Latest from Horse & Hound in Jayne-ross

‘It’s extra special to win it here’: multi-garlanded mare adds another title at Royal Windsor to her impressive tally

Millie Bowles — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:16:34 +0000

A multi-garlanded duo once again prove a force to be reckoned with when adding another title to their impressive tally by clinching the 2026 Royal Windsor coloured championship.

Despite heavy rain and thunder during her time to shine in the Castle Arena, Diane Stennett’s KBF Lucia (Poppy) and Jayne Ross gave a polished performance and a stand-out gallop to clinch the overall coloured spoils, sponsored here by the Leeman Family.

Poppy — the reigning Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) supreme horse — won the coloured ridden non-native horse class on her way to the overall sash.

The Free Spirit 10-year-old, bred by Michael Cook and Tony Reynolds, took the red rosette in the same class last year.

KBF Lucia and Jayne Ross are undeterred by the torrential rain to take the coloured title. (Image credit: Elli Birch)

The heavens opened just before the cohort of coloureds entered the ring, but the weather did not bother the super-consistent Poppy, who rose to the occasion once again.

“She felt fantastic,” Jayne said. “It’s just the most wonderful place to win. It’s a very special show, so it’s extra special to win it here.

“We didn’t have the best weather for it, but you know what, once you’re in there, you just get on with the job.”

Behind Jayne in reserve for the 2026 Royal Windsor coloured championship was the reigning Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) supreme coloured champion, Lostock Up Till Dark (Susie), piloted by Harrison Taylor, winners of the non-native pony class.

Reserve champions Harrison Taylor and Lostock Up Till Dark with sponsors Richard and Lisha Leeman. (Image credit: Elli Birch)

The striking tobiano seven-year-old mare is owned and bred by Caroline Hamilton and first moved to Harrison’s yard in February 2024.

Young producer Harrison drove through the night to the show, and only brought Susie, who made the trip worthwhile.

Harrison said: “It’s been really good. We only came for the day. The atmosphere and weather were crazy, but she’s been really good.”

Michelle Pickford’s Burghwallis Storm Chaser won the native/traditional/cob pony class and the winning native/traditional/cob horse was Cobert De Niro, ridden by his owner Louise Durdin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Horse & Hound Podcast 171: Jayne Ross on her eighth supreme horse title at HOYS

Carol Phillips — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 08:39:55 +0000

On our 171st episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, which is sponsored this month by KBIS, we caught up with 2025 Horse of the Year Show supreme horse producer Jayne Ross. Jayne talks about how she got the pony bug as a child, her route into making horses a career, getting the best out of the horses she produces, how it feels to win the HOYS supreme eight times, and what her plans are for next season.

Episode 171 of our popular audio service The Horse & Hound Podcast, which is sponsored this month by KBIS, is now live and features the reigning Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) supreme horse producer Jayne Ross.

Each episode is available for H&H fans to listen to via your favourite podcast app, as well as here on the website. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode.

View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

On this episode H&H’s showing editor Bethan Simons caught up with Jayne following her outstanding eighth supreme horse title at HOYS, this time with the coloured mare KBF Lucia.

“She’s very good at pacing herself. Poppy doesn’t put more effort in than is needed, but because she’s such a beautiful mover and such a lovely person in general, you don’t have to put much pressure on her. She’s naturally got her ears forward and naturally got a smile on her face, which does help. She is the most phenomenal ride, she rides like a hovercraft, both side saddle and astride.” – Jayne Ross on KBF Lucia, known at home as Poppy.

Jayne also talks to Bethan about how she first got the horse bug, moving into producing horses as a career, how she gets the best out of the horses – and humans – in her yard, and the team’s plans for next season.

We would love to hear your feedback on all our podcasts, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 171

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Runner-up in the HOYS 2025 coloured championship

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

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

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

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

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

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

And what of his future plans?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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‘He just gets better and better’: six-year-old is crowned HOYS small hunter champion

Bethan Simons — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:32:35 +0000

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.”

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‘We will never, ever get another. He was the gift that kept on giving’: farewell to prolific show hunter

Bethan Simons — Thu, 29 May 2025 11:16:58 +0000

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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7 expert tips on training your show hunter to thrill and delight the ride judge

Alex Robinson — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 07:35:04 +0000

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.

The ingredients of a top show hunter: judges will assess quality, balance, and paces, but also manners, obedience and correct schooling. (Image credit: Hamish Mitchell)

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.”

Aiming for a forward, uphill contact: “Look at the top plait – and let the horse learn to go forwards and carry themselves,” says Robert Walker, pictured riding small hunter Chantilly Bojangles. (Image credit: Nico Morgan)

“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.

Top-class middleweight Greenhall Treasure Island, who benefited from plenty of hacking early on to allow him to grow into his powerful stride. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“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.”

Take a risk: a touch of sparkle is essential to catch the judge’s eye. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves)

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.

The gallop should both reach and stretch, not scuttle. Jayne Ross’ multi-garlanded ride Time 2 Reflect shows off his ground-covering gallop. (Image credit: Nico Morgan)

“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.”

Don’t neglect working on the walk – different terrain and hillwork will help develop this important pace. (Image credit: Emma Herrod)

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.

Forward, flowing transitions are key in the show hunter. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“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.

Jayne Ross demonstrates a “ride it like you stole it” attitude aboard the late top-class heavyweight hunter Twinshock Warrior. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“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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‘He was just sublime today’: emotional RIHS victory for Jayne Ross and heavyweight star

Alex Robinson — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 20:14:46 +0000

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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Two top mares lead the coloured field on day one of the Royal International

Alex Robinson — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:30:10 +0000

Two prolific mares with impressive CVs stole the show in the supreme BSPA skewbald and piebald 2024 RIHS ridden coloured championship on the first day of the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

Hotly-contested coloured horse and pony classes featuring the circuit’s most seasoned stars were the focus of the first day of judging at Hickstead, but only one could return home with the prestigious Indian Trail trophy.

Leading lady of the field was Lucy and Diane Stennett’s magnificent seven-year-old KBF Lucia (Poppy) and her producer Jayne Ross. The Free Spirit daughter, who was bred by Michael Cook and Tony Reynolds, was advancing on the reserve supreme horse spot she achieved last year.

Poppy entered this year’s final as the reigning Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ladies’ champion, and she is also a two-time HOYS winner in open coloured ranks.

After her win, Jayne said: “She relishes being out and about, loves people and loves doing the job. She just puts her ears forward and does it for you.”

It was a moment of deja vu for Jayne, who last took the RIHS supreme coloured title in 2022 aboard Michael and Tony’s home-bred mare KBF Crescendo, also the 2018 winner of this accolade, who is also by Free Spirit.

Jayne and Poppy had won the first class of the day, the plaited horses, ahead of Vicky Smith aboard Miranda Wallace’s equally consistent mare, 10-year-old Mysterie Van De Heuvel, last year’s class winner. However, Jayne and Poppy were pipped to the post in the ridden coloured horse championship by the class bridesmaids, before the result was swapped once again in the 2024 RIHS supreme ridden coloured championship.

Jayne and Poppy are the first combination through to the International Arena on Sunday where they will vie for the supreme horse accolade.

Mysterie Van De Heuvel and Vicky Smith, reserve supreme champions. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves)

Emma Holder took the coloured pony supreme crown aboard her own mare Worsenden Priscilla, with Pippa Kirby and home-bred stallion Monivea Black Magic finishing reserve.

The amateur spoils went to Georgina Simmonds riding Rag And Bone Man, while top of the junior championship was Grace Clarke and Rachael Hawes’ Kudos Jessie J.

To stay up-to-date with all the breaking news throughout the Royal International Horse Show, Olympic Games and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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‘I’ve waited 36 years for my Windsor win’: rider’s joy as ‘sublime’ horse is champion

Alex Robinson — Fri, 03 May 2024 18:30:09 +0000

Within a 10 minute window, two horses from the same yard landed both side-saddle titles on offer at the 2024 Royal Windsor Horse Show. Stealing the show in the 2024 Royal Windsor ladies’ hunter class was Charlotte Clark riding her own and her mother Elizabeth Trembath’s lightweight gelding Harbour Master II (Marley).

The Harlequin Du Carel eight-year-old is based with Jayne Ross, a side-saddle icon herself who has won this accolade numerous times on the likes of Hello Dolly and Time2Reflect.

“I just love riding at Windsor, though while I’ve been coming here for 36 years this is my first-ever win here,” said mum-of-three Charlotte, who has been based with Team Ross for eight years. “Adding to this, Mum and Dad’s KBF Stackton Tressel won the novice heavyweights this morning. So, we’ve waited over three decades for a win here, and we get two in one day!”

Earlier today, Marley finished third in a hotly-contested lightweight class under Jayne. Marley came over from Ireland originally and Charlotte and her parents bought him as an unshown four-year-old.

“He’s just turned eight now and he’s in his prime,” Charlotte added. “We’ve been here in the ladies’ three times so I think we’ve finally hit the nail on the head. He rose to the occasion today. He’s quite a busy person and he likes the spotlight; he’s definitely an attention seeker, though when he gets it right he’s sublime.”

Jayne was not to be outdone by her students, though, as she held onto a top initial pull in after the go-round to win the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) ladies’ show horse honours with Diane Stennett’s KBF Lucia, the reigning Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ladies’ champion.

The Free Spirit seven-year-old is also a multi-garlanded ridden coloured show horse who has won HOYS twice with Jayne astride, too.

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‘He knew he was a superstar, the way he swaggered’: the horse showing supremo Jayne Ross wishes she could have ridden

Becky Murray — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 16:30:08 +0000

Suppose your Christmas stocking contained a ride on the horse of your dreams… We find out which superstar of yesteryear this top rider would love to have sat on

Jayne Ross is one of the most decorated showing producers, winning her first Horse of the Year Show title in 1966 with the pony Cusop Pirouette. She has ridden countless stars and while admittedly she isn’t one for “horse envy”, there is one racehorse she always admired.

“If I could have Best Mate in my Christmas stocking, my goodness I’d be happy,” says Jayne Ross. “My husband and I knew his trainer Henrietta Knight well and often used to visit. I met Best Mate as a five-year-old at the end of his first season. He used to go out in the field with Edredon Bleu, his best friend as it were. The two of them were so lovely together.”

Best Mate jumps the last with Jim Culloty up on their way to win the 2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup (Image credit: AFP via Getty Images)

One of the best-loved racehorses, Best Mate was known for winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup three consecutive times with Jim Culloty.

“From a young horse, you could tell he was special. He was so beautifully put together and I really admired him – not just because of his ability as a racehorse, but because he was such a beautifully balanced and effortless mover. His stride was so organised and engaged all the time, he rarely made a mistake. He was always in such a perfect rhythm,” explains Jayne.

“You watched him walk across the field and he was such an eyeful of a horse; short-coupled but slopey, and he had a lovely outlook. He’d have been everyone’s dream horse to win the Retraining of Racehorses classes.”

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Best Mate jumps the last with Jim Culloty up on their way to win the CheltenhamGold Cup, 14 March 2002, at the Cheltenham Festival. It was a first Gold Cup triumph for jockey Jim Culloty, trainer Henrietta Knight and owner Jim Lewis. The three-day meeting at Cheltenham, South-West England, is the pinnacle of English horse racing's jumping season. AFP PHOTO GERRY PENNY/gp (Photo by GERRY PENNY / AFP) (Photo by GERRY PENNY/AFP via Getty Images) (Image credit: Future)

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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.

Jayne Ross reveals plans for the HOYS supreme, after she wins second title of the show

Alex Robinson — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 10:58:13 +0000

Jayne Ross achieved a career first when she took the Leeman Family maxi cob of the year championship at the 2023 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). She was on board Jo Baker’s stunning 13-year-old chestnut gelding Chantilly Sandman (Teddy).

This victory marked Jayne’s second win of HOYS 2023, as earlier in the week she took home the ladies side-saddle championship riding KBF Lucia.

Teddy is now based with Clare Fitch and Jayne meets him at shows, however, Jayne had him on her yard for multiple seasons.

Teddy, who is by Gurraun Zidane out of Cranagh Flagon and was bred by Martin Cosgrove, began his career in the show ring as a lightweight contender with Ian Smeeth.

This is the second season that the Bakers have owned Teddy, who was Royal Windsor cob champion in 2022.

“He didn’t miss a beat today; he was just perfection,” said Jayne. “He’s always a lovely horse to show as he’s very reliable. He deserves this one; he was second here last year and this marks his first HOYS win.

“It’s wonderful to be on a horse who is totally rock solid in the prize giving, too.”

It took Jayne a moment to realise that she’d never won the maxis here before, despite tallying several wins in the lightweight and heavyweight cobs.

“Wow, yes, this is my first one,” said Jayne. “Today’s class was a real level playing field. There hasn’t been a stand out horse this year, and there were several contenders who could have taken the title.

“Teddy is a big joint effort. Clare has got him looking fantastic ahead of today.”

When asked who she will choose to pilot in Sunday’s supreme, Jayne said: “I will ride the ladies’ horse on Sunday, and Clare will probably ride the lovely Chantilly Sandman.”

‘I’d do it all over again in a flash’: Jayne Ross on five horses she won’t forget

Alex Robinson — Sun, 28 May 2023 15:32:50 +0000

When you have as much natural talent in the saddle as Jayne Ross, it’s not uncommon for most horses you train to reach the top end of their potential. But even leading professionals like Jayne have a few notable stars who they can pinpoint as the ones who helped them on the way to greatness.

Jayne detailed a few prolific horses who she noted as stand out characters in her glorious story so far when she chatted to H&H’s showing editor Alex Robinson on episode 137 of The Horse & Hound podcast.

“I’ve had the most amazing horses over the years,” confirms Jayne. “And each has their own story and has created memories which will never leave me. I’d love to have all of them back again. I’m getting a bit long in the tooth now, but I do reminisce. In honesty, I’d do it all over again in a flash!”

Five special horses Jayne Ross won’t forget

1. Cusop Pirouette

Jayne rode her first championship centre line in 1966.

“When I started riding many, many moons ago I was lucky enough to get the ride on a show pony named Cusop Pirouette for the Gilbert Scotts,” she says. “Aged nine, I won the children’s riding pony of the year championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with this pony, which really gave me a taste of top level showing.”

2. Southern Flight

“The first one who really put me on the map was probably Southern Flight,” Jayne continues. “He was a lovely chestnut horse, owned by the late Norman Swallow, and I used to do the ladies’ classes with him. He was a great horse who gave me a first ladies’ win at HOYS. I was completely bitten by the bug after that; I then knew I couldn’t get out of it and I was in showing for the long run.”

3. The Philanderer

The iconic grey gelding (pictured top) who was known for his quirky temperament and unique presence in the ring was supreme at HOYS in 2009.

“How could I forget this fabulous grey riding horse,” says Jayne, of the horse who was also a double Royal International (RIHS) supreme winner. “He wasn’t easy, but he was great fun.

“He pushed a lot of people’s buttons. He was spooky and nervous; if you changed the colour of his water bucket in his stable he’d freak out. For some reason, when he got to a big show like HOYS he became Mummy’s best friend and he wanted to be close to you, and he’d always give me his all. This wasn’t the case at other shows.

“The first time he went to HOYS it took me at least 15 minutes to get him around the ring. Thank goodness we had time to warm-up early in the morning before the show got going, or I don’t think I’d have gotten him into the ring!”

4. The Humdinger

The Humdinger (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

The multi-garlanded show cob was retired in 2015. Prior to his final foray he won the coloured championship at HOYS three times in a row, from 2010 to 2012.

“He was found by David Tatlow under a tree in a field with about 25 other horses,” says Jayne. “I was at a show and I got a phone call from David. He said that he had found a coloured cob in the middle of nowhere in Ireland. He said he had no idea what it was, or how old it was, but that he’d seen it trot and stop and that it was a humdinger of a horse. And that’s how he was named.”

5. Time 2 Reflect

Time 2 Reflect (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Time 2 Reflect, or Betty as she was known, was so special in everyone’s eyes,” says Jayne. “She was supreme at HOYS and she was also twice supreme at the RIHS. To gallop her around the big ring at Hickstead was just so thrilling.

“We’d all love another Betty back. She was just so easy as well as being so special in the ring. She was the favourite both on the yard and at a show; they broke the mould after her!”

Listen to the full interview with Jayne Ross on episode 137 of The Horse & Hound podcast.

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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.

The Horse & Hound Podcast 137: Showing legend Jayne Ross | Expert feeding advice

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 25 May 2023 05:45:27 +0000

Our 137th episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, which is supported by Baileys Horse Feeds, features an exclusive interview with showing legend Jayne Ross. She talks about the secrets behind her success. We’ll then hear from Baileys Horse Feeds’ senior nutritionist Emma Short, who offers her expert advice on all things horse feed-related. We hope you will enjoy listening.

Episode 137 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, our popular audio service, which is supported by Baileys Horse Feeds, is now live.

Each episode is available for H&H fans to listen to via your favourite podcast app, as well as here on the website. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode.

View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

Our 137th episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, which is currently supported by Baileys Horse Feeds, features an exclusive interview with showing legend Jayne Ross. She talks about the secrets behind her success.

“I never plan– I fly by the seat of my pants and hope the horses are flying with me” – Jayne Ross on a fact about her that might surprise you

We’ll then hear from Baileys Horse Feeds’ senior nutritionist Emma Short, who offers her expert advice on all things horse feed-related.

“Te first thing that is a good starting point is what your existing feed is offering your horse and the dE of a product – telling us how many calories and therefore how much energy that feed is supplying” – Baileys Horse Feeds’ senior nutritionist Emma Short

We would love to hear your feedback on all our podcasts, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com