines – I’ve done working hunter ponies, show horses, I’ve evented, I’ve done most things. And just to see this celebration of the horse and all different types of people and disciplines here is an absolute pleasure and brings us all together.”

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The Boss rules the ring for the 2025 overall Search for a Star championship at HOYS

Celeste Gall — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 11:28:10 +0000

Patience paid off for amateur rider Jane Hemmings and her SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star (SFAS) cob and maxi cob winner The Boss 2, taking the overall Search for a Star championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), sponsored by SEIB Insurance Brokers.

Jane bought the six-year-old grey gelding unbacked two years ago.

“Eighteen months ago, The Boss and I had an accident on the road with a cyclist and I ended up having a brain haemorrhage, and as he had only just been backed we had to start him all over again,” explained Jane, who was first due to compete in this final with a hunter 20 years ago, but lameness put an end to that dream.

“This is simply a dream come true, everything we have been through just makes it all the more special.”

Standing reserve in the overall Search for a Star championship was Falkirk-based Julie Flockhart with her SFAS hack winner Westcountry Lady Guinevere (Savannah). As the pair qualified via a wildcard ticket, they only had three weeks to prepare for the final.

“We tried two qualifiers last year and then two more this season, then I got the call to say we had won a wild card to HOYS,” said Julie, who bought the mare six years ago.

“I backed her myself during Covid, but I felt there was something wrong so our vet came out to examine her and found that she had a huge bladder stone. She underwent general anaesthetic to have it removed and it was touch and go during the operation, followed by a long recovery,” explained Julie.

Julie admitted that Savannah can sometimes be nervous, but the pair coped exceptionally well with the buzzy atmosphere of the international arena. “People often say that if you can get a mare on side they will give you their heart and today she definitely did that,” Julie added.

Jack springs a surprise

Also in the overall Search for a Star championship were winners from earlier in the week.

VWH Pony Club member Charlotte Ramage and her 18-year-old gelding Jack In The Box II were the winners of the working pony title, in their first year of showing.

The pair, who mainly compete in eventing and Pony Club, won the first qualifier of the year at Hartpury College. “Cross-country is definitely our favourite thing, I didn’t think we would even get placed in the qualifier,” admitted Charlotte.

The SFAS working H=horse title went to dental implant nurse Caroline Champion with the grey cob gelding Heartthrob. He is owned by Susan Fletcher, and Caroline has had him on loan for the past six years; they are no strangers to the limelight having won the working show horse final at London International Horse Show in 2022.

Kai Wood, who works full-time as a work rider for racehorse trainer Rebecca Menzies, claimed the SFAS riding horse title with his mother Tammy Britton’s bay gelding Fridebi Timberland (Tim); the eight-year-old is by the prolific sire Tiger Attack.

Alice Kent added the icing to Jo Richardson’s birthday cake when she rode Jo’s Whistle to fight off strong competition and land a win in the SFAS hunter championship, and Zoe Clarke and Marley VI won the gypsy cob championship.

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‘It’s babies for her now’: 2025 champion show pony title for swansong combination

Bethan Simons — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 09:37:30 +0000

Team Harker enjoyed a spectacular triumph in the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Children’s riding pony section at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). Their own Rotherwood Fantasia and Stanley Grange Crescendo both won their classes before standing 2025 champion show pony and reserve respectively.

Rotherwood Fantasia (Flossy), 13, was steered to the 148cm class and overall spoils by Emma Harker, who is now in her final year in the class so this show is their swansong. Bred by Liz Mansfield-Parnell by Landemann Nighthawk out of Rotherwood Flight Of Fancy, Flossy will now retire to stud herself.

“She was going to retire last year,” explained Emma’s mother, Jenny, who produced her daughters’ ponies for them in their early childhood. “With the riders having an extra year in the class, we decided to bring her back out.”

It was a fortunate decision, as Flossy and Emma have had their best season to date, also winning at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

“But it’s babies for her now,” said Jenny. “She deserves to be a mummy and we’re looking forward to showing her in hand hopefully.”

Emma has been producing alongside her older sister Victoria Harker since leaving school. Victoria, who made the brave decision to expand the family’s production operation after she left school, was visibly moved by the victory.

“I think watching my sister on her pride and joy stand champion and come down the centre line, with my pride and joy in reserve, it’s overwhelming.”

Partnership ends on high as 2025 reserve champion show pony

Victoria’s “pride and joy” is 2024 part-bred pony of the year Stanley Grange Crescendo (Benji). The seven-year-old is by Turberry Top Cat, out of Colbeach Duet, and was ridden to the top of the line in the 138cm division by Matilda Holmes.

“I actually can’t believe it,” said Matilda after their section win. She has enjoyed numerous rides at HOYS over the years, but the win, until now, had eluded her. “It’s been a dream since I was little.”

As it turned out, Matilda and Benji’s journey together reached its own “crescendo” in the evening performance championship; it was their last-ever appearance in the show ring together as Matilda is out of the class.

But their partnership will end on a high, with a HOYS win and reserve sash to their credit, runner-up at RIHS and a healthy clutch of titles at this summer’s BSPS championships to name just a few of their achievements together.

So what did Matilda make of their swansong?

“There were a few thousand people watching me, so no pressure,” she joked. “To be honest I wasn’t so bothered about who was watching me, I just knew it was our last ride so I had to make it count. He felt absolutely perfect, he felt really good.”

Matilda first started riding the pony last term: “We had a really good season last year,” she said. “He went show pony supreme at the BSPS Summer Championships, and we were third at HOYS. He also won the HOYS part-breds with Victoria.

“Then this year he came second at Royal International in the 138cm championship. I can’t even believe it!

“He’s absolutely amazing to ride; his way of moving is just like no other pony.”

Runner-up to Matilda and Benji in the 138cm final was Molly Hendy with another sired by Turberry Top Cat, Rhos Equinox. Owned by Molly’s grandparents Bob and Caroline Anstey and bred by Jill Godden, the five-year-old qualified at New Forest and Hampshire, and, as a four-year-old last term, stood champion show pony at RIHS.

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Reigning champion and puissance queen share 2.2m HOYS victory: ‘There are no words to describe it’

Lucy Elder — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 23:49:03 +0000

Defending champion Joe Trunkfield and puissance queen Rachel Proudley shared victory over the big red wall in a top-class edition of this iconic HOYS showpiece tonight (11 October).

The 2025 Ripon Select Food Puissance went to five rounds, the joint winners clearing 2.20m (7’3”) to share the spoils.

A knowledgeable crowd packed the stands, testament to the draw this historic class continues to have. And what a puissance it was. The start list brimmed with stories and star power, but it was the performance of these riders and their magnificent horses that brought the script to life.

The 14 starters were whittled down to three by the fifth and final round – Joe, Rachel and puissance titan Guy Williams.

Rachel was the first of the final trio to jump. Her game partner Easy Boy De Laubry Z, so comfortable in his scope and his ability, grew with each round and soared over the towering final wall with room to spare. The silence that filled the NEC on their approach was replaced by a mighty roar from the stands on landing, as Rachel punched the air.

Rachel Proudly and Eady Boy De Laubry Z. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“He’s called Easy Boy and honestly, he finds it so easy – the bigger, the better for him,” said Rachel, who adds the HOYS puissance title to the London, Bolesworth and Dublin crowns she has won with Graham Ward’s 11-year-old gelding in the last 12 months.

“The nerves weren’t too bad. I trust him all the way, which really helps and makes my life easy.

“There are no words to describe it. With a packed crowd and atmosphere like that, it really just is incredible – and to be here on home turf as well makes it even better. It’s just great to be here, and thank you all for having us.

“I’m absolutely over the moon. Congratulations to Joe as well. He put in an amazing performance, it’s been a great night.”

Joe and Locomotion, dubbed by commentator Steve Wilde as “the best Locomotion since Kylie Minogue”, followed Rachel and ensured they kept hold of the title they won a year ago with a superb shot over the final wall.

“I’m so pleased with the horse and for his owner, Tracy Fletcher. She does everything with him at home. I’m just privileged to ride him at shows. He’s an unbelievable horse,” said Joe, adding that the nine-year-old gelding does it all “with a smile on his face”.

“The first time I came here in 2021 [with Senators Rhondaigo ] you’re doing it, because it’s great to be able to come, and we were lucky to win.

“Then I won last year, and now it’s getting to the stage where it’s nearly half expected. The pressure’s on – as they say, pressure is a privilege, and I really enjoy it.

“It’s the wildest atmosphere of the whole week in there – it’s a sell-out event and the crowd is amazing.

“The first round is never great, it’s nearly the worst round of all because you don’t want to knock one of the jumps down, or go out so early. But I think you kind of have to focus on the fact that it’s the last rounds that matter and to just get yourself there, and then do what you can.

“He’s a great horse. Tracy goes and has fun around the local shows with him and wins classes, left, right and centre, then he can come here to a big show and does this.

“He came to me to sell for Joe Stockdale, and luckily he found Tracy and found us, and we’re having some real fun with him.

“I’m delighted for Rachel as well, she’s such a talented young rider with an equally amazing horse. To share the win with her is great.”

Guy Williams and Cordessia Z were game rivals, just tapping a brick off the final wall to finish third behind the winning pair.

Guy’s 19-year-old daughter Maisie (Dalton D’Hoyo) put in an impressive performance to get to the penultimate round (2.13m) and share fourth with puissance debutant Olli Fletcher (Quintine Van D’abdijhoeve) and Nathan Bull (Casaltonia).

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Six-year-old rider and ‘special’ Simba crowned HOYS mini champions

Bethan Simons — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 18:58:06 +0000

Six-year-old jockey Florence Rendall proved one to watch, commanding the ring and claiming both show pony mini classes before she rode Elmswood Spring Parade (Simba) to the 2025 Horse of the Year Show mini championship, sponsored by Annabel’s Deliciously British.

She was led to victory in the lead-rein ranks by John Harvey, who was evidently touched by the win, as he bred the pony along with Brogan Taverner-Burns.

“I always thought he was special,” said John. “It really is so special to have that dream come true with him.”

John said he led Simba last year in this class with niece Willow West on board.

“But Willow was too big for him this year so we let Team Helliwell lease him for Florence. They produce him, and I have been meeting him at shows to lead them.”

The five-year-old was second on his debut here last time, and bettered his 2024 Royal International (RIHS) third by standing second this summer.

He is by Hightopps Hugo out of Broadgrove Spring Serenade, who won the Royal International with Ellis Taverner Burns.

“We’ve still got his mum, but she’s retired from breeding now,” said John. “He’s got one younger sibling, but that’s it. It makes it even more special.”

Fresh from riding Simba, Florence returned to her winning ways in the subsequent first ridden final. Her partner off the lead rein was Somersham Playboy, also six, who is also produced by Florence’s mother Rachael Helliwell.

“We bought the pony for Florence when she was three,” said Rachael. “He took her in the ring for the first time and he did a few local-level shows.

“Through the winter we played around a bit with the ponies and I thought she might want to have a go off the lead, she was looking quite confident but I didn’t think for one minute that he’d win HOYS on his first year off the lead. It’s absolutely amazing. Unbelievable.”

Florence has grown in confidence as the season has gone on, which Rachael credits in large part to this pony.

“He took her around for the first time at the Royal International this summer; he looks after her so well – that’s just what he does.

“They were supreme blue riband at the British Show Pony Society Summer Championships so I knew she could do it and wouldn’t crack under the pressure, and out of all the ponies I’ve had and produced in my entire life, I knew that she’d be safe on him.”

In the championship, Florence opted to ride Simba and Penny Richardson took Playboy.

Runner-up in the 2025 Horse of the Year Show mini championship

Reserve went to the second-placed lead-rein exhibit Hightopps Fairytale, owned and produced by Adam Forster and David Jinks. Five-year-old “Kitty”, by Hightopps Mr Bumble out of Hightopps Magic Fairy, was ridden by Emily Doherty, also five.

Kitty is in her first season under saddle, having been selected by David from good friends Clare Highnam and Alice Bennett of the Hightopps Stud.

“Kitty was one of last year’s novices that David actually picked out – he seems to be able to pick out Hightopps novice mini ponies,” said Adam, who explained that David had also “picked out” another of the stud’s ponies who has since gone on to fly the flag for team Jinks: Hightopps Black Magic. “It seems to be his speciality.

“She came home to us last winter after HOYS and we started breaking her in quietly.”

Adam adds that the pony didn’t initially take to the job: “She was a little bit overcome with it, but we just took a step back and now that she’s got her head around it she absolutely loves being in the ring. So we took a step back and just went really steadily away, and she’s got better and better all year and taken everything in her stride.

“Today, she rose to the occasion. She stood like a rock, looked at the audience and enjoyed it, ears pricked, and she went beautifully. Emily rode her lovely and it all came together on the day.

“She was third at Hickstead, too, which was lovely as well – for a novice pony, you can’t really ask for more.”

Adam adds that Kitty oozes superstar quality, and since clicking with showing has “taken the job on and run with it”.

“She has the most incredible walk and she struts like an absolute supermodel. So she kind of now has realised what’s being asked and it’s like she’s saying ‘Oh, they’re all here to look at me, I’m going to make them look at me.’”

Emily’s mother, Jenna Doherty, added that the result with the low-mileage novice is “totally unexpected” and down to the production team’s “meticulous” preparation:

“The whole team have been behind Kitty and behind Emily and I can’t thank them enough. They’ve been amazing. People see the results and don’t see the work that goes into it sometimes; they think it just happens and it doesn’t. A lot of time goes into these results.”

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‘No horse deserves this more’: versatile gelding secures HOYS intermediate show hunter of the year crown

Bethan Simons — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 15:23:54 +0000

An Irish Sport Horse contesting his third final of the week made his quality as a top-class show horse known when he brought home the 2025 Smith Family intermediate show hunter of the year title at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Nine-year-old Tidy Town, ridden by Alice Homer and owned by Alice’s mother, Loraine Homer, is something of a triple threat on the showing circuit, being one of a small number of horses successfully contesting working hunters, intermediates and small hunter classes.

Here, “Guinness” came through to the intermediates having contested the small show hunter and intermediate working hunter finals earlier on in the week and standing third in both of them.

“It’s absolutely unbelievable,” said Alice, 23. “There really can’t be a horse that deserves this more than he does.”

Bought as a foal by Alice’s grandfather, David Tatlow, Guinness didn’t grow tall enough to contest the weight classes. But when the decision was made to sell him on, Alice stepped in to claim him as her own.

This proved to be a fortuitous decision for Alice, who has enjoyed success at Royal Windsor Horse Show and across the county circuit with the gelding, and the duo came to HOYS this year on a tremendous run of form.

After a successful trip to the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), where they defended their small hunter title and were also crowned supreme intermediate, the following week they picked up their ticket to the HOYS intermediate final at New Forest and Hampshire County.

The pair also brought home a clutch of accolades from the BSPS Summer Championships, including the champion intermediate rider and supreme working hunter of the show.

“He’s just unbelievably versatile,” said Alice. “He’s so special to us and he does everything. We’ll keep him forever. We’ll just keep having fun with him and go hunting with him, but he’ll live out his days with us.”

Alice was also in the ribbons earlier on in the week astride her mother’s Uthopia-sired five-year-old Comberton Unique, who is out of Comberton Copelia. The pair finished third in the Culford Lodge Commodities large hack final as well as being finalists in the Honourable Stud intermediate show horse of the year.

Dual campaigner finishes second in the intermediate show hunter of the year final

The runner-up spot went to Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous, an 11-year-old owned by Jane O’Keeffe and ridden by Sophie O’Keeffe. The consistent campaigner netted the intermediate championship at Royal Windsor Horse Show earlier this season as well as placing fifth at RIHS.

The gelding is also campaigned by Justine Armstrong-Small in small riding horse ranks, and most notably won the final at HOYS in 2023.

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Ten-year-old rider scoops cross-discipline HOYS double: ‘It’s been the most incredible week ever!’

Lucy Elder — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 14:08:04 +0000

Anya Dewey Clarke scored a super cross-discipline HOYS double in a blazing 24 hours at the NEC.

The 10-year-old rider and Jim (Cobid) whizzed to glory in the Enablelink Ltd 128cm championship on Saturday morning (11 October) – a day after tasting glory in the National Pony Society Mole Valley Farmers 143cm Working Hunter Pony Of The Year aboard Tullibards Silver Mine.

Anya and 17-year-old Jim, owned by Anya’s mother Anna Dewey Clarke, were drawn first to go in the jump-off. These pony classes are always a HOYS highlight and an enthusiastic crowd braved the early start to cheer on the young riders and their wonderful ponies.

“Jim is just the most special and incredible pony in the world. It’s the most incredible feeling I could ever have. He tries his heart out whenever I ride him,” said Anya, whose ultimate ambition is to ride at the Olympics.

“I knew I was first to go and so I just went in there with [the aim of] a strong clear, as fast as I could clear, to put the pressure on the others.

“The arena has an absolutely huge atmosphere; it’s the most incredible feeling going in there.”

Douglas Breen, son of top Irish rider Shane Breen, and Lambay Off Broadway came closest – taking a flyer at the final fence as they raced to catch Anya, stopping the clock just 0.17 of a second behind. Even Anya couldn’t re-match the standard she set for the class, though she had a good go, adding a third-place rosette for her performance with Kilcreene Snapdragon to the winner’s sash she achieved with Jim.

“It’s just been the most incredible week ever. All of the ponies have tried their hearts out,” she said.

Little more than half a second separated the top three in the CT Equine Collection 138cm championship that followed swiftly after.

Christina Cotton and Mayfly Black Pennell found a couple of spots where they could slice off an extra millisecond or two, which gave them the winning edge.

“I knew that the others would be really competitive, so I just went for it, especially to the last,” said Christina. “This is my last year in 13.2hhs, so it was really nice to win.”

Tabby Morgan-Evans and bouncy grey Hurchfield Tulla Bluebell were second, Lucia Caroline claimed third and fourth with Houla Oups Ed’s and Chacha Real Smooth respectively.

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‘I’ve been showing here for 20 years‘: pregnant mum determined to show after hospital stay takes HOYS crown

Bethan Simons — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 13:21:03 +0000

Miniature horse stalwart Charlotte Leonard and her own Scotts Olympic Dream claimed the 2025 miniature horse of the year championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Four-year-old stallion Dream was bred by Carole Lindsey, by Scott Creek Monarch Sumkinda Wiz and out of Tazaeos Unos Olympic Dream.

This was not Dream’s first success at HOYS; he won the miniature horse final here last year, and he was 2024 reserve supreme miniature horse at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

“To win here two years in a row is just unbelievable,” said Charlotte, who has owned Dream since he was a two-year-old. “He just loves it in the ring.”

Charlotte – a winner here in 2022 handling Amblynn Tiramisu – is six months pregnant with her second baby, and Charlotte explained that the week has been something of a challenge. She only came out of hospital four days ago but wasn’t about to let that stop her showing.

“I’ve been quite poorly and was in hospital until Wednesday, but I was determined to be here. Just to get here was amazing, but I first showed miniature horses here 20 years ago so I had to do it.”

2025 Miniature Horse of the year reserve

Dream’s breeder owns the reserve champion, Royal Supreme H Red Hunter (Toby), another four-year-old stallion. At 84cm tall, Toby was bred by Nathalie Poels, and is by H T Amaze Mi On The Highway out of SDZ Take Five Chanel.

Toby was handled here by Mia Hiscock, who explained that this is Toby’s third visit here, and he’s been placed every year. Toby was also recently supreme at the British Miniature Horse Society show, won three HOYS qualifiers this summer and already has his ticket to the 2026 RIHS.

“He’s cheeky,” said Mia, “But he also loves a cuddle and loves showing.”

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Horse who worries at home but ‘comes into his own at shows’ is HOYS maxi cob of the year

Bethan Simons — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 12:25:06 +0000

Oliver Hood was on fine form in the Andrews Bowen International Arena on the penultimate morning of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), and fresh from landing the heavyweight cob division, he went on to claim the Leeman Family HOYS maxi cob of the year title with Richard and Auriol Wilson’s Indigo Jones.

Known at home as Jonesey, Indigo Jones is in his second season, and ended the run of qualifiers with back-to-back wins at Bucks County and Stoneleigh Horse Show.

“He arrived with us at the beginning of last year,” said Oliver. “He was raw but he actually did very well. He did six shows and ended up second here, which I was delighted with, but I always hoped that maybe he would come back and go one better.”

Oliver explained that by disposition, Indigo Jones has found his home in the show ring. He said: “At home he’s a bit of a worrier, he’s probably one of the most nervous horses we have, but when we take him to a showground, he comes into his own and bizarrely he’s a lot more relaxed than he is at home and his manners are impeccable.”

Team Hood came about Jonesey through a good friend, Nina Armstrong.

“She said to me, ‘I have a very good cob in the field’. So I saw a picture and said ‘This horse has to be mine’. She did send him to me, but for various reasons he had to be sold. Luckily Richard and Auriol came along and purchased him, which we were so pleased about as we really wanted to keep him.”

Reserve HOYS maxi cob of the year

Will Morton rode Rosamund Lane’s Royal International (RIHS) champion maxi Monarch In The Mist to the reserve spot. The nine-year-old by Fintan Himself was champion at Windsor last term, and qualified for here by winning a strong class at Three Counties.

Rosamund’s daughter, Sophie, spotted Jack in a photograph jumping a hedge and fell in love, so they bought him unseen and sent him straight to Will.

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Class debutants claim the junior mountain and moorland championship at Horse of the Year Show

Celeste Gall — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 10:41:44 +0000

A Highland and his teenage rider delivered a cracking performance to land the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd 2025 junior mountain and moorland championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Winning both her classes on her first visit to the HOYS was not what 13-year-old Holly Smith expected this week with her charming Highland gelding Kincardine Uist, but that’s exactly what happened for this pair from Forfar in the northeast of Scotland.

On Wednesday, they lifted the National Pony Society/Supreme Products mountain and moorland ridden Highland final and on Friday evening they not only scooped the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd junior mountain and moorland ridden large breeds pony of the year title – winning by a huge 11-mark margin – they went on to clinch the overall junior ridden championship sash.

“It’s absolutely unbelievable, if someone had told me on Tuesday that I would have won both my classes and taken the junior championship by the end of Friday, I wouldn’t have believed them in the slightest!” said an elated Holly, who is only in her first season with Uist.

The pair have form for doing it all in one go though; at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Winter Championships they collected all three of their Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) tickets in one weekend. They followed this up with a trip to Royal Cheshire, where they booked their pass to HOYS in both the classes they won here.

Ride judge David Blair set a deceptively tricky show which included a gallop on the diagonal and a canter circle, and riders were rewarded for accuracy.

“We spend most weeks just hacking on our farm at home,” said Holly, who has lessons with Kirsty Aird. “She gave me a lovely pep talk before we went in the ring that really helped!”

Uist was only bought from Sarah-Jane Forbes in September last year, and the new partnership almost came to an abrupt end a few months later. “He had a really bad accident in the field in February and we thought he had fractured his shoulder,” explained Holly’s mum Julie, but happily Uist made a swift and full recovery.

Holly and Uist will now relax until Sunday afternoon when they will contest the Supreme Products supreme pony of the year championship.

Reserve in the 2025 junior mountain and moorland championship

Standing reserve was the winner of the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd Junior mountain & moorland ridden small breeds final, Marsh Walk On By and 13-year-old Lilly Richardson.

The pair occupied this same spot last year when they finished second and were also last year’s winner of the ridden Welsh section A final. “He is just the most amazing pony,” declared Lilly.

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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