Sophie O’Keeffe celebrated the perfect end to her intermediate career by winning the Jackson Fine Homes Ltd BSPS supreme intermediate championship aboard Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous (Dissy) at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

The 12-year-old bay gelding, owned by Jane O’Keeffe, qualified for the supreme after winning the Jackson Fine Homes Ltd BSPS intermediate show horse championship. Earlier in the week, Dizzy also finished third in the riding horses.

”I went into today with no expectations, so to win the class was unbelievable, never mind taking the supreme,” said Sophie.

A dual contender, Sophie has enjoyed tremendous success with him as an intermediate, with wins including at Windsor. She’s shared him with producer Justine Armstrong Small, who has piloted him to be champion riding horse at Windsor and to win at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

“We've owned him since he was four years old and he’s won at Windsor and at HOYS, but this was the one show he hadn't won, so to finally do it is just spectacular.”

Dizzy has enjoyed an outstanding 2026 season, remaining unbeaten before Hickstead and adding another major title to an already glittering record after also taking reserve championship at Royal Windsor.

Now also produced by Will Morton alongside Justine, the gelding once again demonstrated the consistency that has made him one of the leading intermediate horses in the country.

“He’s won every time out this year and he’s just really on form,” said Sophie. “He’s an absolute dream.”

The victory carried extra significance as it marked Sophie’s final season competing in the intermediate ranks.

“It’s my last year as an intermediate, so to finish it like this is really special.”

Reserve supreme intermediate honours went to Grace Lockyer aboard Littletons Tiger Lily, the seven-year-old by Tiger Attack out of Wasima, owned by Charlotte Coppard, after winning the Jackson Fine Homes Ltd BSPS Intermediate show hack championship.

The final intermediate class, the hunter type, was once again topped by Alice Homer and Tidy Town, who also posted a third win in the small hunters.

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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

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

Shine Source Footwear Ltd Show Hunter Pony of the Year

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

The Smith Family Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year

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

NPS/Mole Valley Farmers Working Hunter Pony of the Year

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

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

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

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A mare who “believes she’s the best” proved that to be true after taking the 2026 Royal Windsor intermediate championship.

Claudia De La Hey rode her mother Samantha De La Hey’s Royal Illusion (Gracie) to success in the intermediate show hunter type class, before beating the hack and riding horse types to the overall spoils.

Gracie is a prolific winner, having also taken the 2024 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) intermediate championship. The mare is no stranger to success at Royal Windsor either, having won the riding horse championship in the Castle Area with her former producer Vicky Smith in 2023.

“This is our third season now,” said Claudia. “She’s amazing. She truly does believe that she is the best. She’s got quite an attitude.

“She thinks that she’s the winner for sure – very, very sassy, I would say. She walks into the ring and she’s like, ‘I am here’.

“She loves it, honestly. She gallops so well, and it’s so much fun.”

The 13-year-old by Ricardo Z is produced by Adam Winbourne, and was bred by Neil and Ronald Rawl.

Reserve to Claudia in the 2026 Royal Windsor intermediate championship also came from the show hunter class.

Poppy Carter was second on Made to Measure (Flynn), a 10-year-old owned by Angela Hunt.

Poppy only started riding the grey gelding this season and this is the pair’s third show. Earlier in the season, they picked up their RIHS ticket in the intermediate class at BSPS Area 4B.

She said: “He’s so comfy – he’s like riding a rocking horse. He’s lovely and he’s got such a good nature as well about him.”

Flynn has come a long way since he arrived with producer Danni Radford from Ireland – “with an ASBO”. He’s gone on to repay their faith in him when he surpassed all expectations to land the 158cm performance pony final at the 2025 London International, and clearly hasn’t looked back.

Also in the championship was Charlotte Coppard and Rebekah Pring’s winner of the intermediate hack, Littletons Tiger Lily ridden by Grace Lockyer. This was Lily’s fourth win in three years at Windsor, but her first in the intermediate ranks.

She won small hack under Rebekah earlier in the week, having won the novice and amateur hack classes in 2024 and 2025 respectively.

Grace has ridden Lilly at her producer Elliee Stunt’s yard since the mare was backed, so Grace was delighted to take up the reins this season in the intermediates.

Finally, Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous was ridden by his owner Jane O’Keeffe’s daughter Sophie O’Keeffe to win the riding horse type class having won the small riding horse class and reserve champion ridden by his producer Justine Armstrong Small earlier in the week.

“Dissy” is another with multiple wins under his belt here. He’s a former Royal Windsor riding horse and intermediate champion.

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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.

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Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous (Dissy) ticked off another coveted title for his owners Jane and Sophie O’Keeffe when he landed the intermediate championship at Royal Windsor Horse Show, piloted by Sophie.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to win the intermediate championship here, and now he’s done it,” said Sophie.

The 10-year-old, produced by Justine Armstrong-Small, won the intermediate hunter type class en route to the title.

This was actually Dissy’s third spin in the championship here. He won the large intermediate show riding type class as a five-year-old, and had a near miss when he stood reserve last year having moved into the hunter type classes.

“It happened by accident,” said Sophie of the fortuitous move. “I’d entered him in the wrong class here, but Justine looked on the bright side. ‘He’s matured so much, let’s just give it a go,’ she said. So, we did and he won, so we stuck with the class.”

The pair went on to qualify for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) as a hunter type, too, last year.

Dissy also contends the riding horse classes with Justine, and gave the Essex-based producer her first win at HOYS in almost 20 years when they took the small riding horse class in 2023. They were also riding horse champion at Windsor last season, meaning that whilst it was a case of “third time lucky” in the intermediates, it was actually Dissy’s fourth win in front of the castle.

A-level student Alice Binks steered small intermediate victor Roberry Fascinator (Hattie) into reserve.

“I had to to take a break from my revision, but it was worth it,” said Alice.

This was Alice and Hattie’s first visit to Royal Windsor. However, they have an otherwise impressive track record, having twice won and stood champion at the Royal International (RIHS), and supreme intermediate at the British Show Pony Society summer championships.

Danni Radford’s homebred Ladies Man (George) continued his winning streak by winning the large intermediate show riding type with his usual rider Poppy Carter. The nine-year-old Tiger Attack gelding is no stranger to the spotlight; he’s won HOYS twice in the intermediate show riding type ranks, and stood champion intermediate at Hickstead.

Now produced by Jayne Ross, George also posted a win in the small riding horse class here earlier in the week before taking his first major title as a riding horse.

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The successful show horse producer asks why young riders are struggling to transition to horses in the show ring, when in other sports the best young talents are beating their older peers

The British Show Pony Society (BSPS) has included some experimental intermediate horse classes in the schedule of the 2024 Winter Championships (12–14 April), with specific classes for hack and riding horse types and their riders aged under 25 years.

This is a positive step forward as the intermediate show riding type class has lost its way over the years in terms of type. It bemuses me to watch a 148cm show pony masquerading as a hack, and I struggle to categorise some of these animals as specific horse types. The class needs bringing back to the original context of young adults riding horses.

Only a small number of these younger jockeys compete in both the adult and intermediate classes. Because of this, I wonder if the class in its current guise is a success at moving these riders into the adult ranks, or if it is having a Peter Pan effect?

The class ought to be preparatory, with a clear aim of positively progressing BSPS riders into adult ranks, with emphasis on type, way of going, correct conduct and turnout.

“Children outgrow their ponies”

A question I am asked a lot is, “What can my son or daughter do with their outgrown pony?” The answer is fairly simple; they probably need to move on as sadly a pony will not be a success if they do not fit the criteria for horse classes.

Perhaps the BSPS may add more performance-style classes for riders of any age, of unspecified category, but I must stress that the rider still needs to be suitably mounted.

It is a fact of life that children outgrow their ponies. I loved some of my jumping ponies as a kid, but when the time came I moved on to horses. I was never tall, but I enjoyed riding horses.

Perhaps we have to accept that times have changed. I remember competing a 16.2hh called Apostle in a grade C class aged 16. I left home at 17 to work for a dealer in the Cotswolds producing horses to go into the hunting field, also gaining my BHSAI at Hartpury College. At 19, I became a yard manager buying and producing hunters and competition horses. At 22, I found, produced and showed an 18hh heavyweight hunter called Granite to be second at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), beaten only by top showman Vin Toulson on Invincible.

Are we becoming too soft?

I am asking if we are possibly too protective of these young adults today? At 16 you can get married, at 17 drive a car, pilot a plane or fly a helicopter. At 18 you can go to the pub and drink, and at 21 you can drive an HGV.

At age 16 Luke Littler was runner-up in the world darts championships against adults. Michael Pender won the Hickstead Derby at 19, and Michael Whitaker and Marion Coakes won the same title aged 20. British Showjumping introduced children-on-horses classes for those aged 12 to 14 competing at 1.30m. Mike Tyson won the World Boxing Council heavyweight championship at 20 by total knockout, a title Muhammad Ali also won aged 22.

If all these things have been possible for people under the age of 25, surely we can say with confidence that these young adults can ride a horse and be capable of preparing it for a judge to ride?

I broached this subject quite a few years ago, and suggested that a ride judge be introduced to the intermediate classes, but it went down like a lead balloon. Yet if the class is to be transitional, we need to prepare the horse and rider for the classes they are intending to progress to in the same format.

● Is it time to change the format of intermediate classes for good? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming magazine

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

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The showing world has cautiously welcomed news of the new format for the 2024 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) intermediate show riding type qualifiers and final, although many remain unconvinced that it is ideal for competitors and the intermediate type.

In 2023, large (158cm) and small (153cm) intermediate show riding types were judged together in one final at HOYS. However, the qualifying system involved small and large classes being judged separately, and the section champion awarded the HOYS ticket.

The revised structure will mean large and small height sections will run as one mixed class, in qualifiers and at the HOYS final. There will be 19 qualifying opportunities throughout the UK, the winner of each class going to the HOYS final.

The general consensus appears to be that the format is improved this year, but still not ideal for the show riding type.

Adam Winbourne has produced intermediates at top level for several years. He believes the format will have an impact on owners, riders and professional yards, as well as the show riding type in general.

“In the past, some owners have run both a small and a large show riding type for their child or jockey, and the rule change will mean they are likely to have just one, impacting producers as well as registration numbers,” Adam said. “Also, although the qualifications in 2023 were initially dominated by small types, many people agreed that the large types generally overshadowed the smalls at the HOYS final, which was apparent in the final placings.

“I believe it would be more beneficial to run the classes in their original formats, but ensure qualifiers are more evenly distributed throughout the UK. Perhaps if there were only 10 qualifications per large and small show riding type class, we can ensure that only the crème de la crème of animals are presented for the championship final?”

HOYS organisers Grandstand said the decision was made following feedback from this year. A spokesman said: “Following the changes in 2023 it is evident that the class has performed stronger in the season, with the average number of entries in the intermediate show riding type classes doubling compared to 2022. The final at this year’s event welcomed a superb range of animals from both height sections as they contested the class to be crowned the intermediate show riding type of the year 2023.

“As a business, data analysis is carried out throughout the year and HOYS must adapt to protect the showing championships that are so important to the event and the competitors. In addition, meetings with the relevant showing societies are taking place so together we continue to ensure that the transition for intermediate riders into the horse classes is of paramount importance.”

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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

Leading pony producer, trainer and judge, Julie Templeton, shares her concerns about the future of British Riding Pony breeding

I was very pleased to note that prior to this year’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) final, the organisers announced that the intermediate show riding type format used in 2023 would not be continuing next year.

This year, large and small show riding type qualifiers were judged separately, but only the combination who was section champion qualified for HOYS, whereas in previous years there were separate qualifiers for each height. I’m sure many are pleased with the decision to change, as I know this year’s format did deter many people from wanting to compete in the section.

It’s very positive that HOYS listened to competitor feedback and hopefully they will continue to do so when making decisions.

Now would be the perfect window of opportunity to slightly alter the show riding type classifications. Instead of having classes for small and large types, I believe it would be beneficial to have classes for hack and riding horse types, added to the existing show hunter class. Hopefully, this would encourage numbers back into the classes and perhaps make competitors more likely to venture into horse classes of the same type.

A change of pace

I had a very different HOYS experience this year as we had less involvement backstage than usual. I thoroughly enjoyed being a spectator and loved being able to watch the classes with no stress or expectations. HOYS is such a social event and it was great to catch up with horsey friends and chat with no time constraints, something I have never been able to do before.

Every year, I always make a point of watching the in-hand horse and pony championships, which are a wonderful showcase of the very best of world-renowned British breeding. In the pony section, I had connections with the Welsh section D stallion (Gwynfaes Seren Wledig) who won the class. However, my unbiased opinion was that he was absolutely outstanding on the day and thoroughly deserved his win.

However, it was a pity to see that there were only two plaited ponies through to this final. Unfortunately, it’s reflective of the current state of British Riding Pony breeding. Prior to HOYS, a WhatsApp group was set up involving a variety of people from showing to offer ideas as to how the breeding of British Riding Ponies can be encouraged and promoted.

As a breeder, I know how costly it is getting a pony to the ridden stage with so many factors determining whether or not they can succeed in the show ring. Height, temperament, conformation, movement and health all come into play.

Without thinking too much outside the box, a good starting point would be to protect the breeders we currently have by paying them a fair price for the time and effort they have put into breeding these animals. So, if in the coming months you are out shopping for your next youngster, please bear this in mind when you are about to make a “cheeky offer”. The breeders need protection or we won’t have a British Riding Pony to rejoice over in the future.

● Are you a British Riding Pony breeder who feels underappreciated? Write to us and let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 19 October, 2023

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

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

Young talent’s success at Hickstead was well deserved, says top showing producer Simon Reynolds

Firstly, I would like to congratulate everyone at Hickstead for a brilliant Royal International Horse Show. Everything was so well organised, from the helpful security team and parking staff to all the officials and stewards. It is no mean feat to bring together a huge event with such precision.

Congratulations to Will Morton for lifting not only the hunter championship, but also the supreme horse title with the lightweight hunter Kilcarna Brilliant. The horse started his career with showman Robert Walker’s son Sam in the intermediate show hunter ranks before growing over height. He’s still not a tall horse and the picture is very nice with Will.

Another young talent to flourish there was working hunter champion and reserve supreme rider Craig Kiddier aboard Mulberry Lane.

These two young riders have not won these classes by chance or opportunity – they have grafted and worked hard from a young age, serving their apprenticeship. I am sure all of those years working away behind the scenes made those victories at Hickstead all the more special, proving that a true win does not come handed on a golden platter.

I was lucky enough to stand cob champion and third in the supreme with the lightweight cob Copenhagen. This year the cobs were upgraded to the brilliant ring five with the oval all-weather track, and the move was popular with competitors and spectators.

Points of concern

I would like to make a plea for more shows to offer novice classes throughout the year, as in the latter half of the season they seem to drop off. It takes at least two seasons to establish a novice horse properly. However, members must support these classes, or we will lose them. Perhaps the way forward is to follow the lead of Mid Herts and other shows in putting on an unaffiliated novice class, which was very well received.

Another point of concern after talking to competitors is the move only to allow the champion intermediate to qualify for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), which is having a negative impact on morale and possibly on the numbers wanting to participate in 2024. Theoretically, a 14.2hh show pony from the small division could be competing against a small riding horse from the large division for the HOYS ticket. Comparing the two is like chalk and cheese.

Perhaps what this has highlighted now more than ever is the need to categorise the intermediates as hacks, riding horses and small hunters, for riders under 25 years old, to be presented and ridden as they would in the adult ranks under the umbrella of the British Show Pony Society.

It is so important to maintain type and the categorisation of horses, something that for years we have all tried to improve on. There is real skill and knowledge in breeding or finding that special “one”; the best example of its type.

I really hope further changes will not be made to amalgamate more classes in the future.

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

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 10 August, 2023

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

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

Top pony producer Julie Templeton shares her views on tight ticket allocations and low entries in plaited classes

I’ve noticed a few trends now that the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers are well and truly underway. Mountain and moorland classes seem to be thriving, yet show secretaries must be tearing out their hair at the quantity of entries in the plaited classes.

Historically, securing HOYS qualifiers for your show would guarantee its success and profitability. A few years ago, it was commonplace for there to be 20-plus entries forward at the earlier qualifiers. Even in plaited ranks pre-Covid, you’d expect to have entry numbers well into the teens. However, after analysing the entries at these first HOYS qualifiers, to have more than 10 competitors forward in any plaited horse or pony class would be an exception to the rule.

Bizarrely, though, lead-rein of hunter type classes have been consistently well attended. At the Royal Highland, there were 24 combinations in the ring, probably making it the biggest plaited class of the year so far. I pondered why this may be the case as the Royal Highland is one of the furthest north shows. Does this mean that competitors are not being discouraged by diesel costs after all? The show also boasts an incredibly buzzy atmosphere, not suited to all animals, but competitors were not put off by this.

Unfortunately, I can’t reach a conclusion as to why this particular class proved so popular and I am, therefore, still working on considering what aspects might help other classes in the future.

Insufficient tickets for support teams

On the subject of the Royal Highland, I was disappointed when I was only given three complimentary entry tickets for the three classes that we had entered.

After checking this was correct, we tried to buy more, but were told the tickets were sold out. So after driving several hundred miles, this technically meant that only the three riders could get into the show and that myself, the parents and siblings had to wait in the horse park. I’m not quite sure how these children were expected to manage in the conformation section on their own without a groom.

In the end, we borrowed a rider for a class and we had a friend with a tradestand who helped us.

Ticket designation at county shows has always been a contentious issue, but given the decrease in showing numbers, perhaps shows could consider being a little more generous when putting together show packs and allocating tickets. We must encourage families to compete by allowing them to enjoy a day out at the show.

The intermediates debate

My fellow columnist Stuart Hollings mentioned the new intermediate rulings in his recent column. I concur with his thoughts that intermediate competitors are being discouraged from entering HOYS show riding type sections, given the new format brought in this year. To date, there have been seven intermediate qualifiers and the numbers forward definitely seem to attest to this theory, as not one single class in either section has had more than nine exhibits.

I’ve previously stated that I feel the way to improve the intermediate numbers is to redefine the classifications as intermediate of hack, riding horse and hunter type, which makes far more sense than classifying them by height. It allows the judge the opportunity to assess exhibits of a similar type and stamp and it could encourage riders to think to the future and the possibility of making the transition into horse classes.

Regardless of the intermediate changes, it is apparent that plaited classes are in decline across the board. It is going to take some joined-up thinking from competitors, societies, producers and organisers to turn it around.

● Have you been left stuck without tickets to a county show? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 13 July, 2023

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Well-known and respected British producer turned judge, Stuart Hollings, shares his thoughts on the new intermediate show riding type qualifying system for HOYS

Only time will tell whether the controversial new Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualification process for intermediate show riding types, together with the decision to amalgamate these two classes at the NEC final, was possibly a wrong call in this economic climate.

The critics argue that it will be harder to win a much-coveted HOYS ticket now that qualification is decided within the championship, when the judges will place all four intermediates, and the highest unqualified exhibit will be successful. Another concern is that some rounds could become null and void more often if all four present in the championship have already qualified.

When qualification previously went down to fifth place in each class, which is still the case in the intermediate show hunter class, there was always a chance that an animal could move up the line to qualify from a low pull-in. Will having to climb to the very top, en route to the championship, seem less achievable in comparison and consequently discourage owners from entering?

Similarly, will riders now choose to campaign only one HOYS intermediate, rather than one of each height, knowing there will be just a single class at Birmingham? And once at the final, will the larger types fill the eye and consequently dominate in the indoor space?

“Riddled with anomalies”

I feel for the intermediate show hunter riders, who have been dealt a rough hand as they are no longer included in the intermediate championship at qualifiers. To compensate, HOYS qualifying shows “are encouraged to invite the top two intermediates into the open hunter weight championship”, which at first seems an exciting opportunity, but alas is riddled with anomalies.

Unlike intermediates, hunters are ridden by the judge. Even open small hunters are seldom allowed in the championship. But above all, will the intermediate judges take part? At our North of England summer show, we have added an overall intermediate championship that does include the hunter types to the schedule.

I have produced some very successful intermediates over the years and firmly believe that opening up the HOYS intermediate classes to the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) would have been a better alternative to the current modifications, in response to falling entries. Allowing BSHA-registered hacks, small riding horses and small hunters into the mix without having to join a pony society, as well as inviting BSHA judges to officiate, would probably be attractive enough incentives to swell the intermediate ranks.

Those animals that are already successful in both show rings are much sought after and they command higher prices, too.

Scope over size

Intermediates were successfully introduced by the British Show Pony Society to encourage young riders into adult classes.

The question whether 148cm show ponies and 153cm show hunter ponies have a place in the intermediate section is often raised. My response is that a smaller animal with a good stride that gives a bigger ride fulfils the intermediate brief more than an up-to-height intermediate that lacks scope.

One of our 148cm show ponies, Calder Impressionist, was an excellent dual-purpose example. He was champion at the Royal International in 1998 and reserve the following season to his 138cm stablemate Deaconwood Goldprint. In 2001, he stood overall intermediate champion at HOYS for Team Ramsay.

Another school of thought is that the intermediate classes should perhaps be redefined to “intermediate of hack type” and so on, to link up with the adult classes, rather than based purely on height.

As stepping-stone classes, these will encompass a variety of types to suit their riders during this important transition. Ultimately, it is down to the judge’s individual interpretation of what makes a good intermediate on the day.

● What do you think about the HOYS intermediate rulings? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 29 June, 2023

You may also be interested in reading…

HOYS ‘moves with the times’ as qualifiers and cost-saving measures announced

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H&H’s guide to intermediate showing classes: which class should you go in and how to turnout

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The British Show Pony Society (BSPS) has announced plans for a new BSPS intermediate championship to be held at the society’s summer championship show.

The Andrews Family BSPS intermediate young rider of the year supreme championship has been introduced in response to the news that Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) will amalgamate the large and small intermediate show riding type finals into one standalone championship at the 2023 final. The aim is to give intermediate jockeys an additional championship to aim for.

The BSPS intermediate young rider of the year supreme championship is open to combinations who qualify by winning an intermediate show riding type or show hunter type class at the BSPS winter championships, Royal Windsor, The Royal International and the BSPS summer championships. If the winner has already qualified, the ticket will pass to the second-placed combination.

The overall champion will win £500 and the highest placed small show riding type, large show riding type and show hunter type will win each win £100.

“We are very fortunate to have found a sponsor for this new championship, which has been introduced to support those members who were given the HOYS news at short notice,” BSPS chairman Paul Cook told H&H.

“The championship will focus on rider showmanship as well as the quality and conformation of the horses. Intermediate classes should ultimately prepare riders for horse classes and this championship will hopefully tick all those boxes. As it will be hard to qualify for, there will be an elite group of animals presented for judging, similar to the major championships.

“This new championship forms part of the society’s ongoing work to introduce new initiatives, including the revamped Burghley event pony final and the breeding awards. We must keep being creative and inventive to move with the times.”

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In an extraordinary turn of events, the results from Wednesday’s hack judging at the 2021 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) were repeated in the intermediate show riding type of the year championship, with large winner Forgelands Hyde Park (Will) scoring the accolade over top small Parkgate Royal Visit William.

In the hack reckoning, Will — also hack champion here in 2019 with Jayne Ross — was ridden by his producer of just two months Danielle Heath. His owner Issy Mears jumped aboard for the intermediates, where she kept her cool and delivered a stunning display in both the class and championship to achieve her first ever HOYS centre line moment. Issy has only ridden Will in the ring once prior to HOYS, at Stoneleigh Horse Show where they qualified.

“We bought him in August,” said Issy. “To come and win two titles is unbelievable. He’s so easy to do and he loves his job. The minute he gets in the ring he’s like ‘leave it to me, you just sit there and look pretty’.”

Issy had always admired Will, a Kilvington Scoundrel 10-year-old, on the circuit when he was based with Jayne Ross and then Robert Walker.

“I’ve always loved him and admittedly stalked his previous owners for ages until they sold him,” Issy said. “This is my first HOYS win and championship and I’ve been coming here for 10 years.”

This was producer Danielle’s third win of HOYS 2021:

“Issy deserves it,” said Danielle. “She’s moved up the ranks and she’s given it her all. She’s been with me for five years now and her confidence has grown each year, and as she’s got more confident we’ve been able to upgrade the horse. To end up with a horse like Will is a dream come true.”

Danielle can only compare Will’s ride to that given by her legendary hunter Oathill Take The Biscuit, a former double winner of the hunter of the year tri-colour.

“The only horse who felt like Will did (on Wednesday) was “Hovis”; he gave me that sensible, loving-every-minute-of-it feeling. And when you get a horse of this calibre you know he deserves it. This is the first time I’ve won HOYS in five years and now we’ve got three in one year; like buses, none come around for ages and then they come all at once.

“I’ve had the hunter and riding horse championships here, but never the hack, so I might allow myself to retire when I’ve had them all.”

Aimbry Chester 11-year-old Parkgate Royal Visit William, intermediate champion here in 2017 with Emma Dewhurst, was ridden to perfection by Zara Brookes into reserve. His producer Robert Walker was in the saddle during the hack championship.

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An intermediate caps off a stellar week for a team, a Welsh pony and his rider head the home-produced pack and a novice is leading show pony at British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Summer Championships at Arena UK, Lincs

TEAM FORSTER/JINKS crowned a mega-successful week at the BSPS Summer Championships when Reise Shakespeare lifted the Philip Judge overall supreme title with a beautifully executed performance on the stunning small intermediate, Shildons Plan B (Bart).

Bumper entries, bumper attendance and classes full of quality combined to make this year’s show not only a major triumph for the society, but an unforgettable experience for all involved. The atmosphere was electric by the time the curtain came down on the final evening, when 11 superb champions – already supreme of their type – came forward for assessment by Jennifer Williams.

After a short show from each one, she pulled a delighted Reise, 16, forward with Vicki Rudd’s home-bred Kilvington Scoundrel seven-year-old, who had claimed his – and Reise’s – first Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) intermediate ticket here at the first time of asking, before standing section champion to earn his place in the show finale.

“This is a beautiful pony,” said Jennifer. “It is very attractive, with good conformation and correct limbs. It is absolutely correct of its type, knew its job and did it.”

The victory was all the more sweet as it was a last-minute decision to bring Bart – through to HOYS as a hack with producer Adam Forster – to the show.

“Reise has been with us since finishing his GCSEs in May and as a reward for his hard work, Bart’s owner decided to let him make an intermediate debut here,” explained Adam.

Although this was Reise’s first overall BSPS supreme, he is no stranger to the HOYS spotlight, having won on the multi-garlanded 122cm show hunter pony Thistledown Viva Las Vegas in 2014 and 2015.

“Reise is dedication personified,” added Adam. “He adores his ponies, trains so hard and has the biggest, most burning desire to win – just what you want in a top showing jockey. We always say as soon as he gets on a pony, he’s like a professor behind his desk: head down and concentrating on his job.”

Adam had his own share of glory, claiming the supreme Heritage ridden pony award for the second year running with Karen Johnson’s striking Welsh section D, Menai Eurostar, champion at Midland Counties and North of England and runner-up at Hickstead this term.

For the first time, the team had four ponies through to the overall supreme, with Tilly Leech having landed the supreme mini award aboard the exquisite first ridden campaigner Barkway Alfie Moon, and Charlotte Caulfield standing supreme show hunter pony with last summer’s overall victor, the five-year-old Romanno Spot of Distinction.

“It was definitely our best-ever championships,” said Adam. “I’m so proud of our riders – I always tell them to practise at home as though they’ve never won before, but ride in the ring as if they were already champion.”

Two clears over stunning course at BSPS Summer Championships

A MAJOR ambition on the worker circuit is just to jump clear in a Desert Orchid class, and to win and stand champion is right up there alongside HOYS and the Royal International (RIHS). This year, for the first time, Northumberland-based William Pittendrigh, 22, and his pure-bred Irish Draught intermediate “pocket rocket”, Silver Lough (Scully), ticked all three boxes.

Course-builder Graham Barclay once again excelled himself, producing a truly amazing track for the BSPS Summer Championships which was up to height, imaginative, visually stunning and eminently fair – but required positive, accurate riding. There were only two clears from the whole section – one from Scully and the other from intermediate class runners-up, Ellie Callwood and Fantastic Mr Fox; sadly, family commitments meant that Ellie had to miss the evening championship.

“The course was full of everything you could imagine, including a huge bullfinch, walls, rails and technical lines,” said a jubilant Will, who is currently concentrating on teaching and bringing on youngsters. “My horses hunt throughout the winter so it wasn’t a problem for Scully.”

Fittingly, Scully’s feat was further rewarded when he went on to nail the pair’s first supreme worker of the year title (formerly the Noble Bing). The duo also gained individual team victory in the home international competition here, and are through to HOYS in both intermediate and horse workers, bidding for their first HOYS win.

Reserve went to the 153cm victors, Alice Cowie and her 10-year-old TGF Lucy, who just had an unlucky pole in an otherwise excellent round.

“She’s such an honest mare who always tries her hardest,” said HOYS-qualified Alice, 17. “The bigger the course, the better for her.”

The Ghita Jago memorial supreme show pony title is another highly valued award at the BSPS Summer Championships and this year, went to “borrowed” jockey Cate Kerr on the Team Ahern-produced novice champion, Stoneleigh Showtime. Amazingly, this was only the second show – and sole class here – for Helen Davies’ exciting four-year-old 128cm, novice champion on her debut at the recent UK Nationals.

This success did follow Ahern form, though, as the team lifted the supreme title here last year with another novice, Colbeach Caprice, and fielded four ponies to contest various supremes this time. This included two in the overall novice finale where, having qualified both, Arabella Pickles remained aboard the Heritage mini champion, Springwater Tactician, while stand-in jockey Beatrice Taverner-Burns claimed the title on the hunter pony lead-rein victor, Rosedew After Eight.

Another competition unique to the BSPS is the Blue Riband section, where four judges assess each animal and a “new” fifth judge decides the championship after another individual show from each section winner.

This year’s champions, Harriet Dennison and the Team Helliwell-produced intermediate victor Whalton A Bit Special, delivered in spades, prompting final judge Martin Jones to comment: “This pony had a particularly good walk and a spectacular trot, and the rider produced a very considered show which was balanced and rhythmic throughout, showing lovely soft transitions.”

The reigning Great Yorkshire champion and RIHS runner-up was following in familiar footprints as Harriet is a past winner on the intermediate show hunter Merrycorner Mister Bui – Best of the Best supreme with new jockey Zara Brookes here.

The promising new-season partnership of Ellie Harrington, 13, and the Gill Thompson-produced 148cm Roseberry Final Edition landed a major double, taking the Blue Riband show pony and Champion of Champions titles.

“We only got the pony in May, so we’ve been concentrating on building the partnership,” said Gill. “They are through to HOYS in part-breds and show ponies, though.”

“We haven’t had an easy time”

NATIVE ponies were also out in force at the BSPS Summer Championships, especially in worker ranks. Here, the top spot went to Roberta Watts, 14, with the family’s home-produced Connemara gelding Brock Lodge Ben (Benji). The typey 10-year-old was also placed in plaited 143cm workers here with Roberta’s sister Sienna, 15.

“We bought Benji last year and I spent time getting to know him,” said Roberta, for whom it was a first section supreme here since Joebex Chitty Chitty Bang Bang scored on the lead-rein in 2015.

“We haven’t had an easy time as he hasn’t ever had a child as young as me riding him, and the open mountain and moorland [M&M] tracks were new to us

as a combination. Thankfully, Benji is the most genuine pony and always tries his best, even when I get it a bit wrong!”

The Lancashire-based Leeming family’s star shone brightly throughout the week, but the high point came when Lucinda Leeming, 12, secured the team’s first Pretty Polly overall supreme title. Her ride, the enchanting Heritage ridden champion Thistledown San-Siro, is shared by Lucinda and her younger brother William, and the Welsh section A has his HOYS tickets in junior, first ridden and open ranks.

Another home-producing family had plenty to celebrate, too. Lincoln-based trainee paralegal Olivia Rocks secured her first HOYS ticket with the Pretty Polly intermediate champion Sir Control – an eight-year-old by the great jumping stallion Sir Shutterfly out of a Cruising mare.

“This is Olivia’s first season with him,” said her mother Lynne. “She took over the ride from her sister Phoebe and they got their large hack ticket at Lincoln; until this year Olivia has been the bridesmaid to Phoebe, but now it’s her chance to shine.”

Ever-innovative, the society introduced a new competition here – the Royal Bronze performance to music section, judged by Amanda Birch and Barry Souter. The inaugural champion was Victoria Harker with her 153cm show hunter pony section winner Penwind Charlie.

The exciting four-year-old was bought last year and has been carefully campaigned in novice ranks.

“We think he is very special,” said Victoria, who produces him herself. “He’s so easy to do and is the most down-to-earth four-year-old I’ve ever met. This class is a really good idea and a great way to encourage something new; the crowd seemed to enjoy the performances, too.”

Cracking qualifier debut at BSPS Summer Championships

DOMENICA FITCH made a sensational show ring debut with her coloured pony, The Magpie, to land her first-ever HOYS ticket. Although Pie is no stranger to the spotlight, having won at HOYS in 2018 with Adam Forster, it is very much new territory for Domenica, 24, who returned to the UK from Qatar last March due to the Covid lockdown situation.

“She learnt to ride as a child but wasn’t interested in showing,” said her mother, producer Clare Fitch, who also bagged a HOYS ticket here with the plaited pony Barnaby Rudge. “She really bought Pie for me to show a little and for her to possibly ride whenever she was home in the UK, but his main purpose was just to hack out.

“Then when she came back here, she became hooked on dressage with him and they competed at the regionals a few weeks ago. After finishing in the top 10 there, she decided to just try one show to see if she enjoyed it – this result was a dream come true.”

“They’ve both come on so much”

HARRY JUDGE, six, followed in family footsteps when landing his first HOYS ticket, scoring with the Christina Gillett/Kevin Cousins-produced five-year-old lead-rein hunter pony, Thistledown Snowfall.

Not only is Harry’s mother Clare a successful HOYS competitor, but father Philip – a former Olympia winner as a child – rode at Wembley on 128cm show ponies.

“Harry only started properly riding in the spring on an amazing home pony and has spent all summer having fun at Pony Club,” said Clare. “His first-ever ring ride was this week and it was just the pony’s fourth show. They have both come on so much in just a few days.”

Harry’s sister Sophie flew the family flag too, when Sue Galloway’s Prime Suspect secured the intermediate title and then lifted the coveted Ronnie Marmont intermediate supreme at his first “proper” show.

“I’ve been riding him at home for his owner for about six years, and until now we’ve just been slowly bringing him on,” said Sophie, who is helped by her mother Julie, yet another successful competitor. “He hunts with the Staffordshire Moorlands and does local dressage competitions with his owner. This was his first-ever evening performance, so I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

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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

Intermediate classes were introduced by the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) as a stepping stone into adult classes...

With riders up to the age of 25 being able to compete, the three intermediate flat classes plus the intermediate working hunter class are arguably some of the most competitive in showing. If you’re planning to show in intermediate classes this season, you need to know how to stand out to make the top of the line-up. The following tips will ensure you make an instant impact and catch the judges’ eye.

What are intermediate classes?

Intermediate classes were introduced by the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) as a stepping stone into adult classes. The classes allow riders to compete under BSPS rules up to the age of 25, prior to entering the more demanding hack, riding horse and hunter classes.

There are four intermediate classes:

1. Small intermediate show riding type (SRT)

2. Large intermediate show riding type (SRT)

3. Intermediate show hunter type (SHT)

4. Intermediate working hunter pony (INT WHP)

Unlike adult classes, the judge does not ride intermediate horses and riders are required to perform an individual show.

The BSPS is the governing society for qualifiers for the BSPS championships, Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Which intermediate class should I enter?

• A small intermediate SRT should exceed 146cm but not exceed 153cm.

Producer Sam Quiney explains that a small SRT should be a similar type of animal to a small hack when shown under British Show Horse Association (BSHA) rules.

“These classes are to encourage young riders to move on to horses and compete in adult classes as well as intermediate classes, which is why the classes were introduced,” says Sam, who is also a BSPS judge.

“A true SRT should certainly not be a 148cm show pony – it should be bigger and have more scope,” adds BSPS judge Patrick Lobb.

• A large SRT should exceed 153cm but exceed 158cm.

Sam says the large SRT is more of a mixture of types between a large hack and a small riding horse.

• The intermediate SHT should exceed 148cm but not exceed 158cm and is usually a horse that could also be shown in small hunter classes.

“A SHT needs to have more bone than a SRT and should be more free moving. It should be along the lines of a miniature middleweight hunter,” says Patrick.

Tack and turnout

• Tack should be neat with a straight cut saddle to show off the pony’s front.
• The bridle on a SRT is similar to a show pony and should be shown with a coloured browband.
• Competitors must wear navy blue jackets.

“These mustn’t be too short though and should be accompanied with a coloured tie,” adds Patrick. “Personally I don’t like glitter and definitely no sparkle. If the tack, horse and rider are presented properly it makes a tremendous effect on the overall picture.”

• Tack for a SHT should be more workmanlike with a plain browband, like a show hunter would wear. Patrick also notes that riders are expected to wear tweed jackets.
• Top boots should be worn in all intermediate classes and are preferable to gaiters or half chaps, and riders with long hair should have it in a bun.

Correct way of going

“Riders in the small SRT classes should perform a show that is more technical than what they would have done in pony classes,” explains Sam. “A serpentine, walk to canter, rein-back or even centre line changes are encouraged, but my advice would be to find what you can do well and perform it.

“A bad rein-back can ruin what was maybe a beautiful show. I encourage our jockeys to go for it and make their show interesting. There is nothing worse than watching a whole class of intermediates come out and perform a serpentine, with a walk to canter and an extension.”

Top tip: try to be different

“I think jockeys should throw something different in,” states Sam.

“One of my jockeys starts her show with a nice trot, canter and a gallop right from the start. Then she performs her serpentine, walk to canter, rein-back and, if she feels she really has to do something special to win, she’ll put centre line changes in at the end.

“Like hack classes you need to find what you and your horse are good at and make it your calling card.”

Sam explains that due to the large show riding types being a mix of hacks and riding horses, it is essential to gallop.

“Hacks don’t generally gallop in adult classes, but a riding horse does, so even if you’re riding a hack type you don’t want to get beaten by a riding horse type just because you didn’t show a gallop.”

The intermediate show hunter type is a small hunter.

“This type should have all the same qualities of the adult version, but sometimes a slightly stronger riding horse can make its way into this class,” adds Sam. “The individual show doesn’t need to be as technical as the SRT classes, but they should do a forward simple show that highlights a good trot, a canter on each rein and have a very good gallop.

“You can’t get away with an extension in this class and I’m not a fan of these horses performing serpentines, which seem to be making an appearance more and more.”

Remember to walk

“Every judge likes to see a good walk. There should always be a decent amount of strides at the beginning and end of the show. Eight to ten steps is just about enough as this shows a relaxed horse,” says Sam.

Show off in trot

“I like to see a good trot as this shows off a horse’s movement. Your show should be forward and, although hacks have a very collected way of going, I’ve seen too many jockeys try to perform this and not do it well,” adds Sam.

“Although the horse can be going in a collected way, some end up looking like they’re cantering or trotting on the spot. Horses must cover the ground, whether it be in complete collection or not.”

Riders should…

• Always present their pony in front of the judge at its best, ensuring there is clear space for the judge to see you without riding over them.
• Learn to stand their ponies correctly for conformation. They should stand to one side when the judge comes around to the front of the pony to allow the judge to look at its front legs clearly.
• Pay attention to the judge and steward at all times.
• Assess the size of the ring and adjust their show if necessary. If the ring isn’t big enough to keep your show flowing and forward while doing a serpentine, then ride a figure of eight with a walk to canter instead.

Continued below…

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Riders shouldn’t

• Over-trot their ponies.
• Get covered up by other riders on the go around.
• Present animals that are over bent and struggling for their heads.
• Keep looking back at their groom.

Showmanship comes into the intermediate classes more so than in the pony classes. Much can be learnt from the professionals on showmanship – watching the supreme championship at the BSHA championship show is a great way for intermediate jockeys to learn. Also the BSHA has put classes on for under 25s at their championships show. Young riders should should take advantage of them to help with the transition into horse classes.

Where to compete

All major shows have classes for intermediates, culminating in the intermediate championship. The intermediate working hunter is usually judged against the other working hunter pony winners in the championship.

At smaller shows, the intermediate types (flat) may be put together in one single class.

The biggest accolades an intermediate can win are the Royal International (RIHS) intermediate championship, or the intermediate of the year final held at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in October.

In 2019, the RIHS title went to Leaventhorpe Gold Rush (Meg Edmondson), while Holmestones Tailor Made (Charlotte Elliott-Grooby) was crowned intermediate show riding type of the year at HOYS and Carnsdale Wise Guy (Sam Walker) took the intermediate show hunter equivalent.

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 out more about getting the magazine delivered to your door every week.

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Opinion

Debates have been raging about riders too big, too small, too young, etc etc. Surely let’s have some common sense here. It all boils down to horse and rider suitability and capability and, I must be honest, there are much bigger issues that need addressing in our sport.

If anything came out of the “age debate”, surely we should be encouraging our young riders and preparing them properly so they are equipped to take the next step into horses. Intermediate classes were started by the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) to act as a stepping stone into adult classes for riders up to 25 years of age. It’s a wonderful concept, if not a little comical that we are still calling a 25-year-old a child.

I do believe, however, that this class is slightly flawed. Surely the judging of these classes should mirror the horse classes and have a ride judge. The art of setting a horse up for a judge to ride is completely different. It seems to me that the reason some pony riders fail to make the transition into horses is that they do not understand how to produce their animal for a ride judge.

My biggest bugbear is the well-coined phrase “it’s more of an intermediate” when describing an animal. Surely in the intermediate show hunter class they should be capable of doing a small hunter class? Equally, the small intermediate show riding type should also be a small hack. I’ve noticed the BSPS has its own ride panel, so why aren’t they used in intermediate classes with a mixture of horse panel judges?

The same should be applied for intermediate working hunter classes. I know that more of these jockeys probably compete in horse workers as well, if only to get a second round of jumping in at the finals, but still, they are making the leap. Intermediate working hunter pony jockeys are more than capable of jumping open horse tracks but it is sometimes in the ride section where they fall short.

Stepping stone

All credit to the young adults who do compete in horse classes — and there are lots of very good ones. We have seen some fantastic graduates come out of pony classes and the fact that members want to stay as long as they can in pony societies speaks volumes. They are great societies and really do encourage the kids. My only point is that we lose a percentage after they finish their pony years.

Nigel Hollings, vice-chairman of the British Show Horse Association and executive council member of the BSPS, told me that intermediate classes have proved to be a successful stepping stone. He would rather see the ride element be introduced as a new competition rather than as an addition, which would alter the current format.

After speaking to Nigel at length, I can see his concerns and we agreed that the way forward could be a trial pilot class launched to test the waters, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Ref Horse & Hound; 11 may 2017

Here are pictures of the fences that intermediate working hunter competitors faced at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) in ring 5 on Sunday 3 August.

As you will see, the fences are quite unusual and incorporate replicas of those found in the famous main arena at Hickstead, including banks and ditches.

The class was won by Jasean Sprggett riding Mrs Melanie Banks-Browne’s Kidside Ferguson.

For the full report on RIHS, please see this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (7 August)

If you enjoyed this gallery, why not ‘walk’ some more courses?

Walk the WEG eventing cross-country and showjumping courses

Horse & Hound’s eventing editor Pippa Roome brings you pictures of every fence on both the cross-country and showjumping courses, and shares her thoughts on the challenges being faced by horse and rider at the 2014 World Equestrian Games.

Walk the Burghley 2014 cross-country course

Take a look at every fence on the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials cross-country course. It’s a true four-star with some big fences and some interesting tweaks and additions for this year. “It’s a big course and it will need a special horse to get around it,” said this year’s Badminton winner Sam Griffiths prior to riding round the course.

Walk the Badminton 2014 cross-country course

Take a look at every fence on the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials 4-star cross-

country course. This year’s course was designed by Giuseppe della Chiesa, who introduced a number of new fences. Two fences were removed from the course due to the conditions.

Walk the BE90 Badminton Grassroots Championships cross-country course

Check out how challenging the BE90 Mi

tsubishi Motors Badminton Grassroots Championships cross-country course was this year. The BE90 title for 2014 was taken by 23 year old Zoe Symes and Serendipity IV.

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

Sheila and Hazel Broom’s Paschal High Flyer headed the large show riding type intermediates and took the title after a foot perfect show at HOYS on Saturday.

Paschal High Flyer was bred by the Lucas family, who have been breeding for 35 years. They took Paschal as their prefix as it means Easter, which is when their first foal was born. Paschal High Flyer was bought from Katy Marriott after HOYS last year, and was partnered by Martin Skelton for Team Harvey.

“It is very rare to award a mark of 59,” said ride judge Amanda Nicol, “but this was a brilliant show.”

“I commend the production of these intermediates,” added conformation judge Liz Mansfield, “and the standard here proves that the need for this section is there, and working very well.”

Mountcaulfield Freedom, who had taken the title two years ago, returned with Lucy Day to head the small show riding type intermediates. Lucy is now in her second season with the chestnut gelding. They had to give way to Elizabeth Cross’s second placed part-bred Arab Farancella Valencia who took reserve, after Mountcaulfield Freedom showed some excessive exuberance in the championship.

Kimberley Minchin’s last ride in show hunter ponies before moving up to intermediates saw her head the 153cms with her mother Lesley’s Pretoria. The pair went on to take their first HOYS title. Kimberley enjoyed her first HOYS win in 2005 when heading the 148cms show ponies on Ellenbrook Sophistication.

Gill Thompson has dominated the 143cms show hunter ponies for the last three years with Ellenbrook MasterPlan in 2006, Rotherwood Maybe in 2007 and Jethro Heathcote’s Roseberry Serendipity this year. The six-year-old bay mare ridden by Charlotte Thompson stood reserve.

Results Saturday 11 October

Oggy Oggy Int. SRT (E Mansfield, A Nicol)under 153.— 1, D Day’s Mountcaulfield Freedom; 2 & res. E Cross’s Farancella Valencia; 3, D Thomas’s Crafton Touch of Gold. do over 153.— 1 & ch. S & H Broom’s Paschal High Flyer; 2, A Winbourne’s Opium-Casa; 3, S Schofield’s Royal Angel. Bewley Homes show hunter (R Hetherington, S Jull) 122cms.—1 , L Burnip’s Wingland Make Believe; 2, K Ward’s Beckcroft Best Man; 3, R Cambray’s Rillaton Peter Pan. do 133cms.— 1, L Matthew’s Springwood Pro Set; 2, D Hayman’s Westerby Firelight; 3, G Daly’s Netherfield Callipo. do 143cms.— 1, J Heathcote’s Roseberry Serendipity; 2, N Haynes’s Chiddock Over the Limit; 3, Templeton show team & L Jacksons’s Thimbleby Final Edition. do 153.— 1& ch. L Minchin’s Pretoria; 2, S Cuddy’s Galtee Park; 3, M Coster’s Northern Fanfare.

Stay in touch with all the news from HOYS on Horseandhound.co.uk throughout the show, and don’t miss H&H’s special report on the show on sale next Thursday

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Horse of the Year Show showing competitors will have to choose for the first time which section they wish to contest between intermediate or 15hh working hunter classes.

Previously competitors could qualify for and contest both sections. Now if they qualify for the 15hh working hunters and accept that qualifying ticket, they cannot accept the ticket if they also qualify for the intermediate workers, and vice versa.

There will be 21 qualifying places for the intermediates — in line with the three worker height sections — up from 15.

www.hoys.co.uk

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (7 February, ’08)

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