Rebecca Penny shares her thoughts on new classes and tack rule changes as the new showing season gets underway

Finally, it feels like we are getting a break from the relentless rain, and a new season is fast approaching. With it comes change, some of it a positive step forward, and some of it more contentious. I fully support rules that protect equine welfare, yet not every update inspires confidence.

On the positive side, the increasing popularity of the London International has brought some exciting additions. The two new working sports pony classes are a welcome inclusion. So, too, are the first pony of hunter type and cradle stakes at the Royal International (RIHS) as these classes give our younger riders a fantastic introduction to top-level showing.

I’ve managed to attend a couple of winter shows with some newly broken ponies, and I popped along to an unaffiliated event. It was lovely to see classes with 20-plus entries so early in the year, even though I was supposedly out for a quiet outing for purely educational purposes.

Veteran classes have also been introduced to the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) line-up this year, which is undoubtedly a great addition. However, I’m sure I wouldn’t be the only one disappointed to see these classes restricted to amateur riders.

Amateurs are being given more and more opportunities, which is fantastic. However I still believe HOYS should be a showcase for the best horses in the country, regardless of the owner’s status.

It feels like a real kick in the teeth for competitors who don’t fit into that bracket, particularly owners with older horses or ponies that they no longer wish to compete in open classes, but who they have kept and cared for over many years.

Where is the science?

Some of the National Pony Society’s (NPS) newly adopted tack regulations for 2026 raise serious questions.

Take the blanket ban on the Swedish crank noseband, solely adopted by the NPS. This design is entirely legal under FEI rules and widely used in British Dressage.

The FEI is an organisation that has invested significant time, expertise and financial resource into researching tack, biomechanics and equine welfare, so why has the society taken a different stance? What evidence, consultation, or research underpins this decision?

In-depth studies show a properly fitted crank noseband exerts no more pressure than a cavesson. Issues occur predominantly when it is misused, either by incorrect fitting or over-tightening. The use of the FEI noseband measuring tool to spot check seems to be the approach all other associations have followed.

The fact that the NPS has independently adopted this rule also creates conflict when a HOYS qualifier is held at an NPS show, as HOYS rules take precedence, meaning a crank noseband could be used in that class. How can two conflicting tack rules be applied at the same show?

In the context of navigating a crowded ring on a large breed stallion with 20 or more ponies cantering at speed, mares passing in close proximity and heightened levels of excitement, I can understand why a rider might prefer to use a correctly fitted crank noseband. It is typically padded, and designed to distribute pressure in a more stable way should a pony become unsettled and try to cross his jaw.

In such a scenario, a small adult rider, particularly one riding within the permitted 20% weight ratio, has a better chance of maintaining safety and ensuring an enjoyable experience.

It also seems illogical that these regulations can restrict experienced adult riders where control and safety are critical. Yet in stark contrast, novice M&M first ridden classes allow children as young as six or seven to have more freedom over their bitting choice, even though their balance and ability to maintain consistent contact are still developing.

This inconsistency highlights both practical and safety concerns. Rules should be informed, practical, and evidence-based. Ignoring riding realities and established research risks compromising both rider safety and horse welfare.

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

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events, as well as exclusive insights from top names, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also enjoy reading:

Do you know a cavesson from a Kineton? The complete guide to nosebands

Transparency or a ‘state of limbo’? HOYS returns to 2024 judging format

New series with £1,000 top prize to reward consistent combinations

From STARS to HOYS: 13 show ring opportunities for amateurs in 2026

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

It can be difficult to stay motivated when riding before or after work means tacking up in darkness and your gateways are ankle-deep in mud, so to get you off the sofa and into the saddle, I’ve rounded up the amateur showing classes, championships and finals you can try this year.

Spring shows will soon be kicking off and with a summer season just around the corner, there are plenty of opportunities for amateurs to qualify for prestigious shows. Just remember, before you enter a show, you must make sure that you consult the rules on amateur status, as there are variations between societies.

Amateur showing opportunities 2026

1. SEIB Search For A Star

SEIB’s Search for a Star (SFAS) series is a brilliant stepping stone between grassroots and affiliated competition for both in-hand and ridden competitors. To be eligible to compete at their series of qualifiers and their finals, you have to fit their strict amateur criteria.

If you’re lucky enough to win, then half their championships are hosted at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), and the other half hosted at Your Horse Live. As well as their own shows, the SFAS series has its own team of judges who are all super-experienced in the ring, and will offer showing tips and advice on how to make the best of your exhibit.

For more information, visit seib.co.uk

2. Show Teams And Rising Stars (STARS)

Offering an all-singing, all-dancing glitzy experience, STARS is a favourite on the grassroots and Riding Club showing enthusiast’s calendar. Quite literally thousands of Riding Club members attempt qualification for the November finals held at Aintree Equestrian Centre each year.

For your chance to compete, you’ll need to be a member of one of 60 affiliated riding clubs, and collect points at the relevant shows. As well as competing individually, members can accumulate points for their club’s team, too.

For more information, visit starschampionships.co.uk

3. The Showing Register’s amateur-only HOYS tickets

The Showing Register (TSR) offers unique tickets to HOYS. You can bag a ticket by winning an amateur-only HOYS qualifier at their summer show, or sign up for their amateur league for the chance to make consistency count. Competitors in the league earn points through the season, with winners from each division gaining a golden ticket.

For more information, visit theshowingregister.co.uk

4. TSR Amateur of the Year Championships

TSR’s Amateur of the Year championships, run for the first time in 2025 at Stoneleigh Park, was a resounding success and is set to run again in late November this year. There you’ll find festive fun in abundance, and a HOYS-esque experience for home-produced amateurs only.

For more information, visit theshowingregister.co.uk

5. BSPS Pretty Polly

The British Show Pony Society’s (BSPS) Pretty Polly classes are for home-produced pony exhibitors and are an enduring favourite. The finals are held at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), so they offer a second class for those competing at open level, as well as a chance for younger and less experienced combinations to compete alongside – rather than against – showing greats at one of our most iconic showgrounds.

For more information, visit bsps.com

6. UK P&H Amateur M&M final

Mountain and moorland exhibitors are lucky, because as well as the mixed-breed Pretty Polly final, they also have an amateur final hosted by the UK Ponies & Horses to contend at Hickstead.

For more information, visit ukponies.uk

7. BSHA Amateurs

Similarly, horse exhibitors have a range of amateur classes hosted at the RIHS, and governed by the British Show Horse Association (BSHA). Horses in these classes can be produced, offering riders whose circumstances mean they cannot keep a horse ticking-over themselves to compete against fellow amateurs.

There are, however, prizes for the highest placed home-produced combinations in each of these classes, and new for 2026 is a home-produced championship, where all of the highest placed home-produced horses will be pitted against each other.

For more information, visit bsha.online

8. BSHA Rising Star

Want strictly home-produced horse classes but still want to ride at one of the show season’s biggest events? Look to the BSHA’s range of Rising Star classes at the London International Horse Show (LIHS).

There are a range of classes for different types of horses, including working show horse classes, and Style and Performance classes that are judged entirely on performance with no conformation aspect, hopefully enticing owners of all types over 148cm. One benefit for those dipping a toe in showing for the first time is that there is no requirement for your horse to be ridden by a ride judge.

For more information, visit bsha.online

9. RoR Amateur Ridden Show Series

The Jockey Club’s Retraining of Racehorses have the RoR Amateur Ridden Show Series that culminates in a fabulous championship at the iconic Hickstead Derby Meeting in June. The top three from each qualifier go forwards to the final.

For more information, visit ror.org.uk

10. SSADL finals

If you’re home produced and have a veteran horse or pony, then look at the Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd’s offering. They run finals at both the RIHS and LIHS. Qualifiers are held at their championships and affiliated shows including Royal Windsor Horse Show.

For more information, visit seniorshowinganddressage.co.uk.

11. New VHS championship

The Veteran Horse Society (VHS) have announced that they have a brand new final hosted at HOYS. This newest championship for our treasured veteran horses is open to amateurs only.

For more information, visit veteran-horse-society.co.uk

12. BSPA home-produced championship

For coloured horses and ponies, there is a special championship for the highest placed home-produced exhibit in each of the British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA) classes at the RIHS.

For more information, visit bspaonline.com

13. Your society championships

From the National Pony Society (NPS) to the Coloured Horse And Pony Society (CHAPS) and the Sport Horse Breeding GB (SHB (GB)), your society will play host to a plethora of amateur-only classes and finals at their shows and championships. Usually there are some you’ll need to qualify for beforehand, while others you can enter on the day.

• 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:

Expert tips for building up your show horse’s workload ready for the ring – with useful fitness timeline and warning signs

Catch the judges’ eye – when to clip, trim and hot-oil to create a great first impression in the show ring

A competitor’s guide to the 2026 HOYS showing qualifiers

6 frequently asked showing questions – and the answers you need to help you stand out

Two new performance showing classes added to London International for 2026

10 little-known rules of showing etiquette you need to swot up on before the season

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

With the 2025 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) just around the corner, we catch up with mountain and moorland (M&M) mini and working hunter judge Erik Mackechnie-Guire to find out what he’ll be looking for.

Who is mountain and moorland mini and working hunter judge Erik Mackechnie-Guire?

“During my early years, my involvement in ponies was through a local trekking centre, which kept a mixture of native and native crosses. That’s where I first became interested in the native breeds and at around 16 years old, I had a native of my own for the first time – a Shetland pony,” says Erik.

After finishing school, Erik decided to pursue working in the equestrian world, and trained via the British Horse Society (BHS) system before embarking on his career. A period of working on various good training yards and facilities ensued, including over 20 years as head trainer at Gleneagles.

He has competed to advanced level in dressage, and is an experienced coach who has worked with the British para-equestrian dressage team and as para-equestrian high performance manager with Team Australia.

In May 2019 he was appointed as the BEF’s new pathway manager for para-equestrian dressage, and has since become a Fellow of the BHS.

Erik joined the Highland Pony Society in his teens, and progressed onto the judging panel in his early twenties. His involvement in the breed has continued to this day and he now keeps a small herd of ponies, and breeds under the Dunstaffanage prefix.

As well as the Highland Pony Society’s breed panel, Erik sits on the UK Ponies & Horses (UK P&H), the National Pony Society (NPS) and the British Show Pony Society (BSPS).

He has officiated at many of our major UK fixtures, including at HOYS and at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

What will Erik be looking for at HOYS?

“Overall presentation will be vital to catch the eye” in the mini M&M classes, says Erik, adding: “I tend to see lead rein competitors as three components: first, the pony, then the child on board, and lastly the leader.

“With that in mind, I consider the pony’s type and conformation as well as their way of going. Then the proportions of the pony and the rider – they should compliment each other. The balance of the combination matters.”

What about the handler?

“As long as the pony is handled well and goes well, I am not worried about details such as which hand the handler uses to hold the reins. I’m simply looking for the best pony of breed type and the one that goes the best.

“Manners are everything for a mini pony. This can be a challenge at the likes of HOYS, where you cannot truly train for as there’s no other show like it. But the best ponies will have presence, too. I like to think of showing animals as pans on a stove. They should be simmering, but not boiling over and giddy in the environment.”

What about the conformation phase of the M&M working hunter pony classes?

“Let me be very clear,” he says, “no fat ponies will be getting top marks from me. Ponies should look fit and like they could do a day’s hunting.

“I’ll also be taking into account breed type. Whilst they need to look fit and able to do the job, I’ll still be wanting them to epitomise their breed descriptions.”

Anything else?

“In showing there is a lot of emphasis on what the head and neck and front end are doing, but that’s not where I look first. I look first of all to the engine. If the hind leg is not at least tracking up so the back foot steps in to the print left by the front foot, that will be a negative for me.

“If a pony doesn’t have an engine, it can’t work in any sphere, whether that’s driving, riding, taking a deer off a hill or jumping.”

Any show ring pet hates to be mindful of?

“A pony not going correctly and over-bitting,” says Erik. “For me, horses and ponies are generally amazing, extremely generous animals, so everything in their training should be as simple as possible.”

What makes HOYS so special?

“As a competitor and as a young equestrian, you look up to HOYS as the pinnacle – it’s one of the biggest events in the calendar. So to be asked to judge is a huge honour. When I judged the mountain and moorlands in 2014, I almost considered turning it down. I was in my early forties and felt I still had so much to learn – I still do feel that way – and HOYS is a huge responsibility.

“Competitors will have made a huge investment – both financially and emotionally – to be there. To qualify is fantastic, but to be in the top 10 is amazing, and as a judge, I feel the responsibility to get those ponies right.”

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

“Get yourself into a positive mindset ahead of your class. Do the work and hope your pony will go well. If you head in with a positive attitude you’re more likely to leave with a positive outcome,” says Erik.

“With so much emphasis on HOYS as the pinnacle of the year, it’s easy to forget to enjoy it, so make a conscious effort to; you can’t presume you’ll ever be back again. And remember, the people there with you – your family, friends and entourage – will be pleased for you whether you are first or 10th or don’t make the lineup. The memories you’ll share with those people will be lifelong ones – ensure you leave with good ones which you can look back on fondly.”

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

You may also be interested in:

‘I want everything to look easy and effortless’: meet 2025 HOYS judge David Bennett 

Best showing numnahs for looking the part in the ring

‘Is showing plaited ponies spiralling into decline?’ Stuart Hollings ponders the way forward as M&Ms continue to prosper

Time to shine: how to nail your individual show to dazzle the judges

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

Showing competitors flocked to Scone Palace International Horse Trials (21-24 August) to contend the inaugural Scone Palace native breed and hunter shows. Meet eight stunning showing champions at Scone Palace who battled it out to make history as the first of their types to take a title here…

Eight stunning showing champions at Scone Palace

1. Dukeshill Penny Pincher

Aimee Lock’s Welsh section A Dukeshill Penny Pincher and 10-year-old Olivia Dickson took the overall supreme championship. The pair were open ridden champions en route. Nine-year-old “Spam” was bred by Jo Sheil out of Dukeshill Penny From Heaven by Oldenzijlster Action Man, a Dutch stallion known as Ham who was borrowed by Jo for a season in a stallion swap.

2. Bracklinn Beth

Fell mare Bracklinn Beth lifted the NPS Scotland/Townhead Pet n Pony M&M in-hand final championship en route to the reserve supreme spot. She was exhibited by her breeders, the Smith Family, and handled by Alistair Smith. By Auckside Freddie out of Bracklinn Tess, Beth was supreme champion at the Fell Pony Society breed show just a week prior to her debut at Scone Palace.

3. Mullachbuie MacLaren

Jane McNaught’s lightly-shown dun gelding Mullachbuie MacLaren (Eric) lifted the NPS Scotland/Kilmannan Stud M&M novice ridden championship title. The six-year-old is a son of Glenwestcastle Loch Rannoch and Megaidh of Mullachbuie, and he was bred by Catriona Lackie.

4. Edenagor Ned

Chloe Macdonald’s six-year-old middleweight hunter Edenagor Ned, ridden by James Munro, came out on top in the hunter championship ahead of his teammate, novice victor Jamie’s Future, steered by Russell Skelton, also photographed. Both horses have a Royal Highland hunter championship to their names, the former under saddle and the latter in-hand. They are also both HOYS-bound in October.

5. Mardoug’s Highland Park

Yvonne Pringle riding her own Mardoug’s Highland Park, an eight-year-old gelding by Tillside Topsman out of Pacemuir Marion Morrison, trumped 18 others to claim the Scone Castle ridden Clydesdale final.

6. Rookery Bertie

Aberdeen-based rider Lucy Whiteford, 11, aboard her scopey Welsh Section A Rookery Bertie claimed the 122cm NPS Scotland/Kingfisher Building Products M&M working hunter pony class – and the section championship. Bertie, a son of Uphill James Fox son is home-produced and he provided Lucy with her first-ever HOYS ticket at the Royal Highland Show.

7. Dewley Essence

Chris Grant’s home-bred three-year-old filly Dewley Essence – kept on a conservation grazing site – ran through her card to claim the competitive in-hand Highland pony championship. The daughter of Dewley Esmerelda is a third generation home-bred and is by Chris’ multi-Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) finalist and dual Royal Highland Show champion Dunedin Iolare.

8. Bosley Minns George

Kati Rhodes and Paula Roskell’s impressive 18.1hh nine-year-old Shire stallion Bosley Minns George impressed to take the ridden HOYS heavy horse qualifier. This will be the Acle Charmer son’s first visit to HOYS.

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

You may also be interested in:

‘He was happy all day, with his ears pricked throughout.’: Grand National runner takes showing win at Scone Palace

Stand and deliver to stay top of the line-up – why stillness in the show ring matters more than you think

H&H’s Bethan Simons: ‘Hickstead’s Royal International was as good as showing gets’

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

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

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

Cheryl’s background

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

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

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

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

Cheryl’s judging experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You may also be interested in:

Stand and deliver to stay top of the line-up – why stillness in the show ring matters more than you think

From the diminutive Shetland to the spectacular Welsh cob – meet Royal Windsor’s 2025 M&M champions

Off to jump the RIHS workers at Hickstead? Here’s one expert’s insight into the course and how to train for success

‘These are Irish Draughts, not Valegro – don’t try to make them look like something they’re not’: 2025 Royal International Irish Draught judge on what he’ll be looking for

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

BSPS or BSPA? TSR or SHB? If you’re new to showing, deciding on which society is for you can seem daunting. We’re here to help because knowing which showing society membership you need to ensure that you’re able to compete in the classes you want is important.

Here’s our guide to what some of the biggest showing societies are offering their members this season…

National Pony Society (NPS)

Why join?

If you want to compete in the following HOYS and RIHS qualifiers and respective finals:

• HOYS pony classes (remember both owner and rider need to be a member of a relevant society to compete in HOYS qualifiers)
• NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds M&M WHP RIHS qualifiers – the owner needs to be a member to compete in the qualifying rounds

What do they offer?

There are 18 NPS areas which cover the UK, and most commit to hosting shows throughout the year.

The NPS holds two shows at the Three Counties Showground: the Spring Festival (26 April 2025) hosting a mixture of classes for open and novice ponies, and the Summer Championships (5–7 August 2025) which has an absolute wealth of classes, from fancy dress to HOYS qualifiers as well as finals for all of their championships. There are plenty of classes you can enter on the day at the championships, but if you want to qualify for a final, it’s best to try to crack on early at their area shows. The Great British in-hand show is held in September. You guessed it, the classes are all in hand (14 September at Vale View) but this year is combined with the Autumn Performance Show which hosts the finals of the Anthony Evans Insurance Arena Eventing Challenge.

The NPS runs its own dressage series which is great for anyone used to dressage and wanting to dip a toe in showing, or visa versa. This year’s finals are on 17 May at Bury Farm with finals for all the M&M breeds and riding ponies, at novice and prelim level, plus a team competition and an evening supreme.

The NPS are the custodians of the British Riding Pony Studbook. Members can enjoy reduced passport applications and transfer fees for ponies in the British Riding Pony Studbook.

While we hope you won’t need it, public liability and accident insurance is included in the membership .

What will it cost me?

The cost of a qualifying membership for one person is £89, while a non-qualifying membership costs £69. This membership covers all ponies eligible for the listed qualifying classes. There is a £5 discount for membership applications completed before 31 January.

Find out more at www.nationalponysociety.com

British Show Pony Society (BSPS)

Why join?

If you want to compete in the following HOYS, RIHS and LIHS qualifiers and respective finals:

• HOYS M&M LR, FR and Open Ridden classes
• HOYS Intermediate Show Horse and Show Hunter
• HOYS SP (LR/FR and height sections)
• HOYS SHP
• HOYS LRHT
• HOYS part-bred class
• HOYS plaited and M&M WHP classes
• All RIHS pony classes including SP, SHP, LR, FR, Heritage M & M LR, M & M FR & Ridden, Anglo and Part Bred Arab, Young Dragonara Riders and Pretty Polly finals
• LIHS M&M Supreme Ridden Championship qualifiers and final
• BSPS London International Performance qualifiers and final
• Burghley Gold Cup qualifiers and final

What do they offer?

There are 17 BSPS areas covering England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, each holding at least one show annually, usually with discounted entry fees to Society members. Various areas also regularly arrange clinics for training and points parties.

There are three BSPS Championship shows held at Arena UK, Grantham: the BSPS Winter Championships (3–5 May 2025), the Summer Championships (19-23 August 2025) and the Heritage Championships (27 and 28 September 2025), which is for native ponies.

BSPS offers members the chance to qualify for the Blue Riband Pony of the Year, BSPS Challenge, Showman’s Award, Best of the Best Championship and Champions of Champions Finals held at the Summer Championships.

The BSPS holds the Land Rover Burghley Gold Cup Sports Pony Finals annually, which is a season must for die-hard working hunter pony competitors.

The performance classes and the Heritage Supreme Ridden Championship (for M&Ms) at the London International Horse Show are also hosted by the BSPS, with qualifying opportunities offered at various shows throughout the year.

What will it cost me?

An adult showing membership costs £60. The BSPS also requires separate pony registrations, which costs £38 per animal.

Find out more: www.bsps.com

Northern Counties Pony Association (NCPA) 

What can they offer me?

The NCPA has 10 branches spanning from Cumbria to Shropshire areas, with most holding a number of shows and events during the course of the year where members are offered discounted entry fees.

The NCPA Spring Spectacular will be on 9 March, and Pony of the Year Show will be held on 14 September 2025.

Members are given the opportunity to win a bursary to be used for an equestrian training course at any approved NCPA establishment.

NCPA members can win the Star Rosette at affiliated shows.

What will it cost me?

A single adult membership is £40 per person (£35 online) or family membership is £50 (£45 online) providing children are under 18.

Details on: www.thencpa.co.uk

UK Ponies & Horses (UKPH)

Why join?

If you want to compete in the following qualifiers and respective finals:

• RIHS M&M young riders
• RIHS M&M amateur riders
• Multiple HOYS qualifiers

What can they offer?

The UKHP Spring Classic (15–16 March 2025) is held at Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre, Warwickshire. There is also an autumn show held at Newbold Equestrian Centre (21 September 2025) with London International qualifiers.

What will it cost me?

An annual adult membership is £50 per person. Horse and pony registrations cost £40 per animal. A rider membership costs £40 per person.

Details on: www.ukponieshorses.com

British Show Horse Association (BSHA)

Why join?

If you want to compete in the following HOYS, RIHS and LIHS qualifiers and respective finals:

• HOYS cobs (including maxi cobs)
• HOYS riding horses
• HOYS ridden hunters
• HOYS hacks
• HOYS ladies show horse
• HOYS intermediate show horse
• RIHS open and amateur hacks, cobs (including maxis) and riding horses
• RIHS working show horse
• LIHS Rising Stars amateur classes

What can they offer?

The BSHA holds several shows throughout the year, including the BSHA Northern Spring Show (13 April), BSHA Southern Spring Show (10 May), the BSHA National Championships Show, (11–13 September) and the BSHA Rising Star Show (14 September).

As well as the amateur classes at the RIHS, the BSHA host a series of amateur-only and home-produced ridden finals at London International Horse Show, with qualifiers being held across the season. New for this year are performance-led classes where conformation won’t be considered.

What will it cost me?

BSHA have a variety of options, depending on which classes you wish to enter. Full adult membership is £65, allowing you to do the full range of HOYS and RIHS classes, but hunter only membership is less, at £45, and LIHS Rising Star membership is £30, including a £5 pre-registration fee. There are further discounts offered such as family, junior and life memberships. Horses need to be registered too, and there are various options for you to choose from.

Find out more at britishshowhorse.org

Sports Horse Breeding of GB (SHB(GB))

Why join?

If you want to compete in the following HOYS and RIHS qualifiers and respective finals:

• RIHS ridden hunter qualifiers.
• HOYS ridden hunter and working hunter qualifiers
• All ridden hunter and sport horse classes that are run under SHB (GB) rules.
• Eligibility to compete for the £200 broodmare premiums which are awarded at shows across the country.

What can they offer?

SHB (GB) is the governing body for hunter and sport horse classes which are held at major shows throughout the country.

Grading system for stallions, mares and foals. There is also an annual stallion parade which takes place at Badminton Horse Trials and showcases stallions graded within the society.

The SHB(GB) Spring Show will take place at Addington Equestrian (27 April 2025). The National Hunter Supreme Championship show will take place at Addington Equestrian (12–13 August 2025). A Burghley Young Event Horse qualifier is also held at the National Hunter Supreme Championship Show.

At both shows there are classes that are open to non-members of the society.

What will it cost me?

A membership costs £95 per person per year. But, if you’re new to showing and want to dip a toe in these classes, you can purchase a day ticket for £42. A maximum of two day tickets may be purchased per year, and this entitles competitors to compete at a maximum of two shows in the year, covering owner and rider membership, together with horse registration/overstamp for those shows. But stand warned: if the class is a qualifying class for RIHS, in order for the qualification to be valid, application for full owner/rider membership and horse registration/overstamp must be received in the SHB(GB) office within 14 days.

Details on: www.sporthorsegb.co.uk

The Showing Register (TSR)

Why join?

If you want to compete in the following HOYS qualifiers and respective finals:

• HOYS M&M qualifying classes
• HOYS coloured horse and pony classes
• HOYS plaited pony classes (SP, SHP, LR/FR, INT, PB, WHP)
• HOYS hunter weights, small hunters, working hunter and side-saddle

What can they offer?

TSR run three shows: the Spring Show (26 May 2025) the Premier Amateur Show (6–7 September 2025) and the Eligibility to qualify for the New Amateur of the Year Show, the HOYS Amateur Points League, and Talent Spotting finals in September 2025. Members also get discounted entries at TSR shows and clinics. Added perks include a complimentary Horse of the Year Show evening performance ticket for Sunday 2025, 10% discount on Equibalancer products and 15% discount on Supreme Products items.

What will it cost me?

Entry level membership at £30 for you and £10 for your pony or horse entitles you to compete at all TSR Shows, Talent Spotting finals, qualify for Amateur of the Year and all other non-HOYS benefits. If you want to compete in HOYS classes or enter the Premier Amateur points league, you’ll need full membership at £50 plus £20 for your horse or pony. A package rate of £65 covers one adult, one child and one pony.

Details on: www.theshowingregister.co.uk

British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA)

Why join?

If you want to compete in the following RIHS qualifiers and respective finals:

• RIHS coloured horse and pony classes

What can they offer?

The BSPA has 13 regional areas, which offer support and assistance to members.

Grading system for stallions and mares registered in the society.

The BSPA hosts the Festival of Showing winter championships (TBC) and the BSPA World of Colour Show (TBC) at the same venue.

What will it cost me?

An adult membership costs £60 per person, while a RIHS qualifying card costs £30 per horse/pony.

Details on: bspaonline.com

Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS)

Why join?

If you want to compete in the following qualifiers and respective finals:qualifiers and respective finals:

• HOYS coloured horse and pony series
• CHAPS area and championship shows

What can they offer?

CHAPS UK run several shows and events through the year. The CHAPS summer championship show takes place at Arena UK (14–16 August 2025), and you’ll find sections for everyone, from HOYS qualifiers to in hand and ridden classes for amateur, home produced, novice, open, junior and golden oldies.

CHAPS UK offers grading opportunities for registered stallions and mares.

What will it cost me?

An adult showing membership costs £48 per person.

Details on: www.chapsuk.com

Veteran Horse Society (VHS)

Why join?

If you want to compete a horse or pony, 15-years-old or over, in showing or dressage.

What can they offer?

The VHS championship show takes place at Arena UK (29 August–31 September 2025).

What will it cost me?

A VHS showing membership costs £35 per person. Showing and dressage cards cost between £12.50 and £17.50.

Details on: www.veteran-horse-society.co.uk

Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd (SSADL)

Why join?

If you are a home-produced competitor with a senior horse or pony (aged over 15) and want to show at either RIHS or LIHS.

What can they offer?

Two prestigious finals held at the RIHS and at London International, for both in-hand and ridden show horses and ponies. A national championship show (20–21 September) which is open to all home produced ponies and horses 15 years of age and over. You don’t have to be a member to compete at the championships, but you will need to be a member in advance if you hope to qualify for the RIHS or LIHS finals and the Senior of the Year final. There is also a dressage series and other benefits.

What will it cost me?

For newcomers, showing membership costs £75, but renewal before the end of February is discounted to £70. There are also non-showing options which are cheaper.

Find out more at www.seniorshowinganddressage.co.uk

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

You may also be interested in:

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 multi-talented Exmoor pony has helped his young rider comeback from terrifying riding accident. Toby Johnstone, 14, and Cheritonridge Grenache won their second Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifier at the National Pony Society (NPS) summer championships (6-8 August) at Three Counties Showground.

The home-produced pair added a junior small breeds ticket to an open pass achieved at The Showing Register’s summer show. This was only their second-ever attempt at a HOYS qualifier.

Toby is no stranger to show ring success, having been to HOYS and the Royal International, and winning Royal Windsor, with the family’s Dartmoor Pumphill Fandango. But last December, Toby fell from a pony while at a showjumping training show, lost consciousness and was airlifted to hospital.

It was every parent’s nightmare, as Toby’s mother, Zara Johnstone-Evans, explained: “The pony took a stride out and went through the back pole. Toby went head first onto his face; he was completely knocked out and fitted for around two minutes. It was a category-one call, and he was airlifted to hospital in London. His injuries included two compression fractures on his spine and a bleed on the brain. His body protector saved his life and now he always rides in one.”

Toby took three months off riding and he is still unable to recall the incident.

“He can remember coming into the jump, but nothing after that,” said Zara.

Cheritonridge Grenache — who is known at home as Ashley — is on loan from Kirsty Errington Anderson, who watched her own son, Charlie, qualify for HOYS for the first time on the lead-rein at the NPS summer championships with home-bred Dartmoor Rushfield Jura II.

Ashley’s show ring talents have come as somewhat of a surprise.

“He’s only really done British Showjumping previously and a little bit of showing,” said Zara. “He was recommended to me to get Toby’s confidence back and while he’s older he’s still a novice. He’s even taken Toby around two HOYS workers tracks; they finished second in their first one.”

At the NPS champs, Toby and Ashley were also champions of the novice M&M working hunter pony qualifier, and were fifth in their HOYS worker qualifier.

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

You might also like to read: 

‘She takes anything on’: Connemara ditches the plaits to win second title of the 2024 RIHS

‘Athletic horses without too much middle’: what the 2024 RIHS riding horse judge wants to see

‘I needed to pull it out of the bag’: showman’s first RIHS supreme victory after standout performance

‘He’s some horse’: 19-year-old rider is RIHS pony supreme with young star after final ride-off with teammates

11 reasons why we love to go showing at the Royal International Horse Show

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

Riders are reminded to put equine welfare before everything else, as concerns are raised about “liberal use of oils and gels on ponies’ faces”.

The National Pony Society (NPS), which has previously warned members about other potential welfare issues, has highlighted the risks of applying such products in hot weather.

“The NPS is concerned about the liberal use of oils and gels on ponies’ faces,” the society said.

“In some cases, their use is causing sunburn and peeling of the skin, compromising ponies’ welfare. The skin around ponies’ eyes and muzzles is particularly sensitive, so applying any form of make-up or oil may lead to burning and irritation, especially in hot, sunny weather.”

The NPS added that most mountain and moorland breed society rules state that no make-up is allowed in the show ring.

“We encourage all exhibitors to familiarise themselves with the rules and avoid using oils and make-up, putting the welfare of our ponies at the heart of showing,” the society said.

The NPS has previously issued welfare-related reminders to members; in 2019, it warned members that action could be taken if ponies are travelled excessively to the detriment of their welfare – and that overweight animals are likely to be penalised. In 2022, it encouraged competitors to choose their qualifying circuits carefully with equine welfare as the paramount concern, to ensure ponies were not travelling the length and breadth of the country in pursuit of Horse of the Year Show tickets.

A spokesman for the NPS told H&H this week: “Our recent social media statements and advice have reminded our members about the welfare of their ponies, on a number of different topics.”

You might also be interested in:

Showing competitors warned action could be taken over excess travelling and overweight ponies

Competitors reminded to not chase qualifiers after ‘ponies shown at opposite ends of the country in short time frame’

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 National Pony Society (NPS) has been praised for reiterating the “choose, don’t chase” ethos to its members mid-way through the 2022 show season.

In previous years, the NPS released a statement on social media encouraging competitors to choose their qualifying circuit carefully with their animals’ welfare as the paramount concern, to ensure ponies were not travelling the length and breadth of the country in pursuit of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) tickets.

The society released a similar statement on 4 July, encouraging members to once again “take into account the stress and wear and tear on limbs when too regularly travelling their ponies to shows. Most importantly the younger ones and especially in the high temperatures we have experienced recently.”

The statement comes after one of the busiest periods in the showing calendar, when many HOYS qualifiers are held back to back.

The NPS statement said: “It has been observed that there have been instances of the same ponies being shown at opposite ends of the country within a short time frame and we sincerely ask that our members and others consider this as a welfare issue. The message ‘choose, don’t chase’ still applies.”

Sacha Shaw from the NPS added: “It has been noticed by council members and NPS judges that some ponies are definitely spending lengthy periods travelling within a short space of time. Not only does it have a detrimental effect on young animals’ limbs, but the strain of retaining balance for hours in a moving vehicle is exhausting and can cause muscle problems in any equine.

“We will monitor this as best we can and take action where we are able to. In the meantime we just need to remind members to be aware of the welfare of their ponies.”

Competitors praised the NPS on social media.

“What a fabulous society Well done for pointing out this huge issue,” said one. Another commented: “Totally agree it’s not fair on any pony.”

Other competitors asked if it was time for a rule to be introduced by governing societies to stop ponies being shown in consecutive qualifiers.

You may also be interested in…

Showing competitors warned action could be taken over excess travelling and overweight ponies

Showing societies launch fresh initiatives in reaction to declining British Riding Pony numbers

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

Two leading societies, the National Pony Society (NPS) and the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), have set out to increase support for the British riding pony through a series of new initiatives.

Over the past few years, concern has been raised over the lack of British riding ponies being bred and shown.

“One of the biggest challenges any breed society faces is finding new audiences,” Sacha Shaw from the NPS told H&H. “Earlier this year the NPS secured a showcase spot at the British Breeding stallion event where some of our best dual-purpose British riding pony stallions could be presented to a different mare owners audience.”

In 2021 the NPS offered registered British riding pony stallion owners the chance to present their stallions to a panel of judges from the Trakehner Verband in an unofficial assessment of their suitability to produce sport ponies.

“The scheme will be expanded for 2022 and, post-Covid lockdowns, it is hoped that participants will have the benefit of international assessment,” said Sacha. “Successful participants will gain a sports accreditation within the stud book.”

There will also be six new British riding pony regional breed shows held this year, offering the full complement of nine show pony breeding classes. These are: NPS Area 10 (southwest), NPS Area 20 (southeast), Midland Counties (central), Royal Norfolk (eastern), NPS Area 29 (Wales), NPS Area 4 (northern) and in 2023 these will be joined by the Scottish Horse Show (Scotland).

The BSPS in conjunction with the NPS has also announced a new initiative at the BSPS summer championships to promote the breeding of British riding ponies. In selected classes the highest placed mare will be entered into the Breeders Challenge, the champion of which will wil a stallion premium covering by Llanarth Top Cat sponsored by Jerome Harforth. The reserve champion will receive a £500 stallion premium voucher sponsored by the NPS.

“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with the NPS to promote the breeding of riding ponies, support existing breeders and hopefully encourage new breeders of the future,” said BSPS council member Edward Young.

Anneli Jones, chair of the NPS stud book committee added: “We’re also keen to help riders get a good understanding of how their pony is bred and an appreciation for reputable, responsible breeders is key to this. To this end the NPS has been working with BSPS to identify ways to encourage this. We are pleased that breeders will be invited to showcase their studs at the BSPS summer championship show and the stud book committee is also looking to identify other events to showcase the qualities of the breed”.

Other schemes include the NPS /Derby House British riding pony performance points scheme, which will continue with an emphasis on encouraging grassroots participation in different disciplines, as well as affiliated competitors.

The existing stallion points awards were revamped in 2021 to include a wider range of county and NPS area shows and to take into account results from both the ridden and in-hand sectors. It is hoped that the new scheme will continue to identify stallions throwing successful offspring, and offer a tool to help mare owners with their stallion selections.

A new premium scheme for sires of in-hand show stock was also launched last year, intended to identify successful stallions, including younger stallions beginning to make their mark. Based on results at selected shows across the country in British riding pony breeding classes, six stallions — Alonby Chardonnier, Cusop Julian, Jackets Shades of Blue, Llanarth Aristocat, Rotherwood Spring Storm and Stanley Grange Regal Empire — were awarded premium status in 2021. A stallion that has been awarded three annual premiums (not necessarily concurrently) will be designated a lifetime super premium stallion. This scheme will continue in 2022.

The overall champion and reserve British riding pony broodmares competing at the NPS Summer Championships will be awarded the NPS/Cowance Stud broodmare premium, a cash prize to be offset against the stud fee of any licensed British riding pony stallion participating in the scheme

The Cuddington Stud and NPS British riding pony bursaries for children or young adults competing on British riding ponies will also be continued this year.

Finally, the NPS continues to promote ridden classes for British riding ponies that are open to any age and suitably mounted rider, allowing lightweight adults and older children to continue to enjoy their ponies.

You might also be interested in:

Overweight horses should be placed lower, judges agree

‘25/50 is an average show’: showing judges reminded to use a full range of marks when judging qualifiers

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 National Pony Society (NPS) has amended its ruling on body protectors in working hunter classes ahead of the 2022 show season after discussions with other member societies.

While the society advises all competitors to wear body protectors while jumping, they will not be made mandatory.

The NPS initially announced a 2022 rule change in its November newsletter, stating that body protectors were to become mandatory in all working hunter pony classes, following the move of the British Show Pony Society, which made body protectors compulsory during the 2020 season and beyond.

Many adult competitors who ride in NPS classes were dismayed at the rule, resulting in online debates and petitions on the right to jump with or without the protection.

A discussion over the ruling was conducted by the NPS with the Showing Council, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS). 

A spokesman for the NPS said: “The competitions committee received feedback from a number of members asking them to review the original decision to make them mandatory in 2022. As a result there was a further discussion at the HOYS rules meeting, and with RIHS and with other member bodies of the Showing Council and the wording has been changed for 2022.”

The ruling for 2022 will be as follows:

“The NPS strongly recommends body protectors are worn in all NPS jumping competitions especially over fixed obstacles.”

All members have been notified in the latest newsletter and the full rulebook will be sent out in their membership packs in the new year.

You might also be interested in:

‘It could save my life but I won’t wear it’: rider speaks out on body protector stigma

“I was very lucky; I was on a ward with people who weren’t so lucky and that’s why I’m passionate

Debate over body protectors for working hunter classes *H&H Plus*

5 reasons why a subscription to HorseandHound.co.uk makes the perfect last-minute gift

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

A showing rider whose pony tested positive for traces of phenylbutazone and oxyphenbutazone at the National Pony Society (NPS) summer championships has urged others to be “vigilant” and put “processes in place to ensure small mistakes don’t happen”.

Further to the NPS council’s decision to undertake drug testing at the 2021 championship show, five separate animals were randomly selected for testing.

A sample taken from Ashley Bird’s Welsh section D Gwerniago Gethin — a double Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Royal International Horse Show winner in working hunter ranks — showed the presence of banned substances phenylbutazone and oxyphenbutazone.

At a meeting of the NPS disciplinary panel on Monday 20 September, Ashley was suspended from membership of the NPS until 25 August 2022.

Gwerniago Gethin, who won the not exceeding 143cm mountain and moorland working hunter HOYS qualifier, was disqualified from his placings there and the owner was required to pay the dope-testing fee of £1,446, reimbursement of prize money of £40 and the penalty fine of £1,000.

Ashley, a full-time hairdresser, told H&H “Derek”, who usually qualifies for HOYS early in the season, was required to enter one of the last qualifiers at the NPS summer championship as he had missed his ticket on earlier attempts.

“With this in mind, I cancelled my clients for the dates of the championships and worked late a few nights to compensate,” she said.

“I have a yard of 24 ponies and I felt it unfair to expect my partner to do them all while I was at work, so I asked family members and friends to come and help him. I have a laminitic mare on the yard who is on bute to ease her symptoms, and I believe the feeds must have been accidentally switched, or there must have been residue in the bucket leading to cross contamination.

“I am fully aware of the NPS rules regarding substances and the testing which goes on at the show, so I wouldn’t have made the four-hour drive to Malvern knowing that he had been fed bute and could be subject to testing.”

Ashley said when Derek was pulled in for testing, her partner took him in while she went to get another pony ready for the next class.

“I do wish I’d received the results earlier as promised and could have been told the levels of bute in his system, as I could have conferred with my own vet and worked out when exactly the cross-contamination had happened,” she said.

“I take the situation very seriously and completely understand that doping rules should be strict. Horse welfare is a massive part of what I do. I’ve been showing for years and this has never happened before, but we now have processes in place on the yard so this won’t happen again.

“I want to urge people to be aware that a small mistake can turn into something quite tragic.”

You might also be interested in:

Mistakes rather than foul play cause most positive drugs tests *H&H Plus*

Owner’s ‘devastation’ as RIHS champion disqualified for failed dope test

The supreme champion will miss HOYS as a result of the dope test, which his owner says was due to

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

A top in-hand pony enjoys one last centre-line moment during the evening performance supreme at the National Pony Society (NPS) Great British In-Hand Show at Kelsall Hill EC in Cheshire

IT was a momentous day for the world of in-hand showing, as the prolific Welsh section B stallion Paddock Rio bowed out from the show ring after clinching the supreme pony/horse of the year accolade at the inaugural Great British In-Hand Show, hosted by the National Pony Society (NPS).

Owned by Lynne Wilson of the Walseker Stud, Rio – who was shown as usual by his producer Colin Tibbey – was presented with his flower sash and it was announced that he would be retiring to stud. Lynn and the rest of the Walseker team, including her sister Sheila Knight and nieces Rachel Buckley and Rebecca Knight, were there to watch.

“He’s done everything he’s needed to do,” said Rebecca. “He’s 11 now and stallions can live quite a lonely life, especially when they’re showing, so he’ll now enjoy time running out with his mares.”

Rio has appeared in-hand at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) three times.

“Rio first went to Colin when he was a yearling and he’s been home several times to cover,” Rebecca added.

“He has something you can’t teach. He’s a showman and while he’s only 12.3hh, he grows as soon as he comes into the ring and loves his job. His flare comes from the Paddock bloodlines; his sire Eyarth Rio was also a big winner.”

During the Welsh section B breeding championship, Rio’s two-year-old son Walseker Roca Roja took reserve.

“We have Rio’s other son, Walseker Colorado, too, so it’s time for the other boys to move up and take over,” Rebecca said. “It was an emotional day, but we knew it was the right time.”

Another member of the Team Tibbey yard clinched second reserve, in the form of Welsh section A Thistledown Becky Downie. The grey filly was a class winner and section reserve at both the NPS summer championships and the Great Yorkshire, and was youngstock supreme at Tudor Rose and South Yorkshire Welsh Pony and Cob Society shows.

Reserve for the supreme was David Hodge and Julian Walters’ nine-year-old Dartmoor stallion Shilstone Rocks Rain Man. The breeders also took the Shetland honours with the home-bred Sharptor Silver Skyline.

THE home-produced title was awarded to Alice Bennett leading her mother Clare Highnam’s Strinesdale Matador nine-year-old, Moluccas Sumac Serenade (Suzy). The lovely dun broodmare headed a mammoth championship and the title was a fitting end to a successful season. Suzy was bought by Clare of the Hightopps stud as a yearling.

“I’d always wanted a dun broodmare to bring some colour into the riding pony lines,” said Clare, of the mare who has bred four foals to date and was shown here with her Wycroft Apollo colt foal at foot, who also won his class.

Suzy’s 2021 tally includes home-produced riding pony breeding championships at both the NPS summer championships and Midland Counties.

“She’s had her best season to date,” added quality assurance manager Clare. “We show as a family. We all work full-time, but every hour we’re not working we’re with the ponies.”

Ian Graham’s home-bred three-year-old Exmoor filly Kebroyd Darini, by Barhill Danny out of Kebroyd Cleopatra, took the supreme owner/breeder title.

The British riding pony show pony semi-final championship went to Mandy Godden and Jennifer Newnham’s Moor Hall Peter Pan. The stallion’s show record includes riding pony championships at the Great Yorkshire, NPS summer championships, Bath and West and Bucks County.

• This exclusive report will also be available in H&H magazine, on sale Thursday 30 September

You may also be interested in:

Choose your favourite champion: 17 winners from the 2021 BSHA national championships you need to see

Road to HOYS: Rider and her home-produced mare overcome freak collecting ring accident to qualify after a three year hiatus

‘I qualified on a second at Lincoln County’: top showman Robert Walker on his first ride at HOYS aged 16

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

A future show hunter pony lands the Price Family in-hand breeders’ supreme championship, and a small hack dazzles at Three Counties Showground in Worcestershire, reports Rebecca Haywood

IN-HAND supremo Ian Boylan returned to the Malvern setting to clinch the Price Family supreme in-hand championship at the National Pony Society (NPS) Summer Championships, a title he also won here in 2019. Roseberry Great Expectations, a three-year-old gelding, was one of the many to contest this final after winning the sports pony championship.

Produced and handled by an elated Ian, Great Expectations is by Ian’s own stallion Alonby Chardonnier and was bred by Susie Hinchliffe of the Roseberry Stud.

“It’s a very emotional win for us all as Susie has been unwell and wasn’t able to be here,” said Ian, who explained Susie’s daughter Tammy once won Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with his dam Roseberry Serendipity.

“Now, it’s hoped he’ll go on under saddle with Tammy’s daughter Chloe as a 153cm show hunter pony,” added Ian. “This is his sire’s first baby so it’s very special. He’s just the kindest pony.”

Cadlanvalley Golden Voyager stood reserve for home producer Chris Piper. The Welsh section B champion was bought from breeder Yvonne Davies as a foal.

“We reserved him at a day old as we knew he was something special,” said Chris of the Cadlanvalley Georgie Boy two-year-old. “He was a bronze medal winner as a foal, but we didn’t get to show him much as a yearling due to Covid. To take reserve here was totally unexpected.”

Bred to event but excelling at NPS summer championships

A TWO-YEAR-OLD chestnut filly went through the card to land the Ottergayle supreme in-hand title. Charlotte Sometimes won the in-hand riding horse title and later went head-to-head with the hack winners to top the overall supreme in-hand hack/riding horse championship. Led by Marina Greenaway, Charlotte won the top in-hand accolade for owner Donna Bamonte.

“A friend of mine bought her dam, who was in foal at the time, from a dispersal sale at Carolyn Bates’ Grafham Stud,” said Donna, who ended up purchasing the foal in utero. The filly is a daughter of A Moment In Time who is by Wish Upon A Star and also a granddaughter of Jumbo.

“She’s bred to event but my plan is to do side-saddle with her,” added Donna.

Tyan Ma’Lady, a former HOYS in-hand supreme winner here, headed the Ringside Stud mountain and moorland (M&M) open ridden championship.

“It’s been a very lucky show for us this week,” said rider Sue Deakin.

The 11-year-old Connemara mare also won the HOYS M&M junior large breeds qualifier with Annabel Drake as well as finishing reserve champion in the open Shearwater championship.

Owner Janine Sehne bought Tara, as she’s known at home, as a three-year-old and plans to put her in foal next year.

“I’ve not yet decided which stallion to put her to, but it will definitely be a Connemara,” said Janine.

The HOYS M&M ridden qualifiers saw huge entries throughout the breed sections, but it was the Highland winner Lochlands Gypsy Baron who took the overall championship, partnered by Tracey Milward.

“It’s taken us a bit longer to qualify this year, but he’s done a lot of winning in the past,” admitted Tracey, who combines showing with being

a GB Masters sprinter.

“I train five days a week on the track as well as riding. We’ve been to HOYS three times before so it’s great to now get his seat on the HOYS bus again.”

Reserve went to our own H&H showing editor Alex Robinson and her Fell champion Banksgate Oh Boy.

“It’s only taken me 26 years, but I can finally say I’ve qualified a pony for HOYS,” said Alex.

“My champion did the most beautiful show which was fluent and accurate,” said judge Fiona Leadbitter, who came in to judge the championship. “He went true to his breed type and had a lot of presence. My reserve champion also went with purpose and was a joy to watch.”

Heading to HOYS

A NEW partnership of 10-year-old Poppy Canton and Tyntyla Gwyndaf is proving successful in M&M working hunter pony ranks. The pair won the HOYS 133cm division and took the championship after producing one of three clear rounds.

The Canton family have Gwyndaf on loan from Nicole Bowen and he has been with them since September last year.

“This is Poppy’s first year doing working hunter pony qualifiers and they have had a fantastic start,’ said Poppy’s mother Kate, who has watched the pair finish second at Lincoln and Stoneleigh and third at North of England.

“It was a really technical course at Malvern with the rain making the ground very slippery. The smile on her face when she went clear was amazing. My sister’s pony has also qualified for the same class at HOYS so to be there altogether will make the experience all the more special.”

Poppy and Gwyndaf had a great show, also winning the junior M&M working hunter pony final.

Just for fun

KATEY SAGGERS and her own Whalton Razzle Dazzle put on a tremendous performance to win the Assendons area final freestyle to music championship.

“I love to bring her for a bit of fun,” said Katey, who makes rosettes and sashes from her home in Cornwall and who shows the eight-year-old in large hack classes. “I had my show planned out for a 20×30 arena, as that’s how they did it last year, so when they said we had the whole arena I had to completely improvise.

“I’d not ridden her since Royal International [RIHS] as I was so busy making sashes, but Razzle thrives on a big atmosphere so it’s one of my favourite classes to do. She just rose to the occasion. There are not many horses I’d trust to drop my reins completely in this atmosphere but she never lets me down.”

Griseburn Lester and Aimee Devane claimed the Picton novice M&M championship. The five-year-old Dales is owned by Gill Simpson and went to Aimee to be produced at the beginning of the season, but has since been partnered by Gill’s daughter in law Jessica Mott, who qualified him for the final.

“Jessica wasn’t able to ride him here so Aimee stepped in,” said Gill, who bought Lester from his breeder Helen Horn as a two-year-old.

Reserve went to Steph Peto and Loughmore Rebel, a five-year-old Connemara stallion by Brocklodge Buster.

“He qualified for HOYS first time out and was eighth at RIHS,” said Steph, who found him as a two-year-old. “He’s a lovely boy – I had to wake him up from his slumber tonight as he was fast asleep.”

Double delight for breeder at NPS summer championships

Breeder Mandy Burchell-Small was at the showground to witness her Rowfantina ponies do a double-whammy in the HOYS mini M&M championship.

It was the top two first ridden ponies, Rowfantina Double Dutch (Poppy Baxter-Davies) and Rowfantina Our Vintage piloted by Jessie Barleycorn who triumphed.

“Both these ponies did fantastic shows, were well behaved and had lovely manners,” said judge Barbara McGrath.

“Both the lead-rein and the first ridden had to be split as we had so many forward,” said co-judge Gillian McMurray. “We had some very nice ponies and some very tired children.”

Rowfantina Double Dutch, owned by Holly Levett, won the 2019 lead-rein pony of hunter type final at the RIHS and this was his first time contesting a HOYS first ridden qualifier.

“I grew him out over the winter to see how he would do as an M&M,” said Holly, who bought “Bob” as a three-year-old.

“He does everything at home and is the easiest pony to have around,” added Holly, who also watched her son Henry, eight, win the tiny tots first ridden as well. “He’s a really happy pony and is a credit to Mandy’s breeding – he’s Bob by name and Bob by nature.”

Julie Templeton led Woodend Marigold and Millie Hollis to win a 31-strong M&M lead-rein qualifier.

Chloe Owen and Llanarth Windsor won the plaited HOYS working hunter pony title. The 11-year-old grey gelding was bought from the Sidaway family, who were there to watch while also gaining a ticket in the intermediate division.

“I bought him unseen from a picture as my daughter had broken her arm so we couldn’t go to try him,” said Chloe’s mother Charlotte. “I spoke to his breeder Simon Bigley and he said, ‘Go for it.’”

The family run a dairy farm in Pembrokeshire and just missed out on a ticket in the M&M 122cm working hunter pony section with Sarum Phoenix.

“We hunt with the Pembrokeshire so they’re not wrapped up in cotton wool. They are ponies that are used as ponies and not just for the show ring,” added Charlotte.

“We can’t wait for October”

ANNIE THOMAS gained her first HOYS ticket in the M&M junior small breeds qualifier. Riding her mother Rachael’s Ysselhofs Hallmark, it was an emotional win for all the family.

“They did the most amazing show and I was beaming with pride,” said Rachael, who found the eight-year-old grey gelding, by Heniarth Quinell, on a social media page in May 2019. “Within an hour I’d placed a deposit on him, I just knew he had to be ours.

“He was a real novice, but from day one Annie adored him and kept telling me they would get to HOYS. The end of the 2019 season saw them progress enough to try the last few HOYS first ridden qualifiers and to our delight they were placed in all of them.

“Last year during lockdown they had so much fun hacking, bareback riding and jumping – further cementing their partnership.”

The plan to qualify for the RIHS didn’t happen due to missing some of the qualifiers as Annie’s father injured his back, but the pair won a championship at the NPS spring festival.

“When the results were announced here I dropped to my knees and I could see Annie crying,” added Rachael. “This moment will stay with us for the rest of our lives. She’s done it with her absolute best friend, the pony that means the absolute world to us all. We can’t wait for October and whatever the result we feel so privileged to be going to HOYS.”

You might also be interested in:

Tales from Hickstead: ‘sheer determination and hard work’ takes A-level student to dream final

Tales from Hickstead: from beginner to Royal International rider in just two years

Tales from Hickstead: Veteran pony returns to Royal International against the odds

Tales from Hickstead: Closed borders are no barrier for Royal International working hunter pony

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 National Pony Society (NPS) is launching a new in-hand show at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre in Cheshire on 18-19 September.

The Great British In Hand Show has been developed in response to a “demand from competitors for a special event celebrating the very best of our native pony breeds and British riding pony, as well as hacks and riding horses”.

“Kelsall Hill is a fabulous new venue for showing and has just undergone a massive expansion and refurbishment programme,” said a spokesperson from the NPS. “Hosting this new show at a new venue will add an extra layer of interest as competitors discover the new facilities including a huge, beautifully finished indoor arena that will host the evening performance. Sponsors and spectators will be able to take advantage of a ringside dining option allowing them to get up close to the action.

“No matter if you are a producer with a large string or have one pony you produce from home, there are championships to give everyone a chance to shine in the spotlight. The evening performance will also crown a champion home-produced pony and a champion owner-bred pony.”

The main event will be the NPS supreme in-hand pony of the year. Ponies qualify for this evening championship by either coming through the breed classes during the day or by winning their semi-final. The semi-finals are open to ponies that have won an NPS silver medal during the 2021 season or who were breed champions at the 2021 NPS summer championship show.

Continues below…

Who’s on washing duties? Previous Olympia champion revels in mud during his pre-season holiday

“His incredible temperament makes it easy for him to switch from covering stallion to show pony...”

27 stunning show ring moments H&H captured during the 2019 show season

Throwing it back to sunnier times...

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

On the second day, the first NPS arena eventing challenge finals will take place. These finals will combine an assessment of paces, jumping ability and suitability to event. Both British riding ponies and native breeds are eligible.

Qualifying rounds will be held around the country at NPS area shows, existing arena eventing venues and at international three-day events.

In addition there will be qualifying rounds held for the 2022 summer championships in a variety of working hunter pony sections.

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 to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens 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

A Welsh section B pony was crowned 2020 National Pony Society (NPS) dressage supreme champion.

Hannah Iddeson’s nine-year-old gelding Mynach Party Fun (Basil) trotted to victory with a score of 80.56%, just under 5% clear of his nearest rival.

The championships were due to take place in April but were re-arranged so they took place in early November at Bury Farm.

Sports massage therapist Hannah has owned Basil for five years.

“Basil had qualified for both the prelim and novice finals,” said Hannah. “Our main aim was to win a class and qualify for the overall supreme to music in the evening performance.

“Basil stood second in the prelim and while I was pleased I was also a bit gutted as I wanted to qualify for the evening. Our second class was outside and the weather was awful, though he went really well and won.”

The pair only started their dressage journey this year and have qualifed for both the Quest regionals and the PetPlan Equine area finals.

In the supreme, Hannah and Basil performed a freestyle test to a Lion King medley.

“We’d not really been able to practise as I only got my music a few days before,” continued Hannah. “Basil really picked up to the music and performed so in my eyes we’d already won. For the presentation we had to enter the arena in separate groups; we were called in the last group which was the final six.”

“The numbers were called, when we got to third I though it must be me but the commentator kept going and we were crowned supreme champions. I was crying like a baby.”

Continues below…

6 things only owners of Welsh ponies will understand

Much-loved first pony back with former owner after riding school reunion

“I can’t believe he’s come back to me. He’s with me for ever now”

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

NPS dressage championship results

1st Mynach Party Fun (Hannah Iddeson) – 80.56%

2nd Gwithian Percival (Sophia Longworth) — 76.67%

3rd Pentrefelin Sorento (Lewene Hidderley) — 72.78%

4th Henry Blue of Moorby (Debbie Boylan-White) — 71.11%

5th Talponciau Last Symphony (Zara Baker-Tuck) — 67.78%

6th Dunedin Maurice (Elizabeth Etchells) — 66.67%

7th Hollybrook Annie II (Francesca Webb) — 65.56%

8th Cascob Locomotion (Elizabeth Willetts) — 59.44%

9th Penyghent Cosmic Comet (Melanie Taylor) — 57.78%

10th Fritham Quizzical (Ella Conway) — 55.56%

11th Woodend Troy (Molly Webb) — 51.11%

12th Cottrell Riverdance (Millie Bowles) — 45.56%

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 to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens 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 wild, stormy weather of late makes the summer show season feel like a lifetime away. So H&H is throwing it back to sunnier times when the horses were hairless and shiny and our showfields weren’t underwater.

Here are 27 beautiful moments H&H’s epic photographers captured from shows up and down the country in 2019…

Leading show man Simon Reynolds enjoys his lap of honour on the striking and beautifully balanced grey cob Copenhagen after taking the championship spoils at Lincolnshire county show.

The Wood family’s yearling colt Malus LVP Z is intrigued by the trophy he was awarded at the National Hunter championships, where he picked up his first Cuddy in-hand ticket.

Megan Hewitt salutes and smiles to the judges after a cracking show on multi-garlanded traditional pony Billy King Of The North.

The intermediate show hunter Noble Kings Speech is on the aids of Charlotte Elliott-Grooby as the pair go for the gallop en-route to the intermediate champions of champions title at the BSPS summer championships.

Brightwells Welsh section B in-hand champion Moelview Moonstruck displays elegance and quality as he poses beneath the backdrop of the Malvern Hills at Three Counties Showground.

Spectators arrive in their masses to watch the parade of champions at the annual Dublin Horse Show. Pictured is the Irish Draught champion, Marian Ryan and Kieran Smith’s Stormy Diamond Lady, ridden by Sean Tipperary.

Prolific mini pony Ravara Mr Todd looks after his jockey Milly Gilbert.

Flying Exmoor stallion Barhill Danny puts a smile on Gail Whetter’s face as he jumps clear, bags a HOYS ticket and the section championship at NPS Area 4.

Langaller Tarak (Kieran Baslington) appears to be enjoying every minute of his supreme performance at the CHAPS championships.

Who said ‘hairies’ can’t gallop? Southerton Jasper shows off his paces at Derbyshire Festival, where he picked up his first ticket to HOYS with his producer Jessica Talbot at the helm.

Ross Keys plants a kiss on the 2019 Royal Norfolk show Cuddy in-hand qualifier Ellister Islay Spruce, who is owned by Julie Barton.

The connections of the RIHS supreme coloured Springpond On The Razzle embrace the horse and his rider Sofia Scott after their victory.

Star of the future and Royal Highland show supreme hunter winner Under Attack works the camera as he appears to have spotted something interesting in the distance.

The Tyler family’s gorgeous Dartmoor mare Springwater Anna tops one of the strongest Cuddy qualifiers of the year at the Great Yorkshire show.

Jerome Harforth’s part-bred Arab Swan Lake — undoubtably one to watch — floats along at Midland Counties, where she took reserve in the Cuddy qualifier.

Talia Aristidou awaits the novice M&M championship results at Cheshire County Show with Thistledown El Toro, before being called out as winners.

Robert Walker lets Jill Day’s legendary lightweight View Point go in front of the Royal box at Windsor before lifting the hunter accolade.

Allister Hood looks proudly at Caroline Tyrell’s Carlsberg cob Our Cashel Blue, who clinched the supreme horse title at the RIHS.

Chloe Lemieux punches the air on her lap of honour after taking the supreme pony of the year sash at HOYS with Coco Bongo — the first working hunter pony to claim the title.

Riding horse contender Royal Illusion and Jordan Cook never miss a beat as they trot off with a host of title — including a supreme — at the BSHA National championship.

Mia Donaldson can’t believe it as she and 133cm Barfield Jackpot are called out as the supreme show hunter pony of the year at the BSPS summer championships.

Working hunter campaigner Rob (Harry Gaunt) looks in the game at Suffolk Show, where he scooped his section title.

Verity Murray and Gems Hobo celebrate taking the novice Heritage M&M working hunter honours at the BSPS winter championships with a storming gallop.

Despite all they’ve won together Emily Proud is still over the moon to win at the National championships aboard the Phillips’ ultra-consistent cob Randalstown Top Notch.

Course builder David Cole is papped making fun and challenging tracks for the competitors at the BSPS winter championships held at Arena UK.

Big-winning gelding Cotebrook Ben Alder is shown off in all his glory at the National Shire Show

Gamlingay Love In A Mist (Elma Cunningham) is crowned donkey champion at the Royal Highland Show, winning one of the famous blue Royal Bank of Scotland sashes.

Alicia Houlihan is in perfect step with her own Tina, who catches the eye in the SSADL championship at Hambleton.

Would you like to read Horse & Hound’s independent journalism without any adverts? Join Horse & Hound Plus today and you can read all articles on HorseandHound.co.uk completely ad-free

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

Heading out with a novice pony this year? Check out these 9 potential super stars you could be standing next to in the line-up.

Which combinations do you think will take the show scene by storm?

1. Bluehaven Rock Goddess

Victoria Costello’s six-year-old home-bred Welsh section C mare will be entering her first ridden proper show season with producer Lauren Beaumont.

“Bambi, as she is known at home, has had a successful in-hand career up until she was a three-year-old winning multiple bronze and silver medals,” says Victoria. “She competed lightly under saddle last year and she will be produced by Lauren for the foreseeable future. As her breeders, myself and my parents are very much looking forward to watching her out under saddle.”

2. Lindeth Whistleblower

Sam Bently, age 12, will be making his debut with his novice five-year-old 14hh show hunter pony.

“Sam has won the Royal International (RIHS) twice and is looking forward to getting his new pony out this year,” says Sam’s mum Nicola. “They are coming along much quicker than we anticipated which is credit to his producer, Charley Baxter, and also the temperament of the pony.”

3. Moin na Guise Paddy

Despite being 10, the scopey Connemara will be hitting the working hunter circuit for the first time during 2020. Ridden by 14-year-old Soffia Cynwyl, Paddy has had two double clears in the British novice show jumping classes and has qualified for the NSEA Arena Eventing Championship representing Cardigan secondary school.

“Paddy is a real character and makes us laugh,” says Soffia’s mum Anwen Francis.

4. Loughmore Rebel

The four-year-old class one Connemara stallion owned by Steph Peto is set to have a bright future under saddle. He had multiple successes in-hand as a three-year-old including taking reserve supreme at the Connemara breed show and youngstock supreme at NCPA Pony of the Year show.

“We are extremely excited to get him out under saddle this year,” enthuses Steph.

5. Redshaw Romeo

Phil Creighton and team will be producing the four-year-old intermediate show hunter for owner and rider Hazel Noble.

“He has been a winner in-hand and has been now been broken,” explains Phil. “He is a wonderful young horse and is going amazingly.”

6. Glenkyle Swallow

Kelsey Walker’s novice four-year-old Connemara will be making a ridden debut with Emma Boardman who is currently breaking the mare.

“We bought her as a three-year-old old from Jackie Parry,” said Kelsey. “Swallow was very lightly shown in-hand last year with great success being supreme in-hand NCPA Northern Spectacular.”

7. Gigman Babylonian

Alicia Thomas will be riding her own Palomino Welsh section B in novice small breeds ranks this term.

“I’ve waited so long for a palomino section B to come along so this is a very exciting season for me,” says Alicia. “He attended his first show and started off his season just how we wanted, with a win.”

8. Brandreth Just Fine

Ferdi — as he is known at home — was bought by Sue Plevin as a suprise for her daughter Emily’s 21st birthday. The five-year-old by Fortino will contest a handful of novice intermediate show riding type classes.

“We really think a lot of him and are very excited to bring him out this season,” says Steven Hulston of the Cuddington Stud, who will be producing him this year.

9. Shilstone Rocks River Dart

After the retirement of her big winner Shilstone Rocks North Westerly, Chloe Chubb has a new Dartmoor stallion from the same stud waiting in the wings.

“I have him on loan as they want him back to breed from eventually but the plan is to get him out under saddle in 2020,” says Chloe. “He is by Shilstone Rocks Snow Goose who I rode at HOYS to be fourth many years ago. He is a scopey Dartmoor with a good amount of limb. He is very laid back about it all and if he can do half as well as his dad and Windy, I’ll be happy.”

Would you like to read Horse & Hound’s independent journalism without any adverts? Join Horse & Hound Plus today and you can read all articles on HorseandHound.co.uk completely ad-free

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’ve decided your horse or pony is destined for a career under the bright lights of the show ring, but you’re completely new to the discipline — or competitions in general — you’ve got an exciting yet challenging road ahead.

Here are 12 things you should do before you head to your first show this season:

1. Decide what class you’re going in

Not sure what weight your hunter is? Not sure if you’re horse is a novice or an open? Tackle this by studying rule books, reading society descriptions, getting out to shows on foot and speaking to professionals, who are usually more than happy to share their tips.

2. Join the right societies

There are several showing societies on offer. Ensure you pick the right one here.

3. Get your horse show fit

He’s not meant to look like he’s running in the Grand National, but he’s also not meant to look like he’s spent a bit too long enjoying that lush summer grass. Fit not fat is the key. Overly porky horses are usually penalised.

4. Practice a go-round

Cantering around with 30 other horses in a grass arena with potentially hundreds of spectators is a scary prospect for any novice rider, let alone a novice horse. If your horse is completely new to the ring, recruit some buddies to help you out at home. Practice riding past each other in all paces. If you’re required to gallop on the go-round, make sure your horse knows when to give it his all (and when to stop)!

5. Attend some showing clinics

The show scene usually has loads of clinics held by well-respected riders and trainers up and down the country throughout winter and spring. Heading out to a clinic held specifically by a showing expert can give you some extra insight into the performance requirements you will need on show day. It pays to get ahead.

6. Service your lorry

You’ll be clocking up some serious miles on your trips to shows, especially if you live in the north.

7. Invest in a statement jacket

Of course, the judge will (or should) be looking at your horse when you’re performing in the ring, but ensuring the rider looks the part can make a huge difference to the overall picture. Make sure you stand out for the crowd by picking a unique yet traditional tweed or competition jacket you maybe haven’t seen before. Also, make sure you’ve got the correct jodhpurs and boots.

8. Get your horse some decent pre-show gear

Even if you’re lucky enough to own a bay or black horse with minimal mane and feather, you’re wise to invest in some clothing that your horse only wears the night before an outing. A lyrca bodysuit can turn a clean coat into a gleaming coat and some leg wraps can help stop hay and shavings sticking to wet legs. And if your horse is grey, good luck to you…

9. Find a groom

Or several. Bribe friends to come and help you on show day with the promise of a free picnic and maybe some bubbles.

10. Keep an eye on closing dates

It’s all well and good starting out the new year with a diary packed with summer show dates, but if you miss the sometimes very early entry closing dates, you won’t be attending any of them. Most county shows have serious amounts of admin to get through so expect entries to shut about three or four months prior to the actual day of the show. Make planning a prerogative!

11. Know your judges

If you’re a complete newbie, it can be difficult to know who likes and dislikes your horse. Speak to others who have shown under a certain judge to see if you can gauge what they like to see and what pet hates they might have. Remember that even if a judge might not like a certain ‘type’ of animal, nailing your performance on the day could really boost your placing.

12. Don’t get discouraged

It can take a while to learn the ropes and get with the show ring programme. But stay positive — everyone has to start somewhere.

You might also be interested in:

Early starts and plenty of planning: 7 horsey life hacks for home-produced riders

It appears organisation is a key trait shared between these super home-producers...

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

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

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

Which one of these 9 working hunter horses and ponies would you most like to take home?

1. Red Why Salute

Danny Carroll rode his own 2017 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) winner to pick up the first ticket of 2018 at Sports Horse Breeding (GB) in April. The pair were also victorious around a testing track at the Great Yorkshire Show.

2. Cashel Bay JJ

The 16-year-old Connemara needs no introduction, having won both HOYS and the Royal International (RIHS) with the Eddis family. The multi-garlanded 153cm competes in both native and plaited worker ranks and was crowned supreme working hunter pony at Hickstead in July and was also a winner at the BSPS winter championships.

3. Birchmoor Drover

Pam Brown rode Elaine Tomlinson’s plucky Shetland to win the 122cm RIHS qualifier and stand section reserve at the NPS Spring Festival held at Vale View.

4. Allandy Gold Spark

This gorgeous coloured topped the 143cm section of the Desert Orchid Blue Riband final at the BSPS summer championships with Madeline Plumb. The duo also won their section of the Burghley Gold Cup final and qualified for HOYS.

5. Kenlis Carrera

Barbie, as she is known at home, was crowned working hunter champion at the 2018 Royal Windsor Horse Show with Rory Gilsenan at the helm. Owned by Christian Kwek, the lightweight was also Blue Chip supreme ridden champion at the Irish Draught breed show, proving her versatility.

6. Killaughey Golden Cascade

This scopey 13 hander is pictured landing the HOYS working hunter pony championship at Kent with Izzy Stanley, who also rode the mare to be eighth in the final despite only being a novice.

7. Lislan Defi

Eleanor Hirst qualified this then 10-year-old liver chestnut gelding to pick up a Hickstead ticket at BSPS Area 15A, scoring a near perfect 19/20 for their round.

8. Corries Jack In A Box

A trip over from Dublin for the BSPS Gold Cup final paid off for the connections of this nine-year-old grey 13 hander, who claimed his section with Allegra Hancock.

9. Nobel Peppermint

Ruby Ward and night-year-old sports pony finished off their incredible 2018 season with the working hunter pony of the year title at the NEC.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

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

As 2019 rolls on and we plan ahead for a summer of showing, H&H presents to you 12 novice horses to keep an eye out for this coming show season. Which future stars will become the ones to beat this term?

Don’t miss our round up of novice ponies to watch during 2019, coming soon.

1. Bobby Brown

The Robinson Family’s prospect small hack certainly has the genes for the job, being a 3/4 brother to Suzanne Welby’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) victor, Elusive. The five-year-old is currently being ridden away and will be making his debut this season. “We have very high hopes for him,” said Tara Robinson.

2. KBF That Certain Night

Miranda Wallace has a new small riding horse for 2019. The four-year-old has just been purchased from Michael Cook and Tony Reynolds, who found the two time HOYS riding horse champion Broadshard Simplicity (Ridden by Jayne Ross). The scopey grey mare is out of the big winning small riding horse Berkley Square by Brief Encounter. “She will start her career this season as an intermediate show riding type with Scott Dixon and Miranda will share the ride in the riding horse classes as the season progresses,” said Emma Wallace.

3. Destiny Bay

Sarah Gwilliam is gearing geared up bringing the novice ex-racehorse out in small riding horse classes. The five-year-old bay gelding was purchased by Sarah as a two-year-old at Ascot sales. “He raced three times, unsuccessfully,” said Sarah. “He did a few in-hand classes last year and was reserve champion ROR at Royal Berkshire, Newbury County and Southern Counties show. He finished second in the novice ridden ROR class the Aintree Championships last year, which was his third show under saddle.”

4. MHS Morning Master

After winning the horse section of the Cuddy final in October, Jill Day’s exceptional four-year-old will be joining Robert Walker’s ridden team as a novice lightweight. “I can’t wait to get on him,” said Robert, when he landed the supreme in-hand title and a HOYS ticket at Bucks county show last year.

5. Briery Edykt

Jane Miller’s Arab gelding is set to compete under saddle at various Arab Horse Society and National shows. The eight-year-old grey has been successfully shown in-hand, netting titles in the UK and at the All Nations Cup in Aachen. “He actually suffered a career threatening injury but he is now sound and is working well under saddle,” said Jane. “I have used enormous amounts of bubble wrap.”

6. The Bullseye

Previously owned by John and Dora Tyner, this four-year-old bay gelding was a Dublin Horse Show winner as a two and three-year-old. Cheryl McVay-Edwards bought him in November and plans to campaign him as a novice middleweight hunter. “He will be at home during most of the season and I will be getting help from Richard Telford,” said Cheryl.

9. Inspector Montalbano

Team Reynolds will be bringing out the Aveia-sired large riding horse who is owned by Rowena Stevenson. The four-year-old, who is a previous Cuddy in-hand finalist, is backed and riding away and will be aimed at competing on the summer circuit.

8. Milltimber Little Scoundrel

The four-year-old small hack by Kilvington Scoundrel out of Pendley Chantilly Lace has had a successful in-hand career, winning his hack championships at both Aintree National Show and Equifest. His owner Lindsey Hewitt will be bringing him out under saddle this term.

9. Wonder Of Moylough

Tracey Harris bought the five-year-old heavyweight show cob as a three-year-old from Val Sheehan. After being broken last summer, the gelding has won on both of his winter outings. “I have high hopes for this boy — he is so light on his feet for a heavyweight cob,” said Tracey. “He will do a couple more winter shows before being aimed at some BSHA novice classes.”

10. Rudolph The Red Nose

Amateur rider Sarah Rimmer is set to introduce her riding horse to the show ring this season, after purchasing him in November from Micheala Wood. The gelding, by Porsch, has a strong in-hand record with several county show wins under his belt. “We are aiming towards the HOYS riding horse classes at the end of the show season,” said Sarah, who rode at HOYS in 2016 on a lightweight hunter. “He is very special and will be worth the wait.”

11. Carnsdale Let It Be

The four-year-old by Ramiro B and out of a Broadstone Ladies Man mare is set to double up as a small hunter and an intermediate show hunter for Chantelle Joslin. “Bee” has recently been broken in by Joanne Shaw at Red Shaw Equestrian. “A week after picking him up from breaking I took him to a showing clinic with Kirsty Pickles and he was an absolute saint,” said Chantelle. “He is proving to be a true gentleman which is very important to me, being home produced.”

12. Stanley Grange Larkfield

The Up With The Lark-sired four-year-old will be aimed at large riding horses and will be campaigned by owner Lisa Halshaw. “I persuaded Jerome Harforth and David Dixon of Stanley Grange to sell him to me last February after I lost my hack,” said Lisa. “I feel in love with him instantly — he moves incredibly and has beautiful conformation.” The gelding has just been backed after competing lightly in-hand at the end of last year with success.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

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

This season, working hunter courses haven’t been short of twists, turns and the odd water complex. But these small yet mighty flying machines have certainly proved that size really isn’t an issue if you’ve got talent, scope and a whole lot of heart.

Check out these seven super-star working hunter ponies who have already jumped to glory this term.

1. Birchmoor Drover

Pamela Brown rides the Tomlinson family’s Shetland Birchmoor Drover to qualify for the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) at the National Pony Society (NPS) spring festival.

2. Fortview Kitchens

After winning the starter stakes, Fortview Kitchens and Oliver Kinnear land the mini working hunter title at the Northern Ireland Festival.

3. Arad Tomos

Arad Tomos and Charlotte Smith take on the water feature at NPS Spring Festival.

4. Lacy Aldo

… as do Darcy Sproat and Lacy Aldo.

5. Blisland Hero

Despite standing second in their class, Blisland Hero and Freya Herring bag the restricted working hunter sash at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) winter championships.

6. Moonpenny Aquarius

The Exmoor gelding Moonpenny Aquarius, a previous HOYS and Olympia finalist on the flat, and Debbie Barker-Runiewicz stand intermediate worker champions at the North East Derbyshire Spring Show.

7. Noble Peppermint

The mannerly 133cm grey Noble Peppermint and 11-year-old Ruby Ward have qualified for the RIHS in both the open and nursery ranks and was also restricted supreme at the BSPS winters.

Don’t miss next week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (17 May 2018) for our full report and analysis from the Royal Windsor Horse Show

For all the latest equestrian news and report, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

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

By the time you read this, the principal national championship shows will have taken place and many competitors will be focusing their attention on the grand finale of the season — the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). The results at championship shows can often give an indication of what to expect at Birmingham.

Fresh faces that blossom at the end of the season occasionally rise to the top at the championships, sometimes beating major players who can begin to look jaded after a busy summer campaign.

One such pony was Pennyroyal Little Pageboy — well presented by Kinvara Garner and home-bred/home-produced by the “royal family of showing”, the Jago/Carvosso team — who went through the card at the British Show Pony Society’s (BSPS) 45th championships.

I can boast an indirect connection with Pageboy, having successfully shown both his dam Padrig Honeymoon and granddam Culross Maid of Honour, who twice won under saddle at Wembley as well as the pony section of the in-hand final.

Unfortunately we will not get a chance to see whether Pageboy can maintain form and emulate his“grandma”as a HOYS rule prevents him from competing at the NEC — Jamie Mead, nee Jago, is judging the mini show ponies there on the same day.

I remember the BSPSChampionships in the early days, with only a handful of classes for working hunter ponies and mini show ponies, which were not represented at HOYS then.

Although there were over 370 classes this time, the show returned to being a more relaxed affair and there was a better streaming system leading to the supreme award, which allowed every category of pony to be represented when competing for the overall crown. In recent years it has been like competing in the rush hour and with so many titles on offer, it was unclear which pony was the “best in show”.

Showing aside, the BSPS also excelled on the entertainment front and the programme included a Great BSPS Bake Off evening where 80 or so children decorated cookies. The star baker in the children’s 12-strong cake class took home a Great British Bake Off book and the winning adult won a day’s cookery course at Daylesford, kindly donated by Lady Bamford.

Thursday evening resembled Crufts with more than 350 entries in the dog show, and on the last night party goers were entertained by a live band — who said championship shows can’t be fun?

The old and the young

I particularly enjoy attending smaller shows held on major show grounds, which give you a better perspective of how beautiful some sites really are. I always look forward to the National Pony Society (NPS) Area 4 show held at the Great Yorkshire ground.

Another favourite is the Lincolnshire show base. It hosted this year’s Irish Draught show at which two A-listers battled for the £1,000 purse in the Blue Chip Challenge — Claire Oliver and the beribboned Loughkeen Dancing Lord did well to fend off the challenge from the current HOYS supreme horse Hallmark IX, shown by Simon Reynolds.

It was gratifying to see two new classes receive enough support for them to continue in 2015.

At the NPS Summer Championships at Malvern, NPS Area 4 treasurer Stephen Howard won the innovative 50-plus class for those who had not competed for at least 10 years, on Saith Magical Ginger. At the other end of the scale, 20-year-old Polly Coles won the inaugural young riders class with middleweight Redwood Ash, at the National Hunter Show.

Column originally published in H&H magazine on Thursday 18 September, 2014

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

Showing organisers are having to work harder to attract competitors, say experts.

The biggest shows continue to attract large entries, but competitors are trying to make the best use of every litre of fuel at the lower levels.

“One-day and weekend shows were popular this year because you can take a few animals, do a number of classes and get more for your money,” said British Show Horse Association chairman Nigel Hollings.

The British Show Pony Society’s (BSPS) Heritage Championship Show (13-14 October) had record entries.

That is partly because it offered entrants multiple chances to qualify for the heritage ridden mountain and moorland (M&M) supreme championships at Olympia, said Karen Ward of the Society.

“We had 1,400 entries, as opposed to 1,200 last year. People want to maximise what they do,” she said.

BSPS memberships have remained steady but pony registrations have dropped by 100 this year, implying that competitors are doing more with fewer ponies.

Swaffham Show in Norfolk (30 September) took advantage of this by offering a buy-one-get-one-free offer. Forty-five competitors made 150 entries at the show.

Some classes are being adversely affected, said Catherine Burdock of

Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain.

“Entries in mare and foal and youngstock classes have been disappointing this year. It’s an effect of breeders deciding not to put their mare in-foal,” said Ms Burdock.

And the National Pony Society (NPS) said it has had fewer studbook registrations this year.

But some aspects seem to have taken off.

“There were 20 entries in the lightweight cob class at the New Forest and Hampshire Show (25-26 July), normally there are 10,” said competitor Karen Ledger.

And NPS said the number of M&Ms registered with them keeps increasing.

“They are accessible and family-orientated and that appeals in the current climate,” said a spokesman.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (25 October 2012)

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

Peter Durrant has resigned as chief executive of the National Pony Society (NPS).

He officially stood down at the society’s AGM on 17 March.

Mr Durrant, who had been in the role since November 2009, told H&H he had “done the best he could for the membership” by introducing personal and public liability insurances into the subscription.

“I have tried to moved things forward [by attempting to move the NPS towards electronic communication], but it is time to move on,” he added.

The NPS has a deficit of £60,000.

“I am convinced that if they [the NPS] embrace every income stream opportunity, they will do very well,” said Mr Durrant.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (29 March 2012)

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 National Pony Society (NPS) has urged horse owners to familiarise themselves with passport legislation, after it was found that a show horse had two passports – in two names.

Shelly Pritchard and Barrie Jones of Carnsdale Show Horses bought DJP Royal Heir as a three-year-old and re-passported him as Carnsdale Showtime before selling him on.

But breeder Daniel Park realised what had happened and took it up with the NPS.

The second passport has now been revoked and the horse’s name reverted.

Mr Park told H&H: “You don’t make money as a breeder. He’s a lovely horse and I want him to carry my prefix, that’s my recognition.

“When I sold him he had a NPS passport, but when he was sold by Shelly it was with a Horse Passport Agency passport.”

NPS chief executive Peter Durrant said: “We would only change the name with the agreement of all parties. Owners have a responsibility to understand passport legislation.”

Ms Pritchard told H&H she often changed horses’ names to her prefix, but did not usually apply for a new passport. She said she was unaware that applying for a second passport was against legislation.

Ms Pritchard added: “I usually buy from Ireland and they are all microchipped, so I pay the Irish Horse Board to change the name.

“This was the only horse I bought in the UK this year and as it did not have a microchip I thought I could get it a new passport. I did not realise I was doing something wrong.”

The confusion came to light after the horse was sent to Jerome Harforth to produce. Mr Harforth recognised the breeding and contacted Mr Park.

“I was lucky,” added Mr Park. “Most breeders would not know it was their horse coming out under saddle as they’d last seen it as a foal.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse and Hound (3 November, 2011)

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 National Pony Society (NPS) Supreme Mountain & Moorland Pony of the Year will be held at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) from 2011.

Olympia announced last month that from next year the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) would run the qualifiers and final of the Olympia Supreme M&M class, which had been run by the NPS for more than 20 years.

And today HOYS has announced it will host the NPS finals.

A HOYS spokesman said: “M&M classes have been a popular and important element of HOYS since 1999. We want to ensure that Britain’s finest native breeds are celebrated.”

The supreme will consist of the champion and reserve combinations from the ridden M&M pony of the year, the M&M working hunter pony of the year and the mini M&M pony of the year classes.

New rules — which mean two ridden M&M qualifiers will take place at each qualifying breed shows — have been implemented to ensure two ponies from each breed qualify for the ridden final at HOYS.

And Highland ponies will now have their own qualifying classes, splitting them from the fells and dales ponies.

Minimum and maximum fence heights will be imposed in the M&M working hunter pony of the year qualifiers.

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

News that the National Pony Society’s (NPS) mountain and moorland supreme ridden pony of the year championship will no longer be held at Olympia has caused concern across the native pony showing world.

Last month, organisers chose the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) to run the qualifiers and ridden M&M final at the London horse show from 2011.

But the NPS hopes to run a championship at another venue so there will be two supremes.

NPS chief executive Peter Durrant told H&H: “It is not our choice to leave Olympia after 21 years but we’ll make the best of it.

“The NPS M&M supreme championship is our competition and we are using this as an opportunity to improve it at another prestigious venue.”

Both societies were asked to apply formally to run the classes.

But an Olympia spokesman said: “The organising committee unanimously backed the BSPS presentation, as it would evolve the competition.”

Now some riders are concerned that the final will no longer be the showcase for British native breeds.

Norfolk-based producer Debbie Harrison, who competed in the 2009 final, said: “I’m worried about the qualifiers. Will they still be at all the breed shows? The NPS ensured there was at least one pony of each breed at Olympia. I hope the BSPS does the same.”

And she was also concerned that, being a show pony society, the BSPS would not promote “true to type” natives.

Others were worried about expense. The NPS only requests that the rider is a member to compete in its classes; its adult membership costs £35 a year.

But the BSPS requires a £30 pony registration and both the rider and owner must be members, at £42 each.

Exmoor producer Jackie Churchill of Cheltenham said: “The expense of registering owner, riders and ponies puts me off the BSPS.”

But M&M specialist Sam Roberts pointed out: “The BSPS Heritage Championships are always well run and supported — as long as they keep Olympia as a showcase for the breeds, it’s another place for us to promote our ponies.”

Live scoring may be introduced to the championship to make it more exciting for spectators, said BSPS secretary Karen Ward, and qualifiers will be held around the country.

She told H&H: “Many of our judges are also on the NPS panel and have enormous knowledge of breeds and conformation.”

For tickets to Olympia call the box office on 0871 230 5574 or visit www.olympiahorseshow.com

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (4 November, ’10)

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

Riders are applauding the National Pony Society’s (NPS) decision not to implement a “one rider, one pony” qualification rule for this year’s Olympia — the London International Horse Show.

The NPS was criticised after ruling a rider may qualify only one pony for the final, and that the rider who qualified the pony must ride it in the NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds M&M supreme ridden pony of the year final.

New NPS chief executive Peter Durrant said Olympia had threatened to end its contract with the NPS over the rule.

The rule was made a couple of years ago, before Mr Durrant took office, but was only put in place this season. But after a meeting last month, the NPS decided to allow riders to continue to qualify multiple ponies.

“Only 900 members voted on the rule. To put a rule in motion, 1,500 votes are needed, so it was not valid,” said Mr Durrant.

The “one rider, one pony” rule was introduced because some NPS members felt it was unfair that some competitors used professionals to qualify their ponies, then took over the ride.

The 2009 championship was won by home-bred New Forest Farriers Fingerprint.

His owner Shirley Young said: “Amateurs can win — we did — but professionals qualifying ponies raises the standard and keeps it competitive.”

Producer Mathew Lawrence is in favour of ditching the rule. He said: “It would restrict professionals and our careers if we could only qualify one pony.”

Rider Sam Roberts added: “The rule change was wrong. No other competition is restricted to one rider and horse in this way.”

For tickets to Olympia call the box office on 0871 230 5574 or visit www.olympiahorseshow.com

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (6 May, ’10)

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 woman was airlifted from Three Counties Showground on Saturday (24 April) after being kicked unconscious by her pony.

Gail Evans was talking part in the National Pony Society’s (NPS) Spring Festival at Malvern when the accident happened at 10.30am.

NPS chief executive Peter Durrant told H&H that Mrs Evans was taking the back boots off one of her Highland ponies when something caused the animal to kick out.

“The blow caught Mrs Evans on the back of her head and knocked her out. She fell down on the concrete like a rag doll, her daughter told me,” said Mr Durrant.

The West Midlands Ambulance Service attended and the Midlands Air Ambulance took Mrs Evans to Worcester Royal Hospital where she remained under observation on Monday morning.

“The emergency services were brilliant,” said Mr Durrant. “We hope to donate money to the Midlands Air Ambulance later this year.”

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 National Pony Society (NPS) is to be restructured, with a dramatic reduction in the number of council members, following an extensive review.

The review was commissioned by the council of the NPS to ensure the society could meet current needs and future challenges. It found that some of the NPS’s procedures and structures no longer met standards expected of a charity.

The NPS’s aim is to “promote the interests of pony breeding and to encourage the use and protection of ponies”.

Management consultant Pamela Woods did the review.

She told H&H: “After the report was written in April last year, we began putting some of the recommendations in place. NPS is moving forward very quickly and, as an external party, I am delighted.”

NPS council member and chairman of the judges committee Rachel Bown said: “We felt we were not giving a good service to our members and wanted to improve.

“The review was very positive. It will be good for everyone who has an association with ponies.”

Strengths of the NPS were identified as longevity, prestige, financial security and a friendly, diverse membership of 3,000.

But weaknesses included the NPS’s failure to make an effective representation to the government on equine-related issues and to fulfil members’ expectations.

Another concern was the conduct of a few key people, which was causing internal conflicts — on which the NPS declined to comment — and that the large number of council members was a drain on resources.

A reduction of council members from 25 to 15 by next year was approved at the NPS’s annual meeting.

New key members of staff were also introduced at the AGM in March, with former Highland Pony Society president Sheila Brooks becoming chairman and PR specialist Caroline Nokes as chief executive.

The government requires that, as a charity, the NPS shifts its emphasis more towards education and welfare of members.

Where previously less than one per cent of NPS funding was being spent on education and welfare, education of members about ponies and their welfare is now a priority.

The society, founded in 1893, will also start to modernise, starting with the development of a new website.

Ms Nokes concluded: “It is important to emphasise that we have acted upon this review. It certainly identified some weaknesses, but we have taken firm steps to address them.”

Chairman Sheila Brooks added: “The NPS is moving forward and it is very exciting.”

Key changes

• Reduction in numbers of council members
• Changes to committee structure
• A new chief executive and chairman
• More money spent on welfare and education
• Better communication with members
• A new website
• Promotion of British riding ponies
• Promotion of ponies to a wider audience
• Greater administrative support to members
• Co-operation with other studbooks and societies
• A balance between mountain and moorland and British riding ponies

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 new championship that rewards the slimmer showing pony was launched by the National Pony Society (NPS) at its Summer Championship show at Malvern in Worcestershire (1-3 August).

In the “Fit for the Future” championship, judges nominated ponies in ideal show condition to be weighed and fat scored. These ponies were then presented in a preliminary class and whittled down to a dozen for a final, where the four slim winners each received £200 prize-money.

The NPS came up with the idea after the new Equine Health and Welfare Strategy produced with the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) highlighted equine obesity in the showing world as a concern.

Equine osteopath and chairman of the NPS welfare and education sub-committee Liz Launder sponsored the initiative personally.

She said: “A show horse doesn’t need to be covered in blubber, but lots of them are. We wanted to encourage judges, competitors and owners to think about the long-term damage to the animal’s health when a pony doesn’t work off its fat.”

She explained that the aim was to combat the culture of admiring overweight show ponies.

“Some owners use fat to hide conformational sins,” she said, “but others think fat on a pony shows it is loved.”

The International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) provided a weighbridge at the NPS show to help a nutritionist from feed company Dodson & Horrell give ponies body condition scores.

Referring to the five-point system where zero indicates emaciation and five obesity, Samantha Lewis of the ILPH said: “Of the 58 or so ponies we weighed from the championships, two scored a 4.5 and the majority of others were between 3.5 and four.”

Carmarthen-based pony producer Debbie Thomas, who had three ponies at the show, pointed out that overweight ponies were nothing new.

She said: “You do see some absolutely obese ponies in the ring, but there are no more than there were 20 years ago. It’s possible to be both fat and fit. Some ponies are just born little fatties.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (16 August, ’07)

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

NPS AREA 25 Leyland Court, Bristol, 10 July

Templeton O’Neill M&M ridden (A Robertson) sml breeds— 1 & ch K Marriott-Payne’s Stowbrook Jenny Wren; 2, Williams/Nash’s Waltersgay Kingfisher. Welsh sec A/B— 1, L Mitrano’s Hollyoak Harmony; 2, Menai Stud’s Menai Llew Aur. Dales, Fell, Highland— 1, M Mitchener’s Bracklynn McIvor; 2, D Hollinshead’s Acreknowe Firecracker. Connemara, New Forest— 1 & res, ME Bryant’s Wayland Loganberry; 2, J Averis’s Oaklands Donatello; 3, A Gomersall’s Oaklands Shard. sec D— 1, D Reynolds’ Rhydypandy Taran; 2, C Mead’s Pentaren Blackadder; 3, L Hall’s Llanina Easter MelodyPeasedown int M&M ridden (R Miller) sml— 1, Waltersgay Kingfisher; 2, P Smith’s Yaverland Chieftain; 3, Lonsdales’ The Rough Forester Of Dryknowl. sec B/C— 1, S Roberts’s Eyarth Saverom 2, L Brown’s Ty’reos Lili; 3, J Perrin’s Heaton Katrin. Dales, Fell, Highland— 1, Acreknowe Firecracker; 2, L Larkman’s Gordon Highlander Of Armoury; 3, J Price’s Bignor Foxtrot. Connemara, New Forest— 1, Oaklands Donatello; 2, B Simcox’s Westonhouse Seamus; 3, J Wyman’s Walstead Water Lily. sec D— 1, G Price’s Trevallion Princess Jade; 2, C Fall’s Trullingham Darius; 3, D Bright’s Powys Valley Minstrel. NPS Baileys Olympia M&M ridden (J Seymour) sml— 1 & ch L Stewart’s Waitwith Connie; 2, K Lloyd’s Blackthorn Sea Poacher; 3, D Barr’s Waitwith West Wind. sec B/C— 1, D Bright’s Waxwing Rheel; 2, C Williams’s Waxwing Keepsake; 3, S Roberts’s Synod Rufflette. Connemara, New Forest— 1 & res, J Pound/J Parker’s Moorcorner Minstrel II; 2, M Large’s Willoway Patience; 3, K Chappell’s Vernons Valetta. Dales, Fell, Highland— 1, V Hawkins-Smith’s Governor Of Whitefield; 2, The Queen’s Carltonlima Emma; 3, T Good’s Underwoods Icarus. sec D— 1, K Chappell’s Llanfyllin Shooting Star; 2, C Isaac’s Broughton Royal Pride; 3, Menai Stud’s Menai Sparkling Imperial. Picton novice (Miss B Miller) sml— 1, E Saxton’s Nantydywyll Alerch; 2, J Somerset’s Cranford Hector; 3, D Hollinshead’s Checkleybank Edgar. sec B/C— 1, M James’s Ty’reos Casanova; 2, M Tooze’s Rhydspence Rhythm, 3, Llanina Easter Melody. Connemara, New Forest— 1 & res, V Hawkins-Smith’s Dior Marches On; 2, C Sutton’s Rickamore Monty; 3, K Humble’s Oakfield Jack The Lad. Dales, Fell, Highland— 1, K Knock’s Inglegarth Solo; 2, G Hutchings’s Strathleven Donal; 3, P Davis’s Imogen Of Carlung. sec D— 1 & ch, M Kendall’s Parc Carrera; 2, H Perry’s Fochnant Lia; 3, M Large’s Willoway Roger’s Realm. HOYS M&M LR (R Templeton/D Spears)— 1, K Carter’s Abbeybells Queen Adelaide; 2 & ch, S Perham’s Rosmarche Hollyoak; 3, C Ward’s Uppacott Hermitage. FR— 1 & res, J Cambray’s Roseisle Something Blue; 2, C Ward’s Uppacott Puligny; 3, C Gibbard’s Rosmarche Hemlock. NPS Micor Demolition M&M LR (Mrs J Williams)— 1, C Shillibier-Smith’s Colne Tantivy; 2, D Pickering’s Finglebridge Flash Harry; 3, L Byrtt’s Dillymore Braveheart. FR— 1 & ch, J Hawkins’s Roseisle Samantha; 2 & res, M Nevin’s Wernderris Relish; 3, Rosmarche Hollyoak. NPS Novice M&M LR (R Miller)— 1 & ch, Mr & Mrs Wilson’s Thistledown Popstar; 2, Menai Stud’s Friarly Flyaway; 3, C Ward’s Uppacott Thelema Mountain. FR— 1 & res, D Plumb’s Blacknest Prince Hal; 2, Mr & Mrs Wilson’s Ceffyl Llwyd Snowdrop; 3, C Ward’s Uppacott Cote Rotie. NPS SP/SHP LR (M Jones)— 1, L Byrtt’s Rhydgwilliam Audra; 2, A King’s Barkway Mimosa. FR— 1, 1 & ch, D L Thomas’s Fofsway Flutter; 2 & res, C Horton’s Megland Vision; 3, B Moore’s Cot Little Lord. NPS nov ridden SP/SHP mixed height— 1, C Shah’s Diamonds Lucky Star; 2, S Kinnerly’s Romany River Rah; 3, K Knock’s Goresmead Bacchus. BSPS LR— 1 & res, A Rees’s Treowen Chanita; 2, N Pitman’s Courtway Promise; 3, S Cresswell’s Talgoed Honey Blossom. do FR— 1 & ch, E Meer’s Woodview Fantasia; 2, K Brar’s Brynvane Kestrel; 3, Treowen Chanita. BSPS mixed height nov SP— 1, A Evans’s Caroworth Penguigan; 2, H Brill’s Warleigh Spot On; 3, K Brar’s Tidesbrook Tom Thumb. SP open 128cm— 1 & ch, J Cambray’s Wyndham Peek-A-Boo; 2, A Harris’s Elwell Master Periwinkle; 3, A Boyle’s Brocklehurst Brambly. 138cm— 1, N Pitman’s Warleigh Star Appeal. 148cm— 1 & res, M J Thomas’s Westhill Chatterbox; 2, Caroworth Penguigan. BSPS mixed height nov SHP (A Shepherd)— 1, B Moore’s Saint Thomas; 2, Warleigh Spot On; 3, G Holder’s Langage Spring Bubble. SHP LR— 1, C Shillibier-Smith’s Cherrytop Moonlight Lady; 2, Talgoed Honey Blossom; 3, C Day’s Whitmore Jasper. 122cm— 1, Brynvane Kestrel; 2, E Meer’s Annandale Darcy; 3, C Frost’s Twylands Paean. 133cm— 1, L David-Jenkins’s Westerby Dragonfly; 2, Langage Spring Bubble; 3, Warleigh Star Appeal. 143cm— 1 & ch, Saint Thomas; 2, MJ Thomas’s Hackamoor The Bees Knees; 3, J Dawe’s Country Dancer. 153cm— 1 & ch, J Thompson’s CB Esquire; 2, A Douglas’s Ferramor Diplomat. NPS jnr ridden sml (Mrs J Williams)— 1 & ch, S Leadbitter’s Thornberry Serin; 2 & res, Roseisle Samantha; 3, A Bowlby’s Moortown Hamish. 138cm— 1, N Walters’s Shipton Charisma; 2, Acreknowe Firecracker; 3, A Rickerby’s Hesworth Topaz. exc 138cm— 1, S Andree-Parsons’s Sabinas Bright Light; 2, Westonhouse Seamus; 3, Inglegarth Solo. HOYS M&M WHP 122cm (H Thomas, E Coates)— 1, N Stephens’s Clements Mayflower; 2, H Brill’s Stowbrook Snipe; 3, J Guy’s Highland Jury. 138cm— 1 & ch, R Proud’s Georgian Dorian; 2, L Booth’s Woodrow Portman; 3, F Goodsir’s Falfield Silver Slipper. exc 138cm— 1 & res, J Wormall’s Pebbly Dun Nicely; 2, F Goodsir’s The Quiet Man; 3, Wayland Loganberry. NPS Area 25 open M&M WHP 122cm (B Miller, R James)— 1, Clements Mayflower; 2, C Stuart’s Gryngallt Playsome; 3, W Foot’s Larchgrove Isabella. 138cm— 1 & res, J Richards’s Rosedale Diplomat; 2, G Gould’s Gunthwaite Juniper; 3, D Ward’s Peasedown Pinging Popcorn. exc 138cm— 1 & ch, J Wormall’s Cathael Bay Girl; 2, K Donnavhie’s Thunder Rebel; 3, Wayland Loganberry. Follywood int 122cm— 1, Clements Mayflower; 2, G Gould’s Windeway Stars & Stripes; 3, Yaverland Chieftain. 138cm— 1, Williams/Nash’s Dramway Miss Pippin; 2, Ty’reos Lili; 3, S Davies/N Smith’s Ponts Green Jura. exc 138cm— 1, Wayland Loganberry; 2, S Roberts’s Hardy Rocks; 3, Thunder Rebel. nov 122cm (D Jordan)— 1, S Goodman’s Waitwith Jim Jam; 2, Windleway Stars & Stripes; 3, C Rees’s Dunmere Ptarmigan. 138cm— 1, L Bracey’s Stockham Nicholi; 2, Ponts Green Jura; 3, R Proud’s Baloo Pebbly. exc 138cm— 1, A Douglas’s Dunedin Monarch; 2, D Ward’s Court Emanda; 3, A Duff’s Glanvyrwy Teleri. jnr 138cm (A Robertson/L Hilliard)— 1 & ch, Shipton Charisma, 2, T Pritchard’s Priestwood Panache; 3, H Jeans’s Giliff Dafydd. 148cm— 1 & res, M Kendall’s Brynsleigh Seren; 2, E Launder’s Rozamie Arron; 3, A Fitzsimons’s Rosmeen Chameleon. FR WHP (D Jordan/L Hilliard)— 1, J Robinson’s Shilstone Rocks Day Star; 2, Priestwood Panache; 3, J Hawkins’s Bureside Quake. M&M WHP (D Brewer) Exmoor— 1, Dramway Miss Pippin; 2, R Jarvis’s Dunsmore Balcarron; 3, L Larkman’s Elsinore Simon Sparrow. do in-hand, y’ling— 1, A Whittle’s Teagle Pendragon’s Puffin; 2, J Churchill’s Annabelle. 2/3-y-o— 1, A Whittle’s Coedywern Juniper. mare/gelding 4-y-o & over— 1 & res, Mr & Mrs D Thomas’s Harebell; 2, Dramway Miss Pippin; 3, Waltersgay Kingfisher. do stallion— 1 & ch, S Poulter’s Flying Buttress; 2, K Lloyd’s Blackthorn Sea Poacher. NPS Exmoor M&M LR— 1, S Cresswell’s Stowbrook Wizard. do FR— 1, Williams/Nash’s Blackthorn Sea Pink; 2, Stowbrook Wizard. do nov ridden— 1, Flying Buttress. do— 1, Elsinore Simon Sparrow; 2, Flying Buttress; 3, R Jarvis’s Pernod. do open— 1, Dramway Miss Pippin; 2, Pernod; 3, Blackthorn Sea Pink. do jnr ridden— 1, Blackthorn Sea Pink; 2, Stowbrook Wizard. M&M in-hand (J Williams) sml, y’stk— 1 & res, S Branfield’s Jananda Braveheart; 2, A Cooke’s Blackhill Gemstone; 3, Annabelle. do 4-y-o & over— 1, K Ponsford’s Kiltinane Monica; 2, J Salter’s Craydon Bambinella; 3, P & J Drinkwater’s Jenta of Jopa. lge y’stk— 1, N Oge’s Rushmoor Smokey Joe. do 4-y-o & over— 1 & ch & 3, M Dando’s Crofter Of Kewstoke & Iona Of Kewstoke; 2, Willoway Patience. miniature Shetland— 1 & 3, P & J Drinkwater’s Jenta Of Jopa & Jamilla Of Jopa; 2, B Adams’s Bermar Minnie Mouse. home-produced in-hand M&M (R Miller) sml— 1, Jananda Braveheart; 2, B Walker’s Fernridge Curlew; 3, K Knock’s Drakesleet. do lge— 1, ch & British Isles ch, Loughfadda Hollymount Styler; 2, T Good’s Murthwaite Bobby’s Last; 3, Inglegarth Solo. NPS SP/SHP ridden (D Porter) 128cm— 1, Elwell Master Periwinkle; 2, Reynolds’s Nuccios Jewel; 3, K Knock’s Wychenlea Accolade. 138cm— 1, M Tooze’s Vanilla Sky. 153cm— 1 & ch, D Thomas’s Crafton Touch Of Gold; 2, Lady Guise’s Sandhills Scallywag; 3, Westhill Chatterbox. NPS RP in-hand y’stk— 1 & res, Lowland Party Girl; 2, P Shepheard’s Hideaway Impossible Dream; 3, A Drake’s Hightopps Magic Queen. 4-y-o & over— 1 & ch, J Busch’s Strinesdale Mastermind; 2, C Morris’s Wrigley Titania. NPS home-prod RP in-hand (J Cooper) y’ling— 1 & res, J Roberts’s Windbush Razmataz; 2, Hideaway Impossible Dream. 2/3-y-o— 1 & ch, Lowland Party Girl; 2, P Shepheard’s Hideaway Lilac Time; 3, Hightopps Magic Queen. HP 4-y-o & over— 1 & res, Diamonds Lucky Star. 2/3-y-o— 1 & ch, J Busch’s Dounhills Storm Burst; 2, M Dibden’s Ashley Attraction

NPS Area 20 Ardingly, West Sussex, 24 June

NPS M&M nov ridden (MG Evans): sml— 1, J & S Hobden’s Covdale Gigi; 2, Hart & Whitmee’s Cranford Hector; 3, Z Evans’ Uppacott Tiki Ridge. Welsh sec B/C— 1 & ch, S Roberts’ Russetwood Ecstacy; 2, A Corney’s Clawddcoch Eagle Star; 3, A Mountain’s Twyford Elen. Connemara/NF— 1, J Kerslake’s Wootton Monarch; 2, M Syned’s Richfield Callum; 3, Z Bryant’s Lovelyhill Hardys Touch. Dales/Fell/Highland— 1, Hird & Wardrop’s Alysse Of Carlung. Welsh sec D— 1 & res, L Waite’s Kenwood Duke; 2, R Challinger’s Bryncendl Gerallt; 3, Y Curtis’ Cwmtawe Vivian. NPS M&M int ridden (MJ Saunders): sml— 1, J & S Hobden’s Waxwing Xcess; 2, P Smith’s Yaverland Chieftain; 3, L Card’s Ulverscroft Midnight Blue. Welsh sec B/C— 1 & ch, J Stuart’s Bronheulog Apricot; 2, J Minns’ Hanmere Gold Sovereign; 3, A Burchell-Small’s Westaire Gemini. Connemara/NF— 1 & res, C Kingham’s Quick Silver; 2, McGrath’s Vernons Valeta; 3, S Douglas’ Toblerone. Dales/Fell/Highland— 1, D Spears’ Ffrica Of Forglen; 2, L Waite’s Stonygill Will O’ The Wisp; 3, Erander’s Ghillie Of Nethabrae. Welsh sec D— 1, M Hoare’s Uplands Valentino; 2, M Batchelor’s Shardells Remo; 3, D&S Bright’s Powys Valley Minstrel. NPS M&M ridden (BM Halls): sml— 1 & res, B Firth’s Hilin Challenger; 2, M Springett’s Priestwood Figaro; 3, Ulverscroft Midnight Blue. lge—1 & ch, Stonygill Will O’The Wisp; 2, D Bright’s Waxwing Rheel; 3, S Flynn’s Dunedin Megan. NPS M&M nov LR (BM Halls)— 1 & res, L Burton-Taylor’s Rhydgwillim Gwen; 2,C Ingham’s Vean Rosa; 3, M Higgins’ Pinewell Bourbon Mist. FR— 1 & ch, J Cobley’s Ulverscroft Columbian; 2, D Barr’s Waulkmill Swift; 3, A Burchell-Small’s Winalda Hiem’s Henschel. NPS M&M jnr ridden sml— 1,D Barr’s Heaton Katrin; 2, Bronheulog Apricot; 3, M Boulby’s Moortown Hamish. lge 138cm— 1 & ch, S Sulsh’s Springgrove Alexander; 2, L Thorne’s Monray Queenie; 3, S Baker’s Peasedown Perfect Poseur. do, over 138cm—1 & res, S Powell’s Millfields Tara Breeze; 2, Dunedin Megan; 3, Ghillie Of Nethabrae. HOYS M&M LR (CM Whiteley & R Bown)— 1 & res,T Baldwin’s Cosford Xcella; 2, Waulkmill Swift; 3, K James’ Highland Joli. FR— 1 & ch, G Atkinson’s Glenwood Caradog; 2, J Barugh’s Birchmoor Admiral; 3, L Hillyard’s Brookhall Ana Marie. NPS M&M LR (G Sells)— 1 & ch, Z Evans & E Wilson’s Shoormal Skalva; 2, Highland Joli; 3, H Mackin’s Wilrick Sophie. FR— 1 & res, D Plumb’s Blacknest Prince Hal; 2, S Wulff’s Brynave Little Cracker; 3, C Davis’ Dunmere Danse-Du-Feu. SHP (CM Whiteley): LR— 1, M Syned’s Foxcroft Jeepers; 2, Mrs S Davidson’s Firle Diggory Delvet; 3, N Crouch’s Ish-Koo-Dah. 122cm— 1, Ish-Koo-Dah; 2, C Frost’s Twylands Paen; 3, J Knight’s Bradmore Possum. 133cm— 1, G Holder’s Language Spring Time; 2, J Harvey’s Yealand Breeze; 3, Coulstock’s Parkhill Cantona. 143cm— 1 & ch, A Lucas’ Warleigh Eclipse; 2, J Stuart’s Fidra Moonraker; 3, J Minns’ Clemenstone Rumba. 153cm— 1 & res, S Powell’s Odins Perfection; 2, J Bourne’s The Artist; 3, T Heaver’s Alpha Centauri. SP (JD Harvey): LR— 1 & res, T Baldwin’s Cosford Veronique; 2, G Lichtenburg’s Caridines Damsel; 3, C Ingham’s Burnbeck Dreamcatcher. FR— 1 & ch, P Baker-Beall’s Hollybush Libretto; 2, D & A Aungier’s Tamarind Just William. 128cm— 1, Coulstock’s Parkhill Golden Girl. 138cm— 1 & ch, J Harvey’s Beckside First Impression; 2 & res, L Edsell’s Hollyhill Debonair. NPS nov SP/SHP (S Tanner)— 1, Jago & Carvosso’s Rivenhall Last Waltz; 2, S Eaton’s Rosevean Romany Song; 3, Fidra Moonraker. NPS SP/SHP FR— 1, Tamarind Just William; 2, E Boyles’ Nantcol Sir Galahad; 3, B Skeet’s Devon Raindance. NPS SP/SHP 128cm— 1, L Hillyard’s Barkway Frivolity; 2, E Boyles’ Deanhills Fairystory. 138cm—1 & res, Yealand Breeze; 2, Jago & Carvosso’s Posh Spice II; 3, J Newnham & M Godden’s Moor Hall Topcat. 148cm— 1 & ch, Wallace’s Ninfield Windsor Girl; 2, Rosevean Romany Song. ridden anglo/PBA— 1, Rivenhall Last Waltz; 2, Ninfield Windsor Girl; 3, T Heaver’s Night Shadow. NPS Olympia qual (G Sells): Welsh D— 1 & ch, M Hoare’s Pentripiod The Judge; 2, G Hasdel’s Botleymill Magic Spark; 3, L Barsoum’s Crugmelyn Owain Glyndwr. Dales/Fell/Highland— 1, K Gatland’s Sunglow Lady Paula; 2, The Queen’s Carltonuma Emma; 3, A Edwards’ Waverhead Ted. Connemara/NF—1, CA Large’s Willoway Patience; 2, Vernons Valeta; 3, CA Large’s Willoway Minstral. Welsh B/C— 1 & res, J Smith’s Barkla Royal Heir; 2, Waxwing Rheel; 3, Heaton Katrin. sml— 1, Stewart’s Waitwith Connie; 2, D Barr’s Waitwith West Wind; 3, Glenwood Caradog. home-produced M&M ridden (MG Evans): sml— 1 & res, J Knight’s Defaelog Luke; 2, J Lloyd’s Blaenpentre Foxy Lady; 3, Clawddcoch Eagle Star. lge—1 & ch, Willoway Patience; 2, D Spears’ Lochlands Banjo; 3, C Langrish’s Dorridge Nobleman. PUK nov ridden M&M (CA Stevenson): lge— 1 & ch, M Dell’s Cocas Pretty In Pink; 2 & res, Toblerone; 3, A Page’s Floreat King Bee. sml— 1 ,L Thorne’s Wharley Court Jester; 2, J Stuart’s Springbank Jonquil. ridden M&M 4/5-y-o (K Humble): sml—1 & ch, Russetwood Ecstacy; 2, Springbank Jonquil; 3, B Joyce’s Springbank Argo. lge— 1 & res, R Fry’s Peters Button Box; 2, Kenwood Duke; 3, L Barsoum’s Ty’r Eos Billie Fury. in-hand Shetland (R Bown): y’ling— 1, D Barr’s Champlers Roseanna. 2/3-y-o— 1,C Buchanan-Jackson’s Chironsland Lulu McPherson; 2, PJ Price’s Merry Minstrel Of Quimper; 3, K Spillett’s Avonlie Black Bandit. 4 & over— 1 & ch, L Buchanan-Jackson’s Blackator Rhonda; 2, Hart & Whitmee’s Greenhurst Daybreak; 3, A Page’s Ceann Winston. mini y’ling— 1, Rogers & West’s Littlegrie Bambi; 2, J Exall’s Buxted Joshua; 3, Rogers & West’s Buxted Columbine. 2-3-y-o— 1, J Ward’s Balmedie Alfred; 2, M Sansom’s Cranford Emperor; 3, S Read’s Byways Morgan. 4- & over— 1 & res, Hart & Whitmee’s Cranford Plie; 2, J Exall’s Buxted Persuader; 3, A Page’s Kerswell Raven. Dartmoor/Exmoor (CA Stevenson): y’stock— 1 & ch, E D’Alton’s Chafford Debonair; 2, J Rylah’s Stourton Amethyst; 3, S Nugent’s Uppacott Cristal. adult— 1 & res, S Thompson’s Merribridge Maddeleine; 2, RM Thornley-Taylor’s Vean Zoe; 3, J Kerslake’s Wendel Tommy. Highland y’stock—1 & ch, E Edmunds’ Varrie of Strathmore; 2, Hirstmund Stud’s Sancerre of Hirstmund. adult— 1 & res, Hirstmund Stud’s Brungrange Steffanie; 2,K Johnson’s Cloverdene; 3, A Charman-Ord’s Brownbread Jubilee. Dales/Fell y’stock— 1 & ch, L Waite’s Carrock Emperor. adult— 1 & res, L Ahmet & K Goldsmith’s Aquilas Stud Pendragon; 2, D Weedon’s Akehurst Rainbow. NF (K Humble): y’stock— 1, P Armitage’s Wolloway Madeline. adult— 1 & ch, J Lowth’s Burley Holly; 2 & res, Wootton Monarch; 3,Cocas Pretty In Pink. Connemara y’stock— 1, S Burt’s Walstead Lady Isobella. adult— 1, ch & sup, H Somerset’s Falfield Honeybear; 2 & res, S Burt’s Walstead Cartier; 3, C Dutton’s Hillymead Cabaret. Mixed M&M (MJ Saunders): lge y’stock— 1, Carrock Emperor; 2, J & S Hobden’s Maenan Rivendel; 3, Sancerre Of Hirstmund. adult— 1 & ch, Falfield Honeybear; 2, Walstead Cartier; 3, G Wills’ Cocas High Society. sml y’stock— 1 & res, L Cornford’s Telynau Leo; 2, A Cox’s Cefnhendre Cari; 3, Board-Jones’ Thamesbourne Myfanwy. adult— 1, PJ Price’s Maid Marion Of Quimper; 2, A Page’s Dewland Silver Star; 3, A Coulburn’s Raci The Dreamcatcher. Welsh A (LB Hillard): y’ling— 1, D Drake’s Winters End Nimbus; 2, A Cox’s Lavantdown Grampy; 3, S Green’s Rhydygrug Vellum. 2/3-y-o— 1, H Carrington & S Case-Green’s Marsh Midas; 2, S & J Rand’s Duranti Maybe Magic; 3, Melliver Stud’s Dukeshill Peeping Tom. adult— 1, Raci The Dreamcatcher; 2, S & J Rand’s Duranti Marksman. Welsh B y’stock— 1, Board-Jones’ Thamesbourne Night Wish; 2, D Burkin & S Taylor’s Elvet Angelica; 3, C Ellison’s Bobbin Jarman. adult—1, A Berryman-Horne’s Greenlinks Tiger Lily; 2, B Laffan & J Tompsett’s Glebedale Questionnaire; 3, A Remmen’s Plumpton Smarty Pants. Welsh C/D y’stock— 1, Maenan Rivendel. adult— 1 & ch, James’ Fairbourne Masterpiece; 2 & res, M Bell’s Penhill Haran; 3, L Heywood’s Keeshen Lady Arwen. part-bred Welsh y’stock— 1 & res, J Miles’ Story Time; 2, J Weedon’s Jipson Nightingale; 3, T Manning’s Twylands Pedro. adult— 1 & ch, J Weedon’s Deanhills Kittiwake; 2, J Carmichael’s Fielden Fieldmouse. owner-bred M&M y’stock— 1,Thamesbourne Night Wish; 2, M Tratt’s Elsinore Luke Skywalker; 3, Walstead Lady Isobella. adult— 1 & ch, Aquilas Stud Pendragon; 2 & res, M Burchell-Small’s Rowfantina Tribute; 3,Greenlinks Tiger Lily. home-produced M&M sml— 1 & ch, N True’s Toprock Valua; 2 & res, Blackator Rhonda; 3, Maid Marion Of Quimper. lge— 1, Aquilas Stud Pendragon; 2, Cloverdene; 3, Hillymead Cabaret. pot LR/FR (JD Harvey): y’stock— 1, J Dockray’s Nook Cinderella; 2, Chafford Debonair; 3, Story Time. owner-bred SP/SHP y’stock— 1 & ch, B Wells’ Wellstan Orlando; 2, E & A Kelly’s Sandlings Humble Pie; 3, H Watkins’ Hindleap Tipsy Mouse. adult— 1 & res, L Robinson’s Perfect Polly. anglo/PBA y’stock— 1, T Wallace’s Ninfield Free Spirit; 2, L Wright’s Seamoor Showgirl. adult— 1 & ch, M Davey’s Ninfield Millionaires Dream; 2 & res, Night Shadow; 3, Perfect Polly. NPS home-produced (S Tanner): y’ling— 1, D Courtridge’s Ninfield Debonaire. 2/3-y-o— 1 & res, Jipson Nightingale; 2, J Townshend’s Anton Seduction; 3, Sandlings Humble Pie. adult— 1 & ch, Deanhills Kittiwake; 2, A Pocock’s Santigma Feet Of Flames. NPS HP breed (D Williams): y’ling— 1, Hindleap Tipsy Mouse. 2/3-y-o— 1 & res, M Palmer’s Sahereca Starry Night; 2, Story Time; 3, J & S Hobden’s Frosthill Jackaroo. adult— 1 & ch, Fidra Moonraker; 2, Fielden Fieldmouse; 3, V Wade & A Greenwood’s Warleigh Pussy Willow. NPS RP breeding: adult— 1, Santigma Feet Of Flames. y’ling—1, Hindleap Tipsy Mouse; 2, Wellstan Orlando; 3, Ninfield Debonaire. 2/3-y-o— 1 & res, Sandlings Humble Pie; 2, Anton Seduction; 3, Jipson Nightingale. b’mare— 1 & ch, Ninfield Millionaires Dream; 2, Deanhills Kittiwake. foal— 1, M Davey’s Ninfield Dream On; 2, J Weedon’s Jipson Curlew. hack/RH y’stock— 1 & res, J Townshend’s Classic Top Totty; 2, Sahereca Starry Night. adult— 1 & ch, Night Shadow; 2, T Heaver’s Minoru Chatterbox. sup in-hand (MG Evans & JD Harvey)— ch, S Hird’s Brungrange Steffanie; res, B Wells’ Wellstan Orlando. yng handler ch (JD Harvey)— ch, O Small; res, C Somerset. veteran (D Robinson): in-hand 15/19-y-o— 1, S Searle’s Calypso Dancer; 2, A Page’s Ceann Harry. 20/24-y-o— 1, J Exall’s Threapwood Heidi; 2, V Nunn’s Grayswood Sea Spray; 3, M Tratt’s Blackthorn Persuasion. ridden 15/19-y-o— 1 & ch, S Barnett’s Shilstone Rocks Rough Mountain; 2, L Whiting’s Roseisle Honour Bound; 3, L King’s Dunorlan Diplomat. 20/24-y-o— 1 & res, Grayswood Sea Spray. 25 & over— 1, V Parker’s Coffee. NPS int M&M WHP (F Leadbitter & VG de Quincey) 122cm— 1 & ch, D Barr’s Waitwith Choice; 2 & res, J Guy’s Highland Jury. 138cm— 1, Hanmere Gold Sovereign; 2, H Somerset’s Tyan Tullamore; 3, J Guy’s Peasedown Perfect Puzzle. over 138cm— 1, S Barnett’s Taffechan Welsh Dragon; 2, C Crawford’s Finnes; 3, F Pearce-Thomas’ Tardebigge Royal Magic. NPS M&M FR WHP (J Seymour & F Leadbitter)— 1, Highland Jury; 2, G Worrow’s Pasadena Morgan; 3, L Burton-Taylor’s Harwel Wizard. NPS M&M jnr WHP 138cm— 1 & ch, Tyan Tullamore; 2 & res, S Barnett’s Peasedown Party Popper; 3, J Mackay’s Thistledown Royal Cadet. 138-148cm— 1, T Strapp’s D’Jill; 2, Dunorlan Diplomat. NPS M&M WHP (VG de Quincey & J Seymour): 122cm— 1 & res, Highland Jury; 2, K Hill’s Forlan Nutcracker; 3, P Smith & J Hillyard’s Blackbridge Sweet Pea. 138cm— 1 & ch, Peasedown Party Popper; 2, Shilstone Rocks Rough Mountain; 3, Peasedown Perfect Puzzle. over 138cm— 1, S Douglas’ Sunnydale Marmiduke; 2, Finnes; 3, Taffechan Welsh Dragon. sup mini (MJ Saunders)— ch, Glenwood Caradog; res, Rhydgwillim Gwen. sup rid (LB Hillard)— ch, Pentrepiod The Judge; res, Rhydgwillim Gwen. NPS British Isles qual— Rivenhall Last Waltz.