Fifteen-year-old Izzie Williams and her grey Connemara Mayfield Boy produced one of the standout jumping performances of the day to claim the NPS Baileys Horse Feeds supreme mountain and moorland working hunter pony championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show.

The 15-year-old gelding, by Castlestrange Fionn out of Old Head Queen, is owned by Georgina Williams and ridden by daughter Izzy. The pair secured the supreme title after winning the NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds 143cm M&M working hunter pony division.

Over a demanding championship course that caught out many combinations, Mayfield Boy delivered a superb clear round before impressing in the ride and conformation phases.

“He jumped an absolutely mega clear round,” said Izzie. “The course caused lots of problems, but he just took everything in his stride.

“He’s trained by Rachel Turner, who’s completely changed him and given me so much confidence. To come here and win is beyond words. I‘m so lucky to have the best support team behind me.”

Reserve supreme went to Haysbrook Double Trouble, the 16-year-old black Welsh Section A gelding owned by Helen Mylott and a catch ride for Libby James.

The result came after an emotional few weeks for the team. The pony had originally qualified with Helen’s daughter, 11-year-old Harriet Platt, but after Harriet suffered a broken femur in a fall off a friend‘s pony just a few weeks before Hickstead, Libby stepped in to keep the partnership’s Royal International dream alive.

“This is Harriet’s pony, but when she got injured she asked me to ride him,” said Libby. “We’d only had five days together before coming here. It was a really challenging course with the bullfinch, the water splash and the oxer up the hill, but he was such a good boy. He just took me over everything without ever questioning it.”

Helen Mylott added: “I’m incredibly proud of Harriet, who has produced this pony herself, and I can‘t thank Libby enough for stepping in. He was third here last year, so to come back and finish reserve supreme this year is just fabulous.”

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Eight-year-old Zara Constable and Glyncoch Honey Pot completed a memorable show by claiming the BSPS Pretty Polly heritage mini mountain and moorland (M&M) supreme championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

The nine-year-old palomino mare, by Glyncoch Kentucky out of Glyncoch Helena, is owned by Emily and Simon Constable, with Simon leading their daughter Zara to victory after the pair qualified by winning the BSPS heritage M&M Pretty Polly lead-rein final.

The family also enjoyed success earlier in the week when the combination won the Signature Coachworks BSPS heritage M&M lead-rein final, completing a remarkable Hickstead double.

“She’s the perfect Barbie pony,” said Simon, who is also a veterinary surgeon. “Both my daughters ride her and she’s just incredible. A special mention has to go to my wife because she does all the hard work getting everyone ready for the ring – I just do the easy bit. It’s a real team effort.”

Looking ahead, Simon revealed the mare has already qualified for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) both on and off the lead, with exciting plans for the future.

“Zara is about to come off the lead and her younger sister Izzy will take over next year. Now the girls can enjoy playing with Honey at home before we start thinking about HOYS.

“To win both the open and the Pretty Polly championships is sensational. There were so many big names in yesterday’s class, so to come away with both titles as a home-produced family makes it even more special.”

Reserve supreme went to eight-year-old Isabella Dobson, riding her mother’s Tryfel Royal Princess, after winning the BSPS heritage M&M Pretty Polly first ridden final.

The Derbyshire combination were making their Royal International debut.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever qualified for Royal International and we came just hoping to have a lovely show,” said mum Laura Dobson. “To come away with a win is unbelievable. Now it’s time to celebrate with a trip to the fair and an ice cream.”

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Seven-year-old Kate Turner enjoyed the biggest success of her young career when she partnered her mum Tracy’s Dykes Blue Moon to victory in the Signature Coachworks BSPS heritage mountain and moorland (M&M) supreme mini championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show.

The nine-year-old Dartmoor secured the supreme mini M&M title after Charlotte won the Signature Coachworks BSPS heritage M&M first ridden championship, rounding off an exceptional week for the family. Earlier in the show, the gelding had finished second in the open class with Kate's older sister Charlotte before going on to place fifth in the junior small breeds.

The partnership qualified for Hickstead at BSPS Area 2B Warren Farm and has been carefully produced by Emma Burrow, who backed the pony as a three-year-old. The Turners bought him from his breeder in October 2023 but left him with Emma before bringing him home for the winter, where he’s enjoyed hunting, Pony Club activities and hacking.

“This week has literally been like a dream,” said mum Tracy. “I could never have imagined this happening to us. He's had an incredible week and we’ve still got a couple of HOYS qualifiers left to try to qualify with both girls before he heads off to a fantastic new family.”

Reserve supreme went to 10-year-old Dartmoor Springwater Tactician, who earned his place in the championship after finishing second in the lead rein class. Ridden by seven-year-old Sienna Clay and owned by her mother, Heather Clay, the pony arrived at Hickstead fresh from his championship victory at the Great Yorkshire Show.

“He’s won all three of his outings this season and won his second HOYS qualifier,” said Heather. “I have no words for the memories he continues to give our family. We won this same lead rein championship four years ago with brother Finley, so to do it again with Sienna has been magical.”

Produced by Craig Eleanor Equestrian and bred by Nicola Tyler's Springwater Stud, Tactician has an outstanding record at Hickstead, never finishing outside the top three in four appearances. A previous winner in 2023, this latest result marked his third reserve championship at the Royal International.

The lead rein championship was won by Zara Constable riding Glyncoch Honey Pot.

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

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

2026 HOYS M&M qualifiers

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

HOYS qualifiers for native ponies 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 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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Bob Beaty and his granddaughter Bronte Crosby enjoyed a remarkable day at the Fell Pony Society’s 2026 Stallion and Colt Show (9 May), held in the grounds of Dalemain House near Ullswater, by kind permission of the Hasell McCosh family.

Their four-year-old Oscar II – bought as a two-year-old through the annual Fell Pony Society sale – was Dorset-based judge Michael Goddard’s choice for the stallion championship and supreme, and their home-bred eight-year-old Stennerskeugh Nicholas claimed the gelding spoils.

Both ponies were handled by Bronte, who was delighted to have proud granddad Bob ring-side to share this special achievement.

“My supreme and reserve supreme were two of the nicest stallions I have seen in a long time,” said judge Michael. “Both displayed active, forward movement, with great limbs, flat bone and excellent feet.”

Bronte and Nicholas were closely followed by another family duo in the gelding championship at the Fell Pony Society’s 2026 Stallion and Colt Show. This was Charlotte Pattinson with two-year-old Guards Maestro, bred by her grandmother Margaret Dixon, whose family has been breeding the Guards ponies for over a century.

“The champion and reserve geldings were also good pony types,” said Michael. “Each showed an excellent active walk and were tracking up well, with deep bodies, strong limbs and the look of ponies capable of doing a good day’s work.”

Another two-year-old received the youngstock champion’s sash, Sarah Clayton’s Setmabanning Malcolm, with David Thompson’s yearling Drybarrows Kirkstone finishing reserve, shown by Tom Pearson.

David and Tom also fielded the reserve champion stallion and eventual overall reserve supreme, eight-year-old Drybarrows Dynasty.

Michael admitted, however, that the highlight of his day was judging the driving class.

His winner was Tom Lloyd’s pair of Hades Hill ponies, Hades Hill Little Prince and Hades Hill Little Pearl, with Mark Jopling’s team of Hotchberry ponies in reserve. Both exhibits provided a welcome spectacle for the crowd.

Isabel Hayes won the class for ridden stallions and geldings with the six-year-old Ringstone Prince, but it was Anna Metcalfe’s charming mare Greenholme Kipper, bred by the Potter family, who topped a highly competitive Horse of the Year Show qualifying class judged by Gill Cowell and Judy Fairburn. This is the second time consecutively for the pair to claim a golden ticket here.

• 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

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In the mini mountain and moorland (M&M) classes at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, a “true kid’s pony” gave a beautiful performance to be crowned 2026 mini M&M champion.

Posy Lindsay, 10, partnered Welsh section B Heniarth Stand Up (Stan) to win the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) M&M first ridden class en route to the overall spoils.

The five-year-old is owned by Carlyn Baillie and is produced by Emma and Gayle Holder.

Posy said: “I’m feeling really proud of him and it’s just a dream really.”

Emma explained: “He’s come from strength to strength.

“Last year they were just in their first novice season and they had a few good wins, but they were making novice mistakes and then this year everything has just clicked. It’s definitely been worth the wait.”

Stan – Stan The Man as he is often called around the yard – was bred by Meirion Davies and Richard Miller by their multi-garlanded Heniarth Woodwind and out of Rhoson Siesta. He arrived with Team Holder as a three-year-old.

“He’s a dream – a true kid’s pony,” said Emma. “They can get straight on him in the stable, they can stand on a step and plait him; do whatever they want.

“He’s got exactly the temperament you want for a first ridden.”

The versatile pony, who went round the ring with his ears pricked, has also been enjoying jumping at home, and it is hoped he will eventually go on to do the workers.

“I think because he doesn’t have to have a lot of work and he’s not sour to the job, he’s always got his ears on and he wants to please,” Emma added.

Reserve for the 2026 mini M&M champion title went to the consistent lead rein Rowfantina Hideaway Harry ridden by five-year-old Jemima Gredley-Scott.

Harry is produced by Team Hillyard and was led by Katie White.

Katie said: “Harry is the best pony ever.

“He has been amazing for us. He was champion at Royal International last year, and he’s been champion at New Forest and the Hickstead Derby. He’s just won everything for us.”

Also in the championship was the second-placed lead rein Ladbury Pretender, ridden by Queenie Follows, and the runner-up in the first ridden class, Birkinbrook Juliet ridden by Brogan West.

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A super-successful Welsh section B jumped to victory in the mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter pony (WHP) championship at Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Maisie Kerry-Oates rode her mother’s Cadlanvalley VIP seven-year-old Cadlanvalley Royal Bronze (Ozzy) to top the 133cm class en route to the overall 2026 Windsor M&M WHP title.

“Honestly I couldn’t ask for a better pony,” said Maisie. “He’s just so versatile in everything he does. His flats he loves, but he also loves his jumping.”

M&M buffs will be more accustomed to seeing Ozzy in the flat ring, where he has had some notable victories, including standing junior M&M champion at both the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

The pair were also champion performance pony at the London International Horse Show (LIHS) in 2024, before landing the highest junior award and best of breed in fourth at the 2025 final.

But over the last few seasons Ozzy, who is produced by Katy Marriot-Payne, has also turned his hoof to fences and quietly gained ground, qualifying for HOYS and London over fences last term.

Maisie, 13, said: “We started jumping as just a bit of fun along with the flats and never thought it would reach qualifying for HOYS and RIHS.”

This was Maisie’s first time in the workers at Royal Windsor.

“They are ponies and at the end of the day – they can do anything – but I knew he would be a good boy and look after me in there,” she said. “Honestly, I did not expect to be champion.”

Producer Katy added: “She’s brought him through from the novice ranks on her own as well. All their jumping classes have just been Maisie and him together. They’ve come through from the novices all the way to winning here so it’s a really big deal.”

At home, she added, Ozzy has a cheeky side, but his young rider knows him “inside and out”.

Reserve in the 2026 Windsor M&M WHP championship went to Vee Taheri-Sinfield and her own New Forest pony Nutschullyng Little Monty, who were second to Maisie and Ozzy.

Also competing for the sash were Vikki Smith riding Penny Sutton’s 143cm winner Lovelyhill Folklore, the 122cm class winner Delami Bravado, ridden by Poppy Rowlands, and the winners of the exceeding 143cm class, Jemima Jewson and Culmore Cooper.

• 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

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A striking grey New Forest didn’t miss a beat in the Castle Arena as he landed the top spot in the 2026 Royal Windsor mountain and moorland (M&M) ridden championship – sponsored by New Horizons Plastics – and bagged a ticket to the London International (LIHS) Heritage championship.

Beverley Bayes’ Ravenstone Fudge II and Stephanie Turner reigned in a quality field that included Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), Royal International (RIHS) and LIHS winners.

Fudge, a 14-year-old by Furzey Lodge Zennica out of Hyde Alice, was bred by Pat Throne.

“We’ve had him four years now,” said Stephanie. “He’s won HOYS, he’s won at London International, and he’s won at Great Yorkshire, so this is the icing on the cake to win and go champion here. It’s amazing.”

Commenting on the atmosphere in the Castle Arena, Stephanie said: “Oh! It was amazing. And he was amazing in there. He’s been a star all day.

“Both judges said he was the one they would like to ride, so that was lovely and meant a lot as that’s how I judge – the ones I want to win are the ones I want to ride.”

Prior to his show ring career, Fudge was an eventing pony but had ceased to enjoy his job and was sent to Stephanie to be sold. Beverley, who was already on Stephanie’s yard, bought him and he’s been produced by Stephanie since.

Now, he enjoys a varied schedule.

“He does a bit of everything,” said Stephanie. “He jumps, he does a bit of dressage and has represented the Suffolk Area teams. He’s an all-rounder.”

In reserve for the 2026 Royal Windsor M&M ridden title was Ellena Thomas aboard her mother Karyn Thomas’ Ashleyvale Glen Duror, an eight-year-old Highland stallion sired by Ashleyvale Glen Avon.

The pair were winners at the Royal International last term and were second at HOYS, but this was their first spin in the Castle Arena together.

“He won his class and came straight here,” said Ellena, who had to rush to change her attire before the championship. “But it was amazing in there.”

Notably, mother and son duo Sarah Parker and Owen Parker were both in the championship. Sarah piloted her own Welsh section D class winner Llynhelyg Mistar Jones – now gelded for Owen to ride in junior classes – Owen was aboard Sarah Weston’s winning home-bred Dartmoor, Westown Wild Fire.

Samantha Roberts piloted Bradley Helyer’s Cnwch Carwn to win the Welsh section C class, and Lucy Richardson’s Marsh Walk On By was steered to win the Welsh A and B class by Lucy’s daughter, Lilly Richardson.

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Five-year-old Fell stallion Bracklinn Sonny Bill secured the 2026 Windsor M&M in-hand championship, led by his breeder Alistair Smith in the Castle Arena.

The Horse & Hound supreme mountain and moorland (M&M) in-hand championship at Royal Windsor Horse Show is always a treat and this year proved no different.

The young stallion, known at home as Guardian, is owned by Leah Cassell, who fell in love after spotting him at a Fell Pony Society show as a foal.

He is currently in his novice season under saddle with Hollie Mcgauley, who was there along with Leah’s mum Lindsay to watch the momentous victory.

“As soon as I saw him, I was like, ‘Mum, Hollie – I want him,” Leah said. “From that day on, we were talking about getting him, and then we finally managed to get him and he came home to us.

“Since then, it’s just been a dream. We’ve never won a championship quite as big as this.”

Guardian has taken well to the ridden job.

“As soon as we got on him, you just knew he loved doing it,” Hollie said.

“As a four-year-old, he used to watch the riddens in the arena, and he’d just stand and watch like, ‘I’m going to do this one day then’.”

Leah added: “He’s been really straightforward”.

Guardian is by Bracklinn Jackpot and out of Auckside Poppy.

His proud breeder and handler, Alistair, said: “It’s a brilliant atmosphere and to come down and be able to show a homebred pony here that these girls have done a great job producing, I’ve had a great day.

“I can take no credit for the way he looks, that’s down to them.”

Guardian graduated to the supreme after taking the fell championship earlier in the day, in front of The King’s home-bred three-year-old filly Windsor Curlew, shown by Lizzie Briant.

Reserve in the 2026 Windsor M&M in-hand championship was the ever-consistent Welsh section A Hoekhorst Example (Harry).

Harry is owned by Jennifer Hughes, and was led by his producer Aliya Khan. The stallion was also breed champion here last year, and reigned supreme at Windsor in 2024. He has also won under saddle at the Royal Welsh Show five times.

Aliya said: “It’s my first time leading him. He’s the easiest, quietest stallion. You don’t know you have him around. He’s really cool.”

While Harry is a seasoned competitor here, it was Aliya’s first time in the main ring at Royal Windsor.

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Showing producer Samantha Darlington explains what she wants to see when judging the natives at London International in this exclusive article for H&H subscribers

The championship for native ponies at London International Horse Show (LIHS) is one of the oldest and most prestigious on the mountain and moorland calendar. Now organised by the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), the judging format is unique, with four judges working together to find a champion. Two judges preside over performance, including Samantha Darlington this time, and two preside over conformation.

The scores for each show are displayed on the large screen above competitors, meaning sharp minds and keen onlookers can keep a tally of who’s in the lead for each section and breed. The final placings, however, remain a surprise as all four judges’ marks are totalled to reveal the top 10.

Ahead of the show, we’ve caught up with Samantha to get the lowdown on her background in showing, and what she will be looking for in the ring on the day.

Samantha Darlington’s equestrian background

Samantha’s parents weren’t horsey at all.

“But I just loved ponies, and they bought me one – I was very lucky – when I was about six or seven years old,” she says. “We kept the pony at a local riding school, and I went to Pony Club and did that kind of thing.”

Samantha’s journey into showing came via her instructor.

“A lady I was having lessons with was friends with Stella Harries,” she explains. “She told my parents I was worthy of a decent pony, and got me riding for Stella.”

The late Stella Harries was one of the most successful and influential of her time in showing.

“Riding for Stella was hard work, but it was also amazing and such a good grounding,” adds Samantha.

“When I was young, I had a scrapbook of people riding show ponies at the time – I was in awe of them and used to cut out photos from magazines. So when I started riding for Stella, and then had my own working hunter ponies, the people I became friends with used to be my idols in my scrapbook.”

Samantha Darlington’s showing success

After finishing school, Samantha began producing.

“I had some great times and great horses,” she recalls fondly. “My first horse I produced was my own – a small hunter called Oak Hills Aristocrat. He won the Royal International, and for someone coming off ponies, that was really good. I was in England hunter pony team myself, and then produced ponies to be on the team, which was great.

“In those days, we had such a good crowd of owners and riders, and we were like a big team. We had a big camp at the championships and it was such fun. We still keep in touch with people now that I had ponies for many years ago.”

Samantha’s daughter Georgia has had a superb run in pony classes and is now highly successful on the working hunter and working hunter pony scene. Earlier this year, she added a fifth Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) win and third championship to her repertoire, stepping up to the working hunter ranks with aplomb and taking the tricolour aboard her former intermediate working hunter pony of the year, Jara.

Samantha will know exactly how competitors in the ring at London International are feeling, having ridden there herself several times.

“The first time I rode at Olympia, I was about 18 years old. I was riding a Connemara I was producing called Grayswood Village Peregrine, and he was reserve champion – probably my best result there,” says Samantha.

“I’d been to watch at Olympia for years, but I just rode show and working hunter ponies at that point and didn’t have mountain and moorlands; they came when I started producing. So it was just amazing to ride there and so exciting. He qualified at the East Anglian Native Pony Show, and obviously back in those days you had to stand champion in order to qualify.

“The natives were the only showing class at the show back then, so it always felt like such a big thing to be competing there. And we were made so welcome, like they really wanted us there to show with all those people watching.”

Since then Samantha has taken several other breeds, including Welsh section As, Connemaras and Dartmoor ponies. Her daughter, Georgia, also rode a Shetland pony at Olympia.

With such special memories of competing, it’s little wonder that Samantha is looking forwards to judging, and coins this show as a judging highlight.

“I haven’t judged much in the last few years because we’ve been so busy with showing ourselves – you can’t judge and show at the same time. I have been asked a number of times to judge at the Royal International, but because we live so close to the show, and because both myself and Georgia teach so much, I’ve never taken them up on the offers as it would affect our clients.”

She admits, though, that it’s “quite nerve-racking”.

“Your marks go up on the screen,” she explains, “so with two judges assessing performance, if the other judge is on a totally different page, then what must people think? But I can’t think like that and must judge what I see.

“Some people do mark higher than others; there are things that I might like that another judge might not. You can’t really expect two judges to have the exactly the same marks because everyone’s looking for something slightly different.”

What will Samantha be looking for as the native performance judge?

“I like something that’s forward; that’s sitting up in the bridle,” says Samantha. Her winner will “look light to the hand and look easy”.

While bearing in mind the different breed types and descriptions, Samantha will nevertheless want to see a pony that is moving forwards freely.

“Something that makes me think ‘I’d love to ride that,’” is ultimately what Samantha wants to see in the ring.

Samantha’s pet hates

“I don’t like to see ponies rushed,” she says. “I like something to have a natural rhythm and not be pushed out of its stride.

“I also like to see a nice walk at the start and finish of a show, and I like a good gallop, but it must be eased into – not fired off the corner.”

Anything else?

“I also don’t want to see a show that goes on and on.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reserve mountain and moorland mini champion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Two mares wrote themselves into the mountain and moorland championship history books at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in a thrilling ridden showdown of the native breeds on Thursday evening (9 October).

Leisa Woodward’s Welsh section C Thistledown Superstar lived up to her name as she took the National Pony Society/Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland supreme ridden title for producer Sharn Linney, under judges Gillian McMurray and Heidi Davis.

The seven-year-old by Donys Gwrda out of Popsters Megastar made her debut here as a foal alongside her dam who was contesting the supreme in-hand final. Having finished second here in the ridden final last season, Superstar fulfilled her legacy to clinch the Welsh section C title on Wednesday – giving Sharn her first win at HOYS in the saddle.

“I’m on top of the world, I can’t believe it,” said an ecstatic Sharn, who has produced Superstar from the start.

This is the first time in at least 20 years that two mares have occupied the champion and reserve spots in the M&M ridden championship.

Reserve went to another producer enjoying their first HOYS win in the saddle – Aimee Devane and the exquisite Fell mare Greenholme Kate.

The nine-year-old is by Greenholme Warrior and out of Greenholme Bethany, who was struck by lightning just three weeks after Kate was born, leaving her orphaned. Kate was successfully fostered by a coloured cob. Kate was recently sold to delighted new owner Chantelle Bryan, who was ringside to celebrate.

“I always knew she was special, she’s sensible and has a lovely temperament but she has that extra bit of sass you need to stand out,” said a delighted Aimee.

Welsh A & B ridden champions at HOYS

The National Pony Society/Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland Welsh section A Pony of the Year title went to an emotional India Latter-Sears aboard the Powys Sprite son Glebedale Jumanji (JJ).

The seven-year-old stallion, who is on lease to India, is only in his first open season. India competed here seven times with his sire – winning twice – and admitted she put a lot of pressure on herself today.

“It’s a really special win because we lost Sprite this year and we knew JJ was good enough to come here and win,” said India.

The Swedish-bred Kallared Heartbeat claimed the National Pony Society/Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland Welsh section B Pony of the Year for producer Vikki Smith. The six-year-old stallion is on lease to Danielle Garner and is a previous winner of the prestigious Tom & Sprightly championship at the Royal Welsh.

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Clonfert Melody’s Boy proved himself to be the gift that keeps on giving for Amy Canavan-Smith when they clinched the Jacksons of Yorkshire mountain and moorland working hunter pony championship on the second day of the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

The pair jumped a stunning round to win the 143cm M&M working hunter pony of the year title before giving an exceptional account of themselves in the overall championship in the Andrews Bowen International Arena.

Amy’s husband John purchased the I Love You Melody seven-year-old Connemara as a Valentine’s Day present as a foal. Known as “Dave” at home, he was gelded earlier this year and Amy had always believed he would be a future champion.

“I always knew he had this win in him. It always means more because it’s the progress and it clarifies to me that I’m not a one trick pony and I can make champions.

“That means more to me because I have done everything myself with him right from the beginning,” said a stunned Amy, who was attending HOYS for the first time in 12 years without her dual HOYS mountain and moorland working hunter champion, the bay Connemara Laburnum Richard.

Whilst Dave will be in new ownership next season, Amy will retain the ride until his new young jockey is ready to take over. “This meant a lot to John as he adores the pony – probably more than me! He was never for sale when we sold him, but we knew it was the right thing for Dave,” added Amy.

Standing reserve in the mountain and moorland working hunter pony championship was the Jacksons of Yorkshire Mountain & Moorland Junior 122cm Working Hunter Pony of the Year champion, eight-year-old Alice Hartenfeld and Exmoor pony Anchor Lullaby.

“I can’t believe I won at HOYS and got reserve champion – she is the best pony ever,” said an excited Alice.

Love makes a comeback

Georgia Love made a triumphant comeback after breaking her leg at the end of March, forcing a four month hiatus from the showring. Her win in the Jacksons of Yorkshire Mountain & Moorland 133cm Working Hunter Pony of the Year aboard Chloe Tyler’s Welsh section C Dycott Special Delivery broke Georgia’s curse of “seconditus” and booked her a first spin in the mountain and moorland working hunter pony championship.

“I’ve been competing here for 19 years and this is my first win,” admitted Georgia, who has tallied up four seconds here – including finishing second in the National Pony Society/Supreme Products New Forest Pony of the Year with Burley Burberry on the first day of HOYS.

Rachel Turner was another producer enjoying her first HOYS win in the saddle in the Jacksons of Yorkshire Mountain & Moorland Exc. 143cm Working Hunter Pony of the Year with Highland Des. The 11-year-old Connemara gelding – who is in his first season in this class – was making his HOYS debut for owners Georgina and Issy Williams.

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A nine-hour trip from Forfar in the northeast of Scotland proved worthwhile for 13-year-old Holly Smith and her Highland Kincardine Uist when the pair lifted the National Pony Society/Supreme Products mountain & moorland ridden Highland pony of the year final on their Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) debut.

“I am over the moon with how Uist felt, he gave me a feeling like nothing else,” said Holly.

The 10-year-old gelding, by Glenbanchor Gillebrigdhe, booked his pass here at Royal Cheshire. He also collected his ticket there to the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd junior M&M ridden large breeds pony final, which they will contest on Friday – competing alongside the National Pony Society/Supreme Products M&M ridden Connemara winners King Bunowen Castle Ali and Harlow White.

Holly has only had limited outings with Uist since she bought him last September from Sarah-Jane Forbes, who qualified him for HOYS twice. The new partnership missed their “local” Royal Highland as it fell soon after Royal Cheshire. “We spend most weeks just hacking on our farm at home,” said Holly, who has regular lessons with Kirsty Aird.

Second place went to Ellena Thomas with the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) winner Ashleyvale Glen Duror, a seven-year-old grey stallion owned by Ellena’s mother Karyn.

Superstar lives up to her name at HOYS

Sharn Linney rode Leisa Woodward’s exquisite mare Thistledown Superstar to land the National Pony Society/Supreme Products M&M ridden Welsh section C title. This was Sharn’s first win at HOYS in the saddle, having previously produced and led many winners including the HOYS multi-supreme Thistledown Van-Der-Vaart.

The seven-year-old mare is no stranger to HOYS. She made her debut here as a foal alongside her dam Popsters Megastar, who was contesting the supreme in-hand final, and finished second here last season in the ridden final; she has also finished second at the RIHS for two consecutive years.

“She was golden in there and really lived up to her name,” said Sharn.

The Jones family’s home-bred five-year-old stallion Menai More Fury finished second, ridden and produced by Ella Eynon.

Producer Sarah Parker rode her own nine-year-old stallion Llynhelyg Mr Jones to win the National Pony Society/Supreme Products M&M ridden Welsh section D final, having spotted him at Royal Welsh three years ago.

“I saw him just waiting peacefully at Royal Welsh and thought that one is for me. He is just such an easy boy, he just strolled down to the arena today and owned it,” said Sarah, who plans to geld him as a future ride for her son Owen.

It was a double delight for Gemma Paxford’s Fairgrove stud as Fairgrove Shem (Libby Grota) and Fairgrove Morgan Mai (Danielle Hughes) stood second and third respectively.

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Equestrian influencer Harlow White, 14, was one of the youngest riders in the National Pony Society/Supreme Products mountain & moorland ridden Connemara pony of the year final at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), but age had no barrier to her claiming the top spot and the best gelding award with her mother Chelsea’s King Bunowen Castle Ali (Panda).

Performing flawlessly to a packed crowd, the nine-year-old gelding by Best Shadow Melody sparkled under the lights on the pair’s HOYS debut together.

“After everything that has happened this year, this is just extraordinary,” said an emotional Harlow, who burst into tears upon being announced as the winner to a rapturous applause.

“I have never experienced anything like it. I wouldn’t have wanted to take any other Connemara into the ring; Panda has been an absolute dream,” added Harlow, who fractured her ankle at the beginning of this year which meant she missed the qualifiers earlier in the season. Panda was partnered by Becki Penny to collect the first HOYS ticket in April at the National Pony Society (NPS) Spring Festival.

Harlow’s proud mother Chelsea praised Harlow’s determination.

“Harlow has worked harder than anyone I know and even through the pain and setbacks, she never gave up. Panda didn’t miss a beat and performed like he knew how much it meant to her,” said Chelsea.

Harlow has had Panda at home since April, making the win all the more special.

Harlow and Panda will also be contesting the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd junior M&M ridden large breeds pony of the year on Friday.

This is a memorable double for Harlow and Panda as the pair also stood M&M junior champions at the Royal International Horse Show in July – also on their debut.

Standing second was the exciting six-year-old stallion Copperbeech Encore, owned by Debbie Todd and ridden by producer Vikki Smith.

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Davinia Johnson’s emotional victory in the National Pony Society/Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland Ridden Exmoor/ Shetland Pony of the Year final at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with her own 17-year-old Exmoor gelding Stowbrook Red Kite left her speechless.

“I haven’t got any words. It is the dream to come here and win, but those things don’t happen to people like me,” said Davinia, who nursed the son of Blackthorn Sea Poacher back to health two years ago after he spent a week in intensive care at Rainbow Equine Hospital having shown signs of colic.

“His creatine levels were off the chart at over 300 and he was rushed to hospital where he stayed in intensive care for a week and scans showed his left kidney had reduced function,” explained Davinia.

“I even did a retirement post on Facebook as the vets advised his ridden career would be over and that his life expectancy would be reduced.”

After several weeks of antibiotics and Davinia’s round the clock care, blood tests showed a improvement. By Christmas they were given the green light to start hacking out again, having missed competing at London International Horse Show (LIHS) and a return to the show ring wasn’t on the cards.

“We went back to Rainbow just after Easter 2024 to check his bloodwork. The vet was astonished that his creatine level was 40 and said we could bring him back into full time work and continue doing everything we usually did,” added Davinia, who also took home the best gelding rosette at HOYS.

Finishing second was five-year-old piebald Shetland stallion Olivier VD Kortenhof, owned by Claire Connor and ridden by producer Aliya Khan, who is in his first season under saddle and was making his HOYS debut.

Aliya had taken a win on the first morning of HOYS with Andrea Baybutt’s Pricklegate Brown Owl in the National Pony Society/Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland Ridden Dartmoor Pony of the Year final. The 11-year-old gelding last enjoyed a spin in the championship here in 2022 on his first visit to the show.

Grey stands out to take Dales title at HOYS

Jess Talbot bucked the all-black trend with the sole grey Dales representative Highcroft Romany to take the National Pony Society/Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland Ridden Dales Pony of the Year final – the first time a grey has won this title. Owned by John and Julian Talbot, the six-year-old is in his first open season and shone like a diamond to impress judges Heidi Davis and Gillian McMurray.

Despite having produced HOYS winners before, Aimee Devane had never ridden one until today when she headed the National Pony Society/Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland Ridden Fell Pony of the Year aboard Paul and Jane Steeples’ exquisite mare Greenholme Kate. The nine-year-old by Greenholme Warrior finished fourth at Royal International Horse Show this season and claimed her pass to LIHS at Royal Windsor Horse Show in May.

Opening the showing action in the TopSpec arena at 7am was the National Pony Society/Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland Ridden New Forest Pony of the Year final, which went to Lauren Brill aboard her own Trenley Trinket. The eight-year-old mare, who finished fifth here last season on her debut, also secured the best of breed sash at LIHS last December and took home the best mare award here.

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Any serious showing or showjumping fan knows that Hickstead’s main arena is magical, and who can resist a gallop in such a setting! Here are 10 of our favourite snaps of cracking gallops at the 2025 Royal International Horse Show, sponsored by Agria.

Our favourite snaps of cracking gallops at the 2025 Royal International

Mr Vincent and Danielle Heath

Danielle Heath and Isabella Mears-Wood’s cob champion Mr Vincent proved cobs may be sturdy but they don’t have to be steady with a cracking gallop at the 2025 Royal International.

Boston Black Tie and Helen Baker

Helen Baker and Nikki Falconbridge’s Boston Black Tie proved fast is in his genes – his grandmother was point-to-pointed by breeder Stephen Howard.

Waliandro and Sian Warman

Winners of the ridden Arabian championship, Sian Warman and “showman” Waliandro, enjoyed a speedy turn around the International Arena to land the title.

Mulberry Lane and Craig Kiddier

Eventual supremes Craig Kiddier and Susan Tennant’s Mulberry Lane took several turns around the arena at speed, and gave some of the most cracking gallops of the show.

Flash Point and Sam Walker

Sam Walker and Jill Day’s Flash Point made the most of beating dad Robert Walker to the hunter championship with a cracking gallop in the International Arena

Rowfantina My Buddy and Darcie Fielding

Darcie Fielding and Rowfantina My Buddy celebrate standing show hunter pony supreme with a swift turn about the arena in their lap of honour.

Harlow White and Bunowen Castle Ali

Harlow White and Bunowen Castle Ali give a cracking gallop in the UK Ponies and Horses Young riders championship having won the large breeds class.

Sarah Parker and Wynkers Griffindor 

Least, but we doubt he’d be last with this cracking gallop, is Wynkers Griffindor, who was ridden by Sarah Parker to be second in his ridden class.

Katy Marriott Payne and Marchmanors Mr Beaujangles

Katy Marriott Payne and Marchmanors Mr Beaujangles top the Dartmoor, Exmoor and Shetland class and enjoy a blast in the championship

Ellena Thomas and Ashleyvale Glen Duror 

Ellena Thomas and Highland pony Ashleyvale Glen Duror give a cracking gallop having won the Highland, Fell and Dales class

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Rowfantina Hideaway Harry added another major title to his glittering career, taking the Signature Coachworks BSPS Heritage mountain and moorland (M&M) supreme mini championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

Ridden by Eliza Gredley-Scott and led by producer Katie White, the 11-year-old gelding by Maesgwyn Hailstone out of Maesgwyn Hardd topped the open lead rein class before returning to lift the supreme mini title.

Owned by Polly Gredley of the Unex Competition Yard and produced by Team Hillyard, Harry has been the pony of dreams for more than one child.

“We’ve produced Harry for four years,” said Katie. “We had him for three years for my little cousin Emily, then Polly bought him for Eliza. He is a total dream in every way.”

Harry’s record speaks for itself: two-time Hickstead Derby winner, BSPS Supreme Champion, Champion of Champions, third at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), and multiple-time Tiny Tots champion.

“He loves this showground – he always rises to the occasion,” Katie added. “We call him ‘Hero Harry’ on the yard. He’s the safest, kindest pony for these tiny children. I feel so lucky to have found him; he’s a once-in-a-lifetime pony and I owe him everything.”

Five-year-old stands reserve supreme mini M&M champion at Royal International

Reserve supreme was awarded to the winner of the open first ridden, Glebedale Silhouette (Betty), a five-year-old mare ridden by Penny Richardson and on lease by Lucy Richardson from Glebedale Stud.

“This has been a complete dream,” said Lucy. “They were second here last year and placed highly at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), but to win the first ridden at RIHS and go reserve supreme is just incredible.”

Betty has proven herself a true child’s pony – calm, kind, and correct.

“She has the most incredible, sensible head,” Lucy said. “She’s sweet, honest, and a true first ridden. Penny absolutely adores her – they hack at home and love to jump. Betty goes in a lovely rhythm, ears forward and not overbent – exactly what you want.”

Their 2024 season has been outstanding, with wins in two Royal International qualifiers, the first ridden final at NPS, HOYS qualification at Midland Counties, and multiple top results in sports pony classes at BSPS and North of England.

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Rowfantina Hideaway Harry added another major title to his glittering career, taking the Signature Coachworks BSPS Heritage Mountain and Moorland Supreme Mini Championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

Ridden by Eliza Gredley-Scott and led by Katie White, the 11-year-old gelding by Maesgwyn Hailstone out of Maesgwyn Hardd topped the open lead-rein class before he landed the tricolour.

Owned by Polly Gredley of the Unex Competition Yard and produced by Team Hillyard – Katie and her mother Lulu Hillyard – Harry has been the pony of dreams for more than one child.

“We’ve produced Harry for four years,” said Katie. “We had him for three years for my little cousin, Emily, then Polly bought him for Eliza. He is a total dream in every way.”

Harry’s record speaks for itself: double Hickstead Derby meeting winner, British Show Pony Society (BSPS) supreme champion, BSPS champion of champions, third at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), and a multi-garlanded Tiny Tots champion.

“He loves this showground – he always rises to the occasion,” Katie added. “We call him ‘Hero Harry’ on the yard. He’s the safest, kindest pony for these tiny children. I feel so lucky to have found him; he’s a once-in-a-lifetime pony and I owe him everything.”

Reserve supreme was awarded to the winner of the open first ridden division, Glebedale Silhouette (Betty), ridden by Penny Richardson. Five-year-old Betty is on lease to Penny’s mother Lucy Richardson from her breeder Kitty Bodily, who has had a busy week presiding over mammoth Welsh section A classes at the Royal Welsh.

“This has been a complete dream,” said Lucy. “They were second here last year and placed at HOYS, but to win the first ridden at RIHS and go reserve supreme is just incredible.”

Betty has proven herself a true child’s pony; calm, kind, and correct.

“She has the most incredible, sensible head,” Lucy said. “She’s sweet, honest, and a true first ridden. Penny absolutely adores her – they hack at home and love to jump. Betty goes in a lovely rhythm, ears forward and not overbent, exactly what you want.”

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Vikki Smith finally triumphed at her “nemesis show” when she won the NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds 143cm mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter pony final and overall section championship with Penny Sutton’s New Forest stallion Lovelyhill Folklore (George) at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

“I’ve had seconds here – he’s been second here in the workers and in the flats – but it’s always been my nemesis show; it’s always eluded me. But he felt incredible today,” said Vikki.

”

Although a win at this show may have long been an accolade left for this pair to tick off, they are not without their list of impressive results. As well as the two seconds here, they have won the open flat class at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and stood second in the workers there.

“He’s 14 now, so you always wonder how many years and shows you’ve got left. I didn’t get him until he was nine, and because of Covid this is only our fourth season,” said Vikki. “You always just think you’re running out of time and I felt he really deserves a big win. He’s been so consistent and he gives everything in that jumping arena. I prayed one day he’d get that moment.”

But it was a moment that almost didn’t happen. “He’s had a virus and has been off for several weeks,” said Vikki, “so he’s not done that many shows yet this year.”

Luckily, he was back on form in the nick of time and will now be aiming to bag a return ticket to HOYS.

Vikki explained that George occupies a special place on the yard: “He’s the yard king. He has his stable, and he has his field, and he’s totally pampered.

Bred by Alex Humble and Kerry Dovey-Whiting, the Applewitch Magic son juggles ridden duties with covering.

“He covered a mare of Penny’s a couple of weeks ago, and he’s got some really nice stock on the ground. I saw one at the Great Yorkshire and thought, ‘ooh! I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on that!’ so maybe in the future I will,” Vikki said.

In reserve was the uber-consistent 133cm winning Welsh section B Rushill Diplomat, ridden on this occasion by Jessica Talbot, deputising for owner Sarah Parker while she honoured commitments for other owners. The Janpete Tom Thumb nine-year-old is multi-garlanded, with wins at HOYS and at London International (LIHS) under his belt.

Winning the 122cm class was Debbie Barker-Runiewicz’s 14-year-old Moonpenny Delphinius with Debbie’s daughter Molly Barker in the saddle, and Aimee White rode her own 16-year-old former winner here, Lisnadrisha Tictac to top the exceeding 143cm division.

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A fairytale first season has peaked for Marie Laity’s Ivington Nancy Casper. The five-year-old Welsh section A gelding claimed the BSPS Heritage mountain and moorland (M&M) supreme Pretty Polly mini championship at the 2025 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) led by Sam Laity and ridden by five-year-old Sienna Walker.

Casper impressed with his manners, movement and calm attitude, all the more remarkable given that this is his first season under saddle.

“He’s a proper dude,” said Sam Laity. “You name it, he does it – he goes off the lead, he jumps, and he literally goes from the lorry to the ring with no working in.”

Sam also explained that this is the plucky gelding’s final show with the family: “He’s been sold and is going to a new home from here, so to end on such a high is just incredible. We couldn’t have asked for a better last show.”

Taking reserve was the winner of the first ridden division, the charming nine-year-old roan Withymead Honey Bear, by Rowfantina Ottoman out of Forlan Honey Cookie, owned by Kirby Fentiman and ridden by her eight-year-old daughter Ruby Fentiman.

“I’m really happy about it,” said Ruby. “It’s really hard to win here – it’s really tough – but he just did it! The judges said, ‘Well done,’ and told me to keep working hard.”

Proud mum Kirby added, “We’ve had him since he was a three-year-old and broke him in ourselves. The plan was always to do first ridden with him, but as Ruby was younger, we started him in lead rein show hunter pony classes. He qualified for Horse of the Year Show and finished 10th.

“This year we brought him out as a first ridden. Both of them are first-timers on the circuit, but they’ve gone from strength to strength, and winning here really is the ultimate proud mum moment.”

Also in the championship were second placed first ridden, Crumpwell Finella, owned by Claire Sutcliffe and ridden by Maddison Shrimpton, and second placed lead-rein Alexandra Bartley’s Elcon Lacinda, ridden by Willow Bartley.

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

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A dazzling performance from the Welsh Section B mare Waxwing Perlina (Lena) crowned her the Equine Giveaways BSPS Heritage mountain & moorland supreme ridden champion, following a standout appearance in the International Arena at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

The eight-year-old by Eyarth Geste out of Cwrtycadno Perlin was ridden by 15-year-old Samantha Taylor and is produced by Chrissy Knipe and Rebecca Abba. After winning the Section A & B final, she returned to capture the overall supreme title with flair and charisma.

Bred by Tom Best and David Blair, Lena captivated the judges with her balance, presence, and unmistakable sparkle under pressure.

“David and Tom approached us at the Royal Highland Show three years ago and asked if we’d take a pony that was a bit special, but needed a job before going back to the stud for breeding,” explained producer Chrissy Knipe. “We instantly said yes.

“This is our third season with Lena and she just loves her job. She sits up and smiles in the ring. It’s all about getting the balance between letting her sparkle and keeping her settled. But when she went into that international ring, she just pinged. We looked at each other and said, ‘Wow’.”

Chrissy added: “She’s a true kids’ pony – she loves being pampered, going for hacks, and being around children. But when she turns on the magic in that ring, she is so special.”

Emotions run high in M&M supreme at Royal International

Rider Samantha Taylor was overcome with emotion after their win.

“She is a proper lady, I call her Lady Luna. I’ve never won here before. I’ve always dreamt of winning, but never imagined we would take supreme. The highlight was galloping in the international ring, that was very special and she was really fast!”

Taking reserve was the striking Welsh Section D stallion Erwfforch Carwyn, a nine-year-old ridden by Kelly Morris and owned by her friend Ashley Dawson.

“He belongs to my best friend. She had shown him in-hand, and at the beginning of the year I had nothing to ride, so she said, ‘I’d love you to have Carwyn this season’ and here we are six months later, living the dream,” said Kelly.

“He’s the easiest boy, he loves to please. The bigger the crowd, the better he goes. He’s never seen anything like the atmosphere in that international arena before. He’s probably done just 12 shows in his lifetime. We’ve qualified for Horse of the Year Show at Cheshire County, so now we’ll have a rest before preparing for that.”

Also forward to the championship was winner of the Dartmoor, Exmoors and Shetlands Marchmanors Mr Beujangles ridden by Katy Mariot, and from the large breeds the winner of the New Forest & Connemara Loughmore Rebel ridden by Stephanie Peto and the Fells, Dales and Highlands Ashleyvale Glen Durorridden ridden by Ellena Thomas.

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

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

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

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

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

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Equestrian influencer Harlow White enjoyed a dream Agria Royal International Horse Show with King Bunowen Castle Ali when taking the Equine Giveaways BSPS Heritage mountain & moorland junior championship.

Known as Panda at home, the nine-year-old by Best Shadow Melody and out of Bunowen Castle Ellie is owned by Harlow’s mum Chelsea White and produced by Sarah Parker. This was the combination’s first time contesting this championship — and they made it one to remember.

“It was just amazing being here with Panda,” said Harlow, 13. “He’s so special and I loved every minute of it.”

The pair qualified by finishing as highest-placed juniors in the Equine Giveaways BSPS Heritage M&M open ridden class, securing their place in this coveted final. Their polished championship performance impressed the judges and sealed the title.

Chelsea White was full of praise for her daughter’s hard work.

“It’s the first time this combination has competed here and it’s been a magical debut,” she said. “Harlow was late to showing, but she’s already achieved so much.”

In addition to this latest championship, Harlow also won the UKPH Antony Evans Insurance young riders M&M large breeds championship on Wednesday and finished second in the intermediates.

In 2023, her first year of showing, she won the first ridden mountain and moorland class and was champion heritage at the Royal International with the Dartmoor Coppinshill Commemoration.

Wazwing Perlina, a grey eight-year-old Section B owned by Chrissy Knipe and Rebecca Abba and ridden by Samatha Taylor, took the reserve.

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

Catch up with other news from the Agria Royal International:

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

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

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

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A dazzling gallop in the international arena sealed the deal for Cadlanvalley Royal Bronze (Ozzy) at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RI), as he claimed the UKPH Anthony Evans Insurance young riders M&M supreme championship, having qualified from the small breeds section.

The seven-year-old Welsh Section B gelding, by Cadlanvalley VIP and out of Cadlanvalley Sweet Elation, was ridden to victory by a delighted Maisie-Kerry Oates.

“I’m over the moon,” said Maisie. “I couldn’t ask for a better pony. Taking me into that international ring for the first time was just mega – the gallop felt amazing. He’s my little pocket rocket and couldn’t give me any more. RI has always been a dream to win, and I still can’t believe we’ve achieved it.”

Ozzy is produced by Katy Marriott-Payne, who spoke with pride about the partnership’s development.

“He’s incredibly special – I don’t think they make many like him,” said Katy. “He’s so multi-talented. It’s lovely, as we’ve had him from the beginning and watched their partnership grow.

“It started a bit rocky last year as they found their way in the novice ring, but we ended last season on a massive high, winning at Horse of the Year Show juniors and the London International Horse Show (LIHS) performance championship.”

Versatility is a key part of Ozzy’s appeal, with the gelding also proving a talent in jumping, qualifying for the nursery stakes at LIHS this season.

“He just loves his job,” Katy added. “We keep him fresh with a varied lifestyle, and he gives us everything.”

Reserve supreme went to the dun Welsh Section D, Broughton Jack Jones, a seven-year-old ridden by Charlotte Malone-Jones, who topped the UKPH Anthony Evans Insurance young rider intermediate M&M championship.

Harlow White topped the large breeds section with the Connemara, King Bunowen Castle Ali.

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

Catch up with other news from the Agria Royal International:

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

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

Pippa Funnell looking for fourth title as eventers’ challenge stars prepare for Hickstead

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The Royal International mountain and moorland (M&M) classes will be among the biggest at the show. This means there will be no shortage of quality at the final. 2025 Royal International M&M judge Cheryl Scott will have the tough task of assessing each one’s conformation.

So who is Cheryl and what will she be looking for?

Cheryl’s background

At the age of 11, Cheryl began working at a riding school to earn free lessons, which had her hooked on ponies. She later swapped to working at a saddlery in order to keep a Welsh part-bred she had on loan, introducing her to the breed.

“Then I got asked to ride a Welsh cob that I showjumped,” she says, “and we drove him during the winter. My passion ever since has been showing my own and other people’s native ponies. I have owned, produced or ridden all the native breeds.”

Though Cheryl is most passionate about the natives, her career has seen her work with a whole host of different types.

“I went into working on a racing yard. Then wound up yard manager at a different racing yard, as well as a livery yard dedicated to dressage horses,” she explains. “I have also worked for a master of the Meynell hunt, hunted, and team chased over the years.”

Cheryl’s judging experience

Cheryl’s judging experience began more than 15 years ago on the Northern Counties Pony Association (NCPA) panel. Later, she progressed to the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), UK Ponies and Horses (UKP&H), and The Showing Register (TSR) panels, and eventually, the National Pony Society (NPS).

“I have been on show committees for almost 20 years, too, and am currently show secretary for NCPA Staffordshire and Ashbourne Show,” she adds.

So what will the 2025 Royal International M&M judge be looking for?

“You can make the top but never the bottom” is Cheryl’s ethos, so she starts at the foot when assessing a pony. “I progress to the correct angles of the foot and fetlock, then short strong cannons, flat bone, well-shaped shields and clean, well-set hocks. A pony’s bone must also be in proportion with the rest of it.

“Then I like a well-set shoulder, clean neck and throat, room to carry a saddle and strong quarters with a good second thigh.”

Beyond its basic conformation, for Cheryl, a pony must “scream type” including when it comes to movement. “A pony must move correctly for its type,” she says.

When assessing their movement, Cheryl also keenly critiques the walk. “The walk, for me, is the most important gait. If a pony can’t walk freely and cover the ground, it will never negotiate the terrain it was bred to live and thrive on.”

And as for pet hates? “Over-topped, under-pinned and over-produced ponies,” she says without hesitation.

“I like a native pony to be just that: a pony. Fat should not be mistaken for substance. I don’t like ponies fattened to the point they end with weakened joints and the health issues that go with being overweight. Let a young pony look and be a young pony.”

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

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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

Want to buy a top-class Dartmoor pony to compete, or one simply to become your family’s best friend? Then these top tips from a breeder will help guide you every step of the way.

What is a Dartmoor pony?

The Dartmoor pony is the British native breed that originated from the county of Devon. The ponies have been recorded living on the moors of Dartmoor since the middle ages, meaning they have developed to be hardy and resilient.

The Dartmoor Pony Society (DPS) represents the pedigree Dartmoor pony and they are known as “the guardian’s of the breed”. In addition to registered Dartmoor ponies, there are many ponies living out on Dartmoor of all sizes and colours, most of unknown breeding. These are known as Dartmoor Hill Ponies.

When it comes to pure-bred Dartmoor ponies, the DPS provides the following breed standard:

Colour: A certain amount of white is acceptable (for example a small sock to fetlock, small star or snip), but excessive white markings (such as a white blaze, stripe and any stockings) are to be discouraged.

Neck and head: The head is small and bloodlike, reasonably short from eye to muzzle and without much tapering to the nose. The ears are small and alert and the eyes fairly large giving the pony a kindly interested expression. It should be well set on a good neck of medium length. The throat and jaws should be fine and showing no signs of coarseness or throatiness. Stallions to have a moderate crest.

Shoulders: Good shoulders are most important. They should be well laid back and sloping, but not too fine at the withers.

Body: Of medium length and strong, well ribbed up with a good depth of girth giving plenty of heart room.

Loin and hindquarters: Strong and well covered with muscle. The hind quarters should be of medium length and neither level nor steeply sloping. The tail is well set up.

Limbs: The forelegs should not be tied in at the knee. The forearm should be muscular and relatively long and the knee fairly large and flat at the front. The cannons should be short with ample good, flat bone. The pasterns should be sloping but not too long. The feet should be hard and well shaped. The hocks should be well let down with plenty of length from hip to hock, clean cut and with plenty of bone below the hock. They should have a strong second thigh. They should not be sickled or cow-hocked.

Movement: Low and straight coming from the shoulder with good hock action but without exaggeration.

Dartmoors are not to exceed 12.2hh (127cm).

They can be bay, brown, black, grey, chestnut, or roan in colour. Piebalds, skewbalds and spotted are not allowed.

The DPS also states that: “The Dartmoor is a very good looking riding pony, sturdily built yet with quality, like a scaled down middleweight hunter. The mane and tail should be full and flowing. The general impression given by a Dartmoor is of a well made, quality pony with ample bone which stands over plenty of ground.”

The Dartmoor Pony Society has a grading system for stallions. Stallions become Premium or Super Premium through the progeny they have sired winning at the society’s star shows.

An increasing amount of part-breds are seen on the circuit and in other disciplines, too, with the Dartmoor adding hardiness, bone, substance and pony characteristics to other breeds.

What should I look for in an Dartmoor pony?

Joyce and Jacky Newbery run the Newoak Dartmoor Stud in Devon. They have bred ponies that have won all over the country, including at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), the Royal International (RIHS) and the Dartmoor pony breed show.

“Conformation is conformation, irrespective of what type or breed of pony you are looking at,” Jacky begins. “A Dartmoor should be a scaled down middleweight hunter in many ways with good bone, nice short cannons, good feet and a pretty pony head with small ears. Bone is exceptionally important; I would not buy a pony with weak bone.

“Ultimately, we’re looking for a quality pony for the riddens; whether we’re buying a pony or aiming to breed one, it needs to have a job. They must possess a good shoulder where the saddle can clearly sit. Movement wise, a pony should cover the ground and not daisy-cut like a show pony, while also following through with the hocks.

“Also, we’re looking for a pony that has a good temperament.”

What can I do with a Dartmoor pony?

Dartmoor ponies are seen in multiple disciplines and they are very popular show animals, being ridden by small adults and children in the show ring.

They compete and are successful in open, junior, lead rein and first ridden mountain and moorland (M&M) classes and they also feature in working hunter pony classes.

The Dartmoor has its own final at HOYS and otherwise they contend small breeds classes. Dartmoors make good family ponies as they can be shown but can also stand up to other activities such as Pony Club, hunting and jumping.

They are fairly low maintenance to keep, requiring little intervention to live happy and healthy lives, however as with most smaller ponies, buyers should be aware that laminitis can be a risk.

Where should I buy a Dartmoor pony from?

“A lot of buyers come to us as breeders looking for something specific,” says Jacky. “We have a demand for Dartmoors of all ages, from foals to fully grown ponies ready to start their ridden careers.

“While the pages of Horse & Hound and online sales sites can be useful, a lot of good ponies are sold via word of mouth.”

How much should I expect to pay for a Dartmoor?

“A reputable stud with a good track record can expect higher prices for their stock,” says Jacky. “They could sell a foal from around £800 up to £1500. A good pony aged four years old or over and ready to back could be several thousands.

“Ridden prices can vary; I’ve seen ponies go for £5,000, and others go for £20,000 depending on their records and results. Dartmoors can be for anyone, they can easily carry a small adult but they make fantastic children’s ponies if they’ve been educated properly and have been given the best start in life. This is the reason that we don’t usually sell ponies until they are three or four years old.”

What about Dartmoor Hill Ponies?

Dartmoor Hill Ponies or Heritage Ponies cannot be shown in affiliated native ridden or in-hand classes, but this does not mean they don’t have jobs, as Jacky explains: “They are still very versatile ponies, just as much as their pure-bred counterparts. We have several Heritage Dartmoor Ponies in our riding school and they are athletic and intelligent animals who can do many things.”

I’ve agreed to buy a Dartmoor, now what?

It is time to consider a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended. If the pony is for a child, perhaps asking for a trial period would be sensible, but not all sellers will agree to this.

It’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting what you intend to use the pony for so they can assess it accordingly. If you tell the vet that you want the pony for the show ring, they should hopefully inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults which could impact its future career, even if they don’t impact its soundness or performance.

“We are always open to vettings, though we don’t tend to get a lot of people requesting them,” says Jacky. “It’s a personal choice and depends on how much you are paying for a pony, and if you need to obtain one for insurance.”

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

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Native ponies were out in force at Royal Windsor Horse Show to contend the 12 breed classes and championships on offer, before coming forward for the overall Horse & Hound M&M in-hand championship, judged by Kerry Wainwright in the Castle Arena.

Cathy Wood’s Connemara stallion Clover Hill Magic was called forward to take the crown, with the David Hodge and Julian Walters’ Shetland mare Sharptor Kerri-Anne in reserve, but which other native gems took home the other breed championships?

1. Glencarrig Knight eight-year-old Clover Hill Magic went one better than last year to take the overall title. He is owned by Cathy Wood and was shown by his usual handler, Jamie Frost.

2. David Hodge led his own and Julian Walters’ home-bred Shetland mare Sharptor Kerri-Anne into the reserve spot. The seven-year-old is by Sharptor Trademark, who is a full brother to their HOYS record-breaking mare Sharptor Trinity, and out of Schivas Kerry.

3. Sally McIntyre’s Dales mare Griseburn Rose was shown by Philip Ward-Burton to the breed honours. By Wolsey Viking out of Tarbarl Gypsy Rose, the three-year-old is a full sister to 2022 Windsor Dales champion Griseburn Orla, also shown by Philip.

4. Elizabeth Etchells showed her own and her mother Mary Rose Bryant’s home-bred Moonpenny Fantasia to top spot in the Exmoor classes. The 12-year-old by the successful ridden stallion Warrenmere Woodcock was making a comeback to the show-ring after a six year absence.

5. Edals Raymond – by Moortown Trooper – and owner Lucinda Dargavel flew through the Dartmoor ranks.

6. Castle Hill Glenfiddich and owner Kay Hardy took home the Fell breed tricolour. The four-year-old stallion is by Boutime Wooster out of Sleddadle Rosebud.

7. Seven-year-old Glenbanchor Gilliebridgh mare Kerahope Breagh, owned and showed by Shirley Clarke, was champion Highland pony.

8. Jamie Rashbrook showed Charlotte and Ian Lane’s two-year-old colt Knavesash Freedom into the top spot in the New Forest breed classes. He is by Knavesash Nightfall out of Knavesash Loyalty.

9. Lenny Hewer showed Daniel Hewer’s nine-year-old Thorneyside The Amazon stallion Senators Black Satin to the Welsh section D championship.

10. Tom Davies’ Llanmorlais Reagan impressed to stand Welsh section C champion. The 12-year-old stallion is by Kylebeck Crespo.

11. Paul Radcliffe handled his own Welsh section B champion Longhalves Regal Heir to the breed honours, following in the seven-year-old’s father and grandfather’s footsteps. His sire Longhalves Renoir and grandsire Lemonshill Falcon are both former Windsor champions.

12. Last year’s supreme M&M in-hand champion, Hoekehorst Example owned by Jenny Hughes, once again represented the Welsh section A. The Idyllic Senator 12-year-old also won his ridden sections A and B class 24 hours later.

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

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Equine vet Simon Constable swapped his scrubs for a tweed suit to lead his daughter Zara on Glyncoch Honey Pot to victory in both the open mini Mountain and Moorland (M&M) and the Pretty Polly (home-produced) championships at Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Simon, who runs his own equine veterinary practice alongside his wife Emily, purchased the eight-year-old palomino Welsh section A in October.

“Honey is a real sweetheart and such a kind, safe pony that looks after Zara on and off the lead,” said proud father Simon, who had to hold back the tears after the championship.

“She was intended for our four-year-old daughter Izzy, but she hasn’t quite nailed her up-downs yet, so Zara has the ride on her this year.

“Every day we are just so amazed that we get to own her,” added Simon, who has already led the partnership to collect their Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) ticket. Their immediate future plans are to contest Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers.

Mini M&M reserve champion at Royal Windsor

Standing reserve in the open mini M&M championship was the first ridden winner Thistledown Princess Letizia (Lulu) and eight-year-old Charlotte Knight.

Their formidable record in their first season last year – while being produced by Sharn Linney – included a win at RIHS and second at HOYS.

“We are doing it from home this year and the rewards are brilliant,” said mother Jamie Clarke. “Lulu really is one in a million, I couldn’t ask for a better pony for my child to be sat on.”

Pretty Polly titles at Royal Windsor

Standing reserve in the Pretty Polly championship was the winner of the ridden mixed breeds, Phoebe Prater and the Dales gelding Tarbarl Major Tom. Phoebe bought Tom three years ago and the striking eight-year-old gave a wonderful gallop to impress judges Brian Williams and Claire Smalley.

“We’ve just purchased his nephew to start a new adventure breeding Dales ponies,” admitted Phoebe, who has her own Shetland stud that runs alongside her parents’ Rhencullen Welsh Cob stud.

A nine-hour journey from the Lizard in Cornwall proved worthwhile for Lisa Williams and her daughter Lily, 10, who won the Pretty Polly first ridden class aboard Newoak The Governor (Gov).

The six-year-old Dartmoor gelding had a successful novice year last season, but has really come into his own this term.

“It has always been on the bucket list to go to Royal Windsor and I really wanted Lily’s first time to be on her pride and joy. Every time they are in the ring together I am just bursting with pride,” said Lisa.

Lily and Gov are already RIHS-bound in both the open and Pretty Polly first ridden sections and were placed in their first HOYS qualifier this season.

• To stay up to date with all the news from Royal Windsor, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website – and check out our live news service for updates across the showing rings

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Ruby Ward added another feather to her cap aboard the impressive dun Connemara mare Lady Dublin of Corderry (Dory) when she clinched the Mountain and Moorland (M&M) working hunter pony championship at Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Owned by Angela Hunt for the past four years, Ruby and 11-year-old Dory won here last year in the plaited equivalent, in what was Ruby’s final year in 143cm classes.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic, this is really special to win the championship at Royal Windsor,” said Angela, who purchased Dory from Fiona Cork.

“Fiona brought her over from Ireland; she had three foals before she started her jumping career over here with Ruby and her mother Kelly. They have been absolutely brilliant and made her the pony she is today.”

This was the only win missing from their impressive string of results, which includes first and reserve champions at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in the M&M working hunter pony section and a dual winner at Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) in both the native and plaited working hunter pony sections, eventually standing champion and reserve respectively there.

“It was a tricky, challenging course so it was fantastic for her to jump round it clear. She is honestly perfect,” said jockey Ruby.

Royal Windsor M&M working hunter pony reserve

Taking the reserve was the winner of the not exceeding 133cm class, Glynceirch Endeavour (Eddie) and worker specialist Georgia Darlington. Owned by Sophie Bettison and her mother Claire Watson, they purchased Eddie from the Builth Wells cob sales as a foal.

“We originally went with the intention of looking for a Welsh Cob for Sophie, but nothing caught our eye apart from Eddie so we took him home with us. We had some help from Chloe Tyler along the way who backed him and started him off, then he went to Georgia to start his ridden career,” explained Claire.

This is his third season with Georgia. The nine-year-old gelding qualified for both RIHS and HOYS last term.

“It was a great course with two very tricky questions which, when I walked it, I didn’t think would suit my pony but he proved me wrong,” said Georgia of Lisa Kelly’s challenging track that featured an offset treble and a corner pen with an open water tray.

The winner of the not exceeding 122cm class was the Welsh section A gelding Delami Bravado (Benny) and Poppy Rowlands. The 10-year-old was the 2023 HOYS M&M working hunter champion with Poppy’s brother Ollie, who also stood reserve to Ruby and Dory at Hickstead last season in the native ranks.

Poppy and Benny only contested their first open RIHS back in February, which they duly won, however the pair took a spin in the M&M working hunter pony championship at HOYS last season after they finished second in the junior M&M workers final.

The exceeding 143cm class went to Imogen Philp, 15, and her Connemara Lammermuir Bailey. The 10-year-old grey gelding also competes in the plaited workers and were placed at Hickstead last season.

• To stay up to date with all the news from Royal Windsor, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website – and check out our live news service for updates across the showing rings

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April Gilmartin booked an early ticket to the London International Horse Show (LIHS) with her Welsh section C stallion Gems Malt Whiskey (Malty) after the pair headed an exceptional 12-strong M&M championship lineup in the Castle Arena at Royal Windsor Horse Show.

The Parvadean Replay 12-year-old repeated his class win from last year, but went one better this year and the pair will now return to LIHS to defend their best of breed title they earnt in December.

Having won at most of the major county shows on the circuit, Malty was also a winner at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last October.

“The atmosphere today was electric and I couldn’t have asked anymore of him,” said April, who confessed a win at Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) had so far eluded them – they have finished second three times.

April and Malty booked their ticket to RIHS at the end of last season at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Heritage championships, so only made their seasonal debut last weekend taking the open Heritage ridden championship at BSPS Area 2b Lancashire.

Standing reserve, and also securing a ticket to the LIHS final, was producer Aimee Devane and the true-to-type Fell mare Greenholme Kate.

Owned by Paul and Jane Steeples, the nine-year-old by Greenholme Warrior has already booked her pass to HOYS, winning at the National Pony Society (NPS) Spring Festival at the end of April – where they also finished reserve champion.

“She really shone in that main arena today; she’s such a big mover and is just proving time and again how special she is,” said Aimee, who has only had Kate with her since last summer.

First reserve went to Connemara stallion, Aniar Cashel, owned and ridden by Sandra Burton. The 12-year-old is by the double Olympia Heritage supreme Banks Timber, whom Sandra also partnered in the ring.

A previous RIHS Heritage champion, Cashel also contested HOYS last season in both the ridden Connemara final and the Price Family in-hand supreme, handled by his breeder Joe Burke.

• To stay up to date with all the news from Royal Windsor, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website – and check out our live news service for updates across the showing rings

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Jamie Frost improved on last year’s reserve to take the Mountain and Moorland (M&M) in-hand supreme, sponsored by Horse & Hound, at Royal Windsor Horse Show with Cathy Wood’s outstanding Connemara stallion Cloverhill Magic.

The eight-year-old by Glencarrig Knight has made several appearances at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in the in-hand pony final and finished second last October; they also stood third there in 2023 and fourth in 2022.

Devon-based Cathy has a keen eye for a quality Connemara stallion, as Jamie also led Contepomi Cashel here to victory for her in 2019.

“Magic stood second as a two-year-old that year and this was his third visit here. I have never seen him go better than he did in the arena today – he absolutely floated,” said Cathy, who retained a filly from Magic called Loxleigh I Do. Out of Tyan Maid of Honour, she took reserve supreme in the Price supreme in-hand qualifier as a two-year-old last year.

“His first crop are now three-year-olds and stallions are only as good as their offspring,” added Cathy, who was delighted to hear her homebred Loxleigh Game Plan, owned by the James sisters and out of Contepomi Cashel, took the Connemara championship at Devon County Show today.

Jamie added: “Magic is incredibly easy and laid back so a big atmosphere like that at Royal Windsor really works for him.”

Royal Windsor Horse Show reserve in-hand M&M

Fellow Devon neighbour David Hodge led his and Julian Walters homebred Shetland black mare Sharptor Kerri-Anne into the reserve spot. The seven-year-old is by Sharptor Trademark, who is a full brother to their HOYS record-breaking mare Sharptor Trinity, and out of Schivas Kerry.

Last season she picked up championship titles at Royal Cornwall and the National Pony Society (NPS) Great British in-hand show, where she also took reserve supreme.

Unbeaten this year, Kerri-Anne was supreme Shetland at the National stallion show at Kilmarnock and picked up her semi-final ticket for the Price supreme qualifier at NPS Area 10.

“Kerri-Anne has previously bred a foal, but we haven’t covered her this year as we want a couple of years on the circuit with her and then bring her out with a foal at foot in the future. The bigger the ring the better, she can cover the ground easily,” said David, who had travelled up to Royal Windsor whilst Julian headed to Devon County to compete with their Dartmoors.

“We are off to Devon again tomorrow with six Shetlands entered,” said Julian, who added: “We would love to qualify Kerri-Anne for the Price supreme at HOYS – it’s the pinnacle of breeding.”

• To stay up to date with all the news from Royal Windsor, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website – and check out our live news service for updates across the showing rings

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As well as the prestige of winning, the allure of a bonus ticket to the London International Horse Show’s Heritage Championship means that the open mountain and moorland ridden classes at Royal Windsor Horse Show are hot competition.

This year, competitors will be sorted into line by conformation judge Lizzie Briant-Finlayson and performance judge Stephanie Turner.

While it’s difficult to alter a pony’s conformation, there’s still time to make sure that your performance is on point. So who is Royal Windsor M&M judge, Stephanie Turner, and what will she be looking for?

Stephanie’s had a lifetime’s experience with ponies, having started riding at just three years old.

“My mother rode, and my grandfather worked the land with heavy horses, so it was inevitable that I would,” she explains.

She enjoyed early success in the working hunter pony arena and having left school, she worked on a yard for a short time before setting up her own production yard.

There, Stephanie produced children’s ponies and showed an array of horses and ponies herself. These included HOYS-winning Arabian horse Silver Moonlight, and Olympia-bound Connemara Minsmere Rebel and Welsh section C Templedruid Welshman.

She also took a turn riding Highland pony Mackenzie Dean for fellow producer Julie Barton, meaning she has a range of experiences not only in the ring, but specifically with native ponies.

Followers of M&M classes in recent years will be familiar with her New Forest pony, Ravenstone Fudge, who is the reigning New Forest pony of the year as well as winner of the 2024 performance pony class at London International.

Stephanie sits on a host of panels, including the British Show Pony Society, the Arab Horse Society, Coloured Horse and Pony Society and the British Show Horse Association among others.

“I’m very lucky and very honoured to have judged at most of the more prestigious shows in the UK and internationally,” says Stephanie.

International appointments include shows in Abu Dhabi, South Africa, and Australia. She’s also judged HOYS twice, and this is her third appointment at Windsor having previously officiated over the hack and part-bred Arab sections.

Royal Windsor M&M judge: what is Stephanie looking for?

What will M&M competitors need to do to impress Stephanie at Royal Windsor?

She explains that, first and foremost, she’ll be looking for “a pony that goes true to its type and in the way their breed description recommends.”

On the go round, Stephanie feels that a “lot of riders disregard the walk,” and reminds competitors that it is the first and last thing a judge sees during the go round and in the individual show.

She’ll also be looking for a pony that “looks through the bridle” and is mannerly.

When it comes to the extension, she says: “Some aren’t bred to gallop but for those breeds, I’ll still want to see a change in pace.“

“Basically,” she summarises, “I’m looking for something that I would like to ride myself.”

You heard it here first! Time to get practicing…

• To follow all the showing action from Royal Windsor, plus breaking news from other major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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The mini mountain and moorland section is one of the most hotly contested of all the showing divisions at Royal Windsor Horse Show. This year, Russell Marks will be putting all combinations through their paces as he assesses performance alongside conformation judge, Tracey Brooks. So who is he, and what will he be looking for?

Russell is a well-rounded equestrian with experience in several disciplines, from travelling on a young riders’ showjumping squad, to being yard manager for Chris Hunnable and taking care of his Olympic event horses.

In the showring, he competed for many years producing Welsh sections C and D under saddle as well as part-breds and driving ponies, but now “I don’t own, show, produce or teach,” he says.

“I’ve been judging for over 35 years and am on numerous panels, but my love lies with our mountain and moorlands” adds Russell, who has officiated at most of the larger shows around the country as well as having had several international appointments.

And what will Russell Marks be looking for on the day?

While Tracey will be scoring the conformation of the ponies, breed type and way of going for that breed will be one of the things Russell will be assessing as he judges. But it’s safety that he cites as a primary concern in both of these classes.

“It’s absolutely paramount and is a must for me. If I see even slightly bad behaviour, I will penalise heavily!” he warns.

In the lead-rein class, Russell’s ideal pony will “travel smoothly and not be too big a mover, thus throwing its tiny jockey out of the saddle.” Overall, Russell will be looking for “a smooth, consistent, safe pony with smooth transitions”.

Ponies who are “over bent and in ‘fixed’ outlines,” will not please Russell, and he has high expectations of the leader, too.

“The leader should be at the pony’s shoulder with the lead rein in their left hand leaving their right hand free if to support the child if needed. They should have a nice, slack lead, but not a huge loop as that, too, can be dangerous! I hate to see the leader pushing the pony’s shoulder all the time; they should not be ‘on top’ of the pony.”

Leaders, you heard it here first: “Let the pony do its job!”

As well as safety, suitability for the rider is again, a key consideration for Russell when judging first ridden ponies. The pony should “not be too big a mover and must not be a complete ‘kick-along’”.

“I do not like to see a child kick, kick, kicking constantly.They should ask the pony once – possibly twice – and the pony should respond.”

To sum it up, Russell’s winning first ridden will be “a pony that you know is going to be completely safe and give the child confidence to improve their riding”.

• To follow all the showing action from Royal Windsor, plus breaking news from other major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Mountain and Moorland (M&M) and coloured enthusiasts have met changes announced by Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with enthusiasm.

Following the success of the first junior ridden coloured pony final in 2024, this season will have two extra qualifying opportunities for ponies 138cm and under, with riders not to have turned 14 before 1 January. And reflecting increasingly strong numbers in M&M lead rein and first ridden qualifiers, HOYS has announced a new split to the judging of the M&M lead rein class, into Welsh breeds and non-Welsh ponies. Of this season’s qualifiers, 12 will run as combined classes with combinations going forwards to the relevant final at HOYS, and 12 split.

A spokesperson for HOYS organiser Grandstand Media said: “It is hoped that splitting these classes will help to limit the time children and ponies spend in the ring in the increasing classes.

“The 12 shows allocated all three M&M mini sections will be asked to run the two lead rein classes either side of the first ridden classes to allow jockeys with rides in both the chance to have a break.”

Sara Parrott, who produces lead-rein ponies with her partner Craig Elenor, welcomed the news.

“We think it’s brilliant they’ve split the class,” she said. “It’s the hardest class to qualify in; often the eighth-placed pony in the qualifier is as quality as the winner. Splitting it gives more ponies and children a shot at that golden ticket without a compromise in quality at the finals.

“It will also reduce numbers in some classes at qualifying shows so children aren’t in the ring for two hours or more, sometimes in adverse weather. It’s great for producers as we can show two ponies in the class, and home-producing parents with two children can potentially lead both.”

It is hoped that the extra junior ridden coloured pony classes will support the smaller ponies and younger riders in the Coloured Horse and Pony Society UK classes.

Producer Alex Ahern’s daughter Lilly has been among those smaller combinations on her Shetland Lotuspoint Cassius in the open and newer junior classes.

Alex told H&H: “We welcomed the junior class, and further support these new opportunities for the very youngest competitors and smallest ponies. Last season, many of the ponies were towards the upper height limit and ridden by older teens.

“We’d like to see another split as the rules allow 18-year-olds to compete in the junior class against much younger children when they would otherwise be considered adults in society. Hopefully the class will continue to thrive and warrant further division.”

In another change, Exmoor, Dales pony and Welsh section D exhibitors no longer require a JMB height certificate to compete in the ridden and junior ridden M&M sections at HOYS.

The decision reflects the breed standards set by each respective breed society. The Welsh section D has no upper height limit, and the Dales and Exmoor ponies have a suggested height range.

“It is hoped that this rule alteration will help negate some of the expenses faced by competitors,” said Grandstand Media.

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Now that the final curtain has fallen on this year’s London International Horse Show (18-22 December), let’s reflect on just some of the magic moments from this year’s five-day equine extravaganza.

From a fearless teenager clearing nearly 7ft to a stunning Fell stallion enjoying the spotlight and the legendary John Whitaker competing alongside his granddaughter in the international arena, we’ve loved every minute.

Here are just some of our highlights from this year’s London Horse Show 2024 and you can read further coverage, including exclusive interviews and insight, in our bumper report in this week’s Horse & Hound, in the shops from Saturday 28 December.

The world’s greatest grandfather

Young Evie Whitaker may have described her grandfather John Whitaker as “a bit slow” but in one of the most magical performances of the week at the London Horse Show, the pair teamed up to compete in Wednesday’s GS Equestrian Pony Club Mini Major Relay. “You can forget the Olympics and world championships, this is serious pressure,” reflected John of riding alongside his granddaughter.

• This is how they fared against the flying pair of Matt Sampson and Lilly McBride in the high-octane Mini Major Relay

The comeback of all comebacks at the London Horse Show

Lottie Fry and Glamourdale truly sparkled on the London International stage once again as they won back their 2022 title to top the FEI Dressage World Cup freestyle, presented by Bret Willson Dressage International Ltd and supported by Horse & Hound.

“I don’t think there’s any horse in the world with that much presence and that much ‘look at me’,” said Lottie.

• Find out how Lottie bounced back from her surprise third-place finish in the previous day’s grand prix to nail her triumphant freestyle performance

The fearless teenager everyone is talking about

Hitting the headlines for her outstanding horsemanship, bravery and wisdom far beyond her 19 years was LeMieux puissance victor Rachel Proudley and her brilliant partner Easy Boy de Laubry Z.

A 2.12m (6ft 11in) wall to clear? No problem!

• Read why trail-hunting proved the perfect warm-up for puissance success

Power cuts and a horse called Chicken George

Our favourite horse in London was the brilliantly named Chicken George, who proved anything but a chicken when a power cut hit the London ExCeL midway through his jumping round with Italian showjumper Francesco Turturiello.

• This is how they reacted when the arena was momentarily plunged into darkness

A mare of many talents makes London Horse Show history

The stunning 22-year-old mare Aplhaugs Lilja, known at home as “Rhino”, became the first Fjord to win at the London Horse Show.

• This is her amazing journey to be crowned 2024 SSADL in-hand supreme champion

Grand prix hero makes winning return aged 21

Talking of veterans, we were delighted to see William Funnell’s former grand prix hero Billy Angelo back to his winning ways at the London International. Harry Skelton managed to completely out-horse his rivals by entering the ring for the Markel Jockeys Jumping in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund on the super 21-year-old gelding, but as it was all for a great cause, nobody really minded. Oh, except, perhaps, for the ever-competitive Nico de Boinville: “It’s a bit like me riding Sprinter Sacre in a 0-100 handicap race [for low-level horses]!” he quipped.

• Find out which leading jockeys found their showjumping forte (and which didn’t…)

The fastest jump-off round we’ve ever seen

Incredible by name, incredible by nature – Daniel Coyle’s winning jump-off round on the Frankel-esque grey gelding was simply astonishing.

• Find out how an unusual warm-up helped them win

Darragh Kenny is the King of London Horse Show

All hail the King of London International Horse Show, Darragh Kenny, who was crowned the show’s leading rider after his spectacular winning double, including topping Sunday’s Longines FEI World Cup with the brilliant Eddy Blue.

• Read how Darragh became the first Irish rider in 17 years to claim the feature class

Olympic eventer goes sky-high

We cannot repeat what Olympic eventer Gemma Stevens said after she and Envoy Merelsnest Z – AKA Dime Bar – cleared a whopping 1.95m to not only win Saturday’s Cavago six bar, but to beat showjumping legend John Whitaker in the process.

• Let’s just say she was gobsmacked

Meet a tremendous Fell stallion who ‘loves an atmosphere’

The London Horse Show’s greatest showman was without doubt Fell stallion Birkettbank Master John, who dazzled with owner-rider Victoria Taylor to win the 2024 BSPS ridden M&M supreme championship.

• Read their remarkable story to this winning moment

And finally…

We all know the London International Horse Show means it’s Christmas and we’re truly in the festive spirit after this glittering five-day extravaganza. But London’s other magical ingredient is 100mph ponies and their brilliant little riders and none went faster than Annabel Widdowson and the 23-year-old megastar pony Bunbury Conquest.

• This was Annabel’s epic reaction after she took the Agria 128cm championships by a staggering margin

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

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

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

A Fell stallion reigned amongst a field of 22 of the country’s best native ponies to win the National Pony Society/Baileys Horse Feeds 2024 HOYS M&M ridden pony of the year championship at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). 

Ruth Robert’s 15-year-old Wildhoeve Oki Doki powered along with manners, style and presence in equal measures, with his long-term producer Clare Fitch in perfect sync. He became ride judge Vicky Lawrie and conformation judge Mark Tamplin’s choice for the title, ahead of the winning Welsh section B, Myranda Houton’s Cadlanvalley Buzz Lightyear, who had made the long trip from Ayrshire to compete at HOYS.

Oki last won at HOYS in 2021 but was unplaced in the championship. Clare has been the rider to beat this week so far at HOYS, as she also led the Highland pony of the year final on Ruth’s Valerock Monroe, ridden by Clare’s daughter Domenica in the championship.

“What a little legend,” said Clare. “To be honest, I’ve had the most amazing week so far with both ponies. I always thought Oki was awesome and could do it one day but you never think the dream will actually become a reality. He has always been good enough, and as he’s gotten older he’s got better and better. We’ve formed a partnership and I love him to death. He’s a showman and his ears were on all the way tonight.”

Home-producer Myranda was delighted to finish reserve in the 2024 HOYS M&M ridden pony of the year championship with her own gelding on their third visit to Birmingham.

“I am so so happy,” said Myranda, whose previous best result at HOYS was third. “I work nine to five as a development officer and then I have Buzz to fit around that.”

Myranda bought him as a three-year-old from his breeders at the Cadlanvalley Stud and he is also through to HOYS in the junior ridden final.

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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

One of the highlights of the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) is undoubtedly the working hunter classes and the native pony finals are some of the most hotly-contested of the show. To jump the RIHS M&M working hunter pony course, ponies must possess bravery, scope and true native spirit.

The NPS/Supreme Products supreme M&M working hunter pony championship classes are split into four height sections; 12hh, 13hh, 14hh and exceeding 14hh. All M&M breeds can compete, and there is no age limit on the riders.

H&H’s showing editor walked this year’s exceeding 14hh course, designed by esteemed course designer Kevin Millman and held in Irish Horse Board ring five.

Could your native pony take on this course in the future?

RIHS M&M working hunter pony course: exceeding 143cm/14hh

1.

Welcome to the NPS/Supreme Products supreme M&M working hunter pony championship! Kicking off the course is a neat oxer with a solid filler to the front. Heading towards the crowd, this should be a nice introduction to the 12-fence track.

2.

A right turn and down the hill to the second fence — a skinny pair of planks. This has two options and riders will need to sit the ponies up due on the descent.

3.

Sweeping to the right after the second fence and the third challenge is a decorated green oxer.

4.

The first water jump of the course sits at four. The water-tray lies underneath two black planks with a white pole on top

5 A & B.

A unique complex making use of Hickstead’s famous permanent wall. Riders jump over 5A before sitting up and riding a left hand turn around the wall towards 5B. 

6.

The bullfinch. Lots of leg and gusto will be required to clear this magnificent fence.

7.

Knees up over this meaty oxer with a brush to the back.

8.

Competitors will head up the hill to the eighth effort of the course.

9.

A rustic wall with two poles above.

10.

Another water-tray greets the combinations at fence 10. A poley and skinny upright heading towards the spectators that will require careful riding.

11 A & B.

The only double of the course, a one-stride effort with logs to the front of the first part.

12.

The final fence of the 2024 supreme M&M working hunter pony championship course — an upright made of sticks with bushes to the front.

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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

The Royal Windsor Horse Show welcomed some of the showing world’s leading native pony breeders and enthusiasts who attended with their best stock in an attempt to vie for the Horse & Hound 2024 Royal Windsor in-hand supreme championship title.

The overall supreme, judged by Jackie Beatham, went to the Welsh section A, Melanie Peter’s 11-year-old Hoekhorst Example, with Connemara Cloverhill Magic in reserve for owner Cathy Wood.

There were 12 breed champions to choose from, and you can meet them here…

Fell

Kyle McClements handles Christopher Joseph’s Drybarrows Guardian, a three-year-old colt bred by David Thompson out of Drybarrows Shauna by by Bracklinn Jackpot, to the Fell championship.

Dales

Sarah Evans lead her own Rosebarr Eleanor, a 1o-year-old mare bred by Dave Sanders by Westwick Charlie out of Cambercastle Angelica, to the head of the Dales field.

Highland

The four-year-old stallion Whitefield Prince Charlie, handled by his owner Courtney Harvey, is best of the Highland entries.

Welsh section A

Tom Clark strides out with Melanie Peter’s 11-year-old Hoekhorst Example, a stallion by Idyllic Senator out of Hoekhorst Evita, to be crowned Welsh section A champion as well as 2024 Royal Windsor in-hand supreme.

Welsh section B

Libby Grota leads her mother Hayley Grota’s home-bred Cadlanvalley Master-Piece, a three-year-old colt by Cadlanvalley Buzby out of Mynach Sea Lavinia, to the Welsh section B tricolour.

Welsh section C

Declan Davies’ Labelles Lady Penelope, a yearling filly by Throneynewside The Gigalo out of Bookhamlodge Polly Pocket, bred by Louise Lewis, tops the Welsh section C field, handled by Savanna Jennings.

Welsh section D

Richard Burge leads his own and Tammy Burges’s 10-year-old mare Penstacan Tiger Lily, a 10-year-old by Gywnfaes Culhwhch out of Dylasau Francesca Fwyn, to be crowned Welsh section D champion.

Connemara

Jamie Frost and Cathy Wood’s seven-year-old stallion Cloverhill Magic, bred by The Lee Family by Glencarrig Knight and out of Inverin Misty, are reserve supreme after heading the Connemaras.

New Forest

Best New Forest in show is Sway Supernova, a nine-year-old stallion by Perrone Palaver out of Sway Shes A Gem, owned and handled by Luke Blomfield.

Dartmoor

Katy Duke leads her own Underhill Pipedream to the Dartmoor honours. The 14-year-old bay gelding is by Wilby Victory out of Uppacott Sonoma, and he was bred by The Banks Family.

Exmoor

Madeline Haynes and Sandy Wooderson’s home-bred filly Badleybridge Penny Wagtail, who is by Stowbrook Jenny Wren by Elsinore Alan Partridge, scores the Exmoor title.

Shetland

Mammoth Shetland entries are led by Sian Greene’s Buxted Discovery, a 15-year-old stallion by Waulkmill Red Ace out of Somahouse Dawn, bred by The Jones Family.

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A Welsh section D stallion reclaimed Royal Windsor Horse Show glory after winning the M&M working hunter pony championship, a title he last won in 2022. Angela Thomas’ ultra-typey Dycott Welsh King, partnered by Ross Keys, headed the exceeding 143cm worker section before returning to the Frogmore ring to take the championship.

The 2023 Horse of the Year show (HOYS) winners were on form over Lisa Kelly’s well-designed course.

“Kelly always builds a testing course and this year was no exception,” said Ross, who has bred a daughter and a granddaughter from the 17-year-old Mitcheltroy Welsh Prince-sired dark bay.

The 16-year-old, who was bred by Clare Granger and George Mitchell, has also reigned at Hickstead during his career. Angela bought King as a two-year-old and Ross has been riding him since he was a five-year-old.

Amy Smith and her prolific Connemara Laburnum Richard (Pedro), also a 17-year-old, stood reserve champions, having been second to Ross and Dycott Welsh King in their class.

“This is his sixth appearance at Windsor, and he’s been in the championship every time; I’ve been second to Ross twice here now, too,” said Amy, who noted that she was riding with a fractured foot but was delighted to be called forward into reserve. “I’ve strapped my foot up and so I don’t feel I’ve quite had the preparation that I would have liked.”

Amy added: “The course was particularly challenging’ this year. It’s one of the toughest Windsor tracks I’ve ridden for a long time. Lisa builds a track for a true rider. Number four (a pen with two water trays) was definitely a rider frightener. If you rode into it a bit unsure you weren’t coming out!”

Judges of the four hotly-contested working hunter classes, that offered Royal International (RIHS) tickets to the highest placed unqualified combinations, were Ann Nicolls (conformation and show) and Gillian Cowell (jump).

Gillian said: “The course had a very good flow and combinations were able to get into a good, working rhythm around the whole course. There was a dog-leg in the corner at the beginning that caught a few people out. They really needed to set their stride up correctly to get through it. A few were panicking and consequently they knocked the next fence. There were a few simple knock downs when ponies got flat, but overall, the standard was high and there were so many lovely animals forward.”

Ann added: “Both our champion and reserve performed brilliantly in the jumping and performance phases as well as in the championship. They were both very nice examples of their breeds, and they did lovely shows; they had the top marks of the day.”

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

A big-moving Welsh section A became the new Horse & Hound Royal Windsor M&M supreme in-hand champion at the 2024 Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Melanie Peter’s 11-year-old Hoekhorst Example (Harry) was led to perfection by Tom Clark, who had only met the pony at the show this morning. The immaculate grey stallion displayed ample quality and Welsh type, while also maintaining a level head in front of the packed grandstand crowd.

Harry, who is more commonly seen under-saddle, ate up the ground during his lap of honour, cementing supreme judge Jackie Beatham’s decision to award him the title.

“As soon as he came into the ring he said look at me,” said Jackie, who chose the Idyllic Senator son over 11 other breed champions. “He oozed presence and had wonderful athletic movement. I also felt he would stamp his stock well.”

Harry was bred by the Hoeke Family in Holland. He started his career under-saddle with Cadlanvalley Stud’s Hayley and Libby Grota. Libby rode him to two Royal Welsh victories and the reserve supreme spot in the M&M championship at Horse of the Year Show in 2021, the same year he was supreme M&M at Royal Norfolk.

Melanie, for whom Royal Windsor is her local show, bought him for her daughter, Maisie, last August. He is based with producer Russell Ingram in Surrey.

“He’s a very kind stallion who Maisie can do everything with,” said Melanie. “I love that he’s a proper old-fashioned stamp, too. And he’s been beautifully produced by Libby and Hayley.”

Harry, who has stock on the ground, is back for the ridden classes tomorrow.

“He’s exactly the sort of stallion you would want to own,” Melanie continued. “He regularly goes cross country, goes on hound exercise and he’s just a bit of a legend really.”

Tom was equally delighted with the result: “He’s been a star and he’s brilliant to lead. This is the first time I’ve won this one, it’s actually the first time I’ve been in the main ring here.”

Cathy Wood’s prolific Connemara Cloverhill Magic, led out by Jamie Frost, posted reserve in the Royal Windsor M&M supreme in-hand championship.

“I like him as a type; he has both depth and limb in equal measures,” said Jackie.

The Glencarrig Knight son might only be seven years old, but he’s already appeared at HOYS multiple times. His best result at the final was achieved last year, when he finished third in the pony section. Jamie was last champion here in 2019 handling Cathy’s Connemara stallion Contepomi Cashel.

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Native working hunter classes have never been so hotly contested, so if you’re looking to get ahead with your pony this season, these tips from Amy Canavan-Smith and Vikki Smith, two of the best riders in the game, could help.

Who are Amy Canavan-Smith and Vikki Smith?

Amy Canavan-Smith and her sister Vikki Smith are two of the showing circuit’s most consistent professionals. They have both won at Royal Windsor, the Royal International (RIHS) and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) on the flat and over fences. While they have dabbled in many classes with success, they probably hold their most consistent records in M&M working hunter classes, and they are often seen standing side by side in classes or championship line-ups up and down the country.

Amy and Vikki took some time out of their busy schedules to chat to H&H’s showing editor Alex Robinson on the most recent episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, offering some advice to riders who might have a working hunter prospect waiting in the wings at home.

“You can often tell straight away if a pony has the makings of a worker,” Amy says. “The most important pace is the canter; a pony either has a natural jumping canter or it doesn’t, and some breeds find the pace easier than others. You do find some freaks of nature, however.”

One example Amy provides was the late Dales pony Faradale Black Jack who she jumped for several seasons: “While he was about 15hh and wasn’t necessarily to the breed standard, the power coming from his hocks was like nothing I’d ever seen before. Plus, he really loved the job and he wanted to jump.”

Amy’s pony of a lifetime Lauburnum Richard didn’t show his true potential until the end of his five-year-old year.

“Sometimes, it’s not about if they can do it physically, it’s if they can cope with it mentally and they’re willing to be trained and ridden,” Amy continues. “They can have everything there structurally, but if they won’t let you into their brains then it makes your job very difficult.”

Vikki adds: “Amy and I are very experienced so we could probably guide a young pony around an open course quite well, but the problems arise when you get a novice rider trying to take a novice pony, especially a heavier stamp that isn’t as athletic, around a difficult track.”

Training wise, Amy and Vikki would ride each session depending on the requirements of the pony they’re sitting on.

“If I were training a Fell, Dales or a Highland pony for a big track I’d be very aware that they often struggle with the distances in the doubles, so we’d do a lot of work here,” Amy says. “If you have a 14hh Highland jumping a full-up 90cm double with a back bar coming out, you’ve got to be so accurate to get them out the other side while making it look good. I’d do lots of gridwork training at home, trying to get the canter to open up. You need to get them confident so they think they’re invincible and that they can take on the world.

“For a heavy pony, the related distances and back bars are hard. It only takes a couple of times for a pony to land in a bit of trouble for them to start losing their confidence.”

Vikki has several novice ponies in her string this year, as well as her most seasoned ride, Penny Sutton’s dual working hunter and flat contender Lovelyhill Folklore (George) who was supreme at the BSPS Heritage championships in his worker tack in 2022. Vikki explains: “George is kept ticking over with hacking and I jump him about once per week, either going for a lesson or doing grid work at home. I have a few novices this year so I’m currently jumping lots of courses to get their confidence up, working on straightness and corners. I’m also making sure I jump them over plenty of doubles as we get lots of tricky ones at various shows throughout the year.”

To hear more from Amy Canavan-Smith and Vikki Smith, including some of their most loved rides from across their careers and which course builders they rate highly, listen to episode 144 of The Horse & Hound Podcast here, or search “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your favourite podcast app.

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The organisers of the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) have announced the addition of a new showing class for the junior riders of coloured horses and ponies to the 2024 schedule.

Grandstand Media announced the news of a brand new HOYS 2024 showing final, to run on Sunday, 13 October.

“Following the ever-growing popularity of the coloured ridden horse and pony of the year, we are delighted to announce the introduction of a new section, the ‘junior coloured ridden native/cob/traditional pony and coloured ridden non-native pony of the year’,” Grandstand said in a statement.

“The class aims to recognise and support the younger riders within the Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS) classes. The final will replicate that of the qualifying season and see 10 combinations coming forward from the qualifiers.

The geographic distribution of the qualifiers ensures that junior competitors have great opportunities throughout the country to qualify for the new final.”

To compete in the junior ridden coloured pony of the year final, riders must not have attained their 18th birthday before 1 January in the current year.

Animals eligible are native, cob or traditional ponies up to and including 148cm, and non-native ponies up to and including 153cm.

More changes to HOYS 2024 showing finals

Alongside this, Grandstand Media announced a rule stating that all animals competing in ridden height-restricted classes will not need to have a Joint Measurement Board (JMB) height certificate to enter qualifiers. Instead, qualifying animals will be required to obtain a valid JMB certificate within 28 days of the notification of qualification from HOYS or by the closing date of HOYS entries, whichever is sooner.

The entry requirements for the M&M ridden pony of the year finals have also been altered. Now, riders will no longer be eligible to compete in both the mini M&M finals (lead rein and first ridden) as well as the open M&M ridden-only finals.

To “safeguard the future and nurture the development of these young jockeys within the sport”, the minimum age requirement for riders in the junior M&M ridden small breeds pony of the year class has been abolished.

Grandstand stated: “The decision has been made to change the entry requirements for the M&M ridden pony classes. The ruling has been implemented in response to safety concerns raised by various societies, and it is hoped that this will encourage riders to compete in the class that best aligns with their riding ability.”

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

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

The highly-anticipated 2023 BSPS Heritage championships took place at Arena UK (14–15 October) and competition was hot across all the classes, from the novice sections to the qualifiers for the London International Horse Show in December. Those riders who took the top spots over the weekend were delighted, and H&H’s official photographer captured some of those joyous moments.

Here are 27 jolly riders and their lovely native ponies who reigned at the 2023 BSPS Heritage championships…

Winners from the 2023 BSPS Heritage championships:

1. Nipna Invictus

The Dales gelding secures the junior championship title for the third time in his partnership with Caitlin Hamilton before lifting the supreme of show accolade.

2. Menai Georgie Boy

Sarah Parker pilots Leah May’s Welsh section C stallion, a runner-up at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at the beginning of the month, to his first London ticket. 

3. Ellister Islay Spruce

Molly Mercer bags her first trip to the Big Smoke riding Julie Barton’s multi-garlanded Highland stallion. 

4. Burley Burberry

After finishing second at HOYS earlier this month, Georgia Love’s New Forest stallion clinches his place at London International. 

5. Lantau Supernova

Jodie Haywood and her own Welsh section C stallion ensure they will return to London after qualifying for the second time together.

6. Willmont Braveheart

Antonia Mitchell’s Fell gelding and Emma Burrow, 2022 HOYS winners, are third in their semi-final, qualifying for London. 

7. Langrigg Thomas

Brooke Harvey’s reigning HOYS Dales pony of the year and Emma Hodge finish second in the large breeds semi-final en route to their first London pass as a combination. 

8. Cadlanvalley Masterclass

Libby Grota and the five-year-old Welsh section B stallion not only book a London place but are crowned 2023 BSPS Heritage championships novice supreme.

9. Amilas Clicquot

Evie Walker clinches the novice mini working hunter tricolour after finishing second in the cradle stakes class.

10. Rothvale First Edition

Jemimah Harper Chambers takes the restricted mini championship riding Clare Jubb’s winning lead rein Dartmoor contender. 

11. Invernin Paddy

The home-produced Connemara scores the 2024 Royal International (RIHS) Pretty Polly qualifier with Lucy Heygate in the saddle.

12. Griseburn Major

Joe Watson bags a second London place in two days, this time riding his own and Rob McIvor’s Dales stallion. 

13. Coppinshill Commemoration

The 2023 RIHS mini M&M champion steps up with Harlow White to land a first London International qualification.

 14. Delami Bravado

The reigning HOYS M&M working hunter pony of the year and his jockey Ollie Rowlands continue their run as they stand open worker champions.

15. Gems Malt Whiskey

April Gilmartin’s 2023 Royal Highland hero tops the Welsh section C breed qualifier. 

16. Ravenstone Fudge II

The New Forest London class is won by the grey gelding and his owner Stephanie Turner.

17. Briar Puzzle

Alexia Lilley and her home-produced Shetland triumph in the mini supreme.

18. Kaybrook Midnight Comet

Ellena Thomas’ own stallion captures top honours in the Welsh section D London qualifier. 

19. Menai George

Hannah Turnock is London bound on her own Welsh section C stallion.

20. Rookery Bold As Brass

Jessica Talbot is the rider to beat over the weekend as she secures three London qualifications, including with Fiamma Sutton’s Welsh section A stallion. 

21. Larnleighs Dictator

Aimee Devane gets a catch ride on Nicki Oldershaw-Glenn’s home-bred stallion to qualify for London. 

22. Linksbury Royal Celebration

Sam Roberts and Sophie Garner’s Welsh section B stallion lead the London breed line-up. 

23. Brynrodyn Danielle

Siwan Ward’s palomino mare and Victoria Neachell, runners up at HOYS a few weeks ago, trot to victory in the mini RIHS championship.

24. Thistledown El Toro

Kashia Bhogal and Sharn Linney’s Welsh section A stallion net a first-ever London place. 

25. Abergavenny Boneddiges

Beth Simons is third in the Welsh section D semi-final to qualify on this London debutante.

26. Carrock Comet

Leading the Dales London qualifier is Sarah Field aboard Abigail Allen’s six-year-old. 

27. Maesymor Cindy

Another combination off to London is Alice Barr and her own and mother Debbie Barr’s Welsh section D mare. 

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A New Forest and a Dartmoor pony came to the fore in the National Pony Society/Baileys Horse Feeds M&M ridden pony of the year championship at the 2023 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

After two marathon days of judging, Antony Bell (conformation) and Alex Kelly (show) selected Laura House and Andrew Vine’s home-bred seven-year-old Vynnes Magical Edition, a HOYS debutante, as their overall champion.

This victory marked both his breeders and his rider, Pip Smith’s first HOYS championship victory.

They qualified for the final on their first outing of the year, at Royal Three Counties back in June.

The Forest-bred stallion, who is by Applewitch Pure Magic out of Brookshill Blackberry, came over from the Isle of Wight to compete at HOYS.

“We knew he was a nice pony, but this was so unexpected as he’s a bit of a joker and he can test me,” said Pip, who is based on the Isle of Wight.

“He’s had some really big wins, but he’s just sort of under the radar,” added Pip. “He just hacks around the Isle of Wight and we do a bit of cross country to keep him sweet and happy. He went to British Dressage a couple of weeks ago, he just does normal pony things. We won’t show him on the flat again now; he might come back jumping in time. He’s just amazing.”

The last time a New Forest won the HOYS M&M supreme title was back in 2014, when the roan gelding Marleydenes Shiraz and Alex Hawkins took the crown.

Reserve was Sarah Parker riding Sarah Weston’s home-bred Dartmoor Westown Wild Fire, who had won the Dartmoor pony of the year final for the second time in his career.

Sarah [Parker] was the rider to beat across the native classes, winning three finals and being placed in the top two in several other sections.

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Are you a young rider or an amateur who has qualified your mountain and moorland (M&M) pony for this year’s UK Ponies and Horses (UKPH) finals at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS)? H&H caught up with this year’s UKPH ride judge Clare Dew, who will be officiating throughout small breeds, large breeds, intermediate and amateur ridden finals, alongside conformation judge Natalie Middlemass.

Clare reveals how competitors can impress her on the go-round, and what she does not want to see during the individual shows.

Who is Clare Dew?

Clare Dew is an esteemed judge who is on panels including The Showing Register, British Show Pony Society, National Pony Society, British Skewbald and Piebald Association and UK Ponies and Horses.

She has been judging for nearly 40 years, during which she has officiated at Horse of the Year Show three times and at the RIHS on several occasions. She has also travelled to Australia to judge.

Clare, a former show producer, has competed in many sections during her own career in the saddle. She has produced a range of types from hacks, to ridden natives, to show hunter ponies, to riding horses.

What will she be looking for when each combination enters the ring?

“I’ll be looking out for the ponies who come into the ring looking happy to be there. I like a pony to look alert but relaxed, looking forward into its bridle and walking out. I’ll be looking for balanced and active paces, and I don’t like to see animals that are over bent or are being overly kicked. Overall, I’ll be looking for a nice, neat picture.

“The M&M classes take place in the Roger Stack Arena located at the bottom of the showground. The ring is on a slight slope and it’s not an easy space to navigate. However, natives should be able to cope with the ground and they should move well across different terrain.

“During the go-round I will be looking for each animal to move correctly for its breed, and some breeds should have more knee action than others. For example, I expect a Dales pony to have strong hind action, with the hock pumping and moving as high as the knee.”

What will Clare Dew be looking for in individual shows?

“I’m not keen on shows that are fiddly with many small circles. When riders add in a circle at each end of the ring it adds at least an extra minute to the length of the show. Riders should choose a show that showcases the breed of pony they are sat on. A well thought out, short show can be the most impressive.

“If something like a halt to walk transition is executed well and I love the pony, then I will definitely not deduct marks and I may look on it favourably, but generally speaking I prefer an open show that has the pony moving forwards.

“If I have to set a show – which could happen so be prepared – I will ask the combinations to walk for a good few strides before setting them off into the performance which shows them off from every angle.”

What are Clare’s show ring pet hates for M&M ponies?

“Overly fussy shows which include too many elements. While it’s nice to show that a pony is obedient and well schooled, I want to see natives going forwards. I don’t need to see them doing dressage movements, especially when it comes to the larger breeds. Less is definitely more!”

Finally, any sign off advice for those at RIHS for the first time?

“Preparation is absolutely key. Ahead of your class make sure you walk down to the ring to familiarise yourself with everything, from where the line-up is stood to where you will be doing your show. It’s also a long way from the stables to the ring, so give yourself plenty of time to get there before your class.

“Each of the classes will be well-filled, so enter the ring sensibly and give yourself plenty of space. Stick to the outside of the ring, too; there’s nothing worse than watching people cut in. Ride sensibly; if you need to circle to get yourself a nice space, then do so to ensure the judge can see you.

“Finally, please don’t be caught out by wearing ear or facial piercings or not having your hat tagged. It would be so disappointing to be turned away from the ring for something which could be avoided with a little planning.”

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National Pony Society chairman and leading judge Martin Jones on the quality of exhibits at Royal Windsor Horse Show, set shows and avoidable upsets

Judging the ridden mountain and moorland (M&M) classes at Royal Windsor Horse Show was a privilege, and I take my hat off to the team who had done a brilliant job in ensuring everything ran smoothly, the ring was in good order, and that we weren’t wallowing in mud.

My co-judge, Charlotte Miller, and I were on the same page throughout and we were both delighted with our champion (Castle Kestrel) and reserve (Westown Wild Fire); two lovely stallions who had stood out from the moment they entered the ring.

They were both pulled in top in their respective classes, had excellent conformation and breed type, and performed well. They both looked bright and exuded presence in the Castle Arena championship in the evening.

In the classes, Charlotte and I agreed to pull in between six and eight ponies after the go-round, as it’s important to recognise initial efforts – but we weren’t afraid to use our marks to move around the line-ups based on what we saw.

While each of our winners were deserving, there was a bit of a tail end in each class, as the standard of presentation, type and conformation dropped off towards the end of the line.

Numbers in each of the classes were down compared to when I judged the conformation section at Windsor a few years ago, which I feel is a sign of the times and is impacting all shows this season. The cost of living is hitting everyone hard and people who show as a hobby are making careful decisions about where they spend their money.

Why I chose a set show

I’m not always in favour of a set show – I value a situation where a rider can play to their animal’s strengths – but when you’re judging using marks it’s a good way of ensuring consistency.

I asked the combinations to walk away, trot then pick up canter on a straight line before cantering a large circle. It’s surprising how many riders, even at top level, rely on the corner to get the correct canter lead. Many riders left the transition until very late so they were practically cantering on the top corner, or veered off onto an angle to get the right leg. This lost people marks.

I then specified for a large circle in one half of the arena before performing an extension down the long side, followed by a change of rein through the centre line. When they passed the centre I requested four or five walk strides before another transition into canter.

Many struggled with the walk, as some ponies anticipated and jogged, while others almost fell into halt as though they were coming to the end of their show. Easy things to address at home with practice and training.

The final element after the second canter was a long stretch of trot back in front of the line-up before a walk and a halt. This section was key. I got to see some ponies at their best as riders were more relaxed as they came towards the end of their shows, and the ponies were relaxed approaching the line-up.

Hats, weight and four-year-olds

Unfortunately, we lost a handful of exhibitors at the gate as they arrived at the ring without having their hats tagged. I advise any competitors to check the rules ahead of a show, particularly at the start of the season when new rules come into force. It’s an expensive mistake to make and I’m sure that it made for a very disappointing experience.

I was happy to see most animals were in good condition. A few were carrying too much weight though, and this was reflected in our marks.

In the past I’ve been concerned about the number of four-year-old ponies competing in open classes so early in the season, but this year we were only presented with one to judge. I always ask how old a pony is when I’m judging as it gives an indication of its level of training and experience.

It’s a lot to expect any young pony to compete at this type of show in open classes and I encourage competitors to get mileage with their ponies first, by aiming them at novice classes, particularly in their first season.

● Do you prefer riding a set show or would you rather have your own freestyle performance? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance to have your views published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 25 May, 2023

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A Connemara stallion made a glorious London International Horse Show debut as he lifted the 2022 BSPS Heritage M&M ridden supreme championship on the final day of the show.

Amanda Sharman’s seven-year-old Castle Kestrel and his producer Lucy Glover led the field of 38 from the off, scoring 46/50, the highest ride marks across the board, from both performance judges Jill Burgess and Fiona Holton. He then similarly delighted conformation judges Joyce Coltart and Ann Bigley to achieve 47/50 and 46/50, respectively, putting him on a winning score of 185/200, nine marks ahead of second place.

“It was a unanimous decision,” said Jill. “He had an outstanding way of going and he really moved, which is so important for a native; they must move in accordance to their breed type, and he did just that.”

Joyce was also impressed with what the lightly-shown stallion had to offer.

“He was of outstanding quality, with good bone and limb, and he screamed Connemara at me,” she noted.

This was the third time Lucy has ridden in the BSPS Heritage supreme ridden final, and while she has netted best of breed rosettes before, this was the first time she has occupied the top spot.

Kestrel, who is by Glencarrig Knight out of Castle Melody, was bred by Henry O’Toole. Amanda bought him unseen as a yearling from PJ Watson.

He joined Lucy’s yard when he was a three-year-old and he goes home to holiday with Amanda at the end of the show season. He qualified for London at the BSPS Heritage championships in October and other results added to his CV this term include wins at Royal Windsor and Lincolnshire Show, and a top seven finish at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

“He’s so kind and easy to do, though he is a vocal pony who likes to chat,” said Lucy. “We’ve taken our time with him; this is only his second open season.”

Lucy and Kestrel were first of the Connemaras to perform.

“I had watched a couple of sections before me and I just decided to go for it in the end,” said Lucy. “His trot is beautiful so I tried to show that off as much as I could.

“This is one I’ve always wanted to win, though it’s so hard to qualify so to just get here is amazing.”

Amanda was ringside to watch the triumph.

“This is my first time owning a London-qualified pony,” she said. “I always knew he had something like this in him. He’s a superstar.”

It was a day for the greys as finishing reserve in the 2022 BSPS Heritage M&M ridden supreme on a final total of 176/200 was 18-year-old Victoria Harker riding her mother Jenny Harker’s Welsh section A stallion Dukeshill Pearly Spencer. The Dukeshill Magnum eight-year-old qualified for London last season and he booked a return pass at the BSPS Heritage championship show.

“Every time he goes into the ring he gives me 100%,” said an emotional Victoria, who has loaned “Dennis” since he was a three-year-old from his breeders Jo and Kathy Sheil, but revealed that her mum Jenny had recently purchased him and gifted him to her as an early Christmas present. “I have a ‘Dennis show’ which I ride when I can; it’s technical and includes a canter on the straight, a serpentine and a walk to canter, which he is the master of.”

Dennis won the Royal Welsh in-hand as a yearling and a two-year-old. He has been one of the most consistent breed representatives over the past couple of seasons under Victoria.

“He thinks he’s 17.2hh despite being just 11.2hh,” said Victoria, who has ridden Dennis to top placings at HOYS and the RIHS during their partnership. “We call him Dennis the Menace at home as he’s a bit of a character.”

“I never expected to get this far so young,” added Victoria, who is still on a high after her 128cm show pony Ardenhall Blenheim won the show pony championship at HOYS earlier this year.

In third on 168/200 was the Highland best of breed, Jane McNaught’s Dunedin Mascot, ridden by Katie Common, who were both making their debuts in the final.

The other results were:

4, Felicity Thompson’s Salcombe Starehole Bay and Katy Marriott-Payne (Dartmoor) 164/2005, Julie Pennell’s Nipna Midnight Rambler and Sarah Parker (Dales) 164/2006, Felicity Thompson’s Salcombe Frowder Cove and Alice Tomlinson (Dartmoor) 158/2007, Samantha Walker’s Melau Aramis and Lauren Brill (Welsh section B) 158/2008, Leisa Woodward’s Hilltop Ned and Rebecca Penny (New Forest) 157/2009, Ruth Robert’s Wildhoeve Oki Doki and Clare Fitch (Fell) 156/20010, Caitlin Hamilton and her own Nipna Invictus (Dales) 155/200

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Ahead of the 2022 British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Heritage mountain and moorland (M&M) supreme final held at London International Horse Show later this month, H&H caught up with ride judge Fiona Holton to find out what she’ll be looking for on the day.

Fiona Holton will be assessing the native ponies’ performance alongside Jill Burgess, with judges Joyce Coltart and Ann Bigley on conformation duty.

About Fiona Holton

Fiona is an experienced and esteemed showing judge who sits on BSPS, Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd and The Showing Register panels. In 2022, Fiona judged at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and this year is her first officiating in London.

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

“I am judging way of going so as each pony enters the ring I will be studying that aspect of each combination very carefully. I like to see a pony who works from behind into a light contact. I will be looking for ponies to work in a soft, rhythmic and obedient way, and I do like to see a bit of inside bend when necessary; I don’t want to see ponies constantly looking in the wrong direction! I will be looking for each pony to have correct movement for their breed, too, and I hopefully I will see some power from those types of animals who should have it.”

What sort of show will impress you?

“Each rider should ride a show that highlights what’s good about their pony. For example, I will hope to see that wonderful, powerful trot from the Dales, Fell and Welsh breed representatives. I want to see total obedience throughout and I have an obsession with really good manners. Everything in the show should happen when it’s supposed to happen; when a rider sits and asks for the canter the command should be absolutely there. When moving down the paces, I want to see a pony who is polite and soft; I hate to see riders see-sawing on mouths. A harmonious partnership between pony and rider finishes off the overall picture.”

What are some of your show ring pet hates in natives?

“I hate to see ponies over-bent or going behind the vertical. I similarly don’t like to see a partnership of pony and rider that obviously isn’t harmonious. Unfortunately, sometimes you do see riders who would be better suited to a different animal.”

What makes London International so special?

“The atmosphere is totally unique and it’s completed by the Christmas theme and high standard of equestrian competition. I have no doubt that the M&M ponies contending the BSPS supreme final will be part of this exceptional standard. The marking system used in the championship is also a bit different.”

Any sign-off advice for those riding there for the first time?

“Have a plan for your show and stick to it; try to not make last minute adjustments on the day. Practise your performance at home so both pony and rider have an understanding of what’s expected. This will ensure your show goes as smoothly as possible.”

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Get to know which star native ponies will be contesting the 2022 BSPS Heritage M&M supreme ridden final held at London International Horse Show on Monday 19 December.

Who will you be rooting for?

Trailtrow Tearlach

Gillian McMurray’s home-bred, home-produced Highland stallion, 13, qualified for London at Royal Lancashire show with Gillian’s daughter, Kirstin McMurray, in the saddle. Tearlach is a third generation London finalist, and is the sixth different Trailtrow-bred pony to have qualified for the final since 1985.

Gems Malt Whiskey

April Gilmartin’s own seasoned Welsh section C stallion has enjoyed top two placings at both Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal International (RIHS) over the past two seasons, and this will be his third consecutive trip to London. This season, he netted a place at the very first qualifier held at Royal Windsor.

Llandderfel Prince Richard

Anne Wilson’s seven-year-old Welsh section D stallion recently finished second at HOYS with Dannii Thexton. This will be his first trip to London.

Bryncarreg The Bandit

The Welsh section C, who also competes as a working hunter, is heading to London for his owners Christine Phillips and Charlotte Laurens. He is produced by Katy Marriott-Payne, who finished third with him at HOYS this year, and will be ridden by Kimberley Bates at the London final.

Hilltop Ned

Owned by Leisa Woodward, the New Forest stallion, who is a former HOYS winner, and Rebecca Penny picked up their qualification at the BSPS Heritage championships.

Dukeshill Pearly Spencer

The consistent Welsh section A and Victoria Harker will be heading to London for the second time for owner Jenny Harker. The stallion’s career CV includes a win at the Royal Welsh as a two-year-old and placings at both HOYS and the RIHS under-saddle.

Shilstone Rocks River Dart

Chloe Chubb qualified the Dartmoor stallion, a HOYS and RIHS finalist this year, at the BSPS Heritage championships. She will pass the reins to Emma Lucas in London.

Greenholme Knight

Ridden by Terry Clynes, Ciaran Kelly’s six-year-old Fell stallion was also a HOYS and RIHS finalist during 2022, his debut open season. He qualified for London at the BSPS Heritage championships after winning his best of breed class.

Wortley Golcar Lily

Produced by Aimee Devane, Gillian Simpson’s home-bred Welsh section B mare has consistently been to HOYS and the RIHS under-saddle. In London she’ll be piloted by Amber Thorpe.

Wishaw Red Admiral

Simone Harrison’s home-produced nine-year-old Welsh section D took the SEIB Search For A Star M&M championship back in 2021, and he has similarly excelled in the show ring this season, finishing fourth at the RIHS and narrowly missing out on his HOYS pass.

Latijn V.D. Helling

Owned by Claire Connor, the first-season Shetland stallion and Aliya Khan were crowned supreme M&M ridden champions at the Royal Highland Show. At the BSPS Heritage championships, the pair picked up their ticket in the small breeds semi-final, but also won the best of breeds Shetland class the following day.

Inverin Paddy

Lucy Heygate’s 11-year-old Connemara, who is home-produced by Lucy from her family farm, will be making his second appearance in London, after qualifying this year at South of England.

Westown Wild Fire

Sarah Weston’s home-bred Dartmoor stallion qualified under his producer Sarah Parker at the BSPS summer championships. In his debut season under-saddle in 2021, he won at HOYS and finished second at the RIHS. This will be his debut at the London finale and he will be ridden by Gemma Pallett.

Briar Snowfox

The eight-year-old Shetland lifted the Exmoor and Shetland of the year crown at HOYS in October, and he’s set to make his London debut with his usual jockey Lilly Richardson.

Eastlands Dunedin

Susan Pool’s Connemara gelding, a former Great Yorkshire M&M supreme winner, will be heading to the big city with Lauren Beaumont, fresh from their win at HOYS in the Connemara pony of the year final.

Thorneyside Guardsman

The Welsh section D is home-produced by his owner Katy Marks and alongside booking a London spot at the BSPS Heritage championships this year, he’s been well-placed at HOYS and the RIHS.

Menai George

The Welsh section C stallion, a London debutante, was a HOYS and RIHS finalist in both 2021 and 2022 with his owner/rider Hannah Turnock, who will be riding at the final for the first time.

Nipna Kitty O’Day

Julie and Anna Pennell’s home-bred Dales mare, a HOYS open and junior ridden finalist this season, will be ridden by Tayla Lewis in London, but it was her producer, Sarah Parker, who qualified her for the final at the BSPS Heritage championships.

Wildhoeve Oki Doki

Clare Fitch will be at the helm of Ruth Roberts’ Fell stallion, a former HOYS winner, a previous London best of breed winner and former RIHS reserve supreme M&M champion.

Salcombe Starehole Bay

Katy Marriott-Payne rode Felicity Thompson’s home-bred Dartmoor stallion, supreme Heritage champion at the RIHS in 2021 and a HOYS winner earlier this year, to finish reserve in the BSPS Heritage M&M supreme ridden final last season. They booked their return pass at Royal Windsor back in May.

Longhalves Renoir

Sam Roberts has won the supreme honour in London on multiple occasions and she’ll be back for another crack at the title under Jo Filmer’s home-bred Welsh section B stallion, who won HOYS in October and is also a successful dressage pony.

Waxwing Persia

Emma Burrow’s seven-year-old Welsh section B qualified for the final at the BSPS Heritage championships. This season, he won at Royal Three Counties and was also fourth at HOYS.

Danwood Llewellyn

The Welsh section C former H&H cover star, owned and bred by Hannah and Linda Atkinson, was reserve M&M champion at HOYS in 2018 and was placed at London last season.

Lovelyhill Folklore

The versatile New Forest has done it all for his owner Penny Sutton and rider/producer Vikki Smith, winning on the flat and finishing second over fences at HOYS, lifting the supreme of show and qualifying for London at the BSPS Heritage championships and covering mares all season.

Warrenmere Woodcock

Mary Rose Bryant’s Exmoor, supreme ridden and in-hand champion at the breed show and runner up at HOYS earlier this year, will be making his final London appearance with Mary Rose’s daughter Elizabeth Etchells, who produces the 14-year-old from home.

Nipna Invictus

The 11-year-old Dales gelding, a RIHS young riders winner in 2021, is making a return trip to London this year having won the Dales breed class at the BSPS Heritage championships with Caitlin Hamilton.

Moelview Prince Charlie

Chloe Chubb’s seven-year-old Welsh section B stallion combines stud duties with his showing. He was a Royal Welsh winner in-hand, and in 2021 under-saddle he won the North of England £1000 supreme title.

Lotuspoint Cassius

Rachel Brightmore’s super Shetland, 15, and Lilly Ahern-Lee will take to the London stage for the second time, after winning best of breed, best junior and fifth overall at the show last season. At HOYS in October, the pair won the M&M first ridden pony of the year crown and stood overall mini reserve champions.

Nipna Mighty Oak

Leah May’s Dales gelding qualified for London at Westmorland County with producer Sarah Parker. Leah, who rode him to lift the Heritage supreme title at the BSPS summer championships, will steer him in London.

Steppers Relight My Fire

The six-year-old Welsh section D, owned by Lisa O’Rourke, is produced by Aimee Devane who qualified him for London on his first attempt at the BSPS Heritage championship show. Ashleigh O’Rourke will pilot him in London, after riding him to finish fifth at HOYS in October.

Rushhill Diplomat

Sarah Parker qualified the Welsh section B for London at the BSPS Wales direct qualifier, but Sarah’s eight-year-old son, Owen, will ride him in the 2022 BSPS Heritage M&M supreme ridden final. The gelding has been a prolific contender in both working hunter and flat classes for Sarah, qualifying for both HOYS and the RIHS in both spheres.

Griseburn Lester

Gillian Simpson’s Dales pony hit the headlines when he won the Picton novice championship as a five-year-old last year, with his producer Aimee Devane. In 2022, he finished second at HOYS and won the direct large breeds qualifier for London at the BSPS summer championships.

Nipna Midnight Rambler

The Dales stallion will be making his second visit to London, after winning best of breed and finishing third overall last year, for his breeders Julie and Anna Pennell and producer Sarah Parker. Other results on his CV include winning the supreme ridden championship at Royal Windsor last year. He qualified for London after taking champion at Suffolk County.

Melau Aramis

Samantha Walker watched her daughter, Lilly, win with the gelding at HOYS in October, but producer Lauren Brill will take the reins in London. The Welsh section B was also third in the open final at HOYS with Lauren, and he qualified for London at the BSPS Heritage championships.

Moyabbey George

Alisa Vines’ home-produced Connemara stallion, nine, has previously placed fourth at HOYS and the RIHS, and will be visiting London for the very first time.

Dunedin Mascot

The consistent Highland gelding, who is owned by Jane McNaught, qualified for London at the BSPS Heritage championships, where he was also open ridden champion, with his loaner Katie Common. He’s been runner up at HOYS twice and was also supreme ridden Highland at the Royal Highland this year.

Lantau Supernova

The Welsh section C and his rider Jodie Haywood are both London first-timers. The stallion’s career highlights include winning at the RIHS and finishing second at HOYS.

Castle Kestrel

Amanda Sharmans’ Connemara stallion, seven, and Lucy Glover have qualified for both HOYS and the RIHS for the past two seasons and he’s set to make his debut at the London final.

Harris Of Mendick

Aileen Curle’s Highland stallion is produced by Brian Williams and he has won a total of eight HOYS qualifiers over his career. In 2017, he was best of breed in London and he booked his return ticket this year at the BSPS Heritage championships.

Salcombe Frowder Cove

Felicity Thompson’s home-bred Dartmoor won the RIHS and was second at HOYS during his five-year-old season in 2019, and he returned to his producer Katy Marriott-Payne this year ahead of the BSPS Heritage championships where he qualified for London and won the restricted ridden championship. Alice Tomlinson will ride him in the 2022 BSPS Heritage M&M supreme ridden final.

Keep up to date with all of the action from London International, including from the 2022 BSPS Heritage M&M supreme ridden final, including breaking news and behind the scenes insight from each day of the show, with no limit on how much you can read, from as little as £1 per week with a Horse & Hound unlimited website subscription. Join now

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20 beautiful winners from the 2022 BSPS winter championships

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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

Always dreamed of riding at a prestigious show like London International Horse Show? Then find out here if you’re eligible for the London International showing classes and learn how you can try to qualify for next year’s show:

If you own a veteran horse or pony or a pure-bred mountain and moorland (M&M) then the opportunity to ride at London International Horse Show could be within reach.

The London International Horse Show organisers have also announced a new showing series for 2023 which will be run by the BSPS, the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) and the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO), and will have finals at London International in December.

Which showing classes are held at London International Horse Show?

The British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Heritage supreme ridden M&M final and the Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd (SSADL) in-hand and ridden championships are held at London International Horse Show.

In 2023, the BSPS, the BSHA and ASAO will run 23 different classes with finals at London International. Qualifiers will be held at ASAO member shows including BSHA Rising Star classes for hunters, hacks, cobs, riding horses and show horses and BSPS classes for performance ponies including coloured

ponies, M&M lead rein, working sports ponies, and cradle and nursery stakes working hunter ponies.

About the BSPS Heritage supreme ridden championship

How to qualify:

The BSPS Heritage supreme ridden championship is open to all pure-bred natives who are registered with the correct stud book.

Throughout the season, there are a handful of direct qualifiers held at select shows, where the overall champion of the section qualifies for the final at London International.

There are also many opportunities to qualify for the London International semi-finals which are held at the BSPS Heritage championships in October. The semi-finals offer tickets to the top two placed animals in each class.

The classes run as follows; Dartmoor, Exmoor, Shetland; Welsh section A and B; Welsh section C; Welsh section D; Connemara and New Forest; Highland, Fells, Dales.

The semi-finals held at the BSPS Heritage championships follow the same class split. The BSPS offer a free entry to the semi-finals at the championships and the top three animals in each semi-final qualify for London International.

There are also 12 breed classes held at the BSPS Heritage championships which competitors can enter. The winner of each breed class books a place at London International.

Competitors must be a member of the BSPS to win a direct ticket to London International via the direct qualifier or best of breed class, or to win a semi-final ticket.

Format of the final:

There are four judges at the London International Horse Show final; two for performance/ride and two for conformation. The total number of marks on offer is 200, which each judge awarding a 50/50 score.

Combinations enter the ring to perform a go-round before they each ride individual shows of their own choice. The two ride judges then each award a mark out of 50 after each performance is complete. The two marks are revealed to the competitors and spectators.

Each animal is then assessed in-hand and each conformation judge awards a mark out of 50. These marks are kept secret until the final results are announced in the afternoon performance.

During the prize giving, 12 best of breed awards are presented to the highest placed animal of each breed. Then, the top 10 highest scoring ponies from across the championship are called out in reverse order. The highest placed junior rider is also awarded a prize.

About the SSADL championships

How to qualify:

The SSADL championships also require pre-qualification. There are separate finals for both in-hand and ridden exhibits. Animals must be aged 15 years old or over to compete and they must be home-produced.

There are three age categories in qualifiers; pre-senior (15 to 18 years), senior (19 t0 23 years) and senior-plus (24 years and over).

There are two routes you can take to qualify for the final at London International; direct route and first/second round route.

In a direct qualifier, the overall champion from both the ridden and in-hand section qualifies for the grand finals at London International. A direct class is open to all non-members and members, but only the highest placed SSADL member qualifies for London.

First rounds run at Pony Club, riding club and local shows and you do not need to be a member of the SSADL to compete. First to sixth place qualify for the second rounds. Non-members have 10 days to join SSADL to keep the qualification.

Second round and direct qualifiers run at area, county and other major shows across the UK. Prestigious shows such as Royal Windsor and Three Counties hold both direct and second round qualifiers. The second rounds are only open to members who have qualified in the first rounds and the champion of the second round wins the London International ticket.

Format of the final:

It must be the same registered pony/horse, rider/handler combination from first and second round/direct route qualifiers that go forward to compete at London International.

The grand final holds two separate classes to find the supreme senior in-hand champion and the supreme senior ridden champions.

There are two judges at the final, who score using a three-way marking system. The combination who receives the highest total marks wins the respective class.

About the BSPS/BSHA finals:

There will be a series of qualifying classes held in 2023 with a final at The London International Horse Show in December.

Qualifying classes will be held at county and agricultural shows up and down the country who do not have HOYS qualifiers. The London qualifiers will be judged by BSPS judges.

Competitors do not need to be members of the BSPS to enter but will have seven days to join post-qualifying across the 25 shows holding qualifiers where the winner or the highest placed pony in the top three will qualify for the final.

Classes include BSPS Junior Performance Pony, BSPS Performance Pony under 148cm and under 158cm, BSPS Performance Coloured Native/Cob/Traditional Horse/Pony, BSPS Performance Coloured Non-Native Horse/Pony, BSPS Heritage Lead Rein Working Sports Pony, Open Cradle Stakes Pony and Open Nursery Stakes Pony.

The BSHA classes are Rising Stars classes for amateurs and are performance led with all participants completing a timed freestyle show on the day. The classes are open to amateur BSHA members and non-members.

The BSPS classes are not restricted to amateurs however the majority of the classes are performance classes. For example, the lead rein class will have obstacles and small jumps.

Commentators will be encouraged to explain the classes to the watching public, describing what is required of the competitor and what the public should be looking out for.

You might also be interested in:

‘This is his seventh year here’; stalwart Welsh pony stands supreme at Olympia

The 2017 BSPS mountain & moorland supreme champion has been crowned

Meet the 12 best of breeds crowned at Olympia

Here, we celebrate the 12 best of breeds crowned in the prestigious final

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

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

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