Alice Homer and Tidy Town (Guinness) completed a remarkable feat in the Culford Lodge Commodities small hunter final at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), claiming the coveted title for the third consecutive year.

The 10-year-old bay gelding, owned by Alice’s mother Lorraine Homer, is based at the family’s yard near Banbury, Oxfordshire. The pair have become one of the most consistent combinations in the small hunter ring, with another flawless performance securing an unprecedented third successive championship.

“Two years was incredible, but to do it three years back-to-back is very rare,” said Alice. “He absolutely loves it here. The atmosphere in that ring is something else and he’s such a showman.”

Although the achievement was special, Alice admitted defending the title brought added pressure.

”The pressure is definitely greater now. The first time we won it was completely unexpected, but once you’ve won it twice everyone expects you to do it again.

“It was a quick change because I was in the intermediate hacks on my six-year-old mare, who finished second, and then I had to quickly put my stock on and run across here,” she said.

The pair now go on to contest the intermediate hunter classes, having won the title and been crowned supreme intermediate champion at Hickstead in 2025.

“After this we’ll do a few working hunters before we start preparing for Horse of the Year Show,” added Alice.

The latest victory further cements Tidy Town’s place as one of the Royal International’s most successful small hunters, with the gelding continuing to thrive in the unique atmosphere of the International Arena.

Occupying the bridesmaid spot was Will Morton aboard Rosamund Lane’s Red Valentine.

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Francoise Babington and Scarlet Ribbons (J-Lo) completed a remarkable treble at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), winning the supreme amateur hunter championship after earlier victories in both the lightweight amateur hunter and the home-produced hunter finals.

The 12-year-old mare, by Wish Upon A Star out of Javelin, successfully defended the amateur hunter supreme title she claimed in 2025, continuing an outstanding season that also included the amateur hunter championship at Royal Windsor.

Owned and ridden by Francoise, J-Lo once again demonstrated her quality in the amateur ranks, producing three polished performances to secure all three titles.

“I’ve been in the show ring since I was little,” said Francoise. “I took some time out and did a bit of racing, rode as an amateur for a while, then stepped away completely to focus on family and the business. I came back about seven years ago and actually won this class in 2023 on my other horse, Seabourne Silent Valley.”

She added: “I’ve always been very fortunate to have some incredible wins in the amateur classes with Seabourne Silent Valley and then last year with J-Lo. She was an absolute superstar and I couldn’t believe we’d won both championships. She galloped so well in that ring.

“She’s 12 now and to complete the Windsor and Royal International double is really special. We absolutely adore her and, when we retire her from the show ring, she’ll go off to have babies.”

There was little time for celebration after the presentation, however, as Francoise hurried across the showground to watch her 12-year-old niece, Alexandra Babington, make her Royal International debut aboard Crumpwell Haddi.

The pair rounded off a memorable family day by finishing eighth in the NPS Baileys Horse Feeds 122cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony final.

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Lightweight hunter Tigbourne claimed his second sash on Hickstead’s hallowed turf as he and Hannah Horton lifted the ladies’ hunter championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

The pair looked effortlessly elegant, floating around the ring with Tigbourne giving a mannerly yet sparkling performance.

Owned by Lucinda Freedman and Isabel Clifford-Kingsmill, Tigbourne was bred by he late Daphney Thorneycroft. The nine-year-old is sired by Roviris.

He first turned heads at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair as a yearling, standing supreme when fielded by Ann Bassett and the late Tony Wareham. Since then, he has gone on to fulfill that early promise to become a top notch show horse.

A former Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) winner with Hannah astride in the saddle, he has previously stood second in the lightweight ranks here, and claimed his first Hickstead championship at the Derby Meeting earlier this year.

Hannah, who has produced him since a six-year-old said: “He always wants to please and the bond we have is very special.

“He’s a really comfortable ride, so we thought we would give the ladies’ a go. He hasn’t been campaigned much side-saddle – this is his first season, but he’s taken to it like a duck to water. He’s got elegance and grace but with the power of a hunter, and he’s really mannerly but with the showmanship of a champion.”

In reserve were a more recent pairing: Jill Day’s MHS Morning Master (TJ) and Alice Pimbley, who also looked a picture of elegance together.

Alice and TJ – a former HOYS champion with his producer Robert Walker in the saddle – qualified with an impressive win on the pair’s debut together, and TJ’s first run out ever carrying a side saddle at the Sport Horse Breeding (GB) (SHB (GB)) spring show. They are also HOYS-bound together for the first time.

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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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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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Lead Rein Pony of Hunter Type of the Year

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The de la Hey Family Partbred Pony of the Year Championship

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The Honourable Stud Intermediate Show Horse of the Year Championship

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Shine Source Footwear Ltd Show Hunter Pony of the Year

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The Smith Family Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year

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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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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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The Andrews Family Hack of the Year

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

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The Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year

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

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Alan Marnie & Family Riding Horse of the Year

These qualifiers are for both sections of riding horse.

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

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Hamilton Tarmac Small Show Hunter of the Year

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Catplant Group of Companies Ltd. Show Hunter of the Year

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

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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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Day two of the Royal Windsor Horse Show proved a lucky one for Will Morton. Will punctuated a red letter day in which he first claimed his third cob championship by taking the 2026 Royal Windsor small hunter spoils – sponsored by the Trembath family – astride Red Valentine II (Vinny).

Vinny was bred by Maurice O’Mara out of Knockbrack Spirit and by Lagans Obos Quality.

The six-year-old was purchased from Val Sheehan by his owner Rosamund Lane in 2024 before making his show-ring debut last term with Will, now based in Essex with fellow producer Justine Armstrong Small.

“Last year was his first season and he only did a handful of shows,” Will said. “He went to HOYS and he was a bit green, but it was his first time there.”

Despite being just lightly campaigned, Vinny certainly made his mark. He won the novices here, collected a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) pass at the hunter championships, then staked the supreme hunter title at the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) championships, judged by seven-time Olympian Mark Todd.

“He’s taken to the job like a duck to water,” said Will. “He’s probably one of the easiest horses I’ve ever had to produce, and so far he’s had a wicked year.

“He’s just phenomenal – something out of this world.”

The pair have campaigned three shows so far this season, and remain unbeaten in small hunter ranks, having taken champion at British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Area 16 and a win at the BSHA Spring show.

Jayne Ross fielded yet another top-two placing finishing runner up in the 2026 Royal Windsor small hunter ranks here. This time she was astride Ryan Anderson and Jamie Smyth’s Irish-bred seven-year-old grey gelding Highview Overado, the reigning HOYS small hunter of the year.

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The reserve hunter champion at 2026 Royal Windsor Horse Show, Harbour Master II, continued his winning ways by landing the ladies hunter title later in the day.

“Marley” carried his owner Charlotte Clark sideways to the title, having been piloted astride to the lightweight hunter class and reserve honours just hours earlier by his producer Jayne Ross.

“We’ve had him since he was four and he is quite a character at home,” said Charlotte. “He definitely likes to have attention, but he’s just been a horse of a lifetime really.”

The Harlequin Du Carel 10-year-old was purchased by Charlotte and her mother Elizabeth Trembath after Jayne had broken him in for another owner.

“He’s just been an absolute superstar for me,” Charlotte said.

“He is just a dream and the most comfortable sideways I’ve ever had really. Lots of the judges describe him as sublime. He’s just perfect really.

“He knows his job, so he’s push button for me.”

Marley is a two-time consecutive winner of the ladies hunter championship at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

Charlotte said it is “extra special” to ride side saddle in the grounds of Windsor Castle, adding: “I loved being in the Castle Ring and I love it in the Frogmore, too. It’s quite an atmosphere.”

To polish up her skills riding the side saddle while Marley is at Jayne’s, Charlotte explained she has been allowed to practice on a 21-year-old ex-racehorse local to her.

“I live quite far from Jane; I can’t always get up to the yard being an hour and a half away,” she added,

Team Ross had more to celebrate when Jayne piloted Diane Stennett’s KBF Lucia to a win in the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) ladies show horse class less than 24 hours after the pair lifted the ridden coloured championship.

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A versatile mare, who contested both the working hunters and the 2026 Royal Windsor amateur hunter championship, sponsored by Rosettes Direct, put fences down in the workers behind her to impress the judges and claim the amateur title.

Francoise Babington rode her own Scarlet Ribbons (J-Lo) to victory after topping the amateur lightweight and small class – beating last year’s winner Hannah Binks and Oaktree Day Dream into second.

The 12-year-old, by Wish Upon A Star out of Javelin, also competes with Francoise in the open hunter ranks as well as ladies hunter classes and the workers. They lifted the amateur hunter supreme title at the 2025 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

The pair unfortunately had fences down during their turn about the workers course earlier in the morning here, but made up for it on the flat by impressing their judges in the afternoon.

Francoise said: “We’ve had a wonderful day. She jumped her heart out in the workers this morning. We had two down, which was my fault. We finished sixth, so then it was wonderful to come into this championship. She’s not put a foot wrong all day.”

J-Lo has won the working hunters at Royal Windsor in the past under a previous owner, so riding her to the double was “lovely”, she added: “She’s been an absolute superstar.”

2026 Royal Windsor amateur hunter championship reserve

Rose Bailey and Calcourt Victor – winners of the heavy and middleweight class – were reserve in the 2026 Royal Windsor amateur hunter championship.

This was Rose’s fourth consecutive win in the class albeit with a different horse. She took the championship in 2025 and 2024 with another mount, Bloomfield Greystones, and the pair also stood reserve in 2023.

Rose works full time as a lawyer and lives in central London with her horses based at Jayne Ross’ yard in Buckinghamshire.

Team Ross’s Olivia Minihane steered the impressive grey to victory in the middle/heavyweight workers division earlier in the day and later, overall reserve champion working hunter.

Also forward for judging in the amateur championship were Georgina Dunne and Gunpower Plot, who were second in the heavyweight and middleweight class.

The six-year-old black gelding won his novice hunter class here last year with Alice Homer in the saddle.

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Robert Walker once again proved a force in the novice hunter ranks, and landed the 2026 Royal Windsor novice hunter championship, sponsored by Alan Marnie.

The Cheshire-based producer steered Jill Day’s Ground Control (Sundae) – a five-year-old by Lagans Obus – to the title.

Sundae has been a member of Team Walker since last summer.

“Just before Dublin, PJ Casey rang me and told me he had a horse that might suit us. He sent us a video of him and Jill bought him from the video,” explained Robert. “The first time we actually saw him was at Dublin.”

Despite being immature, Sundae stood four-year-old champion at Dublin, and moved to the Walkers’ base afterwards where he was turned away for a break until Christmas.

This was the quality gelding’s third outing on English soil – he won the previous two – but his first major question.

“I have rides on him at home where he gives me goosebumps, but was a bit babyish again today,” admitted Robert. “There’s still so much more to come of him yet.”

Robert also won the heavyweight novice division aboard Jill’s BC Fox Rock.

The six-year-old gelding by Reach For The Stars was also bred in Ireland.

“Some friends – Amy Stunt and Brian Murphy – had him and Jill bought him from them. He’s a big horse and a big mover, so again, there’s more to come from him.”

In reserve was another Cheshire-based competitor. Vicky Smith rode her mother Angela Smith’s Tremarl Timber (Tim) to the reserve spot in the 2026 Royal Windsor novice hunter championship having stood second in the lightweight division.

The six-year-old Timolin gelding first made headlines in 2023, when despite being only lightly shown, he claimed one of the biggest prizes on the in-hand showing calendar: the Price Family Supreme in-hand championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), handled by Simon Charlesworth.

Since then, Tim has been carefully and slowly produced by Vicky with a clutch of solid novice wins, including at the 2025 British Show Horse Association (BSHA) championships.

Bred in the purple, Tim’s full sister, Tremarl Timpani – still owned by their breeder Jane Davies – is the reigning HOYS riding horse of the year, and stood reserve at both Windsor and RIHS last term.

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The hunter championship at Royal Windsor is always a highlight for spectators, and this year proved no different as the decorated Mulberry Lane II (Obi) and his rider-producer Craig Kiddier ticked off yet another major title: the 2026 Windsor hunter championship.

This was the pair’s first visit to The King’s back garden at the castle.

“We came down yesterday for the workers,” said Craig. “But that didn’t quite go to plan and we had a couple down. So we had to go to Plan B instead, and it worked.”

Plan B it may have been, but it was carried off with aplomb.

“He loves a big occasion. He just sat up and grew as he went into the championship. He felt unreal – like he was on air.”

Owner Susan Tennant spotted the OBSO Quality gelding as a three-year-old halfway down the line during a trip to Dublin Horse Show, and he’s proved her eye multiple times since. The 11-year-old is the reigning Royal International supreme horse, a title he also claimed in 2024 as well as the equivalent title at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Obi is also a three-time working hunter champion at Hickstead. Craig has already steered him to book his return pass for this year’s final, and continues to “dream of winning the workers at HOYS with him”.

Reserve to Obi for the 2026 Windsor hunter championship was the on form Jayne Ross, who claimed the ridden coloured championship less than 24 hours beforehand.

This time, she was on board Charlotte Clark’s Harbour Master II (Marley), winner of the lightweight division.

“We’ve had him a few years now and he’s just never ceases to produce the goods. He’s a really reliable horse,” said Jayne.

The 10-year-old has certainly been a consistent winner, having also carried Charlotte sideways to two consecutive ladies hunter titles at the RIHS.

This is also the third time Marley, who is by Harlequin Du Carel, has won the lightweight class at Royal Windsor.

“He loves a big ring and loves it here,” said Jayne. “He loves the big occasion. He obviously likes being in the back garden of the royal family. He’s just a really nice, straightforward horse – exactly what it says on the box.”

Other big names joined them in the ring including yesterday’s working hunter champion Hannah Horton, this time riding former HOYS winner Tigbourne, who stood second in the lightweights, matching last year’s placing.

Robert Walker was on Jill Day’s heavyweight winner IJ Countryman and Katie Jerram-Hunnable chose to pilot Ingrid Shervington’s second-place heavyweight Goosey Gander after also repeating her 2025 second place aboard Ruth Flack’s middleweight Starring Louis.

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The Catplant Group of Companies Ltd hunter championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) is one of the most coveted titles in showing. So Will Morton was speechless when he and Amanda French’s lightly shown Shanaghan Velvet ran through their card to stand lightweight hunter of the year, then 2025 HOYS hunter champion.

“This is unreal,” said Will. “He’s only a novice in his first season. He’s done a handful of classes.”

The six-year-old by OBOS Quality out of Shanagan Charlotte had been jumping with Will while he matured. But Will — who is now based on fellow producer Justine Armstrong-Small’s yard – entered flat ranks with Justine’s encouragement.

“We bought him as a potential worker,” said Will. “Amanda had seen him on Horsequest and I’d seen him there too. She said it was too far to drive, but I said ‘No, we’re going,’ and drove to Nottingham to see him. I rang her on the way home and we discussed it and bought him. Justine saw him in the stable at my old yard, and said ‘He will be a top lightweight,’. I always thought he was a nice horse, and he might make a cracking worker, but I tried some weights and here we are.”

The pair gained an early Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) ticket before standing champion at Herts County to book his place at HOYS. This is Amanda’s first taste of exhibiting at HOYS.

“I’d had a previous horse with Will, who, unfortunately is no longer here, but he’s my first real show horse,” said Amanda. “It’s quite unbelievable.”

Will went on to explain that that they’ll go back to showjumping over the winter, and we may see the pair enter both the workers and flat classes next year.

Reserve 2025 hunter champion

In reserve were the winners of the heavyweights: Robert Walker and Jill Day’s IJ Countryman an Irish bred Lionswood Kinsales Lad six-year-old.

“I spotted him in the collecting ring at Dublin as a four-year-old,” said Robert. “He was a raw frame – he won the four-year-old heavyweight class the next day – but he was immature. I bought him there and then.”

Robert and his wife Sarah Walker went head to head in the overall hunter weights championship, after Sarah won the middleweight class with Jill Day’s former HOYS reserve overall champion, Crystal Cove II (Fish).

In the lightweights, Hannah Horton took second place with Lucinda Freedman and Isobel Cliford-Kingsmill’s 2024 winner, Tigbourne, and it was a case of seconditis for Katie Jerram-Hunnable in the middles and heavies. She finished runner-up in the former with Ruth Flack’s Langaller Starring Role six-year-old Starring Louis, and Ingrid Shervington’s Irish Draught Goosey Gander in the latter.

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There was barely a dry eye in camp Walker when Sarah Walker was pulled forwards the winner of the middleweight hunter of the year class at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with Jill Day’s former HOYS reserve overall champion, Crystal Cove II (Fish).

“Everyone dreams of winning the hunters here, and now I’ve done it,” said Sarah. “It’s the big one isn’t? Rob rode him to the class last time. He just felt amazing.”

The win was all the more poignant as Sarah felt she may never ride again, let alone in the ring, just a year ago.

“After everything we’ve been though this last year, this just means so, so much,” she said

Sarah sustained serious injuries in August 2024 when her horse had a rotational fall as they were practising an extension ahead of the evening performance at the National Hunter Championships. Sarah was knocked unconscious by the fall, damaged ligaments in her back and shoulders, damaged her mouth and jaw and severed the main nerve in her chin, so she needed major surgery to repair the damage.

“I knew when I needed to get back riding, he was the only one I was going to ride. I know him so well and I know he will look after me,” she said. “It’s been a difficult journey. I still feel so nervous and if the ground is slippery – That’s why I wear my strapped hat now. It’s what I feel comfortable in after everything.

“I actually worked him in at HOYS last year even though I was far too weak really. It was too soon but I had open heart surgery twice as a child and have grown up doing things I’m not supposed to be able to.

“I knew when I decided to come back to the ring, he was the only one I was going to ride. I just know him so well; I knew that he would look after me.”

Robert came fourth in the middleweight line-up with Greenhall Treasure Island, and the couple’s son Sam came third with Full Cry II.

Robert said: “I’m just delighted for Sarah. It was really wonderful to watch. People don’t realise how much she still struggles and how nervous she gets. And Fish deserves this. I always say he’s a 50/50 horse. He’s difficult to fault conformationally and when he goes well, which he did today…”

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Alan Marnie’s six-year-old Highview Overando (Reggie) just gets “better and better”, according to his delighted rider Jayne Ross after they won the Hamilton Tarmac small hunter of the year title at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Jayne said the quality gelding has not had many outings but he “took it all in his stride”.

“I think that sometimes, young horses go in there and they have this innocence that allows them to really open up and go, and I think that’s what must have caught the judges’ eyes,” she said. “It’s interesting – he’s coming of age and I’m just so thrilled with him.”

Jayne said Reggie “got a bit worried” when the other horses left him to his moment in the spotlight, but that this was also a trait of Twinshock Warrior, who was so successful for Jayne in the heavyweight ranks.

Alan first spotted Reggie at Dublin Horse Show when he was owned by Debbie Harrod and produced by James Smyth.

“I thought he really had something about him,” said Alan, “so I approached Debbie and it took a bit of persuading but we came to a deal eventually and he came over. He’s really a lovely horse; clean-limbed with a lovely front. And I love a grey, so he is the whole package.”

Matching her Royal International Horse Show placing, standing runner-up, was Morean Hamilton’s Annaghmore Huntress, ridden by her producer, Kirstine Douglas.

Kirstine first spotted the eight-year-old as a foal with breeder Sinead Healion. When she later saw her as a three-year-old, Kirstine decided that she had to have her on the team.

“I said, ‘She’s coming home with me’,” said Kirstine, who also shows her older brother in the weight classes.

Now owned by Morean Hamilton, she’s in her second season.

“She’s not actually done that many shows. In two seasons, she’ll have done 10 shows,” said Kirstine. “She’s a fabulous mare.”

• 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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Alice Homer and 2024 Culford Lodge Commodities small hunter champion Tidy Town (Guinness) successfully defended the top spot – and landed the Jackson Fine Homes Ltd BSPS supreme intermediate at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

“The pressure is unreal,” said Alice, 23. “Because he’s my own I try not to feel the pressure, but because he won here last year, I really wanted him to do it again. I think this year means more because I never would have believed he’d do it twice.”

”

Guinness certainly looked the champion in the International Arena. He delivered a blistering gallop and commanded attention with effortless presence.

“He’s so special. There is something so spectacular about him in that international ring; he just comes alive, pricks his ears and says ‘This is my moment’,” Alice said. “The ride judge said it was the best ride she’d ever been given; she rode him beautifully as she did every horse, it was a pleasure to have her ride my horse.”

The pair weren’t given a moment to dwell or celebrate, though, as they quite literally needed to trot straight from the International Arena to the Irish Horse Board ring to contest the Jackson Fine Homes Ltd BSPS intermediate show hunter final.

Ever the professionals, the pair gave a sublime show to land the class, then delivered a masterclass in the championship to claim the supreme intermediate title.

“I’m completely over whelmed; I’ve not even processed the smalls and then we were straight up to this ring,” Alice said. “The adrenaline is so high in the international ring when we won the championship and then he trotted down here for the intermediates – he’s the ultimate professional. He never loses his sparkle; he’s just a true showman.”

Guinness was bought as a foal by Alice’s grandfather, David Tatlow. But as he didn’t grow tall enough for the weights, it was decided he should be sold, which is when Alice stepped in to claim him.

Guinness is a versatile little horse, as he also contests workers with Alice, and the pair are already bound for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

“My ultimate aim would be to win the workers at HOYS; he’s been placed last few years on a pole, so I’d love to jump clear at the NEC and go for the win. It’s the last thing to tick off,” said Alice.

Runner up in the smalls was a mare with very little mileage who surpassed all expectations. This was Morean Hamilton’s Annaghmore Huntress, who made the 8.5-hour trip south from Scotland well worthwhile for her producer and rider Kirstine Douglas.

“I’m delighted,” said Kirstine. “She’s only done two shows this season as I have another small, and this is just her second season. She was fourth here last year and now this; she was superb.”

Another Scottish duo, Susy Edwards and David Edwards’ Comberton Clarence, finished reserve in the supreme intermediates. The Caitlin Galbraith Roberts-produced 13-year-old topped the small show riding type class.

The large intermediate show riding type division was topped by Harriett Dennison with Shirely Dennison and Rachael Helliwell’s Kilvington Scoundrel eight-year-old reigning HOYS hack champion, Manhattan.

• 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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An action-packed week for Francoise Babington and her own chestnut mare Scarlet Ribbons (J-Lo) ended in style as they claimed the Alan Marni Meta Lounge Ltd supreme amateur hunter championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

The 11-year-old lightweight hunter and Francoise had topped the amateur lightweight final en route to the overall supreme; J-Lo, by Wish Upon A Star out of Javelin, has had a successful week.

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Francoise explained: “We were sixth in the lightweights on Thursday, third in the ladies’ side-saddle, and then we jumped the worker course at 7.30 this morning.”

Francoise, who returned to showing six years ago after time away from the sport, was thrilled to win this prestigious title.

“I’ve been in the show ring since I was small. I took some time out and did a bit of racing, rode as an amateur for a while, then stepped away completely to focus on family and the business. I came back about six years ago and actually won this class two years ago on my other horse, Seabourne Silent Valley.”

She added: “We call her J-Lo because she’s very sassy, but she just loves showing off. To have her and be able to take this win, doing her from home, is just so special.”

Eventer turns to showing

In the Irish Horse Board home-produced amateur hunter championship, victory went to Constantine, a 12-year-old bay small hunter owned and ridden by Pretoria Lee.

“He’s 12 now,” said Pretoria, who bought him two years ago. “I’m an eventer, but I thought I’d have a go at showing, and I couldn’t have a better horse to do it on.”

She noted the contrast between the disciplines “It’s a challenge not having set times, but it’s so much more family-orientated; I can bring everyone with me. It’s a different discipline with its own challenges, but days like this make it all worthwhile.”

She added: “I’ve just had the most wonderful day. The dream was to win here. The next goal is to qualify for [Horse of the Year Show] HOYS.”

Both the reserve supreme amateur and reserve home-produced accolades went to Red Rhythm, a 10-year-old bay gelding by Penmerryls Rhythm and Blues out of Princess Diana, owned and ridden by Lucinda Martin.

“We’ve had the most phenomenal week,” said Lucinda. “He was fourth in the open heavyweights and absolutely shone. Then he was pulled top in his class and stayed there, and to go on and take both reserve titles is something else.”

Away from the ring, Lucinda has a full-time career: “I’m an interior designer and was just named one of Town & Country Magazine’s top 50 interior designers, so I’m having a dream week! Life is very busy and my mum looks after him, so I’m so lucky to have a horse this special, one in a million, and he shines when it matters.”

The pair recently qualified for HOYS at Stoneleigh.

“I think I’ll be competing on my birthday. We’ve also got the national hunter championships coming up, though I’m getting married in 13 days, so I need to fit in a quick mini-moon before we compete again!”

• 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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It was a day to remember for the Walker family in the Sports Horse Breeding (GB) supreme hunter championship at the Agri Royal International Horse Show, as Robert Walker swept all three weight classes and then went on to claim both champion and reserve titles in the supreme final.

In the supreme Robert partnered Greenhall Treasure Island, a nine-year-old bay gelding owned by Jill Day, who won the middleweight section. His wife Sarah Walker rode the six-year-old grey IJ Countryman, winner of the heavyweight section, while their son Sam Walker took the ride on Flash Point, a five-year-old gelding, also owned by Jill Day, who topped the lightweight hunter class.

In a high-quality final, it was Flash Point, ridden by Sam, who claimed the supreme championship, with Robert taking reserve on Greenhall Treasure Island.

Flash Point is a half-brother to View Point, a two-time supreme ridden horse champion at Hickstead who was crowned overall horse supreme at Horse of the Year Show in 2022 for the second time before being retired from the ring.

“To win all three weights was a wow,” said Robert. “We’ve worked so hard all year getting the three horses ready. But to then take champion and reserve on top of that was just brilliant.”

When asked how they chose who would ride which horse in the supreme, Robert explained: “Sarah rides the heavyweight at all the county shows, and Sam had only ridden the lightweight once before — when he was supreme at the National Championships — so that left me with the middleweight.”

He was quick to credit the broader team behind their success: “The whole day has been a team effort. So many people work together to help us make these results possible.”

Sam Walker was delighted with his winning ride on Flashpoint, who, he said, “gave me everything in the ring.”

Reflecting on the family’s fiercely competitive streak, he added with a grin: “Last year at the British Show Horse Association National Championships, I beat Dad when he won all three weights.”

Asked how Robert takes finishing in second place, Sam said: “He’s still a little bit sore about it, but he hides it well!”

Team Walker – an example of family teamwork, dedication, and world-class horse production.

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

Catch up with other showing news from the Agria Royal International:

‘It’s the best feeling in the world’: top partnership cruises to Royal International supreme working hunter pony title

‘I’ve not won here for ages – I was ready for this’: six-year-old mare delights to take Royal International coloured supreme

‘He’s been unbeatable all season’: diminutive show hunter pony beats bigger rivals to claim prestigious Royal International title

‘My little pocket rocket couldn’t give me any more’: Section B storms to young riders M&M supreme title at Royal International

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The early start was made well worthwhile for Matthew Ainsworth, who was all smiles as he piloted Emma Allum’s Foxridge Hiraeth to the 2025 Royal Welsh hunter championship. The Hilkens Gold Card seven-year-old topped the lightweight division en route to taking the first tricolour of the show.

“I’m delighted,” said a beaming Matthew. “The Allums are lovely people and they love the horse to bits. Royal shows are always special, but for Welsh owners this one’s especially special.

“I don’t come here often as it takes a special kind of horse to keep its head in the atmosphere and it can ruin them — it’s hard when there are 50-odd section Cs in the next ring galloping and lots of whooping and cheering. Luckily this horse has a great brain and has done right from the start.”

Matthew explained that he and long-term owners the Allum family, who own one of the few organic tanneries in the UK, bought Foxridge Hiraeth as a three-year-old from his breeders who live a stone’s throw from the Allums’ home near Whitland on the Pembrokeshire/Carmarthenshire border.

The Hereford-based producer has shown Hiraeth lightly. He was campaigned as a novice last season and picked up a 2025 Royal International (RIHS) ticket at North Somerset.

“He’s an out and out ladies horse in reality, and we’ve just started him side saddle with a view to campaigning him in ladies classes,” added Matthew.

In reserve was Redemption Ground, a horse with a long and sparkling career behind him. Lisa Davey’s 19-year-old heavyweight looked evergreen piloted by Christa Davies, who has also ridden him to glory in the ladies division on multiple occasions. Remarkably, this was his first visit to the Royal Welsh.

“He’s a total showman who always rises to the occasion. He loads himself onto the lorry,” said Lisa, adding, “we’re absolutely over the moon”.

Laura Taylor rode Jayne Griffiths’ dual coloured and weights contender, Pembrey Kinda Gold, to win the middleweights.

Lauren Rees’ Borderfields Mr Titan topped the smalls. The Balfour Whisper 12-year-old was ridden to glory by an air-punching Jessica Pritchard. They finished ahead of the youngest combination in the championship, Charlotte Owen’s homebred Tarr Dauntless ridden by her daughter Chloe Owen, 17.

• 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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Effortless elegance (or so it seems): refine your side-saddle skills to glide to the top of the ladies’ show horse line-up

‘Practice makes perfect’: how to impress the judge when showing in-hand

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A ladies’ horse for the show ring has a niche set of requirements, so if you’re looking to buy a side-saddle horse for this season or for some time in the future, then our guide is a must-read.

What is riding side-saddle?

Side-saddle is a style of riding that requires the rider to sit with both legs to one side of the saddle, rather than astride. Traditionally, side-saddle riding was undertaken by women out hunting, hence the word ladies’ being used when referring to side-saddle showing classes. Sitting sideways allowed a woman to ride a horse while also wearing a long dress.

Compared to riding astride, a side-saddle rider sits further back and on more top of the horse with both legs positioned to one side. Many riders carry a cane to use as a guide, support and to give signals to the horse on the offside, and have a longer length of rein.

Many showing classes permit side-saddle riders and there are also a host of sections and shows specifically for enthusiasts, such as the National Side-Saddle Association championships. On the showing circuit, the most prestigious classes to win are the ladies’ show hunter final at the Royal International (RIHS) and the ladies’ show horse of the year at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). 

Many riders choose to ride sideways and there are many opportunities to give it a go aside from in the show ring. Hunting and dressage are disciplines where you may spot side-saddle riders.

Will my current horse do side-saddle?

Katie Jerram-Hunnable has ridden many top side-saddle horses during her career. She was supreme at HOYS in 2010 with the ladies’ champion Dunbeacon.

Katie advises that if you have a younger horse that has never carried a side-saddle before, then it is not a given that the horse will take to it.

“While you can often predict if a horse is going to carry a side-saddle due to their stamp and how they are put together, sometimes they just don’t like the feel of it,” Katie says. “In this instance I would not push it; it’s a big heavy saddle and it can provide a feeling that not every horse will cope with.”

What qualities should I look for in a side-saddle horse?

“A good ladies’ horse should not be so big that it’s possibly intimidating,” Katie continues. “For me, an ideal stamp would be somewhere between a large riding horse and a lightweight hunter, and in years gone by, the top ladies’ rides were lovely thoroughbred horses.”

Conformation, like in any type of show horse, is key, as Katie explains: “You want a nice shoulder, a good length of rein and somewhere for the saddle to sit comfortably on the back. For the ladies’ job, I would avoid a horse that is too tall – it will be difficult for the judge to get on – or something with flat withers. I would also avoid a horse with choppy striding, an upside down neck or an excessively straight shoulder. If the horse had plenty of length through the ribs that would be preferable to a horse that was shorter and more butty in its body.

“Temperament wise, you want a horse that is trainable, and also not cold backed in the slightest,” Katie adds. “Side-saddle horses have to cope with a lot; you only have one leg, using a stick as the other, so they do need to be relatively easy going, though they can learn and improve with consistent training. I like a horse with a good mouth for this job; when I’m ride judging I like to be able to take a contact. We don’t want something that holds itself too high or won’t take the rein forward, we are looking for an even and soft feel in the contact.”

How much should I expect to pay?

Horses vary in price depending on many factors such as competition record, breeding, age, temperament and experience, as well as the situation of the seller. As a ladies’ horse will likely have a sound temperament and usually takes a side-saddle as a secondary job, they can fetch higher prices.

“I would expect to pay between £15,000 and £30,000 for a good ladies’ horse with a nice temperament and quality conformation,” says Katie. “That is quite a large window, but an open horse or something that is at least up and running in a side-saddle would be in demand.”

Where should I look?

Side-saddle horses will be advertised at various times in the season on online platforms, via private sellers and professional horse dealers. Horses are sometimes sold via word of mouth.

Katie has introduced many horses to a side-saddle herself, though she says this is not something to introduce during a viewing: “If someone came to view a horse that had never taken a side-saddle before and asked if it could be ridden in one on the day, I would say no, even if they thought it to be the ideal stamp for the job. This would be your responsibility once you got the horse home and had gotten used to him astride. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so don’t rush this process.”

I’ve agreed to buy a horse, now what?

When you have agreed on a sale, it is time to organise a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended.

The vet will assess the horse with the specific job you want it for in mind, so it’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting that your main goal is to ride side-saddle. If you tell the vet that you want the horse for the show ring, they should hopefully inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults which could impact its future career, even if they don’t impact its soundness or performance.

“I would never sell a horse without a vetting being done, and I would never buy a horse without a vetting certificate, either,” says Katie. “A five-stage would be preferable for an open show horse.”

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

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

You may also be interested in:

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Side by side: Three generations of side saddle riders compete at championship show

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If you’re on the hunt for a top-class show horse for this season and beyond, then these tips on how to buy a show hunter could be a good place to start.

What is a show hunter?

Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain’s definition of a show hunter is “a mare or gelding capable or likely to be capable of carrying its designated weight regularly for a full day’s hunting. It should have substance, quality and a calm, bold temperament. It should have the conformation to produce high performance.”

The British Show Horse Association adds: “It should have the conformation to produce high performance with sustained soundness. It should be alert and when ridden, have four athletic natural paces.”

Show hunters are divided into three weight sections; lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight.

A lightweight should be able to carry up to 12st 7lb, stand around 16-16.2hh and have about eight and a half inches of bone under the knee.

A middleweight hunter stands around 16.3hh, can carry between 12st 7lb and 14st and has around nine inches of bone.

A heavyweight stands around 17hh, has nine to nine and a half inches of bone and is capable of carrying more than 14st.

In addition to the three weight divisions, hunters can contest small hunter classes (horses under 15.2hh), ladies’ hunter classes (to be ridden side-saddle) and working hunter classes, which includes a jumping section.

Show hunters are arguably one of the most competitive classes within showing. The main championships are held at the Royal International (RIHS) and the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), with separate classes for amateur hunter owners at some shows.

A show hunter is a solid choice for an amateur due to their versatility and ability to compete in multiple disciplines.

What should I look for in a show hunter?

Robert Walker is the circuit’s leading producer of hunters. He has won the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) hunter championship numerous times, including in 2023 riding MHS Morning Master. He is known for producing young hunters through the ranks.

“Conformationally, he has got to be sound with no faults,” begins Robert, who has also won the prestigious novice hunter accolade at Royal Windsor several times during his career. “I would never buy a horse that is back at the knee or that has a bad foreleg. It’s a big no no for me and I would always walk away from something with this fault.

“Ultimately, the horse needs to have a category to fit into, too. When I’m looking at him I’m asking myself ‘what would he make and where will he end up?’ Will he make a lightweight, middleweight, a heavyweight, or a small? Can I predict his type in some way by looking at his current frame and at the breeding?”

Robert says that ensuring your potential buy has the X-Factor is essential.

“One of the main things we’re also looking for is star appeal. He’s going to be a show horse so this element is vital,” he confirms. “Due to breeding influences over the years the movement of each of the weights has become more similar. There are some heavyweights out on the circuit that have such good steps. Hunter classes are now so competitive that a horse has to move across the floor and go around the ring elegantly, like dancers on a dance floor. Movement sets the best apart from the rest.”

If looking at an older horse with some mileage under its belt, Robert says: “Try to find something that still enjoys the game. It can be hard to find one that has done a few seasons but is still up for the job. Try to assess if the horse will stand up to different types of going, too. We often get sent older horses for hunting as they didn’t like the harder ground you often need to perform on during the summer season. With this in mind, also pay close attention to his joints and joint capsules. Ask yourself if this horse is going to have much longevity.”

What weight or age of hunter should I buy?

It is important to be suitably mounted with a horse of the correct size and stamp for your height and weight. Robert also says that you need to consider your own situation before choosing a stamp or age of horse.

“People have different circumstances,” explains Robert. “If you work full time and have an elderly parent putting your horse in and out, you need something that they are going to be able to cope with. Most young hunters are impressive, strapping animals, so ask yourself if the horse in question will fit in with your lifestyle. Size is irrelevant, really, as it’s more about the temperament and level-headedness of the horse.”

Where shall I buy a hunter from?

Hunters for sale will be advertised at various times in the season on online platforms, as well as being sold via word of mouth.

“When I was a teenager buying a hunter was a much easier process,” says Robert. “Nearly every agricultural show or major fixture like Royal Dublin had an abundance of traditionally-bred young horses that were for sale. Today, there are usually one or two on the market that everyone wants.

“My main advice for buyers is to be open-minded. I’m very fortunate that I have lots of young horses coming through and we have the space to turn them away if necessary. This isn’t practical for everyone and some riders can only have one horse. In this case, don’t be afraid to ask the professionals if they know of a horse for sale.

“At the end of the season we have a few young horses that have had a good education up for sale. It’s not because they aren’t good enough, but we need to make space for the next crop coming through. Ask around and you might be surprised at what you might find.”

How much should I expect to pay for a hunter?

“Everything has gone up in price, including the price of horses,” says Robert. “You might be very lucky and drop onto one that someone wants rid of due to circumstances. But, nearly everyone knows if they’ve got a really good horse. The top horses will always fetch the top money.

“Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere between £25,000 and £40,000 for a top established horse being shown at the highest level. While £10,000 and £15,000 could get you a nice young horse. But they’re all priced differently and if you want a good horse you will need to pay the money; you could buy an old banger, or you could get what you want, but you’ll need to pay!”

What happens when I’ve agreed to buy a horse?

When you have agreed on a sale, it is time to organise a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended.

The vet will assess the horse with the specific job you want it for in mind, so it’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting that your main goal is to compete as a show hunter. If you tell the vet that you want the horse for the show ring, they should hopefully inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults which could impact its future career, even if they don’t impact its soundness or performance.

Robert says: “I appreciate that I have the experience to check a horse over myself, but if you don’t have this knowledge then get a vet involved. I would look around the horse, check how it lands when being trotted up and I would listen to the breathing. If you don’t have this experience then ask around and find a vet you can trust to do the assessment.”

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

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

You may also be interested in:

How can I buy the perfect working hunter?

Looking to buy a show hunter pony? Where to search and exactly what to look for

How to buy the perfect Dartmoor pony for either yourself or a child

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Expert advice for anyone looking to buy a working hunter pony

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

Tributes have been paid to Rose Bailey’s prolific heavyweight hunter Twinshock Warrior, who was put to sleep aged 13 on Wednesday, 21 May, after an intense and complicated colic.

By Ricardo Z, Bernard was bred to jump, but destined instead to take the showing world by storm.

His potential was first spotted by his previous owner Jill Marsden. “He was quite literally in a neighbour’s field at the bottom of her garden,” his long-term producer Jayne Ross told H&H.

“He belonged to the neighbouring farmer, who had bought him to hunt. Jill watched him grow and grow until she finally approached his owner to ask to buy him, then swiftly sealed the deal.”

Bernard was started by Steve Pitt and Simon Charlesworth, then moved to Jayne’s yard as a five-year-old.

“I was just so lucky that we just hit it off,” said Jayne. “He was a horse you had to ask, not tell, but we were on the same wavelength. I was his partner in crime, mainly.”

Twinshock Warrior rose quickly through the ranks, winning and standing reserve champion at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2018 as a six-year-old. The following year, he did the double, taking the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) hunter tricolour and sweeping through the card at HOYS, landing the overall supreme horse title.

Shortly afterwards, he changed ownership. Rose Bailey and her parents visited the yard to view a riding horse, but Rose enquired about Bernard, setting in motion a different turn of events.

Bernard went on to win both these major fixtures again, as well as Royal Windsor and he was twice supreme at the National Hunter championships. Bath and West Show, which opens this week, was one his favourites, and he boasted three championships there.

“He was like a Formula One car to ride; he had an engine to die for. And he was so light on his feet,” said Jayne. Remarkably, for a horse of his stature, Bernard coped admirably in an indoor space. “He just adapted, but lost none of his pizzazz and dazzle.”

In his downtime Bernard was everyone’s favourite at home. He enjoyed hunting amd jumping – “though he liked to be up front and wasn’t a social hunter,” – and he loved his time in his paddock every night.

“I have been unbelievably lucky in my career to have some wonderful horses and he was one of them. We will never, ever get another Bernard. He was the gift that kept on giving,” said Jayne.

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The home-produced combination of Heidi Cooper and 133cm winner Dowhills Nuage Noir (Nigel) fought off star-studded competition to land the show hunter pony championship and their biggest title to date at Royal Windsor.

“Things like this don’t happen to people like us, it’s completely unreal,” said Heidi’s mother, Rachel Cowen. “Heidi has done all of the work herself.”

Rachel also explained that Nigel — by Jackets Shades of Blue and purchased as a two-year-old from breeder Jane Cross — has been relatively low mileage: “He’s seven now and has taken a long time to mature, but he’s hit the ground running this season qualifying for Royal International and London International already.”

A tearful Heidi added: “It’s everything I’ve wished for.”

Standing reserve was Kirsty Andrews’ 153cm winner Merrycorner Mr Bui ridden by Kirsty’s daughter Ellie Harrington.

The 13-year-old by Connemara pony Templebready Fear Bui is once again based with Team Helliwell, where he started his stellar career with Harriett Dennison on board, before a stint with Team Walker member Zara Brookes.

He is probably one of the most consistent 153cm contenders of our times, being four times show hunter pony champion at Hickstead and a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) winner to boot.

Former HOYS champion and twice Royal International (RIHS) winner Morning Sunflower topped the 143cm class. The Rosscon Sunrise nine-year-old mare was ridden by owner Fiona Radford Jones’ daughter Isabella, 15.

Producer Lucy Glover spotted Sunflower during her four-year-old season when she was with Ashlea Brown.

“She’s been an amazing pony for us,” said Lucy. “She’s the easiest pony in the world. We were really sad when Isabella O’Donnell, her previous rider was out of class and she had to be sold after HOYS 2023, so we were thrilled to be able to carry on producing her.”

The smallest winner forwards was 123cm winner Small-land Jackpot, who landed Isabella Walker her third win of the day. Owned by Julie Massey, the nine-year-old Millwood Equador gelding had been shown on the lead, but is enjoying a switch of roles with Isabella, and the pair are already Hickstead-bound.

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Beth Jacomb scored her first red rosette at Royal Windsor Horse Show in the ladies’ hunter class, beating several top names into poll position with her own Triple Crown III.

London-based Beth keeps the 10-year-old with showing producer Will Morton and has owned the Kings Master-sired gelding for five years.

Having stood third at Royal International Horse Show last season, the pair picked up their first ticket to the Horse of the Year Show at the Side Saddle Association national championships.

“He’s a bit of a spoilt brat; he knows how much everyone loves him and he really milks it,” laughed Beth.

Charlotte Clarke with her own and her mother Liz Trembath’s lightweight hunter victor Harbour Master finished in second place, ridden earlier in the day by producer Jayne Ross.

Third was Thursday’s amateur reserve hunter champion Kildalkey Lasrach, owned by Cari Goodridge and ridden in this class by Olivia Minihane.

Surprise in Royal Windsor Horse Show small hunters

Producer Danielle Heath denied Alice Homer and Tidy Town their second consecutive win in the small hunter class when she sprung a surprise win on Louise Kite’s six-year-old gelding Quick Wit (Iggy).

Louise and Danielle have been friends for over 30 years and often talked about Louise owning a horse prior to buying Iggy in January.

“When the opportunity arose to have him, I called Louise and said you need to buy this one. He reminds me of a cross between my small hunter The Politician and Bersham Dragonfly,” said Danielle.

Iggy was bred by Jane Hall by the advanced event horse Brief Encounter and Danielle was surprised by how the horse handled the buzzy atmosphere of Royal Windsor Horse Show.

“He has only been to two small quiet shows previously,” admitted Danielle.

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Robert Walker secured back to back hunter championships at Royal Windsor Horse Show, this time taking the novice hunter with Jill Day’s eye-catching gelding Kief Dreamcatcher (Chicken).

The five-year-old dark bay gelding was spotted by Robert in Ireland. They went back to see him as a two-year-old and purchased him from Desmond Gibson, from whom they also purchased his open hunter champion Greenhall Treasure Island.

Despite finishing second in the novice lightweight division to Will Morton aboard Rosamund Lane’s five-year-old Red Valentine II, Chicken rose to the occasion in the championship to come out on top.

“He had a little hump with the judge in the class,” admitted Robert, who added: “I went back to the lorry feeling very excited for his future, but when we came back for the championship he turned the judges’ decision around.

“I’d say if you want a 16.1hh lightweight hunter then he is every bit of that. Ever since we backed him he is just a natural, he just carries himself so lovely,” said Robert, who already claimed the novice hunter title with him at North of England in April.

Royal Windsor Horse Show reserve novice hunter champion

Alice Homer landed the novice heavyweight class and went on secure to reserve championship on the six-year-old black gelding Gunpowder Plot.

He is owned by Georgina Dunne, who only purchased him last autumn and has been riding him while Alice enjoyed six months of travelling in Australia and New Zealand.

“Hopefully he will make a lovely middleweight, but we would really love for him to make a worker; he has a fantastic jump,” said Alice.

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Robert Walker and Greenhall Treasure Island came out on top in a clash of the titans for the Royal Windsor Horse Show hunter championship as current and former Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Royal International (RIHS) winners went head to head for the coveted title.

The nine-year-old middleweight hunter winner, who is by the thoroughbred stallion Island Commander out of the Irish Draught mare Greenhall Diamond Lady and is known at home as Larry, previously won here in 2023.

Owned by Jill Day, Larry took the young horse supreme at Dublin as a two-year-old, setting him on the path to become one of the next hunter superstars.

“He is a horseman’s horse, traditionally bred thoroughbred and Irish Draught, of which there aren’t many about now of this calibre,” said an elated Robert.

“David Tatlow used to say that a hunter should be a kettle that’s boiling but not spilling over, and that’s exactly how Larry felt today. He had charisma and rode amazing, taking me for the ride today.”

Robert added: “For me, there are four main championships that you want to win with a hunter and the first one of the season is here, then Great Yorkshire, RIHS and HOYS.”

Larry’s standout achievements include taking the hunter championship at Great Yorkshire twice and winning Hickstead in 2023.

Robert is no stranger to taking this championship, having now won it an incredible nine times, including four with lightweight View Point (Sean).

“Sean and Larry have been turned out together in the field recently, so he has obviously been giving him some tips,” joked Robert.

Katie Jerram-Hunnable finished second in the middleweight division aboard Ruth Flack’s exciting grey gelding Louis, a six-year-old by Langaller Starring Role.

Reserve champion hunter at Royal Windsor Horse Show

Matt Ainsworth capped a memorable visit to Royal Windsor Horse Show when he clinched the heavyweight class and stood reserve with Sue Hookam’s impressive chestnut gelding Dublins Streetfighter (James).

The 13-year-old gelding won HOYS in 2021, but a win here has been on the bucketlist for owner Sue for a long time.

“This is his swansong as we will retire James this year,” explained Matt, who added: “This horse has set us alight really, he has won so many big championships.

“Sue has been my biggest supporter for such a long time so I’m so pleased that he did it for her. It is really special.”

Jayne Ross finished second with Rose Bailey’s prolific heavyweight Twinshock Warrior, but went one better in the lightweight class with the dual RIHS winner Harbour Master to lead the field.

The nine-year-old gelding is owned by Liz Trembath and Charlotte Clark, who rode him to victory in the ladies hunter final at RIHS last season. The 2024 HOYS lightweight hunter winner Tigbourne, owned by Lucinda Freedman and ridden by Hannah Horton finished second.

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There was cause for celebration for showing producer Jayne Ross on the opening day of Royal Windsor Horse Show as the two horses that clinched the championship and reserve amateur hunter titles were both produced by her team.

Rose Bailey made a winning return to the show ring, taking the amateur middleweight/heavyweight class with her outstanding grey gelding Bloomfield Greystones (Liam) just 11 weeks after the birth of her daughter Clementine.

The pair are repeating their victory from last year, and this is also their third consecutive win here in this class – they finished reserve in 2023.

“I couldn’t think of anyone better to get me back on board and in the ring than Jayne – and Liam,” said Rose, who works full time as a lawyer and lives in central London with the 10-year-old being based at Jayne’s yard in Buckinghamshire.

Reserve amateur hunter champion at Royal Windsor Horse Show

“It is always just such a fantastic experience to ride at Royal Windsor and on a horse like him who was a dream today,” said an emotional Cari Goodridge aboard her own Kildalkey Lasrach, who finished second and reserve to Rose.

The chestnut gelding also contends the open and ladies ranks, partnered in the latter by Olivia Minihane, who rode him on his Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) debut last season.

“He will be heading to [Royal International Horse Show] RIHS in the open, amateur and ladies finals and we love the big county shows like Royal Bath and West,” said Cari.

Hannah Binks rode the charming grey small hunter Oaktree Day Dream to lead the field in the small/lightweight class. Produced by Team Helliwell, the six-year-old mare was bred by Claire Cooper and is by the Irish Draught stallion Bannvalley Pride of Midnight.

They secured their pass to HOYS in the small hunters at the end of last season and were also victorious at the British Show Horse Association national championships in the amateur small/lightweight division.

Lauren Falcus-Wright rode her own lightweight hunter Diptford Above Suspicion into second place. Produced by Danielle Heath, the pair won the RIHS amateur lightweight hunter qualifier at BSPS Area 7, where they also finished reserve champions.

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Producer Matthew Ainsworth will be putting show hunter pony competitors through their paces next month as he assesses the performance aspect as show hunter pony judge at Royal Windsor Horse Show. But who is he, and what will he be looking for? If you’re heading to the King’s back garden with a hunter pony in tow, be sure to take notes…!

“I’m Lancashire born and bred,” says Matthew, though he is now based in Gloucestershire. He explains that he moved south to work for renowned showman Robert Oliver aged just 16 years old, and stayed in the area when he set up his own yard six years later.

Hunters and cobs are Matthew’s speciality, with several crackers of both types passing through his hands, including twice Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) winner, heavyweight hunter Dublin Streetfighter.

Although, Matthew admits that while he enjoys showing, he loves the young horses.

“That’s where I get my kicks,” he explains. “Finding young ones and seeing them come on.”

Matthew sits on several panels, and has had the pleasure of judging at the highest level, including Horse of the Year Show.

Show hunter pony judge at Royal Windsor: “They’ve got to gallop”

So what will Matthew be looking for at Windsor?

“The first thing I ask myself when I look at a hunter pony is, ‘if I blew it up, would it make a middle-weight hunter’?” explains Matthew. “Although I’m not on conformation, type and way of going for that type is important.

“The pony should be pleasing on the eye, have short cannons, be low to the ground and workmanlike with plenty of bone.”

Once on the go, Matthew again stresses that they should be true to the hunter pony type.

“The main thing for me, is riders must remember that they are riding a show hunter pony, not a show pony. I’ll want to see the pony cover the ground and travel; I don’t like to see them on the spot and going nowhere.”

He specifically mentions the walk and gallop.

“I was always taught that the walk is the first thing a judge sees, and it’s the last thing they remember, as you begin and end both the go round and show at walk.

“And they have got to gallop,” he adds. “They should lower their heads and travel over the ground, not look as if they’re climbing a ladder.”

Anything else?

“Manners,” he says. “At the end of the day, a hunter pony is still a child’s pony, and I always take into account the go round, too. They have to be well behaved on the go round, and if they’re not, I’ll take that into account when awarding a show mark.”

You heard it here first, so have fun practicing that gallop!

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For any show horse producer or competitive amateur, the hunter weight classes at any county show or major championships are regarded as one of the most prestigious sections to reign in on the circuit. Training for show hunter classes requires an all-round, mannerly performance, demonstrating comfortable, ground-covering paces and providing a great ride, not just for the producer, but the judge, too.

Hunters are required to excel in three phases – the go-round, the ride and the conformation phase. They must move effortlessly through all four paces, showcasing a ground-covering walk, a workmanlike yet expressive trot, a balanced and forward canter and an impressive yet controlled gallop.

A hunter must perform exceptionally for both its own rider and for the ride judge. The hunter classes are often held in a main ring, too, so the horse must be able to remain well-mannered in a busy atmosphere.

The type of ride the ride judge will favour will depend on their own preferences, however correct schooling, manners, style, balance and obedience will be important irrespective of who is assessing on the day.

Ultimately, a hunter must be capable of performing on the hunt field for the day with its designated weight of rider, though they must also be of a certain quality in terms of conformation, essential for any type of show horse.

Hunters are divided into three weight sections; lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight.

• A lightweight should be able to carry up to 12st 7lb, stand around 16-16.2hh and have about eight and a half inches of bone under the knee.
• A middleweight hunter stands around 16.3hh, can carry between 12st 7lb and 14st and has around nine inches of bone.
• A heavyweight stands around 17hh, has nine to nine and a half inches of bone and is capable of carrying more than 14st.

There is also a class for small hunters – hunter types under 15.2hh – and ladies’ hunters that are shown in a side-saddle.

Check out H&H’s extensive guide to show hunter classes.

Irrespective of whether you want to compete your show hunter at the very top at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal International (RIHS) or at your local county show, you will need to ensure your training and schooling plan is pushing you in the right direction.

Top tips for training for show hunter classes

If you’re struggling to make progress with your show hunter or currently feel unprepared, these tips from two leading show horse producers are sure to help you on your path to success.

Jayne Ross is one of the show horse circuit’s most garlanded riders. She has won the supreme at HOYS and the RIHS multiple times on various weights of hunter. One of her recent superstar hunters was the heavyweight Twinshock Warrior, who was supreme at HOYS in 2019 and lost to colic in 2025. She was also supreme at HOYS with the dual lightweight and ladies’ contender Time 2 Reflect.

Robert Walker is the most prolific show hunter producer in the county. He has won the hunter of the year title at HOYS seven times, including on four separate occasions with the legendary View Point. Robert has won the Royal Windsor hunter title a record number of times and he’s also landed multiple RIHS hunter titles. Robert is also joint-master of the Cheshire Hunt.

1. Working with the natural frame

When you first start your show ring prospect out under saddle, Robert advises to initially consider the horse’s natural frame and capabilities. Ultimately, a hunter should move freely forward in an uphill contact. As a rider, aim to “always be looking at the horse’s top plait.”

“This is especially important if you’re working with a bigger type of hunter,” he says. “I always look at the frame and work out what they’re likely to find more difficult in terms of work. For example, some horses are built more downhill so will ride that way initially.

“Therefore, it would be pointless and unhelpful to get on and expect them to naturally carry themselves and lift. The nagging would make them sit in my hand even more.”

Robert is an advocate of letting a horse come together in their own time, a process which is aided by getting the basic training principles right.

“It’s so important to let a horse learn to go forwards, carry themselves, respond to the correct aids and find their own rhythm,” he says. “In time, they develop their muscles, and they strengthen, coming up in front and giving you that light feeling we are aiming for.”

2. Lifting off the hand

Continuing, Robert notes that some young horses, especially those that are “loose goers”, can rely on the rider’s hand for comfort. While it can be easy for a rider to act as a safety net for their horse, the ride judge won’t provide such a support when in the ring.

“A judge isn’t going to hold your horse’s hand like you will,” Robert says. “Therefore, ensuring the horse works in an up, light and balanced contact is important. We do this by giving them an all-round education, which in turn encourages them to move forwards and be happy in their jobs.”

Robert says one of his current top middleweights, former Great Yorkshire champion Greenhall Treasure Island, initially struggled to maintain a consistent way of going when a ride judge would get on.

“He was so active when he was young that he needed you to be with him completely throughout,” Robert explains. “He would find his own stride overpowering and he’d struggle to balance his front end. During the Covid year, we gave him so much time to find his feet by hacking him around the farm and riding him in the fields.

“When schooling, I’d constantly half-halt him so he’d learn to use his hind leg and would come up through his shoulder. I never used my hand to get him to work in a forced shape as this would have only made him lean on me and get anxious.”

3. Learning to embrace sparkle

“One common thing I see riders do, irrespective of being on a hunter, a hack or a pony, is they over-try, often due to nerves,” Robert says. “For example, a combination will be stood for the judge and as soon as they’re asked to walk away they will shorten their reins so the horse instantly gathers and tenses. You wouldn’t expect a car to go forwards with the break on – it’s the same principle with a horse.

“The performances can also lack any sort of sparkle or presence as riders generally choose to ride a very safe show, pulling the horse into an outline and not taking any risks.”

Robert believes the marking system is partly to blame for lack-lustre showmanship.

“It creates a belief that you need to play small and safe as riders don’t want to get anything wrong in the fear they will lose marks,” he says. “Therefore, many performances lack expression.

“Our show animals should be expressive as well as light and forward, on the edge of boiling over. In my opinion, I’d rather see something go wrong for two seconds than watch 20 seconds of boredom.

“Try to ride in a positive way. Look up where you’re going and in turn the horse will do the same. Loosen your contact for the first few strides so the horse can move off forward. You can back off by half-halting as you progress.”

Robert adds: “This lack of expression was less of an issue when I was growing up as not many people had arenas and most of the rings were big outdoor park spaces.

“The lightweight Royal Flush was a horse who had exceptional presence. He wasn’t the most quality horse of my career in many ways, but he was so expressive and outdoors he would use his natural rhythm to outclass everything else in the ring.”

4. A smooth gallop

Robert believes that show riders shouldn’t take the word “gallop” so literally when teaching the horse how to gallop, which is an important pace in show hunter classes.

“It should be a lengthen of the stride, not just going fast,” he says. “It’s a reach and a stretch of the canter, not going from nought to 90 in a few seconds. If you come off the corner too quickly it can look like a scrambling scuttle.

“It also looks untidy when you pull up right in front of the judge suddenly and some riders pull with their outside hand at this point, causing the horse to swap legs. You should begin to encourage the extension as you come around the corner, so the horse pushes from behind, comes up in front and smoothly lengthens. Then, using your voice or your seat you can progressively come back to a rhythmical canter.”

5. Not just going through the motions

Both Jayne and Robert have officiated in the amateur finals at London International Horse Show (LIHS). Jayne says that these are ideal classes for those looking to enter the showing scene, but if you’re looking to step up to the higher levels, then refinements will be essential.

“If you’re hoping to compete your hunter at the RIHS, even in the amateur hunter finals which are seriously hotly contested these days, you need to present the horse correctly; be aware that if you’re riding a hunter then it must go like a hunter,” Jayne says.

“It’s brilliant to play around over winter with dressage outings and some jumping, but you need to get back into show mode once you’re looking to get back in the ring.”

To Jayne, presenting your hunter successfully includes showing the horse working well in all four paces.

She continues: “Your horse must go like a true hunter, travelling forwards while looking through the bridle with interest. This doesn’t mean bouncing around the place, but they must cover the ground and show themselves off to their full potential. Don’t just go through the motions.”

5. Walking with purpose

Jayne says the walk is often the most overlooked pace in most classes, though a hunter’s walk is one of the most important gaits.

“Even when schooling, many riders don’t do enough in the walk; they push straight into trot just looking to crack on and get the job done,” she says. “A walk is the horse’s most natural gait, though people are so obsessed with moving into trot. A strong, quality walk, though, can make such a difference. The walk should be interesting, enthusiastic and swinging.”

For training the walk for show hunter classes, Jayne maintains that variety in their work helps all her horses.

“We walk up hills and on rougher terrain so the horse learns where to put his feet independently,” she says. “If you want to lengthen the walk a little, walk over poles on the ground so the horse is encouraged to lower and work through the back.”

Jayne makes use of all her horse’s walks at every opportunity, as she explains: “If I’m in a supreme, I make such a big deal of the walk. It’s so lovely, as a judge, to see a horse really swinging through their shoulder while showing off in the walk.”

6. Forward and flowing transitions

“Consider moving forwards in all the transitions, not just once you’re in the pace,” Jayne says. “You’ve got to let the horse travel up through and into the pace with a forward and enthusiastic attitude.

“We always ask to move ‘forwards’ into trot and ‘forwards’ into canter, and also ‘forwards’ back to trot and canter – it’s always move forwards, never back. You need to allow the horse to move through those gears without restrictions.

“To encourage this, try to sit up in the saddle without getting hold of the reins too much. Don’t get too wound up about the stopping and steadying bit!”

7. Ride it like you stole it

Both Jayne and Rob are two riders who display exemplary showmanship in the ring. Their riding style is effective, yet looks totally effortless. Having confidence in the ring can make a huge difference to the overall picture.

“When a rider gets nervous, they can tip forward a bit and grab hold of the reins; my advice is to consciously think about how you’re sitting in the saddle,” Jayne says. “Use your weight, not your hand, to steady the horse.

“I always tell my clients to allow yourself to melt into the saddle like chocolate; feel yourself soften and let the horse absorb you. In trot, slow your rising rather than block with your hand. The horse will wait for you as they’ll feel you’ve gone quiet in your leg and have slowed your seat.”

Thank you for subscribing to the H&H website. We will be bringing you showing news from major dates on the circuit including Royal Windsor, Royal Welsh, Royal International, HOYS and more, as well as important news that the showing world cares about throughout the year. Stick with us for all you need to know.

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The incredible show horse Briarhill Buddy Bolden cemented his name in the history books as he won the Hamilton Tarmac HOYS 2024 small show hunter of the year tricolour after winning the intermediate show hunter title just 24 hours later.

Meg Edmondson of Team Helliwell was in the saddle of her own and her mother Bridget’s Kings Cornet eight-year-old, who was achieving his third Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) victory of his career.

On Friday, teammate Harriet Dennison took the reins, as she did in 2022 when Buddy won the intermediate show hunter title on his debut in Birmingham.

Buddy is out of Durida and was bred by Anne Coyne. Meg bought him from Russell Skelton and James Murno in 2021. Meg last won HOYS in 2016 riding her own Blairfield Silicon.

“What a horse,” said an elated Meg, who was posting her show team’s third HOYS win of the week. “I am in shock, this will take a while to sink in.”

The pair were pulled in top in their class.

“He went so well in the class; he’s a true showman in every sense of the word,” Meg added. “He makes our job as riders easy. He’s just so so special to us.”

Buddy is also a dual Royal International Horse Show champion, having won in both small hunter and intermediate ranks.

When asked what the secret to his success is, Meg said: “He likes his Cumbrian hills. He hacks up them every single day. And he likes his field time; he needs it. He only schools once a week. He likes to keep things chilled.

“I never dared dream I could come back and do it again,” Meg added.

The Rosamund Lane-owned Lenhalls Legacy finished runner-up in the HOYS 2024 small show hunter of the year final with Will Morton.

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The reigning Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) supreme champions ensured their place in Sunday’s supreme horse championship to vie for that elusive double as they landed the crown in the Catplant Group of Companies 2024 HOYS show hunter of the year sash at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Craig Kiddier enjoyed his first-ever HOYS victory in the middleweight class riding Susan Tennant’s exceptional chestnut gelding Mulberry Lane (Obi). Obi, a nine-year-old by OBOS Quality, has appeared at HOYS several times on the flat and over fences.

At the NEC on Wednesday, Obi had an unlucky pole in the working hunter final, but he still finished third, impressing the judges so much that he stood above clear rounds.

Obi is arguably one of the most consistent show horses of the last few years. His RIHS supreme victory came after he’d won the working hunter championship for the second year in a row. During the same week at Hickstead, he was also second in the middleweights.

“They just don’t make horses like him very often; he does both jobs so so well and he is very special,” said Craig, who has ridden Obi since he was a four-year-old. “I’m not that into the flat showing that much, but we did it, and this happened. He’s the best horse in the world. He felt like he was on air today in the championship.

“As he’s mainly my worker, the flat is just an extra for us, so it’s so unexpected to go champion,” Craig added. “I just love riding him, though I do feel the pressure as I don’t want to let him down.”

Will Morton finished reserve in the 2024 HOYS show hunter of the year championship riding Sarah Tait’s upstanding heavyweight Ringwood The Specialist.

This was the 12-year-old’s first HOYS victory after being in the final line-up several years on the trot. This also marked Will’s first Birmingham win in hunter ranks after a few seconds.

“Felix” has won for his owner in the amateur hunter finals at the RIHS and he’s won at most major shows for the team. Today marks his final appearance in the ring as he now retires to Sarah’s home.

“He is phenomenal,” Will said. “He’s always been there or thereabouts and he deserved it today. I broke him as a four-year-old and he took a while to come into himself, in brain and in maturity. It feels very fitting to retire him today.”

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The show circuit’s most prolific heavyweight was the worthy winner of the 2024 RIHS Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain supreme hunter championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

Rose Bailey’s Twinshock Warrior (Bernard) and his long-term producer and rider Jayne Ross, former supreme champions at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), initially impressed ride judge Lesley Whitehall and conformation judge Jane Holderness-Roddam in the morning’s heavyweight final.

“He was my first horse of the day,” Lesley said. “For a big horse he is open though his shoulder, and he’s so loose and light; you could ride him on cotton. I could have sat on him all day. He’s also of such quality and oozes class.”

Bernard, a Ricardo Z 12-year-old out of Chillrea, was as on-form and fresh as ever in the main ring championship. His party-piece — a blistering gallop down the grandstand — was offered on the touch of a button to Jayne and respective lightweight and middleweight ride judges, Simon Grieve and Jolley Smith.

Bernard last took this title in 2019, when stand-in rider Vicky Smith took his reins in the championship as Jayne had another ride. He was section reserve in both 2022 and 2023. His other accolades include the 2019 HOYS supreme and multiple other county and national championship show titles.

“I get emotional at the best of times, but that was out of this world; Bernard was just sublime today,” Jayne said. “He’s the most unbelievable horse to ride in a ring like that. It’s so exciting for him to win it again. You never stop wanting it, especially once you’ve won in this arena before; it’s just so special.”

Bernard has been one of the most consistent show hunters of recent times, having been based with Jayne since he was a six-year-old. In his debut season in 2018, he finished reserve hunter champion at HOYS, cementing his connection’s belief in him.

When asked how she keeps him so up for the game, Jayne said: “He hacks, he’s out in the field and he goes on the canter tracks. He knows what he’s doing so he doesn’t need schooling or drilling at all.”

Reserve in the 2024 RIHS supreme hunter championship fell to the winning middleweight, Liz Prowting’s Bloomfield Eloquence, ridden by Loraine Homer. The Watermill Swatch 10-year-old is another who has thrived on Hickstead soil for the duration of his career, having won the middleweight spoils on previous occasions. He is also an RIHS ladies’ hunter champion and a multi-HOYS winner.

The second placed heavyweight was Jill Day’s first-season five-year-old IJ Countryman (Robert Walker) who was heading to the final after clinching the novice title at the Great Yorkshire.

Craig Kiddier and Sue and Vicky Tennant’s reigning RIHS worker champion and reserve supreme horse Mulberry Lane, another 2024 Great Yorkshire champion, finished second in the middleweights.

The winning lightweight was Liz Trembath and her daughter Charlotte Clarke’s Harbour Master, who Jayne piloted in the class but handed over to Charlotte for the championship. Charlotte and her eight-year-old returned to the ring later on in the day to score the ladies’ show hunter crown.

Second in the lightweight field was amateur home-producer Jane Collins and her own San Miguel.

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Robert Walker reclaimed the 2024 Royal Windsor novice hunter tricolour for the second year in a row, this time aboard Jill Day’s lovely lightweight contender Flash Point I.

The Watermill Swatch five-year-old is out of the same mare, Quality Dame, as Robert’s now retired legend View Point (Sean), a winner of the open hunter championship at Windsor a record four times and a former overall title holder when the show held a supreme.

The gelding was bought as a foal from his breeders, The Jones Family.

“Jill has loved him from day one,” said Robert. “As soon as he came trotting up over the hill with the other foals he stood out a mile off. He’s always had a lot of charisma.”

When asked if he shares qualities with his regarded brother, Robert said: “It’s a hard thing to explain. In some ways he’s very similar; he gives you a comfy feel like Sean and he has so much ability. But, he’s a more chilled out character. Ahead of his class today he only needed half an hour of work, despite being one of the lowest mileage horses on my team this year.”

Flash Point has only been shown lightly in 2024, his debut season in the ring, but he’s been successful at North of England spring and the two local NCPA shows he has contended.

“I was worried he wouldn’t be experienced enough for Windsor but he was just gorgeous today,” Robert said. “This [the novice hunter championship] is the one everyone wants to win with their young horses, and there were some nice future weight stars in that ring today. Investing in young show horses is one of Jill’s passions so this is one she always wants to aim for each season.”

Jayne Ross finished reserve in the 2024 Royal Windsor novice hunter championship riding the Trembath Family’s winning heavyweight KBF Stackton Tressel. Bred by Micheal Cook and Tony Reynolds, this six-year-old is by Aveia out of Sampsons Court LuLu.

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A former Royal Windsor Horse Show four-year-old winner and novice champion rose to the occasion to scoop his third victory on royal turf. On this occasion, Liz Prowting’s head-turning lightweight Bloomfield President (Nicky) netted one of the most coveted titles on offer, the LeMieux 2024 Royal Windsor hunter championship.

During the class, the seven-year-old grey gelding was piloted to glory by his usual rider, 22-year-old Alice Homer. However, when Alice also led the heavyweight field riding Liz’s OBOS Quality son Bloomfield Distinction (Nixon), also seven, her mother Loraine Homer was called in to take President’s reins during the final showdown.

“There wasn’t really a discussion about which horse we would ride,” said Alice. “Mum does more with Nicky at home, and I know Nixon much better than she does. It’s such a big occasion to ride something you’ve never ridden before, and they both needed a good experience. It’s all about our team and the opportunity for the horses at the end of the day, and we made the decision based on who knew which horse best.”

Judges Nigel Wakley and Lesley Anne Jones assessed lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight fields in the main ring before they returned for the final championship. The heavens opened part-way through the second class but the judges continued their appointment, Lesley Anne soldiering on with riding in a stylish and sympathetic manner, Nigel continuing to cast his eagle eye over the conformation of the exhibits.

Eventual champion Nicky is a seven-year-old who was bred by Daphne Tierney out of Bloomfields Rebekah by Emperor Augustus. Rebekah is also the dam of this year’s amateur hunter champion, Rose Bailey’s middleweight gelding Bloomfield Greystones.

“He really relishes it here,” said Alice, Windsor novice hunter champion with Nicky in 2022. “Last year he was a bit overwhelmed by the atmosphere in the open lightweights, but this season he’s come out as a different horse. While he’s always been beautiful, his mind is there now. He’s so laid back that it’s taken a while for the penny to drop.”

Loraine has won the hunter championship at Royal Windsor twice prior on legends Major Moylaw and Bow River. Her father David Tatlow also netted the title several times during his own career.

Nixon holds dear to Alice, as she explained: “He’s gorgeous and I adore him, especially as Grandad bought him as a foal.”

Both horses were shown in-hand in Ireland prior to joining the Homers in the UK. In 2019, Nicky lifted the traditional-bred championship at Royal Dublin, while Nixon was All Ireland champion as a two-year-old. The Bloomfield Stud’s very own Daphne Tierney rode him to be champion hunter at Balmoral Show in his debut ridden season in 2021, too.

Section reserve was seven-time Royal Windsor hunter championship winner Robert Walker, this time partnering Jill Day’s 2022 Horse of the Year Show middleweight of the year Crystal Cove. The Rehy High Society nine-year-old is out of Kilfearagh Breeze and he was bred by the Costello Family. He has only ever been lightly shown, but has managed titles at Devon County among others during his career.

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Ahead of the 2024 Royal Windsor Horse Show, H&H caught up with amateur hunter ride judge Michelle Burgess who will be officiating alongside conformation judge Billy Moran to find out exactly what she’ll be looking for on the go-round and while sitting on the horses.

Who is Michelle Burgess?

Cornwall-based Michelle Burgess is a judge who sits on Sports Horse Breeding of Great Britain and British Show Horse Association panels. She has previously judged the ladies’ and small hunter classes at Windsor and she has also officiated the ladies’ show horse of the year final at Horse of the Year Show and at the Royal International, where she also judged the amateur riding horses. She has judged Royal Dublin twice. Michelle hunts with the North Cornwall.

What will you be looking for as combinations enter the ring?

“I will be looking for a horse that’s true to type, has good paces and fills my eye,” Michelle says. “I really want a horse that catches my attention from the off with its presence.

“When they enter the ring I’ll be looking for those horses with nice swinging walks. I don’t like stuffy horses that don’t go forward, so I want something that covers the ground as it moves up the gears.”

While Michelle is judging the ride, she will give the horses a once over in the championship.

“I like a hunter to stand four-square over the ground, fills the eye and has enough bone for its type,” she says.

What will you be looking for when in the saddle?

“A balanced ride that is light in the hand and goes off my leg,” Michelle says. “A hunter must go forward and they must travel. They must be mannerly, of course, but I would not necessarily harshly penalise a small spook or a stride of wrong leg, especially if it’s my fault, as long as it’s nothing nasty.”

What are some of your pet hates in show horses?

“I don’t like stuffy horses that don’t take the rider forward; if you’re out hunting you don’t want to be kicking all day,” Michelle continues. “I also don’t like too much make-up on a horse; there is nothing worse than going up to say hello to an animal and coming away with your coat covered in oil and black smears! I’m not a fan of excessive make-up that looks like the horse has big black panda eyes. Ultimately, too much make-up detracts from the horse when it should enhance, so don’t over-do it.”

Any advice for those heading to Royal Windsor for the first time?

“The class will take place on a grass arena so, if weather allows for it, get out of the sand school and practice on grass. It’s a different experience for both the horse and the rider. I’ve always ridden my hunters in fields so they get used to travelling and going forwards in an open space.

“I would also recommend working on transitions prior to the show so your horse is really moving off the leg and riding up into the bridle.

“Finally, make sure someone else has ridden your horse a few times before a ride judge gets on.”

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A leading showing society has announced that four-year-old hunter classes run under its rules will no longer require a ride judge.

The Sports Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHB (GB)) now states that judges will not ride the exhibits in four-year-old hunter classes, with the exception of championship classes such as those held at the National Hunter Supreme championship show, where a ride judge will assess the entries.

Competitors in SHB (GB) four-year-old hunter classes should also not be asked to gallop as a class by the judge, but they should change the rein.

Judges will ride any four-year-olds presented in novice classes, and there will be a special award for the highest placed four-year-old in novice classes.

Ruth Flack, chairman of judges, rules and show committee for SHB (GB), said: “The demise of four-year-old hunter classes has been slow and steady. The numbers forward have been reducing and this has made it more difficult for shows to sustain the class in the schedule.

“We asked producers and breeders what we could do to encourage people to show their four-year-olds and most thought that it would be better if they were not required to be ready for a ride judge so early on in the season. It’s daunting for any person to take such a young horse into the ring and ask a judge to ride it, especially on a cold, windy day in a strange environment.

“Some horses may need time to learn without the added pressure of a different rider introduced at their first few shows. We all want to give our young horses the very best experiences possible at the start of their careers and this rule change gives owners the chance to prepare them over a period of time.

“It’s hoped that this new rule will encourage owners to bring their youngsters out and for shows to hold classes for four-year-olds. We aim to give this rule a try for a period of time to see if the classes are used more.”

The society’s first four-year-old class of the season will be at the spring show at Addington Equestrian on 21 April.

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If you’re looking to source your child a pony for next season, then these tips on how to buy a show hunter pony might help you.

What is a show hunter pony?

A show hunter pony should possess all the same qualities as a show hunter but in a smaller version. Many judges believe that a show hunter pony should ideally resemble a scaled down middleweight hunter in terms of type, quality, bone and substance.

The turnout of a show hunter pony is similar to that of a show hunter, too. They should be presented plaited, with their mane and tail pulled and their legs trimmed. They should wear plain leather tack with a plain browband. The rider should wear a tweed jacket.

Affiliated show hunter pony classes held under British Show Pony Society (BSPS) rules are divided into separate height sections; 122cm, 133cm, 143cm and 153cm. Each class has a rider age limit.

• Riders of 122cm ponies should not have attained their 12th birthday before 1 January in the current year.
• Riders of 133cm ponies should not have attained their 14th birthday before 1 January in the current year.
• Riders of 143cm ponies should not have attained their 17th birthday before 1 January in the current year.
• Riders of 153cm ponies should not have attained their 20th birthday before 1 January in the current year

There is also a class for intermediates of show hunter type. Animals must exceed 148cm but not exceed 158cm, and riders should not have attained their 25th birthday before 1 January in the current year.

In the lead-rein pony of hunter type and first ridden classes, ponies must not exceed 122cm.

Some shows hold mixed height hunter pony classes where all the heights will be judged together. All major shows will have classes for show hunter ponies. The biggest accolades to win are at the Royal International (RIHS) and the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). There are also finals at HOYS and the RIHS for lead rein hunter ponies and intermediate show hunters. Some shows host hunter pony first ridden classes, but these are less common and do not have finals at the major championships.

The BSPS championships offers the largest range of classes for show hunter ponies, including specific novice and restricted sections.

What should I look for in a show hunter pony?

Vicky Stephens’s Annandale Stud has produced many champion show hunter ponies. Vicky’s mother Jennifer founded the stud and Vicky was added to the prefix 25 years ago. In 2022, both the champion and reserve HOYS show hunter pony of the year were sired by the stud’s stallion Soudley Taliesin, with the reserve being the 122cm contender Annandale Phoenix.

“Bone, substance and temperament would be the key things to look for in a hunter pony,” Vicky explains. “I like a four-square pony that is solid in stamp with enough timber. These days ponies also need to have a bit of athleticism and elevation in the movement to stand out when in the show ring.

“Today, a breeder wouldn’t necessarily breed a pony specifically for the show hunter pony role. They’re usually Welsh part-breds, Welsh ponies that plait up, or sometimes just overdone riding ponies. Ultimately, as a breeder, the most important thing is to ensure that whatever you breed has a job at the end of it.”

Karl Morris from Team Morris has produced many champion show hunter ponies.

“Initially, I would look for a pony with correct conformation,” Karl says. “Show hunter ponies are ultimately scaled down hunters, so I’d ask myself if the pony would be up to a day’s hunting, and if it would stay sound and have longevity. Type wise, I like an old-fashioned sort; it should have enough limb for its body with good-quality flat bone. It must be a good mover, too, and have a good walk.

“Temperament and brain can be hard to assess, especially if you’re buying a pony out of the field unbroken. A lot of hunter ponies have native blood in them which can make them easier to work with, in comparison to blood ponies which are a little more highly strung. Therefore assessing the breeding is a good idea.

“Even if you’re seeing a pony in the raw out in the field it’s got to give you that feeling. The good ones are getting harder to find, so the WOW factor is so important.”

What can I do with a show hunter pony?

A lot of show hunter ponies have Welsh or native blood in them, meaning they generally have level temperaments and are good doers. This makes them excellent options for families who want a pony to fit in with everyday life, and for those who want something to home-produce and do multiple jobs outside of the show ring. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule and the pony should be the right fit for the home and intended job.

Many show hunter ponies can double up as working hunter ponies if they have a jump in them, making them good, all-round choices for children.

Compared to the show pony, a show hunter pony is likely to be hardier so they can stand up to other disciplines such as hunting and Pony Club activities.

Where should I buy a show hunter pony from?

“We very rarely sell foals and will always keep ponies until they are three years old,” explains Vicky. “Foals can get lost in the system a bit, even if they’ve made a good price at the sales. They can move around and you don’t necessarily know where they will end up.

“Plus, if we keep a pony until it’s three we have a better idea of what we’re breeding. I want to know what the pairing has produced in terms of type and temperament.”

“Approach breeders if you’re hoping to buy something unbroken,” Karl says. “If you’re looking for a pony that is up and running, then ask professionals who you know or who are local to you. Most will know of ponies on the circuit.”

How much should I pay for a show hunter pony?

“We are lucky to run our ponies from a farm, and we have over a dozen mares and five to six stallions on site,” says Vicky. “This means we don’t have some of the bills that some people will have. I’m fortunate that we make our own haylage and we don’t have to pay rent, which some breeders will have to consider when selling a pony.

“We definitely get more interest if a pony has success at one of the major finals such as HOYS or the RIHS,” adds Vicky. “We love seeing them out and about doing things, but is also helps sales.”

In July 2023, Annandale New Approach won the 122cm M&M working hunter pony final at the RIHS: “Over the last year we’ve had more interest in people looking for jumping ponies,” says Vicky. “People ideally want more value from their ponies; they want a hunter pony that will also jump or have other career options. For me, as long as they have a job I don’t mind. We’ve even had ponies compete in driving, and others in polo. This comes back to keeping them until they’re slightly older; if you find that a pony has a difficult temperament, you know not to cross that mare with that stallion again.

Karl says: “It depends on your budget. I’ve bought ponies for £800 who have gone on to be superstars, but I’ve also paid more for ponies who have been there and done it.

“Don’t necessarily write off older ponies either. If you want something that is safe and that has been there and done it, there’s no reason that a 12-year-old pony couldn’t do the job at top level if it can still get those top conformation marks.”

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

When you have agreed on a sale, it is time to organise a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended. As the pony is for a child, perhaps asking for a trial period would be sensible, but not all sellers wish to let their animals go out on trial.

It’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting that the pony is intended for a child to show. If you tell the vet that you want the pony for the show ring, they should hopefully inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults which could impact its future career, even if they don’t impact its soundness or performance.

As the pony is for a child, the vet will hopefully keep an eye on the temperament during the assessment, too.

“I would recommend a vetting for your own peace of mind,” Karl advises. “Even if it’s just to check the main things, like eye and heart health.”

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

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Robert Walker reclaimed the coveted Catplant Group of Companies Ltd. HOYS show hunter championship at the 2023 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) riding a lightweight.

Despite being an eight-year-old who Robert has had on his yard for four years, Jill Day’s MHS Morning Master (TJ) was contending his first HOYS as a ridden horse.

He has experienced the lights of Birmingham before, though, as in 2018 the then three-year-old, who was bred by the Brennans and is by Quidam, took the top spot in the horse section of the in-hand supreme final and finished reserve champion. Earlier that same year he stood champion three-year-old in Dublin.

TJ has been ultra-carefully produced by Robert and his team, and he’s only been promoted into open ranks this season as hunter supremo Robert had an opening.

“When View Point (Sean) retired after winning the supreme at HOYS last year, it was inevitable that TJ would step up,” said Robert, who won the HOYS hunter championship with View Point a staggering four times during their partnership. “TJ could have qualified for HOYS for the past few years, but we had Sean and we wanted to make sure he had his time.

“He’s always been a performer, a little operator who moves into his bridle. I remember him winning the four-year-olds at Royal Windsor and the judge said that he was the ride of the day.”

TJ’s connections, including Brian Murphy who showed TJ in Ireland, were ringside to watch his victory.

“He’s had the most unbelievable season, including winning the Royal Windsor hunter championship and finishing reserve at the RIHS,” continued Robert. “He’s Mr Reliable on the yard, too, which meant I slightly under did the warming up this morning!

“We always set ourselves up to have a bad week as we’ve been so lucky at the NEC in the past,” Robert added. “So, on Sunday night we took ourselves to celebrate the season we’ve had regardless of what happens this week.”

Robert has now won the HOYS show hunter championship seven times, including with Pride And Joy II, Caesars Palace II and Vantage Point.

This year’s reserve HOYS hunter champion was Lorraine Homer riding Liz Prowting’s grey middleweight Bloomfield Eloquence. The Watermill Swatch eight-year-old was repeating the exact results he achieved in 2021 as a six-year-old.

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

Young show producer Will Morton banked a first Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) championship victory as he took The Sports Horse Breeding of Great Britain hunter supreme title aboard Sarah-Ann Gunn’s winning lightweight Kilcarna Brilliant (Chubbs).

The hunter championship held in the Longines International Arena was typically thrilling, as the usual format of all three ride judges, Sara Leatherbarrow (lightweights), Nick Gauntlett (middleweights) and Magnus Nicholson (heavyweights), taking each animal for a spin was adhered to. Each of the six animals presented for judging displayed impeccable manners throughout, including the four who were experiencing the atmosphere of the main ring for the first time.

The results, co-decided by conformation judge Tim Martin, were called out in reverse order and selected as reserve was the second placed lightweight, Jill Day’s MHS Morning Master, piloted by Aimee Stunt in the championship as his usual rider Robert Walker chose to stay on winning middleweight Greenhall Treasure Island.

Though even on the reserve announcement, Will didn’t dare dream that it could be Chubb’s turn to stand in the spotlight:

“This will take a while to sink in,” said Will Morton, 26, who had finished second in the lightweight class last year with Chubbs after a top pull in the class. “I’m still young and up-and-coming, and while any championship win here is great, the hunter title is the one.”

Will was experiencing déjà vu today, as just a month prior he’d steered Chubbs to take the hunter supreme at the Hickstead Derby Meeting.

“The RIHS has always been a bit of an unlucky show for me,” Will added. “Last year, Chubbs was pulled top in his class but he was dropped into second. Today, the lightweights was a big class, as always, and there was a lot going on around us. Chubbs felt slightly tense when he stepped into the ring, but I gave him a pat and he took a breath. I was nervous when he was pulled in top; I thought last year might be about to repeat, but I think I’ve finally broken my RIHS curse.

“In the championship he sat up and said to me ‘I’ve got this one’.”

Will’s first claim to fame came in 2013 when he won the SEIB Search For A Star series aboard cob Woodfield Choice. Since then, he’s been carving out a name for himself on the circuit, though he only started producing show horse full time in 2021.

Will first took Chubb’s reins in early 2022, the year they were supreme at South Suffolk, hunter champions at Lincolnshire and second at Horse of the Year Show. Prior to this, the eight-year-old gelding was a former hunter campaigner with Team Walker and Sarah-Ann bought him during lockdown.

Will previously told H&H of the day he met Chubbs: “I was judging the amateur hunters at a local BSPS Area show and in walks this lovely bay. He was my winner from the get go, he rode well, and when he was stripped I thought I really, really liked the horse. He won, and a few days later I had a message on social media from Sarah, who asked if I was interested in taking him on. Our first show was South Suffolk, where he won his RIHS ticket and went champion, and on our next outing at Suffolk show he stood overall supreme.”

Of the result, owner Sarah-Ann said: “Never in my dreams did I think I’d own a horse capable of this. I am delighted, though I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get him back from Will now!”

Lightweight ride judge Sara commented: “Our champion was obedient, light, balanced and he carried himself throughout; he was a pleasure to ride. Our reserve was also a lovely horse, a little tense in the morning but he went equally well in the championship and the decision was very close. The championship line-up was perfect; as judges we were each so proud of our winners.”

The other championship representatives included the top two from the middleweights, Jill Day’s Greenhall Treasure Island and Robert Walker, and Lyssa Sheppard’s Alfie Connor and Matthew Ainsworth. First and second from the heavyweights, Rose Bailey’s Twinshock Warrior and Jayne Ross, and Alice Homer with Liz Prowting’s Bloomfield Distinction, completed the set.

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

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

Show hunters captivated the crowds on the second of the 2023 Royal Windsor Horse Show.

For the first time in years, the weight classes were held in the Castle Arena and leading the championship was 23-year-old Aimee Stunt riding Jill Day’s winning lightweight MHS Morning Master, while her boss, Robert Walker, lifted the coveted Royal Windsor novice hunter crown later in the day aboard Jill’s exciting four-year-old Full Cry III.

The lightweight contender was attending only his third ridden show and he was making his Royal Windsor debut.

“We bought him from Dessie Gibson as a three-year-old,” explained Robert, of the bay gelding who is by Balou Du Rouet. “He did some in-hand shows last year and he was champion at Derbyshire Festival, The Great Yorkshire and at the Sports Horse Breeding (GB) championships. This year, he’s only had two outings under-saddle, and he has won both times out.”

Amy Tough was Royal Windsor novice hunter section reserve on Joanna Hayman’s Dovanti Boy, a five-year-old heavyweight sired by Avanti Amorous Archie.

For the second consecutive year, Susan Granger’s chestnut gelding Shanbally Legacy, ridden by his producer Claire Oliver, took top spot in the small hunter class. The Pride Of Meath 11-year-old occupied the same position last year, before he went onto win at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in October. The pure-bred Irish Draught has also won at Royal Cheshire and Wiltshire Horse Show during his career.

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

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

With two exquisite winning horses through to the LeMieux Royal Windsor hunter championship, show horse extraordinaire Robert Walker had a difficult decision to make. Which one would he ride through the gates of the Castle Arena in an attempt to win the title for the fifth time on the trot?

In the end, he passed Jill Day’s top lightweight MHS Morning Master’s reins to his long-term groom, 23-year-old Aimee Stunt, while he chose to pilot Jill’s Greenhall Treasure Island, the horse who had clinched top honours in the middleweight class.

But Robert, admittedly very competitive, was to be beaten by his student, as Aimee and “TJ” were called forward to lift the crown.

TJ, an eight-year-old by Quidam, is no stranger to the victory lap. As a three-year-old, he won the supreme in-hand final at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and has since been carefully produced by Robert and his team to be one of the circuit’s most consistent novice contenders.

“He won at Windsor as a four-year-old and he’s always taken so many titles throughout the season, but the big shows have never been our aim with him; this is his time now and I hope this will be his year,” said Robert, who retired his legendary lightweight View Point from the show ring after he was supreme at HOYS in 2022.

TJ has enjoyed two outings prior to Windsor this season, picking up early HOYS and Royal International (RIHS) tickets.

Aimee, who has been based with Robert for four seasons, was riding in the Castle Arena for the first time during her career.

“TJ is such a kind horse,” said Aimee, who last won at Windsor riding a 153cm show hunter pony. “Riding him in the championship was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Greenhall Treasure Island (Larry), an Island Commander seven-year-old, has also stood champion on both of his previous outings this season, at UK Ponies and Horses spring classic and BSPS Area 1A respectively.

“My wife, Sarah, told me which one to ride in the championship,” laughed Robert. “But the little horse [TJ] has gone exceptionally well all day; he deserved it. Larry had a little spook in the championship, too, but that’s just horses for you sometimes.

“Aimee is a really great rider; she has a natural feel and she’s so keen to learn”

“I was slightly nervous ahead of Windsor this year; the pressure was on to win this one again,” added Robert, who won the Royal Windsor hunter championship four years running with View Point.

Second placed middleweight, Liz Prowting’s Bloomfield Eloquence, ridden by Loraine Homer, stepped up his game and was called forward to take section reserve.

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

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

For the second time in his career, Francoise Babington’s partner of a lifetime Seabourne Silent Valley (Marvin) won the Alan and Jayne Ross and Family Royal Windsor ladies’ hunter class after a performance exuding ample manners and charm.

The prolific bay gelding, 13, is no stranger to the spotlight, having won ladies’ titles at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and most other major fixtures on the circuit.

However, this triumph was extra-special for full-time company director and mother Francoise:

“I’ve had Marvin at home for the first time this year; this is my first show with him as a home-produced horse so this is a big deal,” she said.

Marvin was based with Team Hood for five years.

“We were thinking about retiring him so I brought him home to hack about and enjoy,” Francoise added. “We’ve been playing around all winter and he looked so good that I thought I’d do some of our favourite shows together. His Windsor results could be described as like bookends; we won the Royal Windsor ladies’ hunter class the very first year I owned him, and now he’s won it again.”

Marvin is very much a part of the Babington family:

“He’s the babysitter of the group now; I dragged him in from the field this morning and off we went to the show,” Francoise said. “Marvin is a cheeky monkey, but he’s been the most unbelievable horse to own. He’s done so much for me. We love him to bits. If we could put a bed in the house he’d be very welcome to live inside with us.”

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

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

Jill Day’s exceptional lightweight hunter View Point (Sean) was bowed out from the show ring at the 2022 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) as he lifted the Supreme Products HOYS supreme horse of the year title for the second year in a row.

His rider and producer Robert Walker left nothing to chance in the supreme pre-judging, asking Sean for two gallops, a flying change and a superb square halt.

After their supreme win last year, Robert was hesitant about even bringing 11-year-old Sean, a four-time Royal Windsor champion and the reigning Royal International (RIHS) supreme horse, back to HOYS.

“We just didn’t think we could improve on last year,” said Robert after he took the hunter championship earlier in the week, making Sean the only horse to have won the HOYS hunter accolade four times during his career. “I was worried it might have been an anticlimax so we were considering bringing one of his younger understudies. But Jill said we should bring him as he’s our horse of a lifetime.”

“He’s been a formidable horse for us,” added Robert, who bought Sean as a foal for Jill. “He’s given us some great days and he never gives less than 120%. But they can’t do it forever. At some point we have to call it a day, and why not go out on the top.”

Sean might have finished in the show ring, but he’ll now enjoy outings on the hunt field.

“He’ll be out hunting very soon,” said Robert. “The adrenalin in that main ring was amazing.

“This win isn’t just Sean and I. It’s a whole team effort. When I rode up to the preliminary judging this evening, I said to Sean ‘come on boy, let’s do it one more time’ and he pulled everything out yet again. I’m so lucky to have him.”

The supreme was judged by Marcus Capel, CEO of the Pony Club, and FEI show jumping judge Val Turner.

Val said: “What an eye full he was. He was outstanding and had all the charisma in the world. We had no idea he was retiring, which made it even more emotional.”

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All eyes were on leading showman Robert Walker on day three of the 2022 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) as he stepped into the Catplant Group of Companies Ltd HOYS hunter of the year championship riding Jill Day’s winning lightweight hunter View Point (Sean).

The 11-year-old gelding, who needs no introduction, has won the HOYS hunter championship in 2017, 2018 and 2021, and Robert was doing all he could possibly do to ensure that the reigning Royal International (RIHS) supreme horse and four-time Royal Windsor champion would take his fourth HOYS crown.

“Two weeks ago I wasn’t going to bring him here,” admitted Robert. “We just didn’t think we could improve on last year and he’s had such a fantastic season that we decided that we could give one of the other horses a chance.

“Jill never, ever interferes with the entries — she always leaves it to me — but she told me that she’d really like him to go to HOYS. She said that he’s our horse of a lifetime and that he’s here to be enjoyed, win, lose or draw.”

While Sean is undoubtedly Robert’s ultimate superstar, the Cheshire producer had a hard decision to make ahead of the championship, as he’d also qualified winning middleweight Crystal Cove, a six-year-old HOYS debutante, for the final reckoning.

“He felt amazing and I half thought about riding him, but how the hell do I get off Sean; I just didn’t want to get off him,” said Robert, who passed Crystal Cove’s reins to his wife Sarah, who ended as reserve champion. “He’s just so special. Many of my horses go home for a holiday, but Sean doesn’t. My daughter always leads him to the field and as well as being a winner he’s so nice to be around.

“Crystal Cove — who we bought from Dessie Gibson as a tw0-year-old and we call Fish at home — is a Covid novice so he’s had few outings. He was champion novice at Three Counties last year, and he won the novices at Staffordshire County and Cheshire County this year. He did one qualifier this year.

“He’s one of those horses who everyone always compliments and he’s got a bright future ahead of him. We were low on staff today at home as he’s one of the groom’s favourite horses and she had to be here today to watch him.”

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Don’t miss a second of the action from HOYS on HorseandHound.co.uk with no limit on how much you can read from as little as £1 per week with a Horse & Hound unlimited websitesubscription. Join now. Plus enjoy our full 22-page HOYS magazine report, including in-depth analysis of all the showing and showjumping, plus exclusive comments, on sale Thursday 13 October

The Catplant Group of Companies Ltd HOYS hunter of the year classes took up the morning in the Andrews Bowen international arena at the 2022 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). But which combination will go on to lift the overall hunter tri-colour later tonight?

Find out which horses took home the top six placings in each of the HOYS hunter of the year classes (details as per the HOYS catalogue).

The Catplant Group of Companies Ltd lightweight show hunter of the year

1. Jill Day’s View Point and Robert Walker

2. Sarah-Ann Gunn’s Kilcarna Brilliant and Will Morton

3. Camilla Stowell Davies and her own Glenkeeran Dance In The Deep

4. Vincent Seddon and his own Loughanboy

5. Anne Hebron and her own Lambwath Moonlight Bay (wildcard)

6. Chloe Stiley’s Gone To Ground and Brian Murphy

The Catplant Group of Companies Ltd middleweight show hunter of the year

1. Robert Walker and Crystal Cove

2. Jayne Ross and Sam Powell’s Bloomfield Greystones

3. Loraine Homer and Liz Prowting’s Bloomfield Eloquence

4. Katie Jerram-Hunnable and Ruth Flack’s Castle Howard Legacy

5. Jill Day’s Mardi Gras and Danielle Leach

6. Justine Armstrong-Small and her own Carlingfords King

The Catplant Group of Companies Ltd heavyweight show hunter of the year

1. Jono Fryer’s Fuerty Emperor and Lauren Brill2. Rose Bailey’s Twinshock Warrior and Jayne Ross3. Claire Oliver and Victoria Tate and Gemma Lovick’s Isle Bright4. Lucinda Martin and her own Red Rhythm5. The Late Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II and now His Majesty The King’s Lancer and Katie Jerram-Hunnable6. Hayley Eslor and Sandra Curtis’ Toux Ajay

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‘That was the most magical moment’: Jo Bates takes HOYS hack spoils with young mare

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Don’t miss a second of the action from HOYS on HorseandHound.co.uk with no limit on how much you can read from as little as £1 per week with a Horse & Hound unlimited websitesubscription. Join now. Plus enjoy our full 22-page HOYS magazine report, including in-depth analysis of all the showing and showjumping, plus exclusive comments, on sale Thursday 13 October

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

Claire Oliver led a superb field in the Hamilton Tarmac HOYS small hunter of the year championship on day two of the 2022 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) riding Susan Granger’s lovely chestnut gelding Shanbally Legacy.

The Pride Of Neath 10-year-old, a pure-bred Irish Draught, landed his HOYS pass at Royal Cheshire earlier this year and his list of results is impressive; alongside winning the supreme at Wiltshire Horse Show at the beginning of the season, he was also a winner at Royal Windsor.

“I felt so emotional,” said Claire, for whom this was a first HOYS small hunter victory. “It was such a strong class, but Robert [Claire’s late husband] always admired and loved him. He was responsible for buying him for Susan. He’s a proper small hunter and today he was just a star.”

“I had faith in him today as I knew he could do it,” added Claire, who has a busy HOYS riding in both hunter weight and cob finals later in the week. “To ride he is just beautiful, and he loves the atmosphere here.”

After taking top honours in the ladies’ final yesterday, Georgina Wilkes and her own Mexican Summer took second, while third place went to Edward Young riding Lauren Mollard’s Be Smart.

The other results were:

4th Robert Walker and Good Idea5th Jane Jones and Wentworth (highest home-produced)6th Shelley Perham and Randalstown Nightcap7th Dean Shaw and Redshaw Romeo8th Meg Edmondson and Briarhill Buddy Bolden (highest amateur)9th Rose Bailey and Dharmavallye

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Don’t miss a second of the action from HOYS on HorseandHound.co.uk with no limit on how much you can read from as little as £1 per week with a Horse & Hound unlimited websitesubscription. Join now. Plus enjoy our full 22-page HOYS magazine report, including in-depth analysis of all the showing and showjumping, plus exclusive comments, on sale Thursday 13 October.

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Mexican Summer, beautifully ridden by owner Georgina Wilkes, provided a fairytale result in the first showing class, the Mears Flooring HOYS ladies’ show horse final, in the Andrews Bowen international arena this morning at the 2022 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). 

The ever-mannerly 14-year-old, appearing at her last show before retiring to the maternity wing, glided round as if on oiled wheels, ears pricked throughout, to head the 17-strong HOYS ladies’ show horse class under judges Michaela Bowling (ride) and Kathy Bowdler (conformation).

“She never put a foot out of place,” said Michaela, who awarded the mare her highest ride mark. “She went mega.”

Kathy agreed. “She caught our eye from the moment she came into the ring,” she said. “She just owned it throughout.”

The top two horses were close, though, and second spot went to one of the few cobs forward, Guy Mears’ handsome grey, Brookdale Limited Edition, who looked to give producer/jockey Danielle Heath a super-comfy ride.

“There was very little to choose between them,” agreed Michaela and Kathy. “It could have gone either way.”

Third place went to another side saddle “regular,” Lucinda Martin, this time with Sam Powell’s upstanding seven-year-old Bloomfield Greystones.

“Mexi,” a daughter of the prolific sire Ramexico, has been with the Wilkes family throughout, but until today, the top spot in this class had eluded her — her best previous result was second in 2018.

She also contests intermediates and small hunters successfully, and is due to appear in both these guises later in the week — Georgina will take the hunter ride and Sophie Beaumont contests the intermediates.

“She’s always easy, but today she was exceptional,” said a beaming Georgina, for whom it was a first HOYS win. “She just had that bit of extra pizazz. She’s so laid-back too — she hadn’t had a side saddle on for two months before today, but she just had 10 minutes’ warm-up and in we went.”

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When Robyn Butler was just moments from stepping into the amateur supreme championship at Wiltshire autumn show (24 September) she was panicked and horrified in equal measures when the stirrup on her vintage side saddle suddenly snapped beneath her.

However, thanks to a generous showing producer, who is no stranger to success sitting aside herself, Robyn was able to contend the supreme final with her Irish Draught Carrabawn Francis (Chunky).

Robyn, who works as the hospitality coordinator for Wincanton and Exeter racecourse, had placed third in the Royal International (RIHS) ladies’ hunter class that morning, being the highest placed amateur combination. Consequently, they booked themselves into the amateur supreme held in the evening performance.

“This was only our fifth side saddle class and I’m still a newbie to riding sideways,” said Robyn, who has been partnered with 14-year-old Chunky for four years.

“Just minutes before we were due to go into the supreme, I shuffled in my saddle and as I put all my weight into my left stirrup, it snapped; the stitching had completely gone. I panicked and thought that was it for Chunky and I.”

Earlier in the day, Robyn had watched show horse producer Lynn Russell ride in one of the side saddle classes at the show. Thankfully, Lynn had not yet left the show ground at the time of the amateur supreme.

“Side saddles have different fastenings for the stirrup, so finding another was always going to be a gamble,” continued Robyn. “I noticed Lynn’s lorry had not yet left the venue, so we rushed to find her. We managed to catch her and she lent us a stirrup so we could still compete in the class. Thankfully it had the same fitting despite it being far too long.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t the fairy tale ending of winning but Chunky performed a beautiful show considering the challenge of a too long stirrup being used by a not very experienced side saddle rider.

“I owe a huge thank you to Lynn for helping an amateur like me have fun in an evening performance. As an amateur, I always look up to the pros and I aspire to be like them, so for one of the best in the business to help me out like that was really touching.”

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Show hunter genius Robert Walker was back in action on day five of the 2022 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) to lift The Culford Lodge Commodities RIHS small hunter championship title with a horse he’s had in his yard for less than a fortnight.

His ride was Nick and Zara Brookes’ new recruit, nine-year-old chestnut gelding Good Idea (Hector), who was recently purchased from Amy Tough, winner of yesterday’s exceeding 143cm M&M working hunter pony championship with King Rover.

“It’s a funny story,” said Robert, when asked to recall how Hector came to join his team. “We were at Royal Three Counties back in June and my horse was pulled in top in the small hunters. He went a little bit green, and this lovely chestnut horse came up from fourth to win the class. I said to my wife, Sarah, when I got home that a nice little horse beat me today. Sarah, who had seen him at Royal Windsor, actually asked me if he would suit Zara as we were on the hunt for her next horse, but I wasn’t sure if he would be for sale.”

A couple of days later Hector was advertised for sale:

“The rest is history,” said Robert. “Nick and Zara took my advice and shot down to Pembrokeshire to see him with Amy. He arrived 10 days ago.”

“I do wonder if it’s fate; we bought hack Parkgate Royal Visit William a week before he won the RIHS.

“Amy is one hell of a rider and she’s made my job easier. Our first job was for Hector to understand what I wanted from him without him resenting me. In the class today I rode him a little cautiously as it’s our first show together, but in the championship I asked him to go for it and he delivered.

“I texted Amy before the class and she gave me instructions on how to ride him, and I adhered to that.”

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Dumfries-based Ellen Bell landed her first ever victory at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) in the Polly Coles RIHS small amateur hunter championship riding her own and her father’s bay gelding Irish Invention.

The six-year-old, who is known as Jack at home, is by Gallant Cavalier out of Seren Du.

He impressed judges Ian Smeeth and Lesley Jones enough to reign over the second placed Wentworth, who was ridden by his owner, Jane Jones.

“He came over from Ireland last year and this is his second season under saddle,” explained Ellen, who works for Cornthwaite Group and keeps Jack with Scottish producer Kirstine Douglas.

Jack was a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) finalist last term as a five-year-old. He qualified for this year’s RIHS with Ellen at Netherton Spring Show.

Kirstine was delighted with the duos’ performance:

“He’s a lovely, willing horse who always wants to please,” she said. “He’s still so young and has so much to give. He’s been the perfect horse for Ellen to move into horse classes from intermediates.”

It took Kirstine and her team eight hours to travel from their Scottish base to Hickstead.

“It’s a long way but we had a good run, with plenty of stops on the way,” she said.

Ellen and Jack will be back in the ring later today to contend for the overall Polly Coles amateur hunter supreme championship, alongside the winning lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight contenders who are yet to be decided.

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Claire Oliver ended a day of blue rosettes with a neat victory in the Royal Windsor small hunters in the saddle of Susan Granger’s chestnut gelding Shanbally Legacy (Lego). The lovely 10-year-old, by Pride Of Meath, was pulled top in his class and maintained his position to secure his first Windsor win.

“He really covered the ground with the judge,” said Claire, who had been second with open heavyweight Isle Bright, novice heavyweight Churchill IV and novice lightweight Evening Flight, who also placed reserve in the novice hunter championship, earlier in the day. “It’s been a constant run of seconds so I’m incredibly pleased to get this one later in the day. It’s a dream to win in The Queen’s back garden, it never gets old.”

Lego, supreme at Wiltshire Show earlier this term, was found by Claire and her late husband, legendary showman Robert Oliver:

“He’s such a comfortable ride and is a proper small hunter with a leg in each corner,” said Claire.

Susan was present to witness her horse triumph. This was also her first time winning at Royal Windsor.

“I have Claire and Robert to thank for finding him,” she said. “He’s so true to type. We’ve been second here before but never had a winner. We love our horses; they come home to us at times and they always have the best we can give them. What you see is you get with Lego; he’s just super.”

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Robert Walker made it into the record books as Jill Day’s immaculate lightweight hunter View Point (Sean) deservedly lifted the Royal Windsor hunter championship for the fourth time in a row.

Cheshire-based producer Robert and Sean, an 11-year-old bay gelding by Loughehoe Guy, floated up each side of the sun-filled Castle Arena, a ring he clearly thrives in, en route to being pulled forward to reclaim the crown.

In 2018, the combination stood supreme here and last year they concluded their season by netting the supreme horse title at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Robert admitted that there was an element of pressure in returning to Windsor with his beloved Sean after he completed the inspiring hat trick last year:

“It’s difficult with a horse like him, as he doesn’t owe me anything and we can’t go any better than supreme at HOYS,” said Robert. “I knew he had a chance so I decided to bring him here, but it’s nerve racking to think you might be coming to the well one too many times. Sean has never been over shown — the most he’s done in one season is seven shows — which is probably why he’s still at the top.”

Robert only decided to bring Sean two days ago:

“We had two other lovely lightweights who are just starting their careers entered for Windsor,” he continued. “I would have liked to have ridden them, but it was the idea of the specialness of what Sean could possibly achieve which made me go for it with him. Plus, he does love it here.”

Sean’s breeders, Sean Jones, and his owner Jill were here to witness the triumph.

“Just fantastic, both of them,” commented Jill. “It’s lovely to have his breeder here to watch him win, too. He’s a very special horse.”

Jayne Ross took reserve on Sam Powell’s seven-year-old middleweight Bloomfield Greystones. Jayne was also in the saddle of Rose Bailey’s winning heavyweight, Twinshock Warrior.

Walker and Ross-produced horses made up the majority of the championship, with Rob posting second in the middleweights with Greenhall Treasure Island, and Jayne taking second on last year’s novice champion, Wall Street II, in the lightweight division.

Claire Oliver made up the final spot in the championship aboard the Lovick’s second place heavyweight, Isle Bright.

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

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