The Hackney horse and pony has suffered a further decline, the latest Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) figures show, but there are signs of hope elsewhere.

The numbers of Hackneys were already “very low”, and the breed was already in the “priority” category but the 2026 RBST watch list, published this month, shows that its situation is now classed as critical.

Figures show that the number of dams producing registered offspring dropped from 34 in 2024 to 20, a 41% reduction. The breed’s effective population size, a measure of genetic diversity rather than the number of horses, has dropped from 52 to 27, well below the United Nations’ breed level of concern, 50.

RBST chief executive Christopher Price said: “The Hackney horse and pony has been operating at low numbers for some years, and further sharp declines in 2025 have put the breed in a critical situation.

“This characteristically tough and hardy breed has so much to offer – as well as its fantastic history, the Hackneys’ agility and flair make them great horses for showing, jumping and dressage as well as under harness. Halting this decline is an urgent priority for RBST and we will be working with RBST members and the breed society to intensify our conservation programmes for the breed.”

Unique chapter

Hackney Horse Society council member Sarah Hockings said the breed “represents a unique chapter of British history”, but also an opportunity for modern riders, owing to their temperament and versatility.

Her fellow council member Fred Vyse added: “Whether in the show ring or as a spirited companion, the Hackney remains a breed of unparalleled quality.

“We are proud to be working in close collaboration with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust to secure this future. By combining the society’s deep-rooted expertise with the RBST’s conservation work, we are taking proactive steps to turn the tide on declining numbers.

“Our joint efforts are focused on ensuring that the ‘celebrated Hackney’ is not just a memory of the past, but a thriving, vital part of the UK’s equine community for years to come.”

The 2026 RBST watch list, the charity’s annual report, shows that six native UK equine breeds are in the most urgent, priority, category, and six more are classed as at risk.

Cleveland Bays

This year’s report also highlights concerns for the Cleveland Bay. Despite major efforts made in recent years, the number of breeders registering foals and the number of dams producing registered offspring are the lowest recorded since data collecting started in 2002. In one year, the number of dams has dropped by 42.8%.

Cleveland Bay Horse Society chairman Matthew Stonehouse told H&H that after the Covid period there was a “welcome increase in breeding activity; a sign that interest in the Cleveland Bay remained strong”.

“That momentum has since eased, and we attribute this to a combination of factors,” he said.

“Challenging economic conditions for breeders, the wider cost-of-living squeeze on equestrian pursuits and what several of our members have noted was an unusually difficult breeding year in 2024 due to adverse weather. Cycling difficulties that year are thought to have suppressed foal numbers, not only in Cleveland Bays but across several breeds.”

Mr Stonehouse added that international registrations, which have “played a meaningful role in our numbers”, have also reduced in recent years, which the society is actively monitoring.

“The Cleveland Bay is Britain’s oldest established native horse breed, and its future is something we care about deeply,” he said. “We are moving forward with promotion of the breed; particularly to amateur riders and a younger audience who may not yet appreciate just how versatile and characterful these horses are.

“We believe the 2026 figures will provide a clearer picture, and we remain cautiously optimistic.”

Signs of hope in 2026 RBST watch list

The Suffolk horse’s effective population size increased in 2025 for the third consecutive year, and the number of dams producing registered offspring was the highest since 2010.

The Dales showed effective population size growth and the Eriskay pony was stable. There was an increase in new Exmoor breeder registrations.

Mr Price said 13 UK native equine breeds are classed as rare on the 2026 RBST watch list.

“These breeds are an irreplaceable part of our cultural heritage, and they also have important modern roles to play in riding and recreation, conservation grazing for nature restoration and genetic diversity,” he said.

“Owners of native breed horses and ponies around the UK can work with RBST and breed societies to register their animals, to showcase their versatility and take part in crucial breeding programmes. Please do contact RBST to find out more about how you can support a strong future for our rare native equines.”

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A “groundbreaking” new approach will allow horses without recorded pedigrees be considered for entry into the Irish Draught Horse Studbook (IDHS) in a move to restore rare bloodlines – an initiative that could help other native breeds in future.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has introduced the “genomic grade-up rule” for IDHS, described by the governing body as “the first initiative of its kind in an Irish sport horse studbook”. Breeders can submit a hair sample – at a cost of €200 (£173) – and using advanced genomic tools, it will be assessed whether the animal “carries the core genetic make-up of a pure-bred Irish Draught”.

Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and once approved, horses will be designated “genomic grade up” in the supplementary section of the studbook. Their progeny, by or out of another Irish Draught, will be eligible for the studbook’s main section.

“This provides a scientifically robust pathway for identifying and restoring rare or long‑absent Irish Draught bloodlines, strengthening the future of Ireland’s national breed,” said an HSI spokesperson, adding that this genomic technique is also being investigated for use with the traditional Irish horse designation.

HSI head of breeding, innovation and development Sonja Egan said the genomic grade-up is a “significant and forward-looking step for the studbook, and in support of daughter societies worldwide”.

“The studbook has embraced existing genomic research and genomic technologies, which have the power to protect the integrity of the breed while creating new opportunities to reintroduce valuable bloodlines that may otherwise be lost,” said Dr Egan.

“It marks a major milestone in how we conserve and strengthen the Irish Draught horse population, with significant potential for development in the traditional Irish horse population and, where other studbooks are interested, other native rare breeds.”

HSI senior equine geneticist Jennifer Doyle added that she is “delighted to support breeders” with this new innovative method of identifying Irish Draughts.

“The potential to identify these horses that would otherwise have been lost to the ID studbook marks a significant change in our ability to conserve and protect bloodlines in an important native rare breed,” said Dr Doyle, adding that this is just “one benefit of many”, using this type of genotyping.

“I hope this launch is the first of many genomic discoveries that will support the many dedicated breeders of our native rare breeds.”

Olive Broderick of Kylemore Stud told H&H she and some other breeders believe that the breed needs genetic diversity and “any help in this area would be beneficial” – but added that rare bloodlines are “mostly rare because the stallions were not used as they were not considered good enough”.

Mrs Broderick suggested that an appendix register – accommodating approved Irish draught (AID) mares – should be reinstated for horses that have been inspected and are true to type, as this “added greatly to the quality of the breed”.

“AID mares generally were 25% thoroughbred. Crossed again to Irish Draught and you were almost full Irish Draught, but the quality and hybrid vigour it brought to the breed was very notable. This would be very interesting and worthwhile once more in my opinion,” she said.

Mrs Broderick said that she sees no harm in the grade up – on the basis that horses are inspected first.

“I would suggest it be allowed only for a limited time and number initially and the resulting foals born from the newly upgraded stock be closely inspected and followed for four years,” she said.

Irish Draughts are on the Rare Breed Survival Trust watchlist and the organisation’s chief executive Christopher Price told H&H the initiative “represents a positive, science-led step” in conserving the breed.

“Advanced genomic tools can assess whether an individual animal has the correct genetic make-up for inclusion in the supplementary section of the studbook. Alongside traditional pedigree recording and registration, which remain vital for long-term breed management and continuity, similar genomic tools could also be considered to support conservation in other native breeds that have defined a clear genetic profile,” he said.

“There are many reasons why pedigree records may be incomplete or lost and this system can create a pathway for such animals to contribute to the future of the breed while ensuring breed integrity is maintained.”

An Irish Draught Horse Society of Great Britain (IDHS (GB)) spokesperson told H&H the society learned of the rule on 18 March and “needs to assess what it will mean for IDHS (GB) in practice”.

“We need time to study the scientific literature underpinning the new development, consult with our council and members and ask HSI how the implementation of the rule will impact on current methods of evaluation,” said the spokesperson.

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New research will “hone action that will strengthen the outlook of irreplaceable horse and pony breeds”, it is hoped, as “robust market demand” for natives is reported.

On 20 March the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST) presented the findings from the trust’s equine conservation project at a seminar at the Horse Trust, Buckinghamshire. The work, funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), aimed to identify overarching and breed-specific issues in native breeds, analyse differing approaches to breeding and reproductive technologies and understand opportunities for extending the modern uses of natives.

Almost 400 breeders took part in a survey on breeding decisions to provide an up-to-date picture of breeder behaviour motivations and challenges in the UK’s native horse and pony sector.

Among the findings, most breeders work on a small scale, managing up to three mares per year, and motivations are “overwhelmingly conservation-focused rather than commercial”; breeders are driven by preserving bloodlines, improving genetic and performance traits and contributing to breed sustainability. Of the respondents, 76% have used or would consider using artificial insemination or sexed semen – but barriers include cost, logistics and preference for natural service among some breeders.

Looking at market trends, 44% of surveyed breeders reported “expanding demand” for natives, and this is strongest when breeds have “clear practical uses such as riding, driving and conservation grazing”, but breeders “consistently highlighted” a need for greater promotion and public visibility beyond the show ring, better stallion access and AI services and more mentoring and guidance for new breeders.

Our fantastic native breeds

RBST chief executive Christopher Price said the UK has a “fantastic array” of native breeds, each with their “own unique traits and heritage”.

“They all have so much to offer to modern riders and land managers but sadly a number of native equine breeds remain in a precarious position,” he said. “The knowledge gained through this project will help conservation bodies and breeders, working together, to target and hone action that will strengthen the outlook for all our irreplaceable horse and pony breeds.

“The findings show a committed, conservation‑minded breeder community that is optimistic about the future and indicates robust market demand. With enhanced support in areas such as AI access, stallion availability, genetics and promotion, together we can significantly strengthen the long‑term sustainability and visibility of the UK’s native horse breeds.”

The project also looked at equine welfare perception, which showed that “while commitment to good welfare is strong among owners and professionals, horses across the UK continue to face risks due to knowledge gaps, inconsistent management and economic pressures”.

“Native breeds face additional challenges requiring targeted intervention, including a decline in traditional knowledge. Improving access to reliable, practical welfare information will be essential for raising standards and supporting better outcomes across the sector,” said an RBST spokesperson.

Following this, the RBST has recommended that clear accessible welfare education is made readily available to owners, collaboration between welfare bodies, breed societies, the RBST and other equine organisations to “improve consistency” of guidance, and the trust has called for “an industry campaign to counter misinformation” online and promote evidence-based management practices.

A clearer picture

HBLB grants and communications officer Rob Bailey said: “We are pleased to support RBST’s equine conservation project, which is helping to build a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities facing the UK’s native horse and pony breeds.

“It is encouraging to see that the findings will help strengthen the long-term sustainability of these important breeds.”

Following this, the RBST has recommended that clear accessible welfare education is made readily available to owners, collaboration takes place between welfare bodies, breed societies, the RBST, and other equine organisations to “improve consistency” of guidance, and the trust has called for “an industry campaign to counter misinformation” online and promote evidence-based management practices.

The HBLB grants and communications officer Rob Bailey said: “We are pleased to support RBST’s equine conservation project, which is helping to build a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities facing the UK’s native horse and pony breeds.

“It is encouraging to see that the findings will help strengthen the long-term sustainability of these important breeds.”

Are you a native breeder? Tell us your views by writing to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

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Native ponies seem to pop up everywhere. While lovers of the variety pack of Britain and Ireland’s native breeds have always known about their hardiness, versatility and talent, the likes of equestrian influencer Harlow White’s Panda, a Connemara pony, have thrust these photogenic ponies in front of an even bigger audience.

“Owning a native pony feels like being part of history,” says Harlow. “Each native breed carries centuries of stories shaped by our landscape, climate and culture.

“I love their natural, unspoilt look. They don’t need exaggeration to stand out, rather their beauty comes from being exactly what they were bred to be.”

Panda – officially known as King Bunowen Castle Ali – is in the spotlight thanks to his eye-catching feats in the show ring last season. He stars on the cover of this week’s Horse & Hound (12 February), which includes a feature on the popularity of native breeds.

At Horse of the Year Show last October, the now 10-year-old grey claimed the Connemara pony of the year title. He’d already won the M&M young riders large breeds final before being crowned junior champion at the Royal International (RIHS) and rounded off his year with fifth in the Heritage supreme final at the London International.

But Panda isn’t the only native breed in Harlow’s stable. Besides another Connemara, she has a Shetland and her adorable Dartmoor Rolo (Coppinshill Commemoration). Together, Harlow and Rolo progressed from mini M&M to open and M&M workers classes at HOYS and victory at RIHS in 2023.

Rolo is now being ridden by Harlow’s younger brother Harlen, who is learning to showjump. It is a trajectory that highlights the longevity and adaptability native ponies can offer.

“What amazes me most about them is their versatility,” Harlow says. “They’ll turn their hoof to almost anything from showing and driving to jumping and being amazing family ponies. They really are true all-rounders. That’s why I’ll always choose a native breed.”

Native breeders have always celebrated the influence of their stock on pony breeding not just in this country but worldwide, whether it’s for top-class pony jumpers, mother-and-daughter shares or hardy types offering a more cost-effective horse-ownership option.

Not limited to mountain and moorland classes at prestigious showing championships, these versatile breeds race, event, and figure in pedigrees of FEI competitors. Increasingly, they flood the grids of social media, from cheeky Shetlands to pristine show ponies such as Harlow’s Connemara Panda – which can only be positive exposure for their future.

“Supporting native breeds feels important because it helps protect rare bloodlines and ensures these ponies continue into the future,” says Harlow, who has over 790,000 subscribers on YouTube and nearly 300,000 on Instagram. “I love how popular native ponies have become and it’s amazing to see them holding their own across so many different disciplines.”

Do you have a particular love for a native breed? Write to hhletters@futurenet.com for a chance to be published in Horse & Hound – please include your full address (town and county will be published). 

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

Native winners at HOYS 2025

1. Thistledown Super Star

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

2. Greenholme Kate

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

3. Trenley Trinket

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

4. Pricklegate Brown Owl

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

5. Highcroft Romany

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

6. Stowbrook Red Kite

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

7. Kincardine Uist

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

8. King Bunowen Castle Ali

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

9. Llynhelyg Mister Jones

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

10. Glebedale Jumanji

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

11. Kallared Heartbeat

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

12. Clonfert Melody’s Boy

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

13. Anchor Lullaby

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

14. Moonpenny Delphinus

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

15. Dycott Special Delivery

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

16. Highland Des

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

17. Marsh Walk On By

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

18. Heniarth Sh-Boom

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

19. Wernderris Charlie Fox

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

20. Latjin VD Helling

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

21. Rowfantina Principal Dancer

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

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

22. Rowfantina Man of the Match

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

23. Rowfantina My Buddy

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

24. Tullibards Silver Mine

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

25. Briar Puzzle

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

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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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Forget the stereotype that only tall, flashy warmbloods belong between the white boards. From Connemaras to Welsh Section Bs, native breeds are proving they can do more than hold their own – they stand out. And if you’ve already done a bit of showing with them, that ringcraft can help when training native ponies for dressage.

“Often, it’s the not‑so‑flashy horse that ends up stealing the show,” says international rider and list 1 British Dressage judge Sara-Jane Lanning.

Sara-Jane has helped train several natives, including Hannah Bown on her 14.2hh New Forest, Buckland Bonnie Lad (Rodney).

“Sure, we might not get nines for your mediums – Rodney’s only got short little legs – but if you train them correctly, the judges can’t ignore it,” Hannah says.

Why native ponies can excel

Native ponies are smart, quick-thinking, and willing. Once they’re on side, they give you everything.

BDCC Level 3 coach and list 2 judge Alice Oppenheimer describes them as: “clever and full of character – once they want to work, you’re already 90% of the way there. They might not find everything easy, but they’re incredibly trainable.”

Sam Roberts, whom Alice trains on her 13.2 hh Welsh Section B stallion – and former showing star – Moelview Prince Consort, proves the point.

“I’d never even done dressage before,” Sam says. “We just sort of fell into it.”

At their first affiliated prelim, judged by Jennie Loriston-Clarke, they scored a staggering 86.74%. Since then, they’ve competed up to prix st georges (PSG) at championship-level.

“On a smaller one like him, I feel like I get more time in the tighter movements than on a warmblood,” Sam adds. “Although in the walk, it feels like it takes forever to cross the arena.”

Some natives can show a natural aptitude for collection. But short strides and compact frames mean riders must create the illusion of ground cover without rushing.

“Don’t try to make your pony Valegro,” warns international judge Isobel Wessels. “It’s so often against the horse’s welfare. Instead, ride the solution: identify what’s missing, and build it step by step. That’s what training really means.”

Training native ponies for dressage: work with the build

Like cobs, native ponies often need help with uphill balance and consistency of frame, especially when tension or speed creeps in.

Sara-Jane explains: “They’re not built uphill, and they can get heavy on the shoulder. We’ve got to help them find balance – and that starts with slowing down.”

Alice adds: “They’re active behind and short in front, so we work on adjustability – not speed. You don’t push them faster; you help them find the right tempo.”

The mission is to create a picture of ease and lift – even if the frame isn’t warmblood-like.

“It’s about training what we want them to become,” says Sara-Jane.

Four progressive exercises to try

1. Zig-zag suppleness

Ride a shallow leg-yield off the track for half the long side, straighten for a few strides, then leg-yield back again. Swap the direction on the next long side. For natives with busy brains, this frequent change of bend keeps them thinking while teaching true suppleness without rushing.

2. Quick-fire transitions on the long side

On the long side, ask for quick-fire gear changes within the pace: three strides bigger, three strides smaller, then back to working. Sara-Jane says this teaches ponies to wait without losing energy. “Everything should feel light and easy – not like a fight.”

3. Tempo changes on a circle

Alice recommends riding medium trot on a 20 m circle, but alternating between a few strides of bigger steps and then immediately back to a soft, shorter trot. The contrast sharpens balance and encourages reach without the pony running through the hand.

4. Corner collect-and-go

Use corners as mini half-halts. Ride in with a touch of collection, then allow the pony forward on the short side. This pattern develop more push from the hindlegs and helps compact ponies learn to sit rather than rushing off.

Polework that pays off when training native ponies for dressage

For ponies that need more lift, swing, or reach – especially in the extensions – polework is a game-changer. Isobel suggests fan-shaped poles through a corner.

“If you ride closer to the middle, the steps have to be shorter and higher. That’s brilliant for lift. If you ride further out, the pony stretches more, covering ground. Start easy, then play with the line. The poles do the work for you,” she says.

This is especially useful for developing extensions in natives, who often have quick hindlegs but take shorter strides. By gradually riding the line further from the centre, the poles encourage them to open the frame and take longer steps – without the rider chasing them forward. Over time, this builds the strength and coordination needed for clear, expressive lengthenings in trot and canter.

UKCC Level 3 Dressage Coach Alison Short echoes this: “Ride over a fan of poles to improve footfall and length of pace in walk. Combine that with half-halts to keep the shoulder up in an outline, and you’ll see the difference quickly.”

Hills, raised poles, and hacking all build strength and stamina in ways that feel like play – key for natives, who thrive on variety.

Sam schools Moelview Prince Consort just once or twice a week but keeps him fit and happy with varied work.

“We do a bit of everything,” she says. “Happy athletes perform better.”

Adding precision and accuracy

Isobel stresses why accuracy wins points – especially with compact types.

Ride diagonal lines with purpose: “Aim the shoulders straight at the marker. It maximises space and makes every future movement cleaner,” she says.

Respect corners: “Riding properly into the corner gives you time to prepare. Cutting corners leads to slipped hindquarters, not shoulder-in.”

Nail the little things: “Square halts, rein-backs, simple changes – these add easy marks. A correct rein-back can outscore a flashy but unbalanced medium trot.”

She also emphasises transitions: “There can be 30 transitions in a novice test. If each one starts from the hindleg, in rhythm, and with acceptance of the bridle, that’s a fast track to higher scores.”

Training native ponies for dressage takes time, especially with compact types.

Sam reflects: “I still feel green – but I love the technical challenge.”

Isobel sums it up: “Take time to save time. Don’t chase shortcuts. Quiet repetition, reward, and gymnastic work always pay off.”

And Sara-Jane adds: “Don’t think you can’t do it because your pony looks different. Good riding, good training, smart test-riding – that’s what gets results.”

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If you’re on the hunt to buy a Welsh section D to ride and compete, this guide is for you.

What is a Welsh section D?

The Welsh section D — or the Welsh cob — is the largest of the Welsh breeds. The breed has no upper height limit but must exceed 13.2hh to ensure it is in fact a section D and not a section C. While there is no maximum height requirement, it is desirable that the section D retains pony character and true Welsh type.

The section D can be any colour, except piebald and skewbald. Grey colouring is more rare than in other types of Welsh ponies, but white markings are common.

A Welsh cob’s action should be: “Free, true and forcible. The knee should be bent and the whole foreleg should be extended straight from the shoulder and as far forward as possible in the trot. Hocks flexed under the body with straight and powerful leverage.”

Welsh Pony and Cob Society conformation standard for Welsh section Ds

General character: Strong, hardy and active, with pony character and as much substance as possible

Head: Full of quality and pony character. A coarse head and Roman nose are most objectionable

Eyes: Bold, prominent and set widely apart

Ears: Neat and well set

Neck: Lengthy and well carried. Moderately lean in the case of mares, but inclined to be cresty in the case of mature stallions

Shoulders: Strong but well laid back

Forelegs: Set square and not tied in at the elbows. Long, strong forearms. Knees well developed with an abundance of bone below them. Pasterns of proportionate slope and length. Feet well shaped. Hooves dense. When in the rough, a moderate quantity of silky feather is not objected to but coarse, wiry hair is a definite objection.

Middlepiece: Back and loins, muscular, strong and well-coupled. Deep through the heart and well ribbed up.

Hindquarters: Lengthy and strong. Ragged or drooping quarters are objectionable. Tail well set on.

Hind legs: Second thighs, strong and muscular. Hocks, large, flat and clean, with points prominent, turning neither inward nor outward. The hind legs must not be too bent and the hock not set behind a line falling from the point of the quarter to the fetlock joint. Pasterns of proportionate slope and length. Feet well shaped. Hooves dense.

The Welsh Pony and Cob Society suggests that the section D has been aptly described as “the best ride and drive animal in the world”.

“The general character is the embodiment of strength, hardiness and agility. The Welsh cob is a good hunter and a most competent performer in all competitive sports. In recent years they have had great success in the international driving world. Their abilities in all spheres are now fully recognised throughout the world.”

What can I do with a Welsh section D?

Welsh section Ds are a breed that you will find in most disciplines in the UK and across the globe. Welsh section Ds are popular showing animals, with standalone classes at major finals such as Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). They compete in the large breeds category against other native breeds, or in specific Welsh section C and D classes.

The breed is popular as they can carry most adults and taller riders, but have native pony traits meaning they are generally hardy. They can fare well in dressage owing to their movement, and the more athletic types also have a presence in working hunter classes, eventing, showjumping and out hunting. Some Welsh section Ds have also competed successfully in driving and they can also make good all-rounders and non-competitive rides. The in-hand showing scene is equally well supported, with many breeders showcasing their home-bred stock at breed shows, on the county show circuit and beyond.

Ultimately, the ideal job for each pony depends on its type, character traits and natural talent in specific areas.

Is it the right breed for me?

Aimee Devane is a leading native pony producer who has ridden many successful Welsh section Ds. Her first top pony was the gelding Pentrepiod The Judge but she has since ridden many stars, including the late Aleanto Bon A Parte and Steppers Relight My Fire, ridden champion at the Royal Welsh in 2023.

“They are my favourite breed,” Aimee confirms. “But I would not say a Welsh cob is the breed for an easy life in the sense they can be more hot-headed and generally do need stimulation and consistency to get the best out of them, especially in the early stages of training. This does not mean dangerous, but you need to have your wits about you.

“Obviously, upbringing has a lot to do with how they take to ridden work, and you do find more laid-back examples. If you find the right pony for you, though, they are amazing animals to work with and train.”

What should I look for in a Welsh section D?

“I like an old-fashioned type; I’m looking for a true pony of cob type and my preference for the show ring is for something that stands between 14hh and 14.2hh, ideally no bigger,” Aimee says. “I’m looking for a pony that has a nice length of rein as well as good bone, feather and feet. You can add topline, but you cannot add limb, feather or foot.

“I would look for something with an uphill front as this is usually an indicator of how they will eventually ride. A lot of cobs don’t have the most natural canter, so if they’re more uphill they’re likely to find that pace easier. They can be later maturers, though, and the canter can come as they get stronger. There are a few four- and five-year-olds who have a solid temperament and brain, but you will usually start to get the very best out of a Welsh section D when it is six or seven.

“Movement-wise, I like a bit of knee action that comes up and out from the shoulder. I like a pony that covers the ground; we don’t want a pony that daisy-cuts. A Welsh cob should arguably be one of the biggest movers in a ring of natives, but it’s important that we’re getting the true action without rushing or pushing the pony out of its natural rhythm.”

How much should I expect to pay?

As with any horse or pony, the price will depend on several factors including the market at the time as well as the individual animal’s temperament, age, quality, competition record and breeding.

“Welsh cobs are very valuable as they can take a taller rider,” Aimee says. “I would always find a Welsh section D easier to sell than a Welsh section C of equal quality. Plus, a Welsh section D with form in the show ring is likely to have the ability to go and succeed in another discipline, especially dressage due to their movement.

“The price I would pay for a pony depends on quality,” Aimee adds. “You can find unbroken ponies for £1,500, and ridden ponies for £8,000, but it does depend on how much potential the animal has. For the top end I would want something special that has it all; bone, feather, movement and flare. Obviously, after being backed and trained the prices increase. Top ridden ponies can go from anywhere between £10,000 and £15,000, often more.”

I’ve bought a pony, now what?

It is time to organise a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended. 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 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.

“Due to my experience I often buy ponies without a vetting, and I also buy them unseen if sourcing from breeders or from vendors I trust,” Aimee says. “Every pony will have a job, too, even if it’s not in the show ring or in competition.”

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

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

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The Welsh section D: the ‘native cobs’ with power, action and presence

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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

If you’re hoping to buy a Dales pony for the show ring or to simply enjoy, then this guide on what to look for is the ideal starting point.

What is a Dales pony?

The Dales pony is one of the Britain’s native breeds. According to the Dales Pony Society (DPS), the Dales is a native of the upper dales of the eastern slopes of the Pennine range, from the High Peak in Derbyshire to the Cheviot Hills near the Scottish Border, where a lead mining industry flourished from Roman times until the mid-nineteenth century.

During the late 17th Century, the Scotch Galloway was the favoured breed for fast pack work.

The DPS says: “Suitable native mares ran with the breeding herds and it is recorded that farmers also liked to run a few Scotch mares with the native herds on the fell.

“The largest, strongest and most active ponies were chosen for pack work and were well fed to ensure fitness and speed. So it was that the black Galloways of the mixed herds eventually superseded the Scotch Galloway, and eventually became the Dales pony through a series of improvements from several sources.

“The Scotch Galloways were famous for their ‘peculiarly deep and clean legs, their qualities were speed, stoutness and sure-footedness over a rugged and mountainous country’. In turn, the Dales ponies became renowned for their great strength, iron constitution, endurance, and the ability to get over rough country fast.”

Dales ponies ideally stand between 14hh to 14.2hh, but there is no upper height limit on the breed.

Dales ponies can be registered as follows (credit DPS):

• Section A: By a registered, licensed stallion, and out of either a section A or a section B mare, and displaying correct markings.
• Section B: By a registered, licensed stallion and:
  a) out of a section A or a section B mare, but displaying incorrect markings.
  b) out of section C mare, and correct in type and colour.
• Section C: By a registered, licensed stallion and out of section D mare, and correct in type & colour.
• Section D: Passed by two inspectors as being true to type, height and colour (closed 31 December 1971).

The Society also maintains a part-bred register.

Dales ponies are predominantly black but some are brown, bay, grey and, more rarely, roan. White markings, such as a star and/or a snip, and white to the hind fetlocks, are allowed. Ponies displaying more white than this are down graded from section A to section B.

Dales Pony Society breed standard

Head: Neat and pony-like. Broad between the eyes, which should be bright and alert. Pony ears slightly incurving. Long foretop of straight hair down the face.

Neck: Strong and of ample length. Stallions should display a bold outlook with a well-arched crest. Throat and jaws clean-cut. Long, flowing mane.

Shoulders: Well-laid, long, sloping shoulders with well-developed muscles. Withers not too fine.

Body: Short-coupled and deep through the chest, with well-sprung ribs.

Hindquarters: Deep, lengthy and powerful. Second thighs well-developed and very muscular. Tail well set on, not high, with plenty of long, straight hair reaching the ground.

Hocks: Broad, Flat and clean. Well let down with plenty of dense flat bone below.

Forearms: Set square. Short and very muscular, with broad, well-developed knees.

Feet, legs and joints: The very best of feet and legs, with flexible joints, showing quality with no coarseness. The cannons should display eight to nine inch (20.3cm — 22.9cm) of flat, flinty bone and well defined tendons. Pasterns should be nicely sloping and of good length. Ample silky feather on the heels. Large, round feet open at the heels, with well developed frogs.

Action: The Dales is defined by its flashy, energetic action. The knee and hock should be lifted and the hind legs should be flexed well under the body for powerful drive.

Dales ponies are popular all-rounders, succeeding in multiple disciplines. The DPS says: “Dales ponies were bred for a specific job in a harsh environment. When the job changed, they were successfully adapted for other uses, and today the ponies can demonstrate all the qualities and abilities which brought their forebears such renown.

“The combination of strength, agility, thrift, hardiness and high courage, with good conformation and a calm, intelligent nature, makes the Dales pony a first-class riding and driving pony with all the abilities of a true all-rounder.”

What should I look for in a Dales pony?

Anna Pennell and her family breed Dales ponies under the Nipna prefix. Ponies from the stud have won at all major fixtures as well as at breed shows. Their stallion Nipna Midnight Rambler was crowned supreme M&M champion at London International in 2023.

“Whatever pony I’m looking at I start with the quality of the feet and the lower limbs,” explains Anna. “They need to have quality bone with a good-sized, strong foot. Hocks and joints are so important to any breed.

“Working our way up the pony, I’d look for a good shoulder, especially if seeking a future ridden pony. If looking for a ridden animal, I’d like slightly longer pasterns, but not too long as they need to stand up to work. The angle of the pastern should also match the length of the shoulder. This gives them the true Dales trot and comfortable ride that they are known for.”

Anna also says that Dales ponies are known to be slow maturers compared to other natives, so going into a viewing with an open mind is essential: “Don’t expect most four-year-olds to be ready to go out and do it all. I would not be worried if a six or seven-year-old was immature, either, as most of them don’t come into their prime until they are at least eight years old, but some take even longer. Of course, there are the odd exceptions to this rule, but they are generally late maturers that require time and patience to develop both mentally and physically.

“The action of a Dales should be akin to a wagon wheel,” Anna continues. “They should move up and travel forwards. We don’t want a pony to ‘potato-mash’ up and down, or daisy cut. The best of the best tend to move from the get go, but if I saw a nice two or three-year-old with quite average movement I would not write it off. They can often develop their action under-saddle and it can take time for them to strengthen and become more powerful.”

When asked if prospective buyers should look for a section A or a section B Dales, Anna advises: “I have no issues with section Bs — there are successful section Bs out and about on the circuit. If you want to show then a pony with four white socks and a blaze is not ideal, but they are extra markings at the end of the day, not a conformational defect. If you don’t want to show, a section A or a section B could be suitable for you as Dales ponies generally make super all-rounders that can do anything and everything.”

Where to buy a Dales pony

Online horse for sale sites have Dales ponies advertised when they are available, but Anna warns that as the Dales is a rare and in demand breed, they are rarely advertised on the open market.

“A good starting point is to get in touch with the DPS,” says Anna. “Then, it’s always a good idea to go to breed shows and speak with breeders who might have stock currently available or coming up for sale in the near future. I would not expect many ponies to be advertised on sales sites throughout the year, though; once people get hold of a Dales they rarely want to let them go!”

How much does a Dales pony cost?

The price of a Dales pony will depend on several factors, including breeding, age and competition record.

“We have sold colt foals for around £2,000 and filly foals for around £3,000,” Anna says. “If you have a rising four or five-year-old ready for breaking you could expect them to sell for between £4,000 and £5,000, perhaps more. An established show pony could easily fetch between £10,000 and £15,000. This is an estimate for ponies good enough to show, though you can certainly find ponies for less, and for more.”

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

If you decide to purchase a pony a pre-purchase vetting is strongly recommended. 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.

“I would have an older pony put through a two-stage vetting, at least,” Anna says. “But a lot of buying a pony is about common sense. If you don’t feel you are experienced enough to make a decision on a pony’s health and soundless, always seek professional advice.”

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

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

You may also be interested in:

The Dales pony: the hardy, hairy ponies who can turn a hoof at any job

‘He does the lot, even half pass’: amateur’s joy as her dressage star leads Dales field at HOYS

‘What a result for the breed’: Dales stallions take top two spots in M&M supreme at London International

Dales stallion performs like a ‘true superstar’ to be crowned HOYS M&M champion

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

Looking to buy a Highland pony to be your next best friend? If you’re wanting a ride for the show ring, or you are simply looking for a larger pony that’s hardy, versatile and fun, this native breed is definitely worthy of your consideration.

What is a Highland pony?

The Highland Pony is one of the three native pony breeds of the Scottish Highlands and Islands (alongside the Shetland and Eriskay), but there are now studs located throughout Scotland, England, Wales, Europe and across the rest of the word. The Highland pony was originally bred to work on small farms in Scotland, and while some ponies are still worked in parts of the countryside, they are now used for a variety of riding activities.

The Highland Pony Society (HPS) is the guardian of the breed and offers the following description on what to look for in a good example:

“The Highland pony is a strong, well-balanced, compact pony with all its features being in proportion to its height. It is one of the largest of the British native breeds and should show substance and strength. The strength and sound temperament of Highland ponies make them good work horses and they are still used in areas inaccessible to machines, such as in logging or to extract deer carcasses from the hill.”

Height: Not to exceed 14.2hh (148cm).

Head: Well carried and alert with kindly eye. Broad muzzled with a deep jowl.

Neck and Shoulders: Reasonable length of neck from wither with a good sloping shoulder and well placed forearm.

Body: Well balanced and compact with plenty of room for heart and lungs. Ribs well sprung.

Quarters and Hindlegs: Powerful quarters with well developed thigh, strong second thigh and clean flat hocks.

Legs: Flat hard bone, broad knees, short cannon bones, oblique pasterns and well shaped broad dark hoofs. Feather soft and silky. Ponies of Western Isles type may have striped hoofs which grow out at maturity.

Mane and Tail: Hair should be natural, flowing and untrimmed with a full tail.

Colours: A range of duns, mouse, yellow, grey, cream. Also grey, brown, black, bay and occasionally liver chestnut with silver mane and tail. Many ponies have a dorsal stripe and some show zebra markings on legs and shoulder. Foal coat colour often changes and many ponies change colour gradually as they grow older, especially those with grey hairs interspersed with the original colour. Others show a slight seasonal change in colour between winter and summer coats. Broken colours are not allowed. A small star is acceptable but other white markings are discouraged. Stallions with white markings other than a small star are not eligible for licensing.

Action: Straight and free moving without undue knee action.

Capabilities: A ride, drive and pack animal which can adapt to many equestrian disciplines.

The late Queen Elizabeth II was known for her love of the breed. She was a patron of the society and she bred Highland ponies under the Balmoral prefix. Her ponies won many titles, including the in-hand supreme at Royal Windsor.

The Highland Pony Enthusiasts Club says the fact that Highlands perform well in comparatively slow work such as trekking, forestry and deer-carrying suggests that they have a calm, steady temperament: “This makes them outstandingly suitable for the nervous or elderly, and they have also been used successfully as mounts for disabled riders, all of whom appreciate their confidence-giving attributes.

“However, it must not be thought that, because they are kind and reliable, they are also dull. For many a Highland has shown itself to be a keen, active ride in the hunting field and, correctly schooled, to be able to compete with great success in Pony Club and riding club activities – making up by sure-footedness and handiness what it may lack in outright speed. With the present revival in harness work both for showing and for pleasure, the ponies are once more proving their worth in this field also.

“Safe, reliable, friendly, a good, comfortable ride, constitutionally strong and hardy, attractive to look at, and with considerably more versatility than is generally appreciated, the Highland pony has so much to offer.”

Highland ponies are popular in the show ring and they have form at major shows. An example is stallion Benbreac Of Crolia who was the 2018 Royal International supreme pony, becoming the first native to land the title, while stallion Stirlingdene was supreme at HOYS in 2012.

What should I look for in a Highland?

Gillian McMurray is a leading judge and she also breeds Highlands under the Trailtrow Prefix. Ponies from the Trailtrow Stud have featured at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and London International several times, winning best of breed titles on many occasions. Gillian was supreme at Olympia in 1987 riding her foundation mare, Dunrowan Dolphin.

“I would recommend that most prospective buyers attend some big shows – such as Blair, the Royal Highland or the HPS breed show – to look at classes of ponies and see how much variation in type there is within the breed,” says Gillian.

“The type you would want for a top ridden pony would differ compared to the pony you’d need for hacking or deer work. If looking for a pony for the ridden job, I would want something with a good length of rein and a good shoulder, nothing too straight. Then, we want a lovely round hind-end with a short second thigh; this is the engine of the pony that pushes it forwards. There are a few ponies out there that are too straight in the hind-leg and it does show during their ridden work.

“Like with any pony, we want nice straight limbs that don’t deviate from the knee down, as well as good strong feet.

“Movement wise, the walk is a really important pace. Traditionally, the Highland would spend the majority of its time walking. Canter isn’t their natural pace; many can find it hard to come up off their forehand in the canter. However, if you find something with a good hind leg they will find it easier.”

Where should I buy a Highland from?

There are online sale sites that have Highland ponies advertised throughout the year.

“Attending shows to see what type of pony you are looking for is the best place to start,” says Gillian. “Then, it would be a case of approaching breeders. Some breeders produce for riding more than others, so it completely depends on what job you want your pony to do. Most breeders will have youngstock for sale, so if you’re looking for a pony that is up and running, you should check out breed enthusiast groups, or the HPS has a sales list on their website.

“Make sure you ask around to see if anyone has seen the pony out and about, especially if it’s done some showing,” Gillian adds. “This could help you gage if the pony is suitable for you and your set-up.”

How much should I expect to pay?

Prices vary greatly depending on the age and experience of the pony.

“I would be wary of something that is very cheap due to the general price of Highlands these days,” Gillian says. “There are only approximately 250 foals born each year, so prices have gone up. At minimum, you can expect to pay anything from £2,000 for a foal at weaning, and you can expect a reasonable amount to be added on each year. A pony ready for breaking could reach anything from £5,000 upwards. Winning ponies with experience have been advertised for around the £15,000 mark.”

I’ve found a pony, now what?

It is time to organise a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended. If the pony is for a junior rider, 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.

“A vetting is sensible, though a five-stage would not be appropriate for a youngster,” Gillian says. “If you’re going to view young ponies, do take someone experienced with you. If you are buying something up and running, then a vetting would be advised.”

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

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

You may also be interested in:

The Highland pony: the tough working ponies who can shine in the show ring or in the hills

Find out more about this British native breed

Native breed experts pinpoint 6 core skills for your pony to be light, forward and responsive in the ring this season

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Entries are open for the 2025 British Breeding Baileys Horse Feeds Futurity series – and this year native breeds are included for the first time.

As part of an initiative to “recognise and celebrate the special contribution of our British native breeds to the equestrian community”, all British-bred horses and ponies aged six weeks to five years, if they are registered with a Defra-approved native breed society, can enter the 2025 pilot.

“The aim of the programme is to highlight the ridden attributes and contribution native breeds make to British equestrianism as ridden horses and ponies across a wide range of purposes,” a British Breeding spokesperson said.

The horses and ponies will be assessed using the series’ linear scoring system, to give a profile of conformation and movement. Evaluation and interpretation will differ from those used for sports horses and ponies, so entrants are “evaluated through the lens of the fact that they are a traditional breed type”.

British Breeding director Eva-Maria Livesey said: “Our native breeds make a significant contribution to the diversity and vibrancy of the British equestrian landscape, as well as forming an essential and much valued part of our heritage. It is a grave concern to many of us that some of these beloved breeds are becoming increasingly rare and endangered.”

Dr Livesey added that as British riders and owners are highly diverse, so are the horses and ponies that suit them.

“What better way to serve those needs than to promote the wonderful variety of our native breeds?” she said.

Different breed standards will not be used in evaluation; these “remain the firm domain of their breed societies”.

“Instead, all horses and ponies entered into this section will be evaluated and scored using the same criteria as each other and there will be a separate awards section just for them,” the spokesperson said. “The evaluation will reward attributes likely to contribute to a long and comfortable ridden career. This includes soundness and correctness, as well as balanced and rhythmical gaits, which are prioritised over the extravagance and athleticism associated with purely performance bred horses and ponies.

“All UK studbooks are warmly invited to use the Futurity to organise their own gradings and evaluations alongside it, thus offering more opportunities for everyone.”

The first Futurity assessment is on 24 July. For dates and venues, check the British Breeding website.

• 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

If you want to buy a Shetland pony for yourself if you’re a small adult or for your child, then this guide with tips from a breeder is good place to start.

What is a Shetland pony?

The Shetland pony is a British native breed of pony that hails from the Shetland Isles. It is a small and hardy breed, standing at no more than 42 inches (107 cms), while their minimum height limit is 28 inches (71.1 cms).

The Shetland Pony Stud Book Society provides a breed standard that describes the ideal type:

Shetland ponies may be any colour known in horses except spotted. The mane and tail hair should be long, straight and profuse.

The head should be small, and in proportion. Ears should be small and erect, wide set but pointing well forward. Forehead should be broad with bold, dark, intelligent eyes. Muzzle must be broad with nostrils wide and open. Teeth and jaw must be correct.

The neck should be properly set onto the shoulder, which in turn should be sloping, not upright, and end in a well defined wither. The body should be strong, with plenty of heart room, well sprung ribs, the loin strong and muscular.

The quarters should be broad and long with the tail set well up on them.

These should have good, flat bone. Strong forearm. Short balanced cannon bone. Springy pasterns.

The thighs should be strong and muscular with well-shaped strong hocks. When viewed from behind, the hindlegs should not be set too widely apart, nor should the hocks be turned in.

Straight and free action using every joint. Tracking up well.

The feet should be tough, round and well shaped.

A most salient and essential feature of the Shetland pony is its general air of vitality (presence), stamina and robustness.

Shetland ponies are shown in small breed ridden mountain and moorland (M&M) classes and currently they compete against Exmoors at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) final. They are popular choices for junior, lead rein and first ridden ponies, too, given their size. Scopey Shetlands have also featured in 122cm working hunter pony classes over the years.

The Shetland Pony Grand National is an organisation that raises money each year for a nominated charity. A number of ponies and their jockeys race at prestigious venues across the country.

Shetland ponies are also a good option for driving exhibits given their temperaments, weight-carrying abilities, stamina and intelligence.

What should I look for when I buy a Shetland pony?

Claire Connor of the Acresdale Prefix has been breeding Shetlands for a decade.

She regularly imports stock from Europe, also selling foals and youngstock to homes in the UK and across the globe. Her ponies have won breed show championships and have also contended HOYS, London International and The Royal International Horse Show under-saddle.

“First and foremost, a Shetland pony needs to have a good temperament, especially if it’s for a child,” Claire says. “No matter how good a quality a pony may be, if it’s not got a level head and trainable willing nature you won’t be able to get the very best out of that pony.”

Alongside this, Claire says it’s important to source a pony from a reputable and knowledgeable breeder who will have ensured the pony has had the best upbringing prior to your acquisition of it: “People might breed or buy a Shetland as they assume they’re funny, cute and small, and while they are, I’ve seen ponies regularly allowed to run riot and perform tricks, such as rearing up at people especially as foals. Once they get into these habits it’s very hard to stop that behaviour and once fully grown can become dangerous.”

Buying from somebody who has given the pony the correct upbringing and education is advised.

“Shetlands, as with any breed, can also have health issues. For example, some ponies can have issues with their mouths. Jaws can be undershot or overshot meaning their teeth do not aline correctly. Even if you’re not wanting to show, a pony with an incorrect mouth could potentially have issues with eating.

“Also look out for incorrect movement and permanent noise in stifle and hock joints. It doesn’t appear to cause pain, but it can cause a pony to move incorrectly and should be avoided if possible.

“Ultimately, the stamp of Shetland you should look for will depend on the job you want the pony to do; If someone is coming to look at a pony I will always ask what job they have in mind. Do you want the pony for a show/ridden role, are you wanting it more as a family pet, or are you wanting to breed from the pony? It is important to look for attributes that would best suit the job in mind. For example Shetland ponies of a heavier stamp with a much shorter back and limb may not be quite as well suited for the ridden show job as your slightly more athletic stamp of Shetland is.

“Many showing people will seek a full-up 42 inch pony, though in my opinion they are overlooking some real quality marginally smaller ponies by having this mindset. Some people become fixated on the height, being willing to compromise on quality in the process; a bit like four white socks are often idealised in the Welsh breeds.”

Where should I buy a Shetland pony from?

There are online sale sites that have Shetland ponies advertised throughout the year.

You can also pursue private sales, or approach breeders, or visit auctions. The official Shetland breed sale is a warranted sale.

“If you are looking for a ready-made child’s pony with miles on the clock, then a private home could be the best option. “If you have the space and inclination, buying a foal is a good idea; you can put your own stamp on it and you will also get a larger variety of choice,” Claire continues. “Breeders are often looking to retain the three or four-year-olds they have run on in their studs, whereas they’re usually more willing to part with some of their best foals that would otherwise have been retained. You can usually get more for your money in the long run by doing this.”

How much should I expect to pay for a pony?

Claire says standard Shetlands are hard to come by these days, which has impacted the market.

“People have stopped breeding as much so there is consequently a huge lack of standard Shetlands, causing the prices to go up,” she says. “On average, you can buy a foal for between £500 and £1500, with the bigger studs often taking less money for one.

“There seems to be less demand for a one or two-year-old, so they’d usually sell for between £1200 and £1800, on average.

“The prices for three and four-year-olds then jump up massively. For a halter broken three-year-old ready to commence education you can be looking for an average of between £2500 and £3500.

“Ridden ponies can also fetch strong money as there is a big market for them; I’ve had ponies that are going under-saddle for sale that I could have sold 40 times over. Shetlands that do a bit of everything, but might not win HOYS, can go for between £8000 and £10,000. At the end of the day, finding the right pony is priceless to some people.”

I’ve agreed to buy a pony, now what?

It is time to organise 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 the pony is for a child, the vet will hopefully keep an eye on the temperament during the assessment, too. Small ponies can be more susceptible to laminitis so ask the vet to consider this risk.

“I would always check teeth, heart, eyes, limbs and stifles,” Claire says. “If you do not feel experienced enough to assess a pony, I do recommend seeking a vetting, even if just a two-stage, or asking for a simple vet check.”

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

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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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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

If you’re looking for tips on how to buy a Connemara pony then this guide on what to look for, where to shop and how much you should expect to spend will help you on your search.

What is a Connemara pony?

The Connemara is one of the most popular native breeds due to its versatility, athleticism, level temperament and willingness to work. The breed originates from County Galway in Ireland.

The breed is now hugely popular in Ireland, Britain, North America, across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

The preferred height for a Connemara pony is between 128cm and 148cm, and you cannot show a pony that exceeds 148cm in affiliated mountain and moorland classes. Though, over-height Connemaras are in high demand in disciplines such as eventing and showjumping. Similarly, the part-bred Connemara is sought after and commands a high price as it can turn its hoof to many activities and do several jobs.

Connemaras can be of the following colour; grey, black, bay, brown, dun, with occasional roan, chestnut, palomino, dark- and blue-eyed cream

According to the British Connemara Pony Society (BCPS), the breed Connemara pony should be “compact, well balanced riding type with depth, substance and good heart room. Standing on short legs covering a lot of ground. It should have a good temperament, hardiness and staying power, intelligence, soundness, surefootedness, jumping ability, suitable for child or adult.”

What should I look for when looking to buy a Connemara pony?

The BPCS provides the following breed standard to be used as a guide when conformationally assessing a Connemara pony:

Head: well-balanced pony head of medium length with good width between large kindly eyes. Pony ears, well-defined cheekbone, jaw relatively deep but not coarse.

Front: head well set on to neck. Crest should not be over-developed. Neck not set on too low. Well laid-back shoulder giving a good length of rein.

Body: body should be deep, with strong back, some length permissible but should be well ribbed up and with strong loins.

Limbs: good length and strength in forearm, well-defined knees and short cannons with flat bone measuring 18–21cm. Elbows should be free. Pasterns of medium length, feet well shaped of medium size, hard and level.

Hind-quarters: strong and muscular with some length, well developed second thighs (gaskin) and strong low-set hocks.

Movement: movement free, easy and true, without undue knee action, but active and covering the ground.

Kerry Wainwright’s Skellorn Stud has produced several champion Connemaras of the show ring, including multi-garlanded ridden and in-hand stallion Skellorn Harrison, now 22, and his son, former Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) Connemara pony of the year Skellorn Deja Vu.

For Kerry, a good Connemara, no matter whether they are a native type or a sportier sort, should first and foremost have good limbs and conformation: “Start from the bottom up,” Kerry says, when she chatted to H&H in 2022. “Good, strong hindquarters are essential as that’s the engine of the pony. I also like a nice topline, shoulder and neck, too, as these indicate it will carry a saddle and ultimately have a job to do. A nice walk and good movement is also key from the performance aspect.”

Vanessa Clark has produced and shown Connemaras to top level for many years. Her mare Skaergaardens Delicious Love won the HOYS in-hand supreme final in 2022.

“The movement is the first thing that stands out, whether I am judging or looking for a pony to buy,” Vanessa says. “I like something that can open the shoulder and that can use itself, and I also want a pony to move from behind, really bringing the hocks forward. It’s so important to have that power coming from the back end. As I’m usually buying for top-end showing, I want a pony that immediately catches your eye, too.

“A pony being four-square is important, but it’s hard to find something with a good foreleg on it these days. I like symmetry all the way down into the hoof. Today, you do see a lot of Connies that are back at the knee, a big no-no for me. I also don’t like to see upright pasterns, or something that lacks limb or bone. I like a pony with a good front, and a nice deep body for the saddle. I would also be looking for pony characteristics to shine through.”

Is the Connemara pony right for me?

“The Connemara cross has become increasingly popular in grassroots eventing,” Nicola Baguley, who owned Connemara stallion Glencarrig Dolphin when she spoke to H&H back in 2022. “There’s a pyramid of riders and the grassroots people make up the base of it. I could have sold cross-bred youngsters 10 times over as there’s a demand for quality horses with nice, trainable temperaments as well as that all-important get-up-and-go which Connie blood adds. They’re also a popular choice for children coming off ponies, as they are more forgiving and have the ability to sort themselves out.”

“One of the key drivers of the increase in demand is that more people are opting just to have one pony in the family for a lifetime,” explains Kerry. “They want a pony which the mother can hack out during the week and the daughter can compete on the weekends, but that also won’t be outgrown; a proper, solid Connie will carry a lot of people for a long time and as it’s a native breed they’re relatively low maintenance while still being a performance animal.”

Vanessa adds: “Connies are very intelligent, and many people can underestimate them. You do have to get on with a Connemara, otherwise you are wasting your time. When you’re getting to know one you have to bend over backwards for them a little bit until you form a bond. If you can build that trust and bond, though, a Connie will move the earth for you. You won’t find a better pony, if you have that important connection.”

What about part-bred Connemaras?

Part-bred Connemara ponies and horses are also exceptionally popular in multiple disciplines. If you’re seeking a performance animal with temperament, talent and hardiness then a part-bred Connemara could be the way to go.

Debbie and Charlie Handley of the Wellbury Park Stud introduced the Connemara to their breeding programme for the level-headedness they bring to the crosses.

Debbie began her breeding journey with an Irish Draught stallion who was put to thoroughbred mares to produce event horses.

“I’ve always liked Irish crosses and the Connemara is renowned for being a good all-rounder,” explains Debbie, when she spoke to H&H in 2022. “We’ve crossed our stallions with all sorts and bred some very nice stuff,” Debbie adds. “The Connie puts bone onto the foals, but they tend to be more athletic than a pure-bred. They also bring a nice temperament to the mix which is what I aim for over anything else. The demand for Connie crosses is so high that we now sell our youngsters as foals; the money we can ask for them means it isn’t worth keeping them until they’re four-year-olds. The spectrum of people that Connemaras suits is so broad.”

How much should I pay for a Connemara pony?

“It really does depend on a few factors, but gone are the days of being able to buy a just backed Connie for around the £3000 mark,” Vanessa says. “Some of the most in demand types are the eventing and Pony Club types that will also do workers. An all-rounder that does everything with little to no fuss can go for anywhere around £20,000, as would a nice novice with HOYS potential.

“If you’re buying out of the field it’s obviously less, but colts and fillies with good breeding are definitely holding their value. And over height Connemaras are very popular and are also fetching a lot of money.”

Where should I buy a Connemara pony from?

There are several places to purchase a Connemara pony from. You can buy privately or from one of the many long-standing breeders located in either Ireland or England.

You can find current ponies for sale on online sites, such as Whickr.

Alternatively, you could attend one of the breed sales in Ireland. In Clifden, known as the heart of Connemara, there is a Connemara Pony Sale held several times per year. The sale offers ponies at different stages of training, from unbroken youngsters to those that are ready to start competing.

If you are based in England, you will need to consider that you will need to arrange an equine transporter to safely transport your new purchase over the water and back home.

“A lot of people go to Ireland which is understandable,” Vanessa says. “Connemara is the most beautiful place and it’s a real experience. I’ve been there many times and it’s brilliant. Irish ponies do have the bone, too. But, as the cost of getting a pony back over to the UK has risen so much I would always encourage people to have a look around locally, too.

“See what’s on your doorstep; there are some lovely ponies who have been well produced. Ireland will always be there and it’s handy to go for a visit to get your eye in anyway.

“If you see something you like out and about on the circuit, don’t wait for an advert to go online. You could approach the owner and see if they might be open to a sale.”

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

When you have agreed on a sale, it is time to organise 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 wish to let their animals go out on trial, so don’t be surprised if this request is turned down.

It’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting what you intend to use the pony for and who the rider will be. If you want the pony for showing, ask the vet to inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults even if they don’t impact the pony’s soundness or performance.

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

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

You may also be interested in:

How can I buy the perfect working hunter?

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

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

Training for ridden native pony showing classes requires a specific approach to match the type, as well as plenty of practice to stand out in a competitive field. The native classes are undoubtedly the most popular and well-attended on the showing circuit. Today, mountain and moorland (M&M) flat and working hunter classes feature mammoth entries at shows up and down the country.

Classes for native ponies vary from the prestigious open breed finals at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the M&M Supreme Championship held at the London International Horse Show, to amateur-specific classes for home producers who juggle work with showing.

Some shows offer mixed M&M classes where all breeds compete against each other, while each of the breed societies hosts their own annual shows where you will see a venue filled with examples of just one breed of native.

Mini sections dedicated to M&M ponies are equally strong, with the small breeds often being a parent’s choice for their child’s lead-rein and first-ridden mounts.

With the correct training, many of the scopier and sportier types can make capable working hunter ponies, their native bravery and hardiness helping them fare well in this sphere.

6 key areas for training the ridden native pony

If you have a native pony to show during the coming season, winter and early spring is the perfect time to go back to basics and ensure their way of going is at the necessary level for success. H&H speaks to some of the circuit’s most successful producers who have won at all the major finals about the challenges you might face during training the ridden native pony and some tips on how to solve them.

1. Heavy in the front

Clare Fitch is a showing producer who has enjoyed success training all types of ridden native pony. She was crowned M&M ridden champion at HOYS in 2024 riding Fell stallion Wildhoeve Oki Doki. She also won the Highland pony of the year final in the same day riding Valerock Monroe.

Some of the native breeds are more stocky in stamp and type than others. Those that are can have a tendency to work on the forehand when a rider is added, using their head and neck to help them move forward. Clare says that while we don’t want to change a native pony’s natural way of going so it deviates from their breed type, you can make small tweaks so they find ridden work easier.

“Many natives, especially Fells, Highlands and Welsh cobs, have big fronts and they can use their necks against you,” she says. “I do lots of schooling exercises that will encourage the pony to soften through the neck and sit back on their hocks. Polework forms a huge part of my training, whether patterns on a circle, poles on a straight line or in a sequence. Polework really helps them engage their hindlegs and use themselves while lifting in front.

“Transitions and leg yielding exercises are also important as this helps the pony soften through the mouth and the neck.”

2. Keeping an open frame

Richard Telford is a Scottish showing producer who has won the M&M supreme title at HOYS and at London Olympia. He is known for his partnerships with the late Bill Ireland’s home-bred Kilmannan Dales ponies and he has also been successful on other large breeds.

“Avoid putting too much pressure on a native to be round in its outline,” Richard advises, when training the native pony specifically. “They can be thicker in their jowls and can become too tight in that area so they can’t breathe properly. Encourage them to work forward and in an open frame, not behind the vertical. Hacking helps with this; go on a hack, let them move forward and enjoy the job, especially at the beginning of their education. There’s plenty of time to put the pressure on with the schooling.”

3. Learning to use their bodies correctly

It’s not uncommon for some native ponies to get behind the leg when working under-saddle. Clare says that correct lunge work is beneficial so the pony learns to carry itself without a rider.

“I do a fair bit of lungeing and long-reining,” she confirms. “I find that if a pony is ‘lazy’ then it’s not using itself properly and lunge work encourages them to use their back end and core correctly.”

The reigning Highland pony of the year winner Valerock Monroe is one such pony who has benefitted from lunge work.

“He was really behind the leg during his first season,” Clare recalls. “He went to HOYS as a novice, but didn’t qualify the year after. That winter, I spent months just lungeing him. I didn’t even ride him, I just did poles and transitions on the lunge. He came out a different pony the following season and he’s now a HOYS winner.”

Clare adds: “Transitions and leg-yielding – the basics – are also important. Make sure you’re getting a reaction to the leg, whether moving sideways or forwards.”

4. The role of dressage

Clare has long been a fan of dressage training and she regular has lessons with trainer David Pincus.

“I take what I need from the sessions as, of course, we still want to have that freedom of action and all the native pony characteristics in the way of going,” Clare explains. “But the discipline and preciseness has helped both the ponies and my riding.

“It can be easy to just ride around in circles in show rider mode, but David pushes me to think about what I’m doing and how the pony feels. ‘Does that feel as good as you could get it’ he’ll ask, adding ‘are you getting 100%, or just 80%?’ Usually, I can make something a little better!

“Dressage teaches me to not be complacent and it helps me get the best possible outcome, not just covering things up or trying to disguise problems.”

5. Response to the leg

Sam Roberts is one of the circuit’s leading producers, with specific expertise in training the ridden native pony. She is a three-time London International Horse Show M&M supreme winner and she has also won at HOYS and the Royal International Horse Show numerous times, both on the flat and over fences. She has been victorious on all breeds, small and large, and she has been particularly successful with Welsh ponies.

“Often, native ponies can be more laid back, sometimes lazy, which is why we enjoy them – they’re not as sharp as blood horses,” Sam says. “But, even if your pony is more chilled out you need to make sure that he’s listening to the aids.

“An exercise I recommend is riding trot to walk transitions with few just a steps of walk in between. Trot along in a good rhythm, then ask for walk, walk three or four strides, then ask for trot again. Repeat until the horse becomes more responsive to your aid – the aim is for them to pick up trot as soon as you ask. Initially, the horse may take a couple of strides to pick back up into trot so you can always ask for more walk strides – say eight or nine – before reducing the number as the horse becomes more responsive and the transitions are crisp and clear.

“This exercise is also good for sharp ponies as it breaks up the work and helps them focus. Plus, you can ride this anywhere – in the school, out hacking or even on a hill.”

Sam explains that this exercise can aid your show ring performance: “When you’re in the ring, you could be asked to pick up walk, trot or canter in a specific spot during your show.”

5. Strengthening the canter

Many native breeds were not bred to canter so the pace is initially unnatural for them to maintain. Sam recommends working on a circle to help the pony engage the hindleg more.

“Some of the heavier and larger breeds can find canter quite hard,” Sam says. “To begin, put the pony into canter before riding a 20m circle. This engages the hindleg while keeping some bend through the body. Then, push the pony in using your outside leg so the circle is more like 15m. You can work smaller, say on 10m and 12m circles, as the canter improves. Then take gradually push the pony back out again on to the bigger circle.

“When you ride around the edge of the school in canter, the pony can fall through their shoulder and lean on their forehand. I would only ride this circle exercise a few times in each session, perhaps three times in and three times out, as it’s physically challenging.”

6. Improving straightness

Sam advises not to overlook the basics when working with young ponies.

“As a judge and trainer, it’s so interesting to see how many ponies are not straight when they walk away and trot back to you,” Sam says. “During the winter season and in first-ridden classes, combinations are required to walk away and trot back towards the judge as there’s no strip section, but so many ponies drift to the line or trot back like a snake all bent wrong.”

“Find a fixed object, ideally a tree, and practise walking away and trotting back towards it. Come off the corner and ride super straight without letting the pony wobble about.

“I ride this exercise on all my novices, and you can also do it in the school, coming a foot or two off the track and riding straight down the line. It sounds so basic but it’s surprising how many ponies struggle to trot in a straight line.”

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

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As we wave goodbye to the London International Horse Show for another 12 months, we meet the 12 best of breeds crowned in the 2024 BSPS M&M supreme ridden final.

This year, a home-produced Fell stallion was crowned overall supreme with a Dales stallion in reserve. For the first time in many years, only large breed ponies occupied the top 10 final placings.

Here are the 12 best of breed winners from the 2024 BSPS M&M supreme ridden final:

Dartmoor

Sam Roberts rides Jacky and Joyce Newbery’s home-bred stallion Newoak Bobby James to lead the Dartmoor field, and finish as top small breed in the final placings.

Exmoor

Jess Talbot is best of three Exmoor finalists on Julian Walter’s stallion Blackthorn Poldark.

Shetland

Latijn V.D Helling and Harriet Procter win the Shetland crown for owner Aliya Khan.

Welsh section A

Victoria Harker and former reserve supreme champion Dukeshill Pearly Spencer reclaim the Welsh section A title.

Welsh section B

Melau Aramis and Lilly Walker are best of the two Welsh section B finalists.

Welsh section C

Fourth overall is the best Welsh section C, April Gilmartin’s stallion Gems Malt Whiskey.

Welsh section D

2024 HOYS winner Tireinon Llew finishes his season as top Welsh section D in London for rider Vikki Smith and owner Danielle Garner.

Connemara

The 2022 supreme winner, Amanda Sharman’s stallion Castle Kestrel, is best of breed once again with Lucy Glover at the helm.

New Forest

The only mare placed, Trenley Trinket takes the New Forest spoils for owner/rider Lauren Brill.

Fell

Victoria Taylor lands the Fell accolade en route to winning the overall supreme title with her own stallion Birkettbank Master John.

Dales

Reserve in the 2024 BSPS M&M supreme ridden final and top Dales is Joe Watson riding his own stallion Griseburn Major, who was also overall runner-up here 12 months ago.

Highland

Chris Grant pilots his own stallion Dunedin Iolare into third overall after clinching the Highland best of breed honours.

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An amateur rider and her home-produced Fell stallion took to the centre line at the London International Horse Show after winning the 2024 BSPS ridden M&M supreme championship final.

Victoria Taylor and her own Birkettbank Master John (Jay) were one of four Fell pony finalists to compete. After the ride section, they stood in second position with scores of 43 and 45, respectively, from ride judges Philip Hilton and Marilyn Ludlow.

Conformation judges Amanda McHale and Helen Starkie agreed on the Greenholme Elect eight-year-old’s type and quality, scoring him 44 and 47, respectively, putting him on a final winning total of 179/200.

“I can’t even say I’ve ever dreamed of this before as it seems so far away from the possible for an amateur like me,” said Victoria.

Victoria’s mother Jane Sonnex bought Jay unseen from his breeder Robert Briggs, who led him to win the Fell Pony Society stallion show youngstock championship when he was a two-year-old.

“He was then broken by Sam Roberts and had a couple of novice years, though he’s never done an awful lot,” Victoria continued. “He went to HOYS and finished in the top few on his first visit there in 2022. He then had a very quiet year last season as I had my second baby.”

Jay was the consummate professional throughout his performance in London.

“He loves an atmosphere,” added Victoria, who keeps Jay at home. “Mum and I share doing the ponies. We both work full-time – we run pet shop businesses – and showing is our hobby.

“This result is incredible and I’m just speechless,” Victoria continued. “I’ve always known he was good enough as he’s a superstar, but as an amateur you never think you’ll win something like this.”

Reserve champion for the second year in a row just one mark behind on 178/200 was Joe Watson’s Dales stallion Griseburn Major. The Wolsey Viking seven-year-old, who was bred by Helen Horn, finished in the runner-up spot 12 months ago, but despite this impressive placing, he didn’t manage to win the best of breed crown. Today, he achieved that goal for his long-term rider Joe.

Major was awarded Amanda McHale’s equal top conformation mark of 49/50.

“I could cry; this pony has been amazing from start to finish today,” Joe said. “Even though he was reserve last year he didn’t get that best of breed title, so that’s what I wanted for him.”

As a five-year-old, Major was M&M champion at HOYS.

“We couldn’t believe he won that title at such a young age, but he’s just got better and better each year,” Joe said. “He gives the loveliest ride; he’s so balanced for a big hairy. Next year, I’m going to stand him at stud for the first time. I also have his half-brother waiting in the wings at home, so it’s an exciting time.”

Chris Grant and Highland stallion Dunedin Iolare finished third and best of breed on their debut in London, scoring 175/200. The Moss-side Iain Mor son, who was bred by Anne Mitchell, also scored a near perfect 49/50 from Amanda. Iolare’s 2024 CV includes the ridden M&M supreme at the Royal Highland, a breed show supreme win and a second place at the Royal International.

Top Welsh section C, April Gilmartin and Gems Malt Whiskey, finished fourth overall on 171/200. This pair have won the best of breed accolade on previous occasions and they were also HOYS victors In October.

Ellena Thomas and Highland stallion Ashleyvale Glen Duror, another London debutante, were leading the field after the ride on 89/100, though they finished fifth overall after the conformation phase on a final total of 169/200.

Sixth fell to Sarah Parker, last year’s supreme winner, riding Leah May’s reigning RIHS M&M supreme winner Nipna Mighty Oak (Dales), while seventh was Amy Canavan-Smith and Laura Marshall’s ever-consistent Fell stallion Hardendale Ray, recently third at HOYS with Laura in the saddle.

Three Connemaras occupied the next three spaces in the 2024 BSPS ridden M&M supreme championship; these were Lucy Glover and Amanda Sharman’s 2022 M&M supreme winner Castle Kestrel, Harlow White and King Bunowen Castle Ali, who were also the highest placed junior combination, and Harrison Taylor and Kerry Wainwright’s former best of breed winner and multi-HOYS in-hand and ridden finalist Skellorn Déjà Vu.

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Stylish, sociable and with enthusiasm in spades, the British Spotted Pony is a breed who’ll give anything a go. With a variety of heights, builds and spotty patterns across the breed standard, no two look the same. Their willing, trainable natures combined with their strength and agility makes them the perfect child’s pony, though they can be found thriving in all manner of settings.

Jump to: History at a glance | Breed standard | Conformation | Colouring | Uses

About the British Spotted Pony: history at a glance

There’s evidence of ponies sporting spotted coats in Europe stretching back to the Stone Age, according to spotted horse paintings found in the cave of Pech Merle, France. This, plus DNA samples from the period indicating the possibility of dappled patterning on equine coats, proves that spotted horses roamed Europe as many as 25,000 years ago.

As France and Great Britain were part of one land mass at this time, it’s not impossible that spotted ponies migrated across and established populations here.

Further evidence of spotted ponies in Europe can be found in medieval manuscripts and tapestries spanning Europe from Spain to Turkey. On home soil, a record from the year 1298 states that Edward I of England had a spotted Welsh horse. It is also said that Charles II rode a white horse with irregular red markings whose name was ‘Bloody Buttocks’.

Spotted horses and ponies were formalised as a British breed in 1946 with the formation of the British Spotted Horse and Pony Society. As spotted ponies became more and more scarce throughout the 1960s and 70s due to export overseas, the society split in 1976 to form the British Appaloosa Society and the British Spotted Pony Society. Since then, society has kept a detailed register composed of multiple sections to reflect the numerous classifications of the British Spotted Pony.

Breed standard

The British Spotted Pony varies in height from 8–14.2hh, and the society recognises three distinct types:

• miniature (42in/10.2hh or less)
• riding pony (up to 14.2hh)
• cob type (up to 14.2hh)

All types of British Spotted Pony must display some or all of the following:

• White sclera around the eye – this is a white outer layer of the eyeball and gives the eye a ‘human’ appearance
• Mottled skin – skin that is flecked part pink, part dark and is most visible in areas such as the muzzle, eyes and genitals
• Striped hooves

Conformation

Head: well-proportioned with a flat, wide forehead and large, expressive eyes. The head should feature prominent nostrils and the throat should be well-defined

Body: compact and muscular with a short, strong back, deep chest and sloping shoulders

Legs: square, clean and true. The forelegs should be long in the forearm with strong knees. The hindlegs should feature a hock well let down, the point of which should not be set behind the line from the point of the quarter to the fetlock. The cob type should have plenty of bone and may have feather

Mane and tail: Both should be thick and abundant with the tail well set on the quarters

Colouring

The breed society does not accept piebald or skewbald markings of any kind. However, permissible coat patterns range widely:

Leopard: spots of any colour on a white or light coat

Near leopard: as leopard, but with a darker head and/or legs

Few spot leopard: as leopard, but only very few spots

Snowflake: white spots on a dark overall coat

Blanket: an area of white colouring over the pony’s hindquarters, with or without spotting, on any overall coat colour. The “blanket” can extend over the back

Mottled: a coat irregularly flecked with white and that may feature roan spots of any size, which are often coloured with dark blots

Solid colour ponies with proven British Spotted Pony genetics are also accepted onto the appropriate register by the society. The society also notes that solid colour ponies can “spot out”, or develop a spotted pattern as described above, as they age. Such ponies will switch to the appropriate section of the register.

Uses

Thanks to their trainability, athleticism and high spirits, British Spotted Ponies of the riding pony and cob varieties can make excellent children’s Pony Club mounts. They can be seen in all areas of pony sport, from gymkhana games and pony racing to pony trials, showjumping and dressage. Their strength and sturdiness also make them highly suited to driving.

Britsh Spotted Ponies’ eye-catching coats suit them to in-hand and ridden showing classes. Many miniatures find their wheelhouse as in-hand show or lead-rein ponies, while others thrive as much-loved companions and pets.

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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 2024 BSPS Heritage Championships took place at Arena UK (19–20 October) and native ponies and their riders vied for the final few London International Horse Show tickets as well as anticipated novice, restricted, open, young rider and working hunter titles.

Thankfully, H&H’s photographer was centre stage to capture some of those winning moments.

Here are 36 combinations who reigned at the 2024 BSPS Heritage Championships for you to enjoy…

2024 BSPS Heritage Championships winners

1. Anchor Lullaby

Katherine Hartenfeld and her own Exmoor mare book their debut in London after being well-placed in the small breeds semi-final.

2. Griseburn Major

Joe Watson steers his own Dales stallion, a former HOYS ridden champion, to win the best of breeds class and qualify for London.

3. Glebedale Sancerre

The Welsh section A mare lifts the mini RIHS M&M tricolour after heading the lead-rein field for the Richardson Family.

4. Nipna Mighty Oak

Sarah Parker is open ridden champion aboard Leah May’s Dales gelding who goes through the card to stand supreme of show, bagging the £1000 prize pot.

5. Latijn V.d. Helling

Aliya Khan and her recent HOYS winner take a bow in the small breeds semi-final.

6. Greenholme Larry

Jessica Morgan and her home-produced Fell stallion top the 2024 RIHS Pretty Polly qualifier, booking an early pass for next season.

7. Ebbw Golden Dragon

Vikki Smith is crowned novice working hunter pony champion in the evening performance on this 143cm class winner who is a newcomer to the sphere.

8. Blackthorn Poldark

Owned by Julian Walters and David Hodge, the Exmoor stallion is off to London International with his producer Jessica Talbot at the helm.

9. Nicholwalls Graceson

The Fell pony is third in the large breeds semi-final, booking his first spot in London for rider Georgia Love and owner Tracey North.

10. Cadlanvalley Royal Bronze

The reigning HOYS junior ridden pony of the year, who is no stranger to the spotlight of Arena UK, lifts the novice junior working hunter pony title with Maisie Kerry-Oates.

11. Hardendale Ray

Vikki Smith crowns a successful weekend by booking a spot at London International on the Laura Marshall-owned Fell stallion.

12. Meering Rocket

Natalie Mulrooney pilots Mark Reeves’ Dartmoor stallion to the head of the novice ridden championship.

13. Westwick Barron

The Dales stallion is off to London with his owner Jodie Smith in the saddle.

14. Thistledown Caribbean Joe

The Welsh section B stallion wins one of two London tickets for owner Danielle Garner this weekend.

15. Dafren Rhodri

Jane Smith’s home-produced Welsh section C qualifies for London for the second time in his career.

16. Rookery Bold As Brass

Fiamma Sutton’s Welsh section A stallion lands another pass to the Big Smoke for Jessica Talbot.

17. Moyabbey George

The Connemara stallion, who is owned and home-produced by Ailsa Vines, continues his winning ways on from HOYS to qualify for London.

18. Dukeshill Pearly Spencer

Victoria Harker pilots her own Welsh section A stallion, a former reserve supreme title holder in the BSPS M&M supreme ridden final, to another place in London.

19. King Bunowen Castle Ali

Harlow White places second in the Connemara and New Forest semi-final to book her Connemara gelding’s debut in London.

20. Rushhill Diplomat

Sarah Parker and her versatile Welsh section B win yet another class, this time in the best of breed section.

21. Tireinon Llew

Vikki Smith takes the ride on Danielle Garner’s HOYS-winning Welsh cob to qualify for the supreme final in London.

22. Birkettbank Master John

Home-producer Victoria Taylor leads the Fell best of breeds qualifier on her Fell stallion.

23. Salcombe Frowder Cove

Katy Marriott-Payne lifts the Dartmoor best of breeds ticket aboard Felicity Thompson’s home-bred stallion.

24. Badleybridge Braveheart

The best of breed Exmoor ticket is secured by Liam Priestly riding Madeline Haynes’ Exmoor stallion.

25. Zephyr Of Forglen

Victoria Casey poses for a winning shot after scoring the best of breeds Highland qualifier with her own stallion.

26. Jorenzo V.d. Veldhoeve

Aliya Khan wins another pass to London, this time riding Claire Connor’s Shetland stallion who headed the best of breeds class.

27. Eastlands Dunknowe

Tammy Heathcote’s Connemara gelding is through to London after winning his semi-final qualifier with Sarah Parker.

28. Llandderfel Prince Richard

Dannii Thexton and Anne Wilson’s Welsh section D stallion win their semi-final, booking their spot in London in the process.

29. Wishaw Red Admiral

The Welsh section D gelding and home-producer Simone Harrison take a London pass via the semi-final route.

30. Trenley Trinket

The New Forest breed class is won by Lauren Brill and this mare, who is a London debutante.

31. Marsh Walk On By

Lilly Richardson tops the Welsh section A best of breeds class on her mother’s gelding, who had a stellar show both on the flat and over fences.

32. Thorneynewside Replay

The Welsh section C gelding triumphs in the best of breeds class, to provide his rider Olivia Kohl with her first-ever London ticket.

33. Skellorn Deja Vu

The consistent in-hand and ridden contender, owned by his breeder Kerry Wainwright, secures his return to London with Harrison Taylor as they lead the Connemara best of breeds qualifier.

34. Popsters Olympic Star

The Welsh section C is second in his semi-final with Isabella O’Donnell, ensuring his place to see Santa in December.

35. Maesbrithdir The Boss

Rachel Wadley’s Welsh section D becomes a London finalist via the semi-final qualifier with Sarah Parker in the saddle.

36. Menai Georgie Boy

Leah May’s Welsh section C stallion gives his producer Sarah Parker another London ticket, this time in the breed’s semi-final qualifier.

Read the full report from the 2024 BSPS Heritage Championships in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine, in shops from Thursday 31 October. 

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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.

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

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Melanie and Gemma Stanford’s prolific Highland stallion Benbreac Of Croila has died aged 17 after a short illness. He was one of the most consistent native ponies of modern times, becoming the first native to win the supreme at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), in 2018.

By Ulleam of Croila out of Shelagh of Croila, Benbreac of Croila — known as Breac at home — he was bred by the late Cameron Ormiston.

Melanie and her daughter Gemma bought Breac as an unhandled yearling.

“Mum bought two yearling colts; Breac was actually meant to be a companion as Mum preferred the other pony,” Gemma said. “Breac was the definition of an ugly duckling who blossomed into a swan. I put so much time into him as a youngster and sometimes I’d look at him and think ‘I wonder if I’ll ever lead you in a championship’. We had an incredible bond.”

Breac made his debut in the show ring at the back end of his three-year-old year, and as a four-year-old he achieved his first major win when he stood in-hand champion at the National Pony Society Spring Festival.

“I remember he got a picture in H&H after that win,” said Gemma. “During his career he was also an H&H horse hero and a cover star.”

For the majority of his career, Breac was shown under saddle by Matt Cooper, and Gemma took the lead in in-hand classes.

He became a two-time Royal Windsor M&M in-hand supreme winner and he was also M&M ridden champion there twice, qualifying for London International on both occasions.

His other results include lifting the overall supreme at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Heritage championships, winning the supreme Heritage championship at the BSPS summer championships and claiming the £1,000 supreme final at North of England. He qualified for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) six times, winning once and standing second twice. He was best of breed at London International four times, also finishing third overall in 2015 and reserve overall in both 2016 and 2019. He won in-hand titles at the Great Yorkshire, the Royal Highland, Royal Cornwall and Royal Norfolk. He was also ridden champion at the Royal Highland.

Gemma added: “He won everything a Highland pony could possibly win. At Hickstead, he broke all records and made history.”

He retired from the ring in 2019 after London aged 12.

“In 2019 I had a baby and he only did four shows that year,” Gemma said. “He qualified for HOYS and London, and contested the two finals. Then, Covid hit, so his retirement was well timed.”

His stock has also excelled in the show ring; his daughter Finglands Flora enjoyed many wins on the novice circuit and his son Finglands Braveheart followed in his sire’s footsteps when he won the £1,000 supreme final at North of England, also appearing at HOYS.

Gemma added: “It was his showmanship and unrivalled presence that was so rare. If anybody saw him in the ring, they’d understand what I meant. He would go from being the quietest stallion that anyone could handle to being the ultimate showman. He lived for the show ring and thrived on outings. He came alive when he stepped into the ring and was the most incredible performer. He is irreplaceable and will leave the biggest hole in our hearts. He’s a pony of a lifetime.”

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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

A Dales gelding triumphed amongst the best native ponies in the country to scoop the 2024 RIHS Roger’s Truck Services Ltd BSPS Heritage M&M supreme ridden championship at the 2024 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

Amanda Jones and her daughter Leah May’s nine-year-old Nipna Mighty Oak and his producer Sarah Parker impressed judges Ruth Newman (ride) and Mark Northam (conformation) throughout. The pair had huge classes of ponies to assess in the Roger Stack Arena, and time was of the essence.

“We had lots of ponies to get through under tight time pressure, and the standard was very high,” said Ruth. “Our champion was so true to his stamp. He did everything he needed to do in the ring, too.”

“Oak” is in his second season with Team Parker. He was bought unseen from Katie Common.

“We bought him over the phone,” Sarah confirmed. “Amanda was on holiday and I rang her with a very random request; I said: ‘I think we need to buy this pony without seeing him’. So, that was it; we sent a transporter to pick him up.”

Leah and Oak were fourth at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last term. This season, he qualified for HOYS, London International Horse Show and the RIHS on his first attempts.

“He goes back to Leah to hack out for a few weeks, and then he’ll come back to me,” Sarah added. “He went home after he won Windsor in May and only returned to me last week to get ready for this show. You do have to wind him up a bit, but he really loves the job.”

Sarah last won this title back in 2011 on her prolific Dartmoor pony Pumphill Buckthorn, also worker champion here, so the native specialist was more than ready to reclaim the supreme sash. Yesterday, Sarah led her son, Thomas, to win the lead-rein M&M final on Dartmoor Langfield Billy Costa.

Sarah has flown the flag for Nipna-bred ponies over the years. She has enjoyed many victories for stud owners Anna and Julie Pennell, including on Nipna Midnight Rambler (Rambo), who she was supreme with in London last December.

“Rambo really won everything there was to win for me, but he didn’t win this title, so it’s nice to have it on a Nipna pony,” said Sarah.

Reserve for the 2024 RIHS M&M supreme ridden championship title was Amanda Sharman’s Connemara Castle Kestrel, ridden by his producer Lucy Glover. The stallion’s CV includes two Royal Windsor championships, a HOYS victory and the London International supreme M&M accolade.

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Six contenders vied for the 2024 RIHS UKPH/Anthony Evans Insurance young riders M&M supreme championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) but only one could return home victorious.

On this occasion, it was the big-moving and ultra-typey Welsh section D stallion Thorneyside Royal Command (Rocky) and Kaitlyn Fairhurst who were pulled into the top spot before the cheering crowd.

Judges Angela Calvert (ride) and Caroline Hamilton (conformation) had assessed all three young rider classes throughout the morning ahead of the championship.

“He was the stand out winner in our class,” said Angela, of their section champion. “He went beautifully, he had type and was an out and out showman with presence.”

When commenting on the quality of the classes, Caroline added: “Our winners were our winners, but the quality went down the line. They weren’t easy classes to judge and we had to really nit-pick.”

The Thorneyside The Saracen 10-year-old was providing 20-year-old Kaitlyn with her first-ever RIHS triumph, though she did make it into the International Arena last year on a second with her 153cm show hunter pony.

Kaitlyn became acquainted with Rocky when he was owned by Lynn and Emma Scott. She took the ride on him during his second open season, qualifying him for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). She then had him on lease for a period of time, before her parents bought him for her as a surprise Christmas present.

During his career, Rocky has stood in-hand Welsh cob champion at Royal Windsor on three occasions. He has also covered mares and has stock on the ground.

“He’s a gentleman to deal with on the floor, though he can be opinionated when you’re on him,” Kaitlyn said. “Winning here was very overwhelming. It was so nerve wracking when I was pulled in top in the class. I didn’t have any expectations in the championship, though Rocky had other ideas when he galloped up that grandstand — he wanted to win it.”

Kaitlyn runs a yard from home in Greater Manchester. She has six animals in to produce for the show ring and two for breaking, keeping her busy in between showing commitments with her own horses.

For the second year on the bounce, Amber Danter took reserve in the 2024 RIHS young riders M&M supreme championship with Katie Parry’s equally quality Welsh section D mare Maesyfelin Tara.

Winner of the small breeds sash was Lilly Ahern-Lee riding consistent Shetland gelding Lotuspoint Cassius.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the Paris Olympics, Royal International, Burghley and more 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

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 Connemara pony returned to the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) stage to claim the 2024 UKPH/Anthony Evans Insurance amateur riders M&M championship with his owner on board.

Megan White steered her own home-produced dun gelding Thunderbolt Fairy Robin Bambi before judges Angela Calvert (ride) and Caroline Hamilton (conformation) to hold onto a top initial pull after the go-round. This was the second time in their partnership that this consistent combination have won this crown.

Back in 2021, Robin won this title under Lancashire-based Megan. Later that day, he scooped the overall young riders tricolour with junior jockey Grace Litherland in the saddle.

Now 13, the Coral Bambi son is co-owned by Megan and her mother Suzanne White.

He has been the pony to accelerate Megan to the top in showing. In 2018, the pair made their debut at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) after winning three qualifiers and they also finished third in the SEIB Search For A Star championship at Your Horse Live.

“I wasn’t going to bring him back to the RIHS,” said Megan, who works on a dairy farm. “We did one qualifier to have a go, which he won. I never expected him to come back and do it again. He loves his job and he’s known as Mr Reliable. I always enjoy riding him, win or lose, as he always gives me the best ride.”

Robin was also third in the junior large breeds final with Jennifer Sellers.

Reserve for the 2024 UKPH/Anthony Evans Insurance amateur riders M&M championship was seven-year-old Fell stallion Greenholme Larry, owned and ridden by Jessica Morgan.

Larry, who is by Greenholme Diego, was bought three years ago from Steph Peto. Jessica and her mother, Debra, were not in the market for a pony at the time:

“But Mum fell in love with him so he came home,” said Jessica, who works as a care worker. “We’ve just pottered around with him for the past few seasons as he’s taken a while to mature, but he’s stepped up and done so well this season.”

This term, Larry booked his open RIHS pass at BSPS Area 9B, when he was also section champion, and two weeks prior to the RIHS final he qualified for HOYS for the first time.

“He has exceeded all of our expectations,” Jessica added. “He’s totally home-produced, with Mum and I doing it all together. We go to a show most weekends; it’s our time together.”

Third position was taken by another Connemara, Murvey Dodgy, a nine-year-old by Banks Timber ridden by his owner Heather Carey-Gwyther.

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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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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 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

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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Looking to buy a New Forest pony? The versatile breed should definitely be considered if you’re looking for a hardy, intelligent and fun pony to enjoy or compete.

What is a New Forest pony?

The New Forest is one of the British native breeds. The New Forest is a popular choice for many disciplines due to their variation in height, versatility and ability to turn their hoof to many different spheres. New Forest ponies have an ever increasing presence in the show ring in both flat and working hunter classes. The 2023 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ridden M&M champion was the stallion Vynnes Magical Edition. They also make a great choice for other disciplines, from Pony Club to eventing, from hunting to showjumping.

The New Forest Pony Breeding and Cattle Society is the guardian of the breed: “The earliest record of horses in the New Forest dates back to 1016 when rights of common pasture were granted to the people living in what was a royal hunting ground. Since then, either as specific attempts to improve the breed or just as part of the normal life and trade in the New Forest, many outside breeds were introduced. Notable bloodlines were Welsh, Thoroughbred, Arab and Hackney. Later, another concerted effort was made to improve the New Forest blood and other British Isles pony bloodlines were introduced to achieve this, including Fell Ponies, Dales, Highlands, Dartmoor and Exmoor.”

The New Forest pony has an upper height limit of 148cm and there is no lower height limit. New Forest ponies may be any colour except piebald, skewbald, spotted or blue-eyed cream. Palomino or very light chestnut and cream ponies with dark eyes are not eligible as licensed stallions.

The society provides the following breed standard for the New Forest pony:

Type: New Forest ponies should be of working type with substance. They should have sloping shoulders, strong quarters, plenty of flat bone, good depth of body, straight limbs and good hard round feet. The ponies are quite capable of carrying adults, while narrow enough for small children. The smaller ponies, though not up to so much weight, often show more quality.

Action: This should be free, active and straight, but not exaggerated.

Temperament: The New Forest Pony has an amenable temperament that generally makes it very suitable for multiple disciplines.

White markings: Other than on the head and lower limbs: loss of, or absence of, pigment in hair or skin that is not known to have been associated solely with skin trauma, is not acceptable. So, for the purposes of entry into the approved section of the studbook, a pony shall not have any white markings on pink skin behind the head, above a horizontal line level with the bony protuberance of the accessory carpal bone at the back of the knee in the forelimb, and the point of the hock in the hind limb, unless proven to be due to trauma/injury.

What should I look for in a New Forest?

Vee Taheri-Sinfield is a judge and a breed enthusiast who has competed New Forests for many years at top level. She mainly competes in working hunter classes, producing ponies through the ranks. In 2013 she made history when her pony Mallards Wood Full Monty became the first New Forest to win a Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) working hunter final.

“Whether you want to show, jump, event or do Pony Club, the New Forest is a good choice,” Vee begins. “Temperament is paramount and it’s an essential characteristic to look out for, alongside breed type, which is so important and should not be overlooked.

“The head of a New Forest should be plain – it does not need to be pretty. Movement should be straight and not exaggerated; these ponies were bred to survive on hostile terrain, not on picnic lawns as some are led to believe! They have been required to navigate bogs, ponds, steams and dense woodlands so hardiness is also a key trait.

“Ponies should have a sufficient amount of good, clean bone for their size; I like to see at least 7.5 inches. They should have a set of strong and open feet, not too upright or low on the heels; most ponies can compete and be worked barefoot.

“The upper height limit is 148cm however some of the up-to-height ponies can lose their pony characteristics,” Vee adds. “Well-balanced and proportioned ponies should remain true to type if scaled up or down.

“The New Forest will always be my choice; they combine temperament, bravery and willingness in equal measures. I would also never rule out a part-bred New Forest if you are looking to showjump, event or do dressage.”

Leading showing judge Malcolm Fry tells H&H: “The New Forest can be tricky to judge in many ways due to the range of types, shapes and sizes found within the breed, and the fact they’re classified as a large breed despite having no lower height limit. The bigger ponies tend to be more successful as they’re more commercial, however smaller ponies are being overlooked less and less as judges become more educated.

“You can have two lovely ponies, one more sporty with flash and movement, and one more typey, perhaps a Forest-bred pony with more limb and substance, competing against each other,” Malcolm adds. “We’re lucky to have both, the pony that is representing the type and the other which can stand up against the flashier breeds in the ring. As a breed we’re hot on good limbs, quality bone, good feet – necessary in any breed – short cannons, big joints, depth of body and a good, strong front.”

I want to buy a New Forest pony – where should I look?

There are online sale sites that have New Forest ponies advertised when they come up for sale from private sellers, professional breeders and horse dealers. Ponies also sell via word of mouth.

“Approaching breeders with a good reputation is a good place to start,” advises Vee. “If you’re adventurous and have a good eye for a pony, you can also pick up a good youngster or a foal from the annual Beaulieu Road Pony Sales.

“While they do come on the open market at times, the New Forest tends to stay in the family for a while; they’re versatile and can be handed to various members of the family so they always have a job,” Vee adds. “Personally, I like to buy youngsters to back, bring on and compete. Often, I keep a pony for years, though, as they’re such a joy to have around.”

How much should I expect to pay?

The price of a pony will depend on several factors, including breeding, age and competition record.

“I don’t tend to spend a lot of money on ponies as I prefer to buy foals or raw youngsters,” Vee explains. “I have bought top ponies for hundreds rather than thousands as I got them as weedy youngsters that I thought had potential.

“Prices do vary, but on average you should expect to spend no less than £3,000 on a quality pony that is ready to do a job, though you could probably get a smaller or a more Pony Club quality pony for less. Some over-height Foresters that have made top event or competition ponies can be worth a fortune. In today’s market where the New Forest is a highly valued breed, the sky really is the limit.”

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

If you decide to purchase a pony it is time to organise a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended. 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.

“I do not tend to have ponies vetted, but I would always feel more confident selling a pony that has been vetted and would recommend a two-stage vet assessment at the least if you are less experienced,” Vee says.

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

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On the hunt for a Welsh section A pony? Then you need to read this first…

How to buy a Dales pony, plus what to look for in a quality example of this native breed

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

There has been a mixed reaction from the showing community as the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) judging panel is confirmed.

HOYS organisers Grandstand Media unveiled a “new approach” to the 2024 judge announcement process, as the show celebrates its 75th year. A range of judges from across the world have been invited, and although the 15 judges who comprise “the main contingent” have been named, who is judging each section will not be revealed until the morning of each final. There will be some additional judges confirmed nearer the time.

A Grandstand Media spokesman said they are “always considering ways to adapt and modernise, with a focus on equal opportunity within the sport”. The spokesman added that if any competitors believe they have a conflict of interest with a judge, evidence should be emailed to the show secretary.

“As a historic event, Grandstand Media is conscious of the heritage and traditions of HOYS, but also feel it is necessary to be continually looking at the future to ensure integrity within the judging process,” said the spokesman.

Some are in favour of the shake-up – but others have raised concerns.

Producer and judge Vicky Smith told H&H she believes people should be “more open to change”.

“It’s different, but it’s the 75th anniversary. For me it’s just an honour if we get the chance to compete there, we should embrace that and not worry too much about the outcome. People seem to be getting upset about something they’ve not qualified for yet,” she said.

“I’ve judged at the South African HOYS, and I was made to feel so welcome and they were grateful I was there, so I hope everybody’s the same here.”

Native pony producer Aimee Devane is not in favour.

“I don’t see how that’s any fairer than knowing who it is all year. It’s taking away our choice to go under someone that we may not necessarily choose to be judged by,” she told H&H, adding that she is concerned that if a conflict of interest is disclosed about a native pony judge on the list, a judge without specialist native pony experience could end up judging those classes.

“I’m not criticising the foreign judges, and they might have some native experience, but do they have experience of our rare breeds?”

Amateur producer Hayley Erner told H&H she could see positives and negatives.

“My initial reaction was a bit of a shock. I’m used to knowing who the judge is and preparing my horse for what the judge will like, as different judges like different things,” she said.

“Looking at it from the other side, everything that is there has qualified to be there, so if it’s really the true package, it’s going to have the correct conformation so that’s the ‘type’ box ticked, and then the ideal show horse should have the right temperament to adjust to the rider, so I applaud Grandstand for doing something a bit different.”

H&H has contacted Grandstand Media for comment.

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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

With the London International Horse Show over for another year, we take a look back at the best of breeds crowned in the 2023 BSPS M&M supreme ridden final, as well as those who placed in the top 10.

In a remarkable turn of events, two Dales ponies took champion and reserve, but the final line-up saw Welsh ponies make up the majority, with a Dartmoor and a Fell also earning their rosettes.

Find out which ponies were placed in the top 10 and which landed their best of breed titles in the 2023 BSPS M&M supreme ridden final…

Dales

Sarah Parker piloted Julie and Anna Pennell’s home-bred eight-year-old stallion Nipna Midnight Rambler to win their best of breed crown and lead the final line-up.

Welsh section D

Sarah Weston’s first-season stallion Llynhelyg Mr Jones, who is also produced by Sarah Parker, and Tayla Lewis were crowned best of the Welsh cobs before standing third overall.

Connemara

Eastlands Dunknowe, ridden by Chloe Heathcote, secured fourth place for the Team Parker lorry.

Welsh section C

Top of a strong Welsh section C section and fifth overall went to Hannah Atkinson riding her own and her mother Linda’s home-bred gelding Danwood Llewellyn.

Welsh section B

Cadlanvalley Masterclass belied his lack of ring experience to finish top of the small breeds line-up and land seventh overall for Libby Grota.

Dartmoor

Harlow White became the highest placed junior rider with her Dartmoor gelding Coppinshill Commemoration, also best of breed.

Fell

Gemma Pallet rode Sarah Weston’s Team Parker-produced Fell Greenrivers Luke to take his best of breed sash and land 10th place overall.

Shetland

Sharptor Kingpin, ridden by Rebecca Curtis and owned by breeders Julian Walters and David Hodge, took the Shetland best of breed title.

Exmoor

Jessica Talbot, who had three ponies through to the final, rode leading Exmoor Blackthorn Poldark.

Highland

Julie Barton’s top in-hand contender Ellister Islay Spruce gave Molly Mercer a dream first London ride, winning best Highland in the process.

New Forest

Hilltop Ned and Rebecca Penny were the top New Forest combination for owner Leisa Woodward.

Welsh section A

Last year’s reserve supreme champions, Dukeshill Pearly Spencer and Victoria Harker, reclaimed the Welsh section A best of breed title.

And those who made up the top 10:

2nd

Griseburn Major also excelled for the Dales breed, landing reserve overall supreme for his owner/rider Joe Watson.

6th

Ellena Thomas, in-hand veteran supreme in London just two days earlier, returned to the main ring to finish sixth, this time riding her Welsh section D stallion Kaybrook Midnight Comet.

8th

April Gilmartin took eighth position with her own Welsh section C stallion Gems Malt Whiskey.

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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

The circuit’s most consistent Dales stallions battled it out for the top spot in the 2023 BSPS M&M ridden supreme championship sponsored by New Horizon Plastics at the 2023 London International Horse Show.

Both Julie Pennell’s home-bred golden boy Nipna Midnight Rambler and Sarah Parker, and Joe Watson and his own and Rob McIvor’s Griseburn Major were on equal marks of 87/100 after performing for ride judges Ian Dickinson and Phillipa MacInnes. The young stallions are familiar contestants, having stood in opposite positions at the 2022 Horse of the Year Show where Major won and was later crowned overall M&M champion.

But on this occasion it was seasoned London performer Rambler, an eight-year-old by Nipna Invictus out of Nipna Damask Rose, who had the edge for second phase judges Debbie Spears and Mathew Lawrence to finish with a total type and conformation score of 87/100, and with a 14 mark (174/200) edge on his fellow breed representative Major (160/200).

“He was so pleasing to watch; workman-like in his outlook, but fluent, relaxed and supple with added sparkle,” said Phillipa, who awarded him her top mark of 46/50 for the performance phase. “While we were generally pleased with our final line-up and the best ponies were at the top, it was disappointing that there was only one Highland, Exmoor and Welsh section B breed representative, even though they were nice ponies. It might just be the fashion of the time but I would have liked to have seen more representation.”

Sarah was overjoyed to win the overall crown on Rambler, who was making his third appearance at the final, having finished third and fifth overall in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

“He’s just unbelievable and so amazing,” said Sarah, who last won the overall supreme in London with Dartmoor Pumphill Buckthorn in 2010. “He’s always been the bridesmaid at big things, having finished second at HOYS for the last three years, so he was ready for this one.”

Conformation judge Debbie Spears said: “He was a proper native pony, as was the reserve and the rest of the top five. Our champion and reserve both moved within their breed type, too.”

Sarah has ridden Rambler for the duration of his career, and the pair’s tally includes a Royal Windsor championship, a Great Yorkshire supreme and a Royal International Horse Show victory.

Parker’s record run in 2023 BSPS M&M ridden supreme final

Super-woman Sarah had eight ponies forward for the M&M supreme and 14 animals presented in various finals across the week. Ponies on her team also finished third and fourth, with Sarah Weston’s Welsh section D stallion Llynhelyg Mr Jones ridden by Tayla Lewis taking the yellow ribbon, and Chloe Heathcote and Connemara Eastlands Dunknowe just behind them in fourth.

“I’m so tired,” said leading native producer Sarah, who also won three native ridden classes and finished reserve at HOYS in October. “I was so knackered on the way down to London that planning my show was the only thing keeping me awake.”

Reserve supreme, Griseburn Major, scored a final conformation mark of 73/100. He was awarded one of Ian Dickinson’s top ride marks (43/50).

“He was very forward going which is what I was looking for, and I loved his movement,” said Ian. “The Connemara, New Forest, Fell, Dales and Highland section was the strongest of the three. Our top two ponies were very nice animals, and it was very close.”

Major is still just a six-year-old despite his exceptional CV.

“I’m over the moon with him,” said Joe, who had two rides through to the final. “I’m so chuffed for Sarah and what a result for the breed. And as for this pony [Major], he has given me the best two years I could have ever wished for. I do feel the pressure with him; he was only five when he won HOYS. I don’t know what the future holds for us yet, but he’s too young to just put away.”

In fifth was Hannah Atkinson and her home-bred Welsh section C gelding and reigning RIHS supreme champion Danwood Llewellyn, while sixth was Ellena Thomas and her Welsh section D stallion Kaybrook Midnight Comet.

Seventh place went to London debutante and sole Welsh section B representative Cadlanvalley Masterclass with Libby Grota, while April Gilmartin took eighth with her 2023 Royal Highland show supreme M&M winner Gems Malt Whiskey.

Ninth spot was awarded to Dartmoor pony Coppinshill Commemoration and Harlow White, while the Sarah Parker-produced Fell Greenrivers Luke stood 10th on his debut in London with Gemma Pallet riding on this occasion.

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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

Deborah Shrewsbury’s prolific working hunter and flat contender Chetwynd Caspar has died aged 24.

The Welsh section A gelding was one of the most consistent ponies on the circuit during his career, qualifying for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) multiple times.

Chetwynd Caspar was home-bred by Deborah out of former Royal Welsh winner Bengad Crossandra. He was lightly shown in hand by Deborah as a youngster. He was backed before he joined Tori Oakes and her mother Avril to start his career under-saddle.

“He only ever had two homes in his life; with me and with Avril and Tori,” said Deborah.

He started in the show ring as a first ridden with Tori, who later stepped him up to open classes.

“We weren’t initially sure if he would jump,” Deborah added. “But as soon as he understood what was asked of him he was away. He preferred bigger fences — he needed something to jump — which is why the finals such as HOYS and the RIHS were his favourite shows.

Tori added: “He was awful at trotting poles but the first time we took him into the field to try the tyres and logs, the penny dropped. This was what he wanted to do.”

In 2006, the RIHS hosted native worker classes for the first time. Tori and Caspar won the 122cm final and finished as M&M working hunter champions.

“It was so amazing,” Tori reflected. “As it was the first year no one knew what to expect. One thing about Caspar is that he loved water so the splash at Hickstead was no problem for him.”

Tori’s younger brother Charlie later took the reins. In 2015 they finished second at HOYS in the 122cm working hunter pony of the year final before taking reserve champion.

Once Charlie had outgrown him, Tori rode him once again. Caspar was also a two-time Olympia M&M supreme finalist during his career, after which he retired at home with Deborah.

Chetwynd Caspar: a very special Welsh pony

“He was very special and there will never be another like him,” Deborah said. “He gave us all so much fun. We bowed him out during Covid; we had intended for 2020 to be his last season in the ring but when shows stopped it seemed like the right thing to do. He lived out his days nannying some of the youngsters and enjoying himself in the field with his girlfriend.

“He was such a character and he was so cheeky, but he would never hurt a fly.”

Tori added: “He put me on the map. He was an utter legend and he is so missed.

“He was so entertaining, loved his job and he had a sense of humour. His gallop was his favourite part of a show. At home he was the easiest to do. He would always neigh at me when I walked past, asking me where his breakfast was.”

You may also be interested to read…

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Epic centre line moments — 36 winning ponies photographed at HOYS 2023

Re-live the magic — 20 winning show horses from HOYS 2023

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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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.

Native breeds are the “Swiss army knife of equines” and calls have been made to help promote their versatility.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) held a webinar on 7 September to discuss findings from the first year of its equine conservation project, funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board. The aim of the three-year project is to “significantly improve” the ability to support breed societies and breeders in the conservation status of native equine breeds.

“It’s about raising the profile of these breeds and their versatility and showing that they are the Swiss army knife of equines, and not everybody needs to have a high-flying competition animal when we’ve got everything that we’ve got in the native breeds,” said Andrea Parry-Jones, RBST conservation adviser.

As part of the work population reports were created using data from studbooks and breed societies, and a public reproduction survey was carried out to understand issues breeders are facing, and create plans to help.

The benefits of the RBST gene bank were discussed including the ability to recreate breeding lines if they become lost, and semen storage. Semen analysis was carried out on 62 historical samples held in the gene bank, to ensure the quality of what is stored is suitable and to help with breeding decisions.

“By using this information we can make decisions on whether semen is fit for purpose in terms of being able to be used in the future, and we can also make decisions when we look at adding new stallions to the gene bank,” said Tom Blunt, RBST senior conservation adviser.

The need to promote the versatility of the breeds was highlighted, with calls to “shout about” native breeds and their different jobs and successes.

“It’s shouting about the breed itself and making sure the knowledge is out there that the animal can do it. We need to promote their current uses rather than what they used to be,” said Ms Parry-Jones. “The most important thing is to celebrate success.”

Year two of the project will focus on what influences breeding decisions, with the aim of producing a “best practice toolkit” for breed societies. Year three will look at the wider role of native equines in society and encouraging their use.

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Diane Jordan and family’s influential Welsh section C stallion Wyken Rob Roy has died aged 31.

The bay stallion, who stood at just 12.3hh, was a renowned sire who produced many Royal International (RIHS) and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) finalists, Royal Welsh winners and Olympia best of breeds. “Robbie” was also a winner of the Kellythorpes Welsh section C sire of the year award nine times, including in 2023.

Robbie was bred by Ron and Diane Jordan at the Wyken stud before he was sold as a yearling to Anne Jolly, who in turn leased him to the Waxwing Stud. He was backed by Ron and Diane’s daughter, Anne, as a five-year-old before going on to have a very successful ridden career, standing novice champion at the BSPS championships and qualifying for HOYS.

Robbie was famed for stamping his stock with a bright bay colouring and distinctive white socks. Some of his progeny who have been successful in the show ring in recent years include the 2023 RIHS supreme M&M champion Danwood Llewelyn, former RIHS open winner Lantau Supernova, consistent 122cm working hunter contender Rivervalley Romance, and dual HOYS open and junior finalist Wyken Sweet Silhouette.

He sired numerous prolific ponies of the past, including Pentrefelin Bodecia, Rivervalley Tear Drop, Wyken Lady Jasmine, Wyken Romeo, Popsters Lazenby, Tyreos Billie Fury, Rookery Fizz and Waxwing Keepsake, among others.

He is also responsible for triple HOYS winner Waxwing Rheel as well as 2014 HOYS winner Tyreos Casanova. His son Waxwing Rhumba qualified for the HOYS in-hand supreme final, while his daughter Rayid Heartbreaker has a strong British Dressage record. Robbie holds the Welsh breed record for the most qualified ponies by the same sire in the same class at HOYS.

Robbie lived out his days at Jackie and George Cooper’s Rivervalley Stud.

“They had some lovely mares who suited him very well,” said Diane. “He went to Rivervalley six years ago and as he had such a lovely and happy time there he never came home!

“He was such a loving, sweet stallion who was so cheeky, but never nasty in the slightest. He was an extremely clever pony, too.

“He really did mark his youngsters; you can spot a Robbie baby a mile off.”

“We are hugely proud of him, and it gives us so much joy to see his legacy continue in his offspring,” said Diane’s granddaughter, Heather Abrahall on a Facebook tribute. “Robbie was a true gentleman and full of character, he has left a huge hole in all our hearts. We will forever miss the cheeky, mischievous Houdini that he was.”

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A group of young Fell pony enthusiasts are putting steps in place to “prevent the breed from dying out” by encouraging enthusiasts to get involved with the breed.

The Fell Pony Society Next Generation Group, formerly known as the Fell Pony Society Young Person’s Group was started in 2015, with a rebrand and name change in 2021.

“In 2021, we reevaluated the group, including removing the age cap to be more inclusive; the events are for anyone of any age who wants to learn about or get involved with Fell ponies,” said group chair Stacy Longrigg, who breeds under the Horngill prefix.

“The group’s aim is to capture current Fell pony breeders’ knowledge and experience, and share it with future generations. These older breeders won’t be around for ever, and we need to preserve and pass on this wealth of knowledge. It’s so important that we encourage more people to recognise the significance of the few remaining semi-feral Fell pony herds, too. Ultimately, we aim to do what we can to promote and grow the breed, and prevent it from dying out.”

The Fell pony is currently classified as an at-risk rare breed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

The Next Generation Group, which does not require a membership, aims to host educational events such as stud visits, information days and discussions across the country throughout the year.

On 13 August the group held an open day at the Potter family’s Greenholme Fell Pony Stud in Cumbria. They welcomed over 80 visitors. Anyone interested can find more information online.

“It provided an amazing opportunity to see the semi-feral Greenholme ponies in their natural surroundings,” said Stacy. “The ponies were marked up and everyone was given a sheet with their information on. We were lucky enough to see three stallions, four yearling colts and mares with their foals who had come in from the fell. The ponies took in the visitors very well despite being used to living in a natural environment with little human interference.

“There were also picture boards showcasing just a few of the successful Greenholme ponies bred over the years, including the main stallions and mares used at the stud.

“There were stud books and sales catalogues from past and present, the Fell pony breed standard, information on foal immunodeficiency syndrome, as well as books about Fell ponies and the Fell Pony Society centenary.

“We also benefited from a group discussion where we asked for thoughts on the best way to gather knowledge and information about the breed. The general consensus was that more people need to be talking, and listening.”

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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 home-bred Welsh section C triumphed in The Corroconsult BSPS Heritage mountain and moorland (M&M) supreme ridden championship at the 2023 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) on his debut at the show.

Hannah and Linda Atkinson’s “pony of a lifetime” Danwood Llewellyn, a 12-year-old by Wyken Rob Roy out of Rivervalley Lou Lou, maintained a top initial pull in during his class to book himself into the main arena championship held in the afternoon.

The bay gelding, a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) winner and section reserve in 2018, continued to up his game throughout the day with Hannah in perfect sync, and he was awarded the title by judges Kathryn Lloyd (performance) and Anthony Perkins (conformation).

Ponies were required to display ample native spirit during the morning’s classes due to the boggy ground caused by last night’s torrential downpour.

“Our champion coped very well in the class, especially given the conditions,” said Anthony. “And in the main arena he stood out with a faultless performance. Some of the heavier breeds did struggle with the conditions, but the riders who thought about what they were doing made use of the ring and the better ground.”

Kathryn added: “I wanted to see ponies who were sitting up and taking their riders forward while going into the bridle. Put simply, they had to perform and go.”

Danwood Llewellyn — who is known as Lewi at home — might have an impressive ridden tally including many county show victories, but his North Yorkshire-based breeders had never aimed him for Hickstead.

“We’ve not been to the RIHS for about six years, as this show usually clashes with the Royal Welsh, and we’re Welsh pony breeders,” said Hannah. “We decided to aim Lewi for Hickstead at least once, so this year has been our bucket list year!”

Hannah formerly rode Lewi’s dam, Rivervalley Lou Lou, in the ring.

“Doing this with a home-bred makes it extra rewarding,” Hannah said. “Mum and I have done the work with Lewi ourselves from the beginning, and he means the absolute world to us. Lou Lou was an outstanding pony who never quite got the results that she deserved, so he is doing this for her in some ways.”

The win will make the Atkinson’s eight hour journey home a lot sweeter: “I think I’ll have to go and have a sit down before I do anything else,” concluded Hannah.

Another home-bred, Julie Pennell’s recent Great Yorkshire Show supreme winner Nipna Midnight Rambler, scored reserve for the Dales breed under his producer Sarah Parker.

Anthony said: “He was a lovely example of the breed, and he also sat up and showed himself off in the main ring.”

Anthony gave one general takeaway for competitors: “Riders should make sure that they present their horses properly for the conformation phase. It’s as important as the performance, and many seem to forget this when competing under pressure.”

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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

Home-produced Connemara gelding Emlaughmore Lightening gave his owner a first-ever Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) victory as he lifted the UK Ponies and Horses amateur riders championship against 28 other entries.

Casey Ormrod’s Emlaughmore Lightening, who is known at home as Cian, is an eight-year-old by Contepomi Cashel out of Blakehill Patience. The mannerly grey was initially pulled in 15th after the go-round by judges Clare Dew (ride) and Natalie Middlemas (conformation). Casey had not expected to move up the line-up to win, despite pushing the boat out during her show.

“I just can’t believe it,” said full-time beauty therapist Casey, who rode a show incorporating an extension through the change of rein. “We were pulled in about half way down the line, and my decision to ride a slightly different show was completely spur of the moment. I thought I might as well go for it.”

Last season, Lancashire-based Casey and Cian finished second in the Connemara final at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) on their first appearance there, and they’re booked in to return to the NEC later this year.

“I bought Cian as a two-year-old and I did a novice season with him before stepping him up to the opens,” said Casey, who finished fifth in the Pretty Polly final at last year’s RIHS on Cian’s debut at the show. “Now, I hope he’ll go on to do some jumping. He’s a quirky Connemara and he has his moments, but he’s a very good boy in the ring.”

Showing is a hobby for Casey and her family.

“There are a lot of early mornings and I have a great support system in my parents who help me out a lot,” she said.

In second was Amber Twambley riding her own Copella Black Knight, another home-produced eight-year-old gelding. The Welsh section B is by Eyarth Braveheart and he is booked in to compete in three finals at Hickstead this week.

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A Connemara gelding made it into the history books as he galloped away with the Royal Windsor M&M working hunter pony accolade for the fourth time in his career.

Amy Smith’s 16-year-old bay gelding Laburnum Richard (Pedro) has been the exceeding 143cm contender to beat over the past decade.

“He’s now won this championship four times, and he’s made five appearances here,” said Lancashire-based Amy. “He’s 16 this year but he’s looking and feeling better than ever. In showing, horses and ponies often have short-lived careers, but I’ve looked after Pedro so well over the 13 years I’ve owned him and he is consequently still out there winning major titles, while still loving the job. He’s like a fine wine. There’s no way I could retire him; it would be criminal.”

“I’ll never in my lifetime have a horse like him,” added Amy. “He’s like a third child to me; I owe him everything and more.”

Lisa Kelly designed the working hunter courses the competitors in each of the four height sections had to navigate. Second to Amy and Pedro in the exceeding 143cm section was Amy’s sister, Vikki, riding her own Connemara JP Corbally, another uber-consistent contender.

“Vikki wishes I would retire Pedro so she can have the big win,” Amy laughed. “I love jumping Lisa Kelly tracks. They ask enough questions and they might look simple to those sitting on the outside of the ring, but they aren’t. It’s days like today which make the early mornings and the late nights worthwhile.”

After the second time Pedro was champion at Royal Windsor, Amy said she was hesitant to bring him back to the show:

“So I skipped a year with him,” she said. “And then I asked myself what I was doing. Pedro doesn’t like small area shows and he loves an occasion; this is where he thrives. So, I brought him back the following year and he was champion again.”

Ella Enyon and winning 133cm, Rebecca Faulkner’s Welsh section C Joyton Sunshine, were reserve in the Royal Windsor M&M working hunter pony reckoning.

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A new combination led the Royal Windsor M&M mini championship, providing their experienced handler with a career first.

John Harvey is no stranger to success leading mini natives; he’s led ponies to overall glory at both the Royal International (RIHS) and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) many times over, but the Royal Windsor M&M mini championship had always eluded him.

“I think I’ve been reserve here three times,” said John, who was leading Anna Cayzer’s Dartmoor gelding Coppinshill Celebrity, and five-year-old Lilly Cayzer, who was riding at Windsor for the very first time.

“We’ve only done one show with him prior to Windsor, where he won his RIHS ticket on the lead rein,” John explained. “We’re very much looking forward to the season ahead.”

The seven-year-old was bought from Debbie Barr in October and Anna ran him at home over winter.

“I saw him a couple of years ago for the first time and I really liked him,” said John. “As soon as he came on the market I told Anna to go and buy him; he’s a seriously lovely pony and he has the temperament to match. While he was at home Lilly did Pony Club with him to get to know him, and that really helped them grow together as a combination.”

The Shetland gelding Briar Snowfox, ridden by Lilly Richardson, won the first ridden class en route to finishing reserve in the championship.

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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 Highland stallion was awarded the 2023 Horse & Hound M&M in-hand supreme title at the Royal Windsor Horse Show ahead of 11 other stunning breed representatives who had dominated their sections earlier in the day.

But which pony would you have chosen as your overall champion?

1. Highland

Rhiannon Randall’s home-bred four-year-old stallion Fleetwoods Loch Lomond, who is by Bluebraes Merrick out of Copperview Rose, scores the Highland breed championship en route to becoming overall M&M in-hand supreme champion. 

2. Welsh section D

Ahead of being called forward as reserve supreme champion, Tony Edwards’ five-year-old mare London Total Temptress, who is by Swanhill Golden Rocket out of Tardebigge Sea Empress, is best of the Welsh section Ds. 

3. Fell

The two-year-old filly Bybeck Agnes, who is by Bybeck Rodney out of Bybeck Stella, is crowned Fell champion for owner Hannah-Mary Stewart, handled by Thomas Partridge.

4. Dales

Sarah Noble’s home-bred mare Stuffynwood Princess, a four-year-old by Westwick Dougies Lad out of Stuffynwood Purdy Mae, takes the Dales honours. 

5. Shetland

The Shetland championship is awarded to David Hodge and Julian Walters’s home-bred 12-year-old stallion Blackertor Magneto, who is by Clivocast Napoleon out of Bayview Maggie May.

6. Welsh section A

Idyllic Perseus, who is out of Idyllic Perdita by Brynrodyn Derwyn, trots to the Welsh section A championship for Caroline and Georgia Crouchman.

7. Connemara

Sophie Robins handles her own five-year-old stallion Knockferry Vision, who is by Glencarrig Knight out of Morning Blossom, to win the Connemara breed title.

8. Exmoor

Maureen Richardson’s Dunkery Wigeon, a 15-year-old by Dunkery Godwit out of Dunkery Corn Bunting and shown by Hayley Reynolds, is top Exmoor.

9. New Forest

The three-year-old gelding Woodrow The Warrior, who is by Farriers Finger Print out of Woodrow Delight’s Double, is New Forest champion for owner/breeder June Whitham and handler David Allen. 

10. Welsh section C

Chris Jennings’s 12-year-old mare Synod Rose Alex, who is out of Synod Rosie O’Hara by Synod Robyn Dundee, trots to the Welsh section C title. 

11. Dartmoor

David Walters and Julian Hodge’s two-year-old colt Pizwell Xander, who is by Dunnabridge (W) Pegasus out of Pizwell Peebles, tops the Dartmoor line-up. 

12. Welsh section B

Thistledown Red Rain, a seven-year-old mare by Mintfield Sandpiper, out of Thistledown Summer Rain and owned by her breeder Sandy Anderson, clinches the Welsh section B accolade, handled by Beth Simons.

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For the second year in a row, the Highland breed prevailed in the Horse & Hound Royal Windsor M&M in-hand supreme championship at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

This time, it was the turn of a home-bred, home-shown stallion, who beat 11 other native breed champions to the top spot.

Following in the hoofprints of last year’s supreme, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s home-bred mare Balmoral Leia, home-producer Rhiannon Randall’s home-bred stallion Fleetwoods Loch Lomond (Lochy) lapped up the atmosphere in the Castle Arena to be judge Amanda Gomersall’s choice for the title.

The four-year-old is out of Copperview Rose by Rhiannon’s own stallion Bluebraes Merrick, who has competed in both in-hand and ridden classes with much success.

“He has big shoes to fill being Merrick’s son,” said Rhiannon, who works in administration and referrals for the NHS and breeds on a small scale. “I bought Merrick as a foal and he’s now 12. Lochy is a carbon copy of his dad.”

Although only lightly shown, Lochy stood supreme champion at the Highland Pony breed show in 2022. The championship was judged by Balmoral Stud yard manager Sylvia Ormiston.

Today marked Rhiannon’s first Royal Windsor championship win.

“When you breed you always aim to produce something better than what you’ve already got,” said Rhiannon, who also cleans at a local veterinary practice to fund her showing hobby. “Lochy has been backed but he’s not ready to come out under-saddle yet and there is no rush, so I’ll aim to bring him out as a novice in 2024 all being well.

“I hope it proves that it is possible,” added Rhiannon. “Though, never in a million years did I expect this result. It all takes a lot of hard work. I start each day at 4.30am and I’m not home until 10pm. Last night it was past midnight by the time I got to bed and I was back up at 4am to head to Windsor.”

Reserve in the Royal Windsor M&M in-hand supreme championship was the champion Welsh section D, London Total Temptress, a five-year-old owned and handled by Tony Newman.

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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

Our native breeds have evolved over thousands of years to graze poor quality pasture on hillsides, plains, and moorland, but by being clever with feeding native ponies during the winter, you can ensure you have a happy and healthy pony when the spring grass arrives.

As we started domesticating and riding our natives for pleasure and sport, we totally changed the environment in which they live, including turning them out on pasture far richer than they have evolved to eat.

This dietary challenge is compounded by the fact that natives are not using as much energy as nature intended to keep warm, thanks to the advent of modern rugs. By rugging our natives their natural winter weight loss can be greatly reduced — meaning they enter the spring carrying too much condition. And, in some cases natives don’t receive as enough exercise as they need.

The result of all these factors mean weight gain is common across all native breeds. But using the winter wisely can play an important role in weight management.

Top tips for feeding native ponies during the winter

1. Native breeds have evolved to put on weight in the summer and live off their fat reserves in the winter. So let them do this; it is fine to have your horse or pony lean at the end of the winter ready for the spring grass.

2. In the coldest of weather a horse’s energy utilisation can rise by 25-30%, so if your horse or pony is a little overweight allow him pull on his stored reserves rather than increasing his feed. Let the weather do some of the hard work for you.

3. Be careful about the rugs he wears. Unless clipped, most horses and ponies do not need thick rugs. Native ponies, especially overweight ones, may not need to be rugged at all.

4. If your pony is turned out all the time over the winter months, he may not need additional forage unless grass availability and quality rapidly decline, or the field becomes covered in snow.

5. If your horse or pony is kept stabled for some of the time, consider how much hay or haylage you are feeding. Most horses or ponies will do well and maintain their weight on a diet that supplies 1.5-2% (dry weight) of their bodyweight in total feed per day, eg. 7.5-10kg for a 500kg horse. If your horse or pony is overweight and you are supplying more than this try adjusting this down. Remember too that although the grass has less nutritional value in the winter, it will be supplying some energy and protein and therefore you will not need to provide the full ration of forage to meet this 2% requirement in the stable overnight. For example, 4-6kg of hay overnight may be sufficient for a 500kg horse.

6. If you are trying to get your pony to lose weight it’s worth having your forage analysed — so you can choose the one with the lowest energy. It is impossible to tell the nutritional quality of forage by looking at it and sometimes hay is richer than haylage.

7. If you do choose haylage, opt for a high-fibre source as it is likely to be lower in energy than a less mature ryegrass source.

8. If you choose hay, go for a mature fibrous one, such as Timothy hay, as this is likely to be lower in calories.

9. Soaking your hay will reduce the water soluble carbohydrate and calorie content. In order to maximise this effect it will need to be soaked overnight (up to 16 hours) ideally in water at or more than 16°C. In winter this can be a challenge, but try raising the temperature at least initially with a few boiled kettles.

10. Regardless of the forage source you choose, it won’t supply a balanced diet. In order to achieve this choose a low-calorie feed balancer. This will provide good quality protein alongside vitamins and minerals making up for any shortfall in the diet without adding unnecessary calories.

11. You may need to restrict grazing by using a grazing muzzle — these have been shown to be highly effective, restricting intake by over 80%. Do make sure it is properly fitted, that your horse or pony can drink and their teeth are checked regularly. Muzzles shouldn’t be used all the time and you should keep an eye on herd behaviour to prevent bullying.

12. If your pony spends a lot of time in the stable, make sure you are not using bedding he can eat.

13. In order to extend eating time, use double haylage nets. As long as your pony has time each day eating from the ground (such as time spent grazing), there is no evidence this will damage teeth.

What the experts say

Katie Grimwood from Bailey’s Horse Feeds shares her expertise on feeding your native this winter:

“Having adapted to thrive on the poorest of grazing, Britain’s native ponies are programmed to put on weight, when food is readily available, in the spring and summer, storing these excesses as fat throughout the body, especially the abdomen (tummy), where it is known as omental fat. These fat cells, originally thought to be benign energy stores, do actually produce hormones which regulate a number of body processes and play a key role in helping ponies survive harsher conditions.

“One such hormone is cortisol, which inhibits the action of insulin, the hormone responsible for controlling blood glucose levels. The result is a degree of insulin resistance, which is normally of benefit as it ensures glucose is available for essential areas, like the brain, at the expense of less essential tissues, like muscles. This condition pervades through the winter but gradually lessens as the pony loses weight, and omental fat, with the naturally reduced availability of food and colder weather conditions.

“By spring time, the pony is lean but healthy and ready to indulge in the pleasures of spring grazing and gaining weight for the following winter. The trouble is, these fluctuations in a pony’s condition are no longer acceptable, nor suitable, for the modern owner, whose requirements for performance or breeding are less satisfactorily met by a pony who spends six months of the year in “poor” condition.”

Emma Nissler, nutritional manager at Dodson & Horrell recommends feeding the following to your native this winter:

“Go Lite Balancer is fully balanced in all essential vitamins and minerals, providing everything the horse or pony needs alongside their forage and grazing each day. It contains added digestive support (probiotic), hoof support (biotin, zinc and methionine) and immune support that consists of our blend of antioxidants (blackcurrant, kale, spinach, beetroot, rosemary, rosehip and pomegranate). It is low in starch and sugar, making it ideal in support of those with laminitis. As it is a balancer, it is low intake and so low in calories, making it ideal for native horses and ponies that naturally hold their weight well.

“The feeding rate of the Go Lite Balancer is 100g/100kg of bodyweight per day. For example, a 500kg horse will need 500g of Go Lite per day.

“Safe & Sound is a fibre-based product. It is fully balanced in all essential vitamins and minerals, providing everything the horse or pony needs alongside their forage and grazing each day. It contains added digestive support (probiotic), hoof support (biotin, zinc and methionine), immune support (QLC antioxidants) and joint support (MSM). All of these are ideal in support of native horses and ponies in light to moderate workloads. It is low in starch and sugar, ensuring its suitability for horses with laminitis, as well as being low in calories and so suitable for native breeds that hold their weight well.

“The feeding rate of the Safe & Sound is 400g-600g/100kg of bodyweight per day. For example, a 500kg horse will need a minimum of 2kg per day (four Stubbs scoops) and up to a maximum of 3kg per day (six Stubbs scoops).”

Insulin Dysregulation

“The problem with not allowing a fat pony to lose weight through the winter is that the insulin resistance, resulting from cortisol production, is not reversed. When allowed to continue long-term, this can result in Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Insulin Dysregulation, giving rise to elevated levels of glucose and insulin in the blood and, ultimately, a greatly increased risk of laminitis. Overweight or obese ponies are also likely to suffer with joint problems, struggle to regulate their body temperature (especially in the summer) and be at greater risk of certain forms of colic.”

Healthy condition

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to avoid the natural season fluctuations in a pony’s condition but our aim should be to maintain healthy condition rather than one that is overweight. Ponies in ‘show condition’ are arguably overweight, and much still has to be done to address the accepted norm, but that is a topic in itself! So how do we achieve healthy condition and feed to maintain it?

“Starving is not a healthy option for any equine so even the overweight must still be fed but their diets must be devised to maximise chew time and minimise calorie intake. Fibre intake must be maintained at 1.5% of bodyweight (around 5kg for a 350kg pony) per day, to ensure gut health and efficiency, and high calorie, low fibre (relatively) grass is only allowed in moderation unless, of course, the demands of work mean that your pony burns off all the calories he consumes so does not store any as fat.

“Stalkier, later-cut forage is generally less nutritious, while soaking hay for up to 12 hours will help “wash” out water-soluble carbohydrates (calories), leaving all-important fibre to keep the pony chewing. Small-holed nets will extend chew time, while other low-calorie fibre sources, like “light” chaffs and soaked unmolassed beet pulp, can be fed to add variety as long as they are accounted for in the overall fibre ration ie. are part of that 1.5% of bodyweight.

“Essential nutrients, like protein, vitamins and minerals, are naturally lacking in modern forage and pasture anyway but are also lost along with the calories, when hay is soaked, and are likely to especially deficient in stressed rough or ‘starvation’ pasture. Feeding a balancer such as Baileys No. 14 Lo-Cal Balancer will provide all these essential nutrients without the unwanted calories of a mix or cube and will support muscle tone, hoof growth, metabolism and general well-being.

“Constant monitoring of a pony’s body weight and condition, through weighing or weightaping and use of an objective Body Condition Scoring (BCS) system are essential for the long-term maintenance of healthy body weight, along with corresponding alterations to diet, exercise and management to achieve healthy body condition.”

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The 2022 BSPS Heritage M&M supreme ridden final held at London International Horse Show was a feast for the eyes, with each of the 12 native breeds being represented by stunning ponies and their hard-working riders.

Coming out on top was Amanda Sharman’s seven-year-old Connemara Castle Kestrel and his producer Lucy Glover, and alongside the top 10 final placings, 12 best of breed prizes were awarded.

In no particular order, meet the best of breed winners crowned in the 2022 BSPS Heritage M&M supreme ridden final at London International…

Don’t miss the full report, including full details of the marks awarded to each combination, in this week’s issue of H&H magazine…

Connemara

Amanda Sharman’s Castle Kestrel, ridden by Lucy Glover, scores top marks to win his best of breed title and the overall supreme honour, on his debut at London International.

Fell

Ruth Roberts’ stallion Wildhoeve Oki Doki is top Fell, and ninth overall, with Clare Fitch.

Welsh section B

The Walker family’s Melau Aramis tops the Welsh section B line-up and finishes seventh overall on his debut in the championship with Lauren Brill.

Dales

For the second year in a row, Julie Pennell’s Dales stallion Nipna Midnight Rambler lifts his best of breed title with Sarah Parker, before finishing fifth in the final line-up.

Shetland

Lucy Richardson’s Briar Snowfox and Lilly Richardson are top Shetland and also win the Heniarth trophy for the highest placed junior combination.

Dartmoor

Felicity Thompson’s home-bred Salcombe Starehole Bay, last year’s reserve supreme, reclaims the best of breed sash before landing fourth overall.

Welsh section D

Katherine Mark’s home-produced stallion Thorneyside Guardsman is best of the Welsh section Ds.

Welsh section A

Jenny Harker’s stallion Dukeshill Pearly Spencer and Victoria Harker win the Welsh section A crown and are named reserve supreme champions.

Exmoor

Mary Rose Bryant’s Warrenmere Woodcock wins the Exmoor sash, under Elizabeth Etchells, on his final appearance in London.

Highland

Third overall and best of the Highland field is Jane McNaught’s gelding Dunedin Mascot with Katie Common.

New Forest

Leisa Woodward’s stallion Hilltop Ned and last year’s supreme victor Rebecca Penny top the New Forests and finish eighth.

Welsh section C

Coming out as the victorious Welsh section C is London debutante Hannah Turnock’s stallion Menai George.

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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.

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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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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

It’s one of the most prestigious showing championships a combination can win and this year the BSPS M&M supreme ridden final, held at London International Horse Show on Monday 19 December, is set to produce another year of stellar competition. Some of the country’s best native ponies, producers and home produced riders will take to the ring in the hope of winning the coveted title.

Ahead of the 2023 BSPS M&M supreme ridden final, we take a look at some past champions who experienced their own centre line moments and made it into the history books:

2008: Torrin Of Croila

Melanie and Gemma Stanford’s bay Highland stallion was nine when he landed the supreme with Matthew Lawrence in the saddle, who had won the title in 2006 and 2007 with the Connemara Bunowen Castle Ri. Torrin is a previous Royal Windsor, Great Yorkshire, Royal Norfolk and NPS Area 4 in-hand champion and is also the sire of HOYS ridden winner and Olympia Best of Breed, Tower Clyde.

2009: Farriers Fingerprint

The first New Forest to ever lift the crown was this stallion, a son of Peveril Peter Piper and Wainsford Whispering Grace, who was 13 when he was crowned. Owned by Simon and Shirley Young and ridden by Shirley, the lovely grey has been triumphant on the county and breed show circuit for many years and was placed third at HOYS in 2011.

2010: Pumphill Buckthorn

Sarah Parker and Sue Hughes’ iconic black stallion had won the overall M&M championship at HOYS three months before he topped the Olympia final. He also headed the equivalent class at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) in the previous July. He was also M&M champion at the RIHS and M&M supreme at HOYS in 2011 (pictured) before being retired to stud in 2016.

2011: Rushfield Bailey

The Anderson family from Dumfries watched their Dartmoor stallion claim a first Olympia victory in the inaugural BSPS Heritage championship. The then eight-year-old Springwater Happy Days son was fourth at the final in 2010 and was a winner at Royal Highland and Great Yorkshire, was champion at Ayr and stood fourth at HOYS in 2011.

2012: Bronheulog Harvey

History repeated itself when native producer Sam Roberts — champion at Olympia 14 years previous on Harwell Wizard — netted the 2014 championship with another Welsh section B, the bay gelding Bronheulog Harvey. Harvey has since gone on to compete at top level in working hunter classes and was second at HOYS over fences.

2013: Fly The Last Flute

This Connemara and Sandra Burton broke the small breed trend to take the 2013 sash. The late gelding who is by Glencarrig Knight has had an illustrious career under saddle, also qualifying for HOYS several years running. Sadly, he was put down in 2020 aged 15.

2014: Moelview Prince Consort

Sam Roberts returned to win the final in 2014 with her own then four-year-old Welsh section B stallion, who has since gone on to dominate in the dressage arena. Prince Consort gained his Olympia ticket at Royal Windsor.

2015: Townend Schubert

H&H columnist Rebecca Penny topped the field in 2015 with her own Fell pony. The ever-popular hairy stallion “Bert” has won his class at HOYS on three occasions and has also been M&M supreme at the RIHS. He has more recently forayed into working hunter classes and has appeared at HOYS in this sphere.

2016: Uphill James Fox

The Welsh section A stallion took his producer Katy Marriott-Payne to victory on his debut at the final and became the first Welsh Mountain Pony to claim the overall honour. Owned by Tonwen Hughes, James Fox was the second highest priced lot (£8,100) at the Brightwells Fayre Oaks High Flyers Sale in 2014.

2017: Cadlanvalley Sandpiper

Arguably one of the most consistent Olympia finalists, Welsh section B Sandpiper finally clinched the supreme sash in 2017 with Katy Marriott-Payne, after previously standing reserve champion and third. The palomino, who is owned by Kathleen Scott, has also won HOYS twice.

2018: Banks Timber

After winning the sash in 2013 on a different pony, Connemara specialist Sandra Burton returned today to land the championship on Joe Burke’s charismatic stallion Banks Timber (Tim). Tim was making his third appearance at the show, having taken best of breed each time and was placed third overall in 2017.

2019: Dyffryngwy Sir Picasso

Emma Burrow was on board her own Welsh section D gelding to lift the biggest honour of his career under saddle. 2019 also saw Emma and Picasso win at HOYS and stand reserve M&M ridden pony of the year. Picasso has been a regular at the London final since qualifying at his first ever ridden show as a four-year-old.

2020: no show owing to the Coronavirus pandemic

2021: Lynuck The Showman

Rebecca Penny and Lynn Scott’s Welsh section C Lynuck The Showman are the reigning champions. The 2022 HOYS winner, who was reserve in London in 2017, was lifting the title on his fifth visit. Rebecca last won the BSPS M&M supreme ridden final in 2015 aboard her own Fell stallion Townend Schubert.

2022: Castle Kestrel

The Connemara stallion gave owner Amanda Sharman and producer Lucy Glover their first London supreme victory. The immaculate grey, who has been based with Lucy since he was a novice, is set to return in 2023, after qualifying at Royal Windsor. He also won his class at HOYS in 2023, standing him in good stead ahead of his return to the big city.

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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 2022 BSPS Heritage championships held at Arena UK in Lincolnshire saw a New Forest stallion take supreme, a Shetland score the highest mini title and more than 30 combinations take home tickets to the BSPS M&M supreme final held at London International in December.

Check out these 31 gorgeous winners from the 2022 BSPS Heritage championships…

1. Shilstone Rocks River Dart

Chloe Chubb and her Dartmoor stallion win the Dartmoor/Exmoor/Shetland London semi-final qualifier.

2. Dunedin Mascot

After taking second at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), Katie Common and Jane McNaught’s Highland lead both the Fell/Dales/Highland semi-final qualifier and the open ridden championship.

3. Llandderfel Prince Richard

The Welsh section D books his first London pass with rider Dannii Thexton for owner Anne Wilson.

4. Eastlands Dunedin

Susan Pool’s 2022 HOYS winner and Lauren Beaumont power their way to London International after heading the New Forest/Connemara semi-final.

5. Feldons Red Kite

Evie Walker and the Dartmoor gelding secure their 2023 Royal International (RIHS) ticket in first ridden ranks.

6. Salcombe Frowder Cove

Katy Marriott-Payne and Felicity Thompson’s home-bred stallion secure both restricted championships and a London place after winning the Dartmoor breed class.

7. Lantau Supernova

Jodie Haywood and her own Welsh section C stallion ensure they’re on the London bus after taking pole position in their semi-final qualifier.

8. Addingham Gabi

Francesca Wall is in the saddle of Sarah Dowson’s Shetland as the pair win the RIHS mini championship.

9. Rowfantina Orlando Bloom

James Burchell rides the home-bred Welsh section A, a former RIHS mini champion, to lift a competitive novice ridden championship.

10. Thorngate Crusader

The novice mini working hunter pony title falls to Claire Evans’ Welsh section C and Caitlin Evans. 

11. Strathleven Achiltibuie

Emma Burrow rides Sarah Gemmell’s Highland pony to win the novice worker crown, as Sarah had her 133cm winner, Geordans Oliver, through to the championship. 

12. Menai George

Hannah Turnock praises her Welsh section C stallion who tops the breed’s London qualifier.

13. Hilltop Ned

The New Forest stallion and Rebecca Penny trot to the breed’s London qualifier.

14. Castle Kestrel

The Connemara breed qualifier is headed by Lucy Glover and Amanda Sharman’s stallion.

15. Bergli Dreamwatcher

Ella Freeman and the Shetland pony impress the judges en route to the overall mini supreme.

16. Dukeshill Pearly Spencer

Victoria Harker has the Welsh section A right on song to book a London place.

17. Latijn V D Helling

The Shetland stallion, who is owned by Claire Connor, and rider Aliya Khan are top of the Shetland breed qualifier.

18. Greenholme Knight

Terry Clynes wins the Fell pony London qualifier to give the stallion his first visit to the final.

19. Steppers Relight My Fire

The Welsh section D wins the London breed qualifier under Aimee Devane for owner Lisa O’Rourke.

20. Nipna Invictus

The Dales gelding tops both the junior ridden championship and Dales London qualifier with Caitlin Hamilton.

21. Lovelyhill Folklore

After winning the open working hunter pony championship, Vikki Smith and Penny Sutton’s New Forest stallion go through the card to take the overall supreme of show accolade.

22. Warrenmere Woodcock

Elizabeth Etchells and Mary Rose Bryant’s dual 2022 breed show supreme champion score the London Exmoor qualifier.

22. Waxwing Persia

Emma Burrow’s fantastic week at Arena UK is capped when the Welsh section B stallion books his first trip to London International.

23. Harris Of Mendick

The Highland stallion secures the Highland London qualifier with Brian Williams, who is riding for Aileen Curle.

24. Settvalley The Mistress

Alice Hartenfeld steers the lead rein contender to the mini novice championship, led by mother Katherine Bowling-Hartenfeld.

25. Islyn Arafa Don

Helen Summer’s Welsh section A takes the open Heritage mini worker title with Francesca Summers.

26. Inverin Paddy

The Pretty Polly championship, and an early 2023 RIHS pass, goes to Lucy Heygate and her own Connemara.

27. Loughmore Rebel

Steph Peto’s Connemara stallion takes the novice Heritage crown.

28. Gwynfaes Cynan Wledig

The Welsh section D lifts the restricted working hunter title with Catherine Hudson.

29. Lady Dublin Of Corderry

Ruby Ward rides Angela Hunt’s Connemara to the Heritage performance honour.

30. Briar Puzzle

Alexia Lilley and Amy Southworth’s Shetland pony trot to the tiny tots lead rein class and section title.

31. Melau Aramis

Lauren Brill enjoys a win in the Welsh section A/B London semi-final aboard Sam Walker’s Welsh section B, a HOYS winner earlier this month with Evie Walker.

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Check out the full report from the 2022 BSPS Heritage championships in the 27 October issue. 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.

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For the first time in the Fell pony breed’s history, ponies from two leading studs were sold via online auction, where a filly foal topped the trade at £5,500.

North West Auctions conducted the sale of registered Fell ponies on behalf of the Drybarrows Stud of David Thompson, Penrith and the Bracklinn Stud of Alistair Smith, Dunblane.

There were 150 active bidders and more than 25 successful buyers, which included nine ponies finding new homes abroad.

Leading the bids at £5,500 was the black filly Drybarrows Harmony, by Bluecap Gilbert out of Drybarrows Distinction, who was sold to Ms Colquhoun in south Cumbria.

This was followed by £4,900 for Drybarrows Hallmark, a black colt foal also by Bluecap Gilbert, who sold to the south of England, to Ms Fouch.

American buyer Ms Snar bought Drybarrows Havana, by Drybarrows Dynamic, for £3,700. Drybarrows Hot Stepper, by Drybarrows Bowie, sold for £3,500 to Riverwind Stables in South Carolina, which also took home the top-priced foal from the Bracklinn Stud, the Carrock I’m Yer Man filly Bracklinn Violet, for £3,700.

Colt foals from the Bracklinn Stud sold to £2,700 for Bracklinn Hotshot, who is by the late Bracklinn Jackpot. 

The sale also included a selection of yearlings upwards. These ponies peaked at £4,300 for three-year-old filly Drybarrows Edelwiss, sired by Drybarrows Bowie out of Holling Tara. She joins Ms Wohlfarth in Germany.

The yearling colt Drybarrows Guardian, by Bracklinn Jackpot, sold for a final bid of £2,900.

A grey yearling filly by Carrock I’m Yer Man, Bracklinn Clemmie, achieved £3,400, also selling to Riverwind Stables.

All foals forward in the sale averaged £2,412.22. Yearlings and older ponies averaged £2,418.

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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.

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The prolific Welsh section B Laithehill Flute, who reigned in both the show ring and in the dressage arena, has been put down aged 12 after undergoing surgery to treat a bone infection.

Laithehill Flute began his career under saddle with Chloe Chubb, who rode him to many victories as a novice, also qualifying him for the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

In 2016, Flute won the inaugural mountain and moorland( M&M) junior ridden championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with Kinvara Garner at the helm.

Flute was sold to Emma Hewson and her daughter, Kate, at the end of 2016.

“I first saw him in the summer of 2016,” said Emma. “We were stabled next to Chloe, her mum Lesley and Flute. I remember being blown away by him when I first saw him. He was the pony of our dreams. We got talking to Chloe and we bought Flute at the end of 2016 when Kate had outgrown her Dartmoor pony.”

In their debut season together [2017], Kate and Flute contested first ridden classes, qualifying for the RIHS and standing mini champions at Royal Bath and West. They also began their dressage career, qualifying for the prelim final at the winter dressage championships.

“While Flute was an out and out junior pony — he was always so bright and forward — Kate was so tiny that they began in first ridden classes,” said Emma. “The following year they stepped up to junior classes. While they did really well, winning Royal Bath and West, qualifying for the RIHS and lifting the supreme at The Showing Register summer show, Flute sustained an injury in the collecting ring at New Forest and Hampshire County show, so he was out for the rest of the season. This ended our 2018 campaign, but he came back out the following year as good as ever.”

In 2019, Kate and Flute qualified for both HOYS and the RIHS on their first attempt. Between the white boards, they won the British Dressage (BD) inter-regional championships, represented England on the BD youth home international team at novice level and won the BD novice native championship. They also placed at the RIHS and finished fourth at HOYS.

“The HOYS placing was the icing on the cake,” said Emma. “During the pandemic, Kate started jumping Flute at home. They also started working on their movements at home to step up to elementary level. Whatever we asked of Flute, he did it. He even took a side-saddle; at the National Side Saddle Association championships he won combined jumping and dressage titles, before Kate rode him to be reserve open junior rider of the year.”

2021 was Kate and Flute’s last season together and their swansong outing was at the BD native championships, where they won the silver elementary title.

“He was offered a home abroad but when it came down to it we couldn’t let him go,” said Emma. “We found him the most incredible lease home in the Britton family. They adored him as much as we did, and his little jockey, Elizabeth, was forming the most fantastic partnership with him.

“Flute was a super talented pony who loved a party. He always knew when he’d won and he’d stand proudly out front with a sash on before enjoying his lap of honour. We called him our golden superstar and we were very lucky to have him. What he achieved in his short life was quite extraordinary.”

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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