Hickstead is where showjumping began for me. I first came when I was 12 or 13, and won the 13hh working hunter ponies, and have had the bug ever since.

I remember watching John Whitaker and Nick Skelton warming up and thinking, “That’s what I want to do”, and I always think if that happened to me, it will happen to someone else.

I absolutely love the tradition of it too. The Bunns understand the importance of the venue, and not only do they keep improving it, they keep up with prize money and facilities.

There was some uncertainty when they lost the Longines sponsorship, but having that freedom has made the event even better, with title sponsor Agria coming on board, and getting individual spots; such as Unex sponsoring the speed classic.

The world number one rider, Kent Farrington, was in action this year, with an as good, if not better, field than you’ll find in a Longines League of Nations. It’s testament to the venue that riders like Marcus Ehning want to return every year, and I think that will continue for generations. I always make trying to get picked for Hickstead my priority.

“It was brilliant to pull it off”

People ask what’s the most important competition in the sport now when there is the Global Champions Tour, the Rolex and Longines grands prix and the Nations Cups. Unless you’re fortunate to have a big string of horses, you have to back one and for me, the Nations Cups take precedence.

It’s the format I really enjoy, although I probably wouldn’t say it at the time. The Nations Cups have been around for ever, and they’re so easy to understand. As long as we stay strict with ourselves and don’t change too much, I think they will stay that way.

My good friend Conor Swail and I jumped the only double clears in this year’s Agria Nations Cup at Hickstead. He’s another rider I’ve always looked up to, so to be up there with him at this level was brilliant. But I keep going back to the history and significance of Hickstead, and this is always the week I work towards, so it was brilliant to pull it off.

Medoc De Toxandria is a very sensitive horse and you have to do everything on his terms. He’s 14, and he’s never felt better. It’s taken me a long time to get him into a system that works for us but I wasn’t surprised he produced that in the Nations Cup.

I went in with a lot of confidence, whereas maybe in the past two years, I had some uncertainty and never rode well enough. Now I feel we’re in a good partnership, and I rode as I should have, and as he deserves.

Let’s hang on to equine talent

In terms of the sport overall I was fortunate to have a long chat with CEO of British Showjumping (BS), Iain Graham, recently. It’s not as simple as I thought, and I take my hat off to him. The situation is not as black and white as everybody thinks, and there’s logic behind what’s going on. He agrees it’s not perfect, but BS has only a certain amount of control.

We could all throw our arms in the air and say this and that but I don’t think we really are in much trouble. We’ve had four golds from the past four Olympics and you can’t argue with that. I think we just accept what we are at the moment, and what we’re becoming is a top producer of young horses.

It takes time to evolve but buying young horses and producing them is what Britain is becoming known for. We just have to be able to hold on to them, or get a top British rider to buy them, so we can see the benefit.

Ideally, we would try to get some kind of syndication, as in the Netherlands, to keep top horses in this country. If you had a pot for 10 British-bred horses to go to the top 10 riders, it would be a massive benefit.

● Is the sport going in the right direction? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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First-ridden winners Scarlett Smith and the Woodview Filidori six-year-old Archwood Finley went on to stand mini show pony supremes at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

Finley is owned by his producers, David Jinks and Adam Forster, who bought him as a three-year-old from his breeder Yvonne Evans. He already has an enviable record, having won Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Windsor with Lara Rae Jones in the saddle. He was also bridesmaid here last term.

Adam said: “He’s beautiful conformationally, but he has the most charming, delightful, adorable temperament. I can’t think of enough ways to tell you how perfect he is in every way – to do, to lead, to ride. The kids all adore him; he is my all-time favourite pony.”

Finley is Birmingham-bound already this term having won two HOYS qualifiers – Royal Cheshire County and the NCPA Derbyshire Festival.

In the supreme, Finley duly didn't miss a beat again with his little rider, behaving far beyond his years to finish on 26 marks, and the judges’ choice for first reserve.

The lead-rein show pony division was topped by Laura Holly with five-year-old Sienna Chadwick on the Rachael Helliwell-produced four-year-old Megland Spring Fox – Freddie Fox to his friends.

They did just the one qualifier, which they won, and then won the final.

"He really looks after Sienna in the ring. He's a really sweet pony, he literally needs no working in, he just comes into ring and performs beautifully."

In reserve were the second placed lead-rein combination, India Earnshaw aboard Marianne Stewart-Wood and Millie Earnshaw’s Royalview Gossip Girl.

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Roseberry Picture Perfect was picture perfect to land the BSPS supreme show pony championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

Stoneleigh Showtime and Izzy Walker made a bid to defend their 2025 title and got as far as winning the 128cm division. But they were stopped there, as the championship headed up north to Yorkshire, as 148cm division winner Roseberry Picture Perfect (Haribo) reclaimed his 2023 crown, this time with Lilly Ahern in the saddle.

Haribo is now owned by Lilly’s grandfather Paddy Ahern and produced by Lilly’s mother Alex and her aunt – Alex’s sister – Kirsty Pickles.

The Aherns bought Haribo last May from Tammy Heathcote, but he remained with Tammy's daughter Chloe's ride until after Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) as she had earned an extra year in the 148cm owing to the change in rules.

“It worked out perfectly for us,” said Alex, “We wouldn’t have been ready for him last year.”

The quality Whiteleaze Democrat eight-year-old was bred by Tammy and her late mother Susie Hinchliffe. Haribo is the last Susie foaled, making his every victory more special.

This particular one was also special for the Aherns, as although they have earned many tricolours here with ponies they have produced, it’s the first one with a pony of their own, and a first for Lilly, 14.

They hit the ground running together this term, bagging the first HOYS pass of the year in the show pony ranks at Royal Bath and West.”

They also finished runners-up in the show ponies at Royal Windsor and stood reserve part-bred there.

“He’s one of the biggest characters on the yard,” said Alex. “He’s always got a smile on his face – but it’s a cheeky smile. He never does anything, but he’s a real character.”

Reserve overall show pony went to the second-placed 148cm, the Team Jinks produced Shildons Regal Heir – a big-moving chestnut owned and bred by Vicky Rudd, and piloted by Livie Smith – who made the most of a final spin here in the class before having to hand over the reins for HOYS as under their rules, she is out of the class.

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New mum Isabella Mears Wood’s charming coloured lightweight cob Mr Vincent successfully defended his 2025 crown and lifted the Surrey Envelopes British Show Horse Association (BSHA) supreme cob champion at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), piloted by producer Danielle Heath.

“For a cob to be able to be steady and safe for me, then also be able to step up to be a show cob and champion here two years in a row is really special,” said Isabella, who welcomed baby Arthur into the world six weeks ago, and who hopes to take back up Vincent’s reins next term.

Isabella initially found the 11-year-old – who also posted a second win at Windsor earlier this term – after posting an appeal on Facebook for a horse to hack and enjoy at home.

Former owner Nigel Fuller found him in Ireland and responded to Isabella’s post. After a lesson with Danielle, his producer proclaimed him a future star.

“I told her, ‘you’re not keeping this’,” she laughed.

He’s since more than proved her right, always going about his job with an undeniably sunny outlook and loving a buzzy atmosphere.

“He’s a pleasure to ride in the ring because he’s a little showman, so you don’t really have to do a lot, you just sit there and he does it for you. To have the full package – conformation and brain is really rare, and he’s got it all. Each time he goes in the ring he loves it even more.”

In reserve for the cob championship was the second-placed lightweight reigning Hickstead Derby Meeting champion, Redy, Steady Eddie, produced by Katie Jerram-Hunnable and ridden by his owner Caroline Mackness, who was understandably delighted.

“I was hoping to be in the top five but to be second to Danielle – I’m over the moon with that,” said Caroline.

Also in the championship were Will Morton and former Windsor champion Bannview So Smart, and Oliver Hood aboard the reigning Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) champion Carters Top Gun, first and second in the heavyweight division respectively.

Will Morton piloted Rosamund Lane’s Monarch In The Mist (Jack) to a second victory on the bounce in the Rogers Truck Services BSHA maxi cob final.

The 10-year-old by Fintan Himself, out of Maries Dancer, enjoyed a second championship at Royal Windsor, too, earlier this term.

He’s another undeniably jolly cob to watch, and again, wasn’t initially aimed at the show-ring. Instead, the Lane’s purchased him from a photograph where he was jumping a 4ft hedge, and they fell in love, sending him straight to Will for production.

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Helen Baker and Boston Black Tie (DJ) claimed the Barberstown Castle supreme ridden horse championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), producing a breathtaking individual show to top one of the most prestigious championships in the showing calendar.

The pair qualified for the supreme after completing a hat-trick of victories in the Ellena Thomas BSHA supreme hack championship, before returning to the International Arena to face the champion hunter, Arabian, riding horse, working hunter and cob in the battle for the overall title.

Owned by Nicola Faulconbridge, the nine-year-old black gelding, by Kilvington Scoundrel out of Boston Boudicca, once again captivated both judges and spectators with his elegant movement and commanding presence.

“I wasn’t expecting that to happen,” admitted Helen. “You’re always hopeful, but when he went bouncing into the ring I wasn’t so sure.”

The pair produced a flawless individual show, earning a total of 28, including a perfect 10 from one of the judges.

“I just remember hearing after my show that I’d got a 10,” she said. “That was an incredible feeling.”

Helen revealed she made only one small change to the routine that has become synonymous with DJ.

“I basically copied my show from last year, but instead of doing two gallops I changed legs and did a lovely flying change. Now that the Irish Bank has gone there’s so much more room in the arena. His one-handed trot extension is his party piece.”

Although the combination have previously featured in the Royal International supreme line-up, this was their first overall victory.

“I think it will really sink in when I’m driving home,” said Helen. “I'm not sure we can top that.”

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Fourteen-year-old Scottish rider Isla Smith claimed the ridden pony supreme champion crown at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), producing a polished individual show aboard Sutton Grange Fancy That (FT), owned by mum Laura, to secure one of the most coveted titles in the showing calendar.

Having qualified by winning the New Horizon Plastics Ltd supreme show hunter pony championship, the pair were the final combination to enter the International Arena, where three judges each awarded the partnership a score of nine, giving them a winning total of 27.

“To ride in that ring is just beyond words,” said Isla. “Watching all the other shows before you go in is nerve-racking because the show hunter pony is always last to perform.

“FT is so special and we love to gallop. I actually hadn’t planned to gallop twice, but I wanted a big finish and he just excelled. I don't have the words to describe it.”

The victory added another prestigious title to the partnership’s growing list of achievements. After being crowned supreme at the BSPS Summer Championships last year, Isla admitted she never imagined another success could top that.

“I didn’t think anything would ever beat that, but this is beyond words.”

Producer Craig Eleanor, who prepares FT alongside Sarah Parrott, praised the 15-year-old pony’s attitude both at home and in the ring.

“He’s a delight to have on the yard,” he said. “Everyone loves riding him and, when he gets to a show, he always rises to the occasion. He had a successful show career, including a win at HOYS, then seven years off before he came to us to be produced so to come back as strong as ever is just wonderful”.

The partnership won the 143cm show hunter pony final at Hickstead last year before finishing reserve champion hunter pony. Returning in 2026, they went one better by claiming the supreme hunter pony title before completing a dream day by being crowned overall pony supreme.

Reserve supreme went to Connie Hutton aboard Noble Peppermint, winners of the LG Show Team O'Donnell Family BSPS supreme working hunter pony championship.

“I just can’t believe I got to watch my daughter ride in that main arena,” said mum and owner Sarah Hutton. “She absolutely loves galloping and I’m just so proud.”

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Robert Whitaker and Equine America Vermento have made history at Hickstead as the first combination to win the Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup three times for over half a century.

Not since the mighty Harry Llewellyn and Foxhunter lifted the trophy in 1948, 1950 and 1953 had the same horse and rider won this five-star grand prix three times, but the 2023 and 2025 champions were victorious again this year.

Robert and Stephen and Caroline Blatchford’s 13-year-old Argento stallion jumped the faster of only two double clears to finish ahead of Brazil’s Stephanie Maciera and Novak De Kalvarie, and Canadian Nicole Walker and Panter JVH third.

“I got a bit emotional,” Robert said. “To win this with him three times – he’s amazing. Amazing.”

Only five combinations of 49 starters had conquered Kelvin Bywater’s first-round track, of whom Robert and Vermento were the first. They gave what could have been an exhibition round in this arena they know so well, and although Robert said he thought there would be more clears, rider after rider was caught out. Faults came all over the course, although the double of ditches and the white gates caught plenty out, and seven riders retired.

Robert and Vermento were first to go in the jump-off and again showed just why they have been such a success in this class, from their big open shot to the first oxer to a cracking turn to the two remaining elements of the combination to a perfect angled gallop round the open water to the last.

Next in was Nicole and her own 11-year-old stallion. They were fast and forward from before the start line, each turn a shade tighter, and they were up on the clock until that turn by the water. The slightest of slips behind – and heartbreakingly, the last rail landed on the turf.

Stephanie and Bonne Chance Farm’s 13-year-old jumped a beautiful polished clear a shade slower than Robert, then Jack Whitaker and Candice Reilly’s brilliant Jack JL had two down. Last to go, Jessica Mendoza and Summerhouse were looking on super form but the third fence fell late, and they went on to have three more fences down.

“To win it three times is incredible,” Robert said. “He jumped so good in the first round, and in the jump-off I was obviously first to go. I know this ring is very big and open, and it’s easy to knock one down, so I just wanted to do a good, safe round, and it paid off.

“He’s jumped here since he was a young horse and knows this ring inside out, and I think that really helps. There are so many elements on this course; the double of ditches, the water, the double of gates causes problems, and when you can jump those comfortably, it makes the rest of the course easy. I can ride to those fences knowing he can do it, and that makes a huge difference.”

Robert said his jump-off round was not as fast as he might have hoped.

“But it’s a big ring and easy to have one down, and that saved us in the end,” he said. “He’s unbelievable. He’s made history.”

Stephanie was very pleased with her first trip to the All England Jumping Course; she and Novak De Kalvarie had also jumped two four-fault rounds to help Brazil to finish just off the podium in the Nations Cup, and this was their best CSI5* grand prix result to date.

“It was my first time here, and we did a great Nations Cup,” she said. “Me and this horse are stepping up to this level; we started doing five-stars this year, and he’s getting better and better.

“I’m very pleased with him, very happy, and I really like the show and the atmosphere, and so different. I’m very happy with second place.”

Nicole and Panter are also relatively new to this level and this was again their best grand prix result, as well as their first European five-star grand prix.

“It’s incredible to be part of the Whitaker history,” said Nicole, as thanks to Donald’s 2024 win with Millfield Collette, the King George V Gold Cup has not been out of Whitaker hands since 2022. “To be third to them is amazing, I’ll take that!”

Nicole said the slight slip was unlucky, adding: “Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you have slips but the footing here is great. My horse made an amazing effort and I’m so proud of him. I ended up doing one more stride [to the last] but I’m so happy with him and our third place. I’ve had him four years and we’ve grown together, which is really nice.”

An amazing week

Nicole paid tribute to the support she had from chef d’equipe “Captain Canada” Ian Millar, who was last at Hickstead as a rider 44 years ago, and her coach Gerry Mullins, who knows the ring inside out.

“It’s been an amazing week,” she said. “The team is so supportive of each other, it’s great to be back here after 44 years, and it’s such an iconic special venue. It really was an honour to be here, and so much fun and a great experience for all of us.”

Robert, who thanked his “fantastic” owners for all their support, joins his father John as a three-time winner of the King George V Gold Cup – but his uncle Michael is still ahead.

“Michael said he’s won it four times – so I’ll have to win it again, won’t I!” he said.

Hickstead director Edward Bunn joked that the man who engraves all the venue’s major trophies thinks it is only Whitakers who compete here.

“It was a fantastic sport,” he said. “Five clear rounds, 15 four-faulters. That’s also testament to the course-building team led by Kelvin and Ben [Townley] to produce world-class sport, and I don’t think you’ll see anything better. Thank you, and we’ll see you all again next year.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Dowdstown Purple (Quinn), ridden and owned by Jono Fryer, made a successful bid to regain the British Horse Feeds & IDHS (GB) supreme ridden Irish Draught championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

The dapple grey 10-year-old, by Crosstown Dancer out of Dowdstown Jane, and Jono qualified for the supreme showdown after winning the British Horse Feeds & IDHS (GB) ridden full Irish Draught final.

“He’s a proper diva,” laughed Jono. “People say he’s been a fantastic servant to us, but that’s not true – we’re his servants and we’re at his beck and call.”

Despite his larger-than-life personality, Quinn has become one of the most consistent horses on the circuit.

“He’s Mr Consistent,” said Jono. “He’s always there in the top line-up and he just keeps producing. We‘re very lucky to have such an amazing pure-bred Irish Draught.”

The pair won the inaugural Irish Draught championship here in 2024. The British Horse Feeds-sponsored championship was created to celebrate the quality and versatility of full and part-bred Irish Draughts, providing the breed with a prestigious championship at Hickstead and an opportunity to showcase its many attributes. Jono believes the class is already helping to change perceptions of the breed.

“Over the last three years we’ve known two or three people every year who have gone looking for an Irish Draught after watching this championship,” he said. “That‘s really important.

“People need to realise the different shapes and sizes they come in and the way they move. They’re not cart horses – they’re the backbone of so many disciplines and they’re incredibly versatile.”

Also a winner at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), this latest Hickstead success further cements Dowdstown Purple's place among the country's leading Irish Draughts.

Occupying the runner-up spot in the championship was the winner of the part-bred class, Polly Coles’ My Diamond Solitair, ridden by Simon Reynolds.

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Newoak Midnight Blue leads the lap of honour in the Harrison Civil Engineering BSPS supreme mini pony of hunter type championship with Arabella Corrigan, eight, in the saddle at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

The pair had earlier won the Harrison Civil Engineering BSPS mini lead-rein pony of hunter type final with producer Adam Forster at the helm.

The eight-year-old part-bred Dartmoor – he’s by Ardenhall Midnight Charm out of Dartmoor Lickfolds Snowstorm – is no stranger to the spotlight. He stood second here as a four-year-old, just a year after Adam and his partner David Jinks purchased him from his breeders, the late Joyce Newbury and her daughter, Jackie.

He’s since returned to Hickstead to collect a hat-trick of victories – with three different riders – and stand reserve supreme pony. He also has two Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) victories on his CV.

Of the course here, Adam said: “It was tricky. There was a lot in it – a lot of walking actually – which leant itself to very challenging obstacles. It was a really well dressed course which gave the jockeys and us leaders lots to think about.”

This is the first time that winners of the lead-rein ranks have had to return to the ring for the championship against the winners of the inaugural running of the hugely popular Harrison Civil Engineering BSPS mini first ridden pony of hunter type final.

Adam was extremely positive about this latest addition to the mini schedule here.

“The stepping stone from lead rein onto an open pony is an important and difficult transition,” he explained. “Often a child on a hunter pony lead rein doesn’t want to move to a show pony first ridden because they may look better on a hunter pony or their riding might suit one better. The first ridden class is able to bridge the gap for those children.

“And because they have the obstacles to negotiate, it also makes them more aware of the ring – they actually have to use the ring – so I think it will bring on jockeys way more than we ever anticipated from a ring-craft point of view.”

A line-up of 22 immaculate ponies and children turned out for the mini first ridden pony of hunter type final, which was eventually won by Amelia Logan and Garnagree Golden Bravado.

However it was the second placed lead-rein who occupied the bridesmaid spot in the overall championship. This was Annandale Let’s Dance – an Annandale Cort Jester nine-year-old affectionately known as “Lenny the Lion” – who was ridden by Gracie-May Whitaker and led by his producer Craig Elenor. This is another pair who has previous form here, having topped the lead-rein class her last year and stood reserve supreme mini.

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Danni Thexton and the 16-year-old roan gelding Cushag Ffinlo (Chuckie) claimed the overall 7one7 Engineering Ltd SSADL championship sash at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), adding the supreme title to victory in the 7one7 Engineering Ltd SSADL in-hand final.

“I bought him as a three-year-old and showed him under saddle,” said Danni. “We sold him to a friend for their daughter, but when they couldn‘t bear to part with him they asked if we’d have him back.”

Chuckie‘s life has taken a very different direction since returning home. Rather than spending his days in the show ring, he now works as a much-loved riding school pony at Danni’s yard in Kendal, Cumbria, introducing young riders to horses.

“He now teaches lots of little people the ropes in our riding school,” said Danni. “He absolutely loves showing and it means so much that we can still give him the chance to come out and shine away from the riding school.”

The pair returned to Hickstead in outstanding form after winning the in-hand title and standing reserve supreme here in 2025, going one better this term to secure the overall championship.

“This year we’ve gone one better than last,” she said. “I honestly couldn't be prouder of him.”

Reserve supreme honours went to Shemika Snip, the 26-year-old skewbald owned and exhibited by Kelsey Bishop, after finishing runner-up in the SSADL in-hand championship.

Isabella Stagg and her 18-year-old “Holly” won the ridden final. Isabella has owned the eventer from a five-year-old, so their partnership spans 13 years.

They're due to go to the British Riding Clubs horse trials championships at 80cm next week, but they‘ve also been to Badminton grassroots four times and they were champion working show horse at the London International Horse Show in 2024.

“That was just a dream come true,“ said Isabella reflecting on her London win. “I really didn’t think she’d then have another championship win in her!”

Isabella says she’s had health problems this year that have made riding difficult.

“I haven’t been able to ride her as much as I’d like. But even when I’ve felt that I couldn’t get out of bed, the thought of getting up to see Holly helps me get up in the morning. She’s more than just a horse, she’s my best friend.”

Having only started showing when the For Compliment daughter turned 15, Isabella intends to keep going with Holly, adding that the born performer “loves a crowd, loves applause and lights up when she hears a microphone”.

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Alice Homer and Tidy Town (Guinness) completed a remarkable feat in the Culford Lodge Commodities small hunter final at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), claiming the coveted title for the third consecutive year.

The 10-year-old bay gelding, owned by Alice’s mother Lorraine Homer, is based at the family’s yard near Banbury, Oxfordshire. The pair have become one of the most consistent combinations in the small hunter ring, with another flawless performance securing an unprecedented third successive championship.

“Two years was incredible, but to do it three years back-to-back is very rare,” said Alice. “He absolutely loves it here. The atmosphere in that ring is something else and he’s such a showman.”

Although the achievement was special, Alice admitted defending the title brought added pressure.

”The pressure is definitely greater now. The first time we won it was completely unexpected, but once you’ve won it twice everyone expects you to do it again.

“It was a quick change because I was in the intermediate hacks on my six-year-old mare, who finished second, and then I had to quickly put my stock on and run across here,” she said.

The pair now go on to contest the intermediate hunter classes, having won the title and been crowned supreme intermediate champion at Hickstead in 2025.

“After this we’ll do a few working hunters before we start preparing for Horse of the Year Show,” added Alice.

The latest victory further cements Tidy Town’s place as one of the Royal International’s most successful small hunters, with the gelding continuing to thrive in the unique atmosphere of the International Arena.

Occupying the bridesmaid spot was Will Morton aboard Rosamund Lane’s Red Valentine.

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Helen Baker and Boston Black Tie (DJ) completed a remarkable hat-trick by winning the Ellena Thomas BSHA supreme hack championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

The nine-year-old black gelding, by Kilvington Scoundrel out of Boston Boudicca, is owned by Nicola Faulconbridge. He qualified for the supreme showdown after standing top in the Ellena Thomas BSHA small hack final, before going on to secure the coveted title for the third consecutive year.

“Third time we’ve won it on the bounce – it’s incredible,” said Helen. “I was hoping it would happen, but he still had to go in there and want it.

”I’d like to dedicate this win to my mum. It was always her favourite show and she’s no longer here, so I asked her for a little bit of help this morning – and she delivered.”

The emotional victory added another chapter to the gelding’s outstanding career, but Helen admitted there is still one goal she would love to achieve.

“Winning here three times is really special. At Horse of the Year Show we were actually pulled forward as the winner before it was taken away because of a marks error. Just hearing our name called was incredible, so I'd love to experience that feeling again and actually win HOYS."

Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Lordship’ at home, DJ has earned a reputation for knowing exactly when the spotlight is on him.

“He knows he’s special,” laughed Helen. “Today he proved it again. In the main ring, when we first go past the members, he always has a little look around. I just tell him, ‘Not now, DJ, not now,’ give him a little stroke, and he says, ‘OK, we can do this.’ I talk to him all the way round.”

Helen now plans to continue campaigning DJ in Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers as they bid to secure their place at Birmingham later this season.

Winning the large division was Jean Walsh-Wright’s Diptford Arctic Star with Bethany Beard in the saddle.

However Nicola Miller’s second placed large hack Copybush So Fashion and producer Will Morton upped their game to secure the runner-up spot in the championship.

Laura Nicholson astride her own Windsor champion Absolutely Lovely completed the championship contenders after finishing second in the small ranks.

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Holly Smith brought one horse, to the Royal International Horse Show, for one class, and it paid off as she and star stallion Fruselli landed the JCL Insurance Brokers 2026 Queen Elizabeth II Cup.

Fruselli had been out of action for nearly two years but won a hat-trick of four-star classes at Bolesworth early this month, and looked back to his brilliant best as he and Holly jumped clear in 35.6sec, just ahead of Ella Dalton and Ultimo N Z.

“What a privilege to be able to ride in a ring like that in a national competition in a 1.50m class,” Holly said. “Not all horses will take to it. They need to be brave, they need to be careful, they need to stay with you, they need to handle the gradients. It really does take a true superstar of a horse, they have to have everything.”

And Fruselli does. Now 16, the compact Welsh-bred stallion looks as good, if not better, than ever. Compact and agile, he was landing, turning and accelerating with effortless speed to secure the title for Holly for the first time.

“Fruselli’s got a wealth of experience, and we know each other inside out,” Holly said. “He’s well worth the drive; when the alarm goes off to bring a horse like him, you jump out of bed with a smile on your face.”

Ella had set the standard from second in the jump-off with her own big-striding scopey eight-year-old. Gemma Stevens and Envoy Merelsnest Z crossed the line in a fantastic 35.09sec but clipped the second-last to finish seventh.

“Fruselli is a very naturally quick horse, but you’ve got to get that balance of not going absolutely mad, but still not leaving the door open for anybody else,” Holly said. “I thought I’d done it but you never know!

“He’s been off for two years, and whether he was going to come back or not, we didn’t know. We dipped a toe in a few weeks ago at Bolesworth, he was exceptional there, took him easy then brought him here, and he’s gone and done it again. It’s like a dream, really. What a privilege to ride a horse with such experience.”

Ella, who won the Cindy Meade memorial trophy as the best under-25 rider, was delighted with Ultimo, whom she bought last October and has stepped up to this level this year, finishing second at the Great Yorkshire Show.

“He was amazing today,” she said. “Holly was destined to win but he was incredible. This was the first time I’ve really gone against the clock with him but he’s so naturally fast and careful – and he had the best time in there. He’s got so much stride and quality, I can just sit there and look pretty! He makes my job super-easy.”

Former Hickstead speed Derby winner Ella has also been busy eventing, competing at four-star with Chantilly Amatullah – “And I’m showing here too,” she said. “I’m doing literally everything!”

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Francoise Babington and Scarlet Ribbons (J-Lo) completed a remarkable treble at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), winning the supreme amateur hunter championship after earlier victories in both the lightweight amateur hunter and the home-produced hunter finals.

The 12-year-old mare, by Wish Upon A Star out of Javelin, successfully defended the amateur hunter supreme title she claimed in 2025, continuing an outstanding season that also included the amateur hunter championship at Royal Windsor.

Owned and ridden by Francoise, J-Lo once again demonstrated her quality in the amateur ranks, producing three polished performances to secure all three titles.

“I’ve been in the show ring since I was little,” said Francoise. “I took some time out and did a bit of racing, rode as an amateur for a while, then stepped away completely to focus on family and the business. I came back about seven years ago and actually won this class in 2023 on my other horse, Seabourne Silent Valley.”

She added: “I’ve always been very fortunate to have some incredible wins in the amateur classes with Seabourne Silent Valley and then last year with J-Lo. She was an absolute superstar and I couldn’t believe we’d won both championships. She galloped so well in that ring.

“She’s 12 now and to complete the Windsor and Royal International double is really special. We absolutely adore her and, when we retire her from the show ring, she’ll go off to have babies.”

There was little time for celebration after the presentation, however, as Francoise hurried across the showground to watch her 12-year-old niece, Alexandra Babington, make her Royal International debut aboard Crumpwell Haddi.

The pair rounded off a memorable family day by finishing eighth in the NPS Baileys Horse Feeds 122cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony final.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Carole Lindsay celebrated as home-bred Maybe A Reign Star led a remarkable one-two in the British Miniature Horse Society (BMHS) supreme miniature horse championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

A surprise champion, Maybe A Reign Star – by Poco De Oro Maybe Reigns out of Scott's Little Star – qualified for the championship after topping the BMHS yearling miniature horse line-up.

He’s usually led by Daniel Tarpey, but as Daniel had also qualified Carole’s stallion who stood reserve, the rein was handed over to Mia Hiscock and the youngster edged out his stablemate despite having only contested a handful of shows.

“I‘m absolutely over the moon, especially with him because he‘s only done a couple of shows,” said Carole. “I actually thought my stallion would be the one to do well, but I had no expectations for the yearling.

“He qualified at his first show in April – the Breed Show. Both his sire and dam qualified for Royal International, but neither of them ever went champion, so this is really special.

“It was so unexpected. I don‘t even know what the plans are now, but I suppose we‘d better start thinking about Horse of the Year Show qualifiers.”

Reserve supreme went to Carole‘s prolific stallion H Red Hunter Brown (Toby), the five-year-old 84cm stallion by HT Amaze Mi On The Highway out of SDZ Take Five Chanel, who qualified after winning the BMHS three-year-old and over miniature horse championship.

Toby arrived at Hickstead in outstanding form following a string of major victories.

“He‘s had a fantastic career,” said Carole. “He was champion at Three Counties, reserve at Devon and supreme at the Shire Horse Show last week.

“If any of mine had taken the top spot, I thought it would have been Toby, which is why this has come as such a shock. To have bred, owned and exhibited both the champion and reserve supreme here is just incredible.”

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Jayne Ross and Ladies Man claimed the De La Hey Family BSHA supreme riding horse sash at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), with the talented bay continuing his remarkable rise through the ranks.

The 10-year-old, by Tiger Attack out of Looking Glass, is bred and owned by Danni Radford and qualified for the supreme showdown after winning the De La Hey Family BSHA small riding horse final.

Previously shown extremely successfully as an intermediate – he won here and at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) – and as a hack, 2025 marked his first full season as a riding horse, during which he was champion at Royal Windsor and finished reserve champion at HOYS.

"I’m delighted," said Jayne. "He's a lovely horse and always gives everything. When he went into that main ring he really lifted, went up two gears and showed exactly what he's capable of. He loves a crowd and a big occasion.

"He's a real family horse,” Jayne explained. “Danni’s three-year-old daughter sits on him and plays with him at home, but then he can go into the ring and perform like he did today. He went in with the mindset to win.

"Winning Horse of the Year Show last year was incredibly special, but we finished reserve, so to come and win the championship here today is just amazing."

Jayne believes the gelding's performance in the International Arena made the difference.

"He's been in that main ring before as an intermediate, but never as a riding horse. Today he really lowered, galloped and covered the ground. The judge said he looked like he could have won at Royal Ascot with his gallop, and I think that really won him the supreme.”

Reversing the HOYS showdown and repeating the 2025 Windsor championship results, reserve here went to Vicky Smith aboard eight-year-old Tremarl Timpani for the second year on the bounce. Vicky and the eight-year-old owned by her breeder Jane Davies won the large division.

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Showjumper Adam Taylor and Loughview Verdis Dream (Verdi) claimed the Baileys Horse Feeds supreme working hunter championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show, ending Mulberry Lane's remarkable run after three consecutive supreme titles.

Adam and Verdi, an eight-year-old bay gelding owned by Beverley Vaughan, secured the championship after winning the Baileys Horse Feeds heavyweight working hunter final. The pair had finished reserve to Mulberry Lane in 2025 before returning to reverse the placings this time.

The gelding boasts world-class jumping bloodlines. Out of Loughview Lala, he is sired by the internationally renowned Verdi who enjoyed success at the highest level of international showjumping before becoming one of the world's leading jumping sires, making Loughview Verdis Dream's ability over a fence no surprise.

“I mainly do showjumping,” said Adam. “But we've got this amazing horse and, after finishing reserve last year, we thought we’d have another go. He's bigger and stronger this year and has really matured.”

Despite lifting one of showing‘s most coveted titles, Adam admitted the discipline still feels outside his comfort zone.

”I'm not a show rider,” he laughed. “Mulberry Lane is one hell of a horse to beat, but I've worked so hard with Verdi.

”I felt like we were flying – it was like I was on ‘Verdi Airlines’. It can be overwhelming riding in that ring, but getting to gallop round the International Arena in the lap of honour was just something else.”

The victory brought an end to one of the most dominant runs in recent Royal International working hunter history, with Mulberry Lane having claimed the supreme title in 2023, 2024 and 2025 before finishing reserve this year.

Owned by Susan Tennant, the 10-year-old chestnut gelding ridden by Craig Kiddier has become one of the sport’s most recognisable working hunters, renowned for his scope, presence and impeccable temperament.

A firm crowd favourite, Mulberry Lane once again delighted spectators with his trademark lap of honour alongside the hounds, receiving a warm reception after another memorable Royal International performance.

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There’s no need for football to come home, as showjumping has done it, again, was the verdict as Great Britain triumphed in the 2026 Agria Nations Cup at the Royal International Horse Show.

The team had been victorious in 2023 and 2024 but having just been pipped by Germany last year, came back to win with a fence in hand.

Jessica Mendoza (Summerhouse), Adrian Whiteway (Chacco Volo), Tim Gredley (Medoc De Toxandria) and Ben Maher (Catelly) finished on a total of eight faults, two fences ahead of Ireland, with Canada third on 24. Tim and his superstar campaigner Medoc jumped one of only two double clears to help seal Britain’s third win on home soil in four years.

Chef d’equipe Di Lampard said it was good to be back at the top.

“You talk about teamwork, this is what it’s all about, isn’t it?” she said, paying tribute to the teams behind the team, and her right-hand man Stanny Van Paesschen.

“I was quietly confident this morning, and yes, I had a bit of a nervous jitter towards the end of the second round – but I had every confidence in them.”

2026 Agria Nations Cup: Britain flying from the off

Britain was on flying form from the start; the first combination in, Jessica and her own 11-year-old gelding – a half-brother to her championship ride In The Air – jumped a textbook clear, sure and rhythmical, to give the team the best possible start, especially as it was the only clear in the first rotation of riders.

By the time Adrian came in, Britain’s was still the only clear. Chacco Volo did not touch a pole, but inexplicably stopped at the water, and the resulting time-faults meant they finished on a total of 20. Third in was Tim and the Gredleys’ and Unex Competition Yard’s 14-year-old, who were never in danger of touching a fence.

The luck had not been with Ireland in the first round; David Simpson and his Hickstead Derby hero Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve and Shane Breen and the versatile Scarteen had clocked up an uncharacteristic eight faults apiece, and team debutante Michaeli Byrne and MSH Claregalway four. But Conor Swail’s clear with Clonterm Obolensky put the team total at 12 and the pressure on by the time Ben came in with new ride Catelly.

Again, Ben and the 14-year-old owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright did not touch a pole – but again it was the water that was an issue, as Catelly went into it with a back foot.

This meant the team had a first-round total of four, a fence ahead of Brazil and two ahead of Ireland and the UAE. European champions Belgium and France were in seventh and eighth place, with 21 and 24 faults respectively, so missed out on the second round.

This rotation of riders led to a shake-up of the team order; Canada had finished round one in fifth place on 16 faults but Chris Pratt and Ideaal ES jumped clear and Kyle King (Kayenne Z) and Nicole Walker (Panter JVH) for four, so Amy Millar and Gaiete D’Elle’s five – an unlucky clip of the last fence and a time-fault – could be dropped for a total of 24. This was the same total as the UAE, who clocked up 12 in each round, but Canada’s faster time secured the podium. Brazil added four fences down in total to finish fourth.

In the second round, Jessica and Summerhouse clipped the troublesome early double, and Chacco Volo had an uncharacteristic two rails, which meant the pressure was on Tim and Medoc, who went round like the pros they are to leave everything up.

So in the end, it all came down – as it often has here before – to Ireland and the Brits. David and Pjotr had jumped for four, Michaeli eight and Shane and Scarteen a beautiful clear. So had Conor and Oliver Glancy’s 10-year-old clipped a single rail, or gone a second over the time, it would have been a home win without Ben needing to jump again. But their round was fast and faultless, the only other double clear secured, and leaving all the pressure on Ben’s shoulders. He could have one fence, two would have meant a jump-off with the Irish.

But Catelly wasn’t going to touch the water this time, and he flew everything else, clearing the last oxer to rapturous applause.

Ben paid tribute to the team at Hickstead, for the perfect going, sponsors Agria and the crowd.

“I’ve only had Catelly four months, so he was thrown in the deep end a bit, and we’re still making the odd mistake,” he said. “It was a bit of a unique fault I had in the first round; I don’t think I’ve ever seen a horse with a back foot in a water jump! So I had to make a bit of a plan B and got away with it.

“Then to come back, it was great to be able to finish it for this amazing team. I thought they were lying to me when I went in, that I had two jumps in hand and they’d told me one so I didn’t get too sloppy So I need to pay a bit more attention but Catelly jumped amazing, and showed what he can do. I’m very lucky to have the team of horses I have.”

Coming back to win

Jesssica and Adrian both jumped on this team last year and both were delighted to return and secure the win.

“I’ve had Chacco a long time, we’ve done it all together, and I’ve had an amazing season,” Adrian said. “This is actually probably the worst day we’ve had, unfortunately. But he’s an amazing, amazing horse. Unlucky today but that’s showjumping, and we’ll come back next time.”

Tim and Medoc were on the winning team here in 2023 and 2024, and Tim was delighted by the hat-trick, adding that Hickstead is the “holy grail” of showjumping.

“It’s where the showjumping all began for me, and I really want to give back to them every single year,” he said. “So to come here, jump a double clear and win on the team is brilliant, what it’s all about.

“Medoc got my career exactly back where I wanted to be, he’s been brilliant. Today was always the plan, we’ve been building towards this, and it’s come off. It’s very rare that plans come off, but it’s a nice feeling when they do.”

“This is for Bob”

Di added that the win was dedicated to the late legendary course-builder Bob Ellis

“We really wanted to win this year for Bob,” she said. “We all learned round his courses, they’re renowned all round the world. So talking to his daughter, we said we want to win at Hickstead. His memorial is in August and she said ‘I won’t be able to come [to Aachen], but bring a medal back’. Bob’s looking down on us.”

Hickstead director Edward Bunn thanked Agria, as without such support these shows cannot happen, and his team for their tireless weeks of work since the Derby meeting to ensure the ground was as good as it could be.

“Congratulations to Team GBR, to Di and her team,” he said. “Football doesn’t need to come home – showjumping does it for them.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Derbyshire combination were making their Royal International debut.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Lightweight hunter Tigbourne claimed his second sash on Hickstead’s hallowed turf as he and Hannah Horton lifted the ladies’ hunter championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

The pair looked effortlessly elegant, floating around the ring with Tigbourne giving a mannerly yet sparkling performance.

Owned by Lucinda Freedman and Isabel Clifford-Kingsmill, Tigbourne was bred by he late Daphney Thorneycroft. The nine-year-old is sired by Roviris.

He first turned heads at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair as a yearling, standing supreme when fielded by Ann Bassett and the late Tony Wareham. Since then, he has gone on to fulfill that early promise to become a top notch show horse.

A former Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) winner with Hannah astride in the saddle, he has previously stood second in the lightweight ranks here, and claimed his first Hickstead championship at the Derby Meeting earlier this year.

Hannah, who has produced him since a six-year-old said: “He always wants to please and the bond we have is very special.

“He’s a really comfortable ride, so we thought we would give the ladies’ a go. He hasn’t been campaigned much side-saddle – this is his first season, but he’s taken to it like a duck to water. He’s got elegance and grace but with the power of a hunter, and he’s really mannerly but with the showmanship of a champion.”

In reserve were a more recent pairing: Jill Day’s MHS Morning Master (TJ) and Alice Pimbley, who also looked a picture of elegance together.

Alice and TJ – a former HOYS champion with his producer Robert Walker in the saddle – qualified with an impressive win on the pair’s debut together, and TJ’s first run out ever carrying a side saddle at the Sport Horse Breeding (GB) (SHB (GB)) spring show. They are also HOYS-bound together for the first time.

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A stellar quartet of British showjumpers is bidding for glory in this afternoon’s Hickstead Nations Cup (Friday 24 July).

A team win on home soil is one of the pinnacles of the sport for any rider, so expect some fierce competition when the flags go up for all eight nations competing in the CSIO5* Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain at 2.15pm today in Hickstead’s International Arena.

Hickstead Nations Cup: who is on the British team?

So who has chef d’equipe Di Lampard selected for her Hickstead Nations Cup team this afternoon?

Two members of the Great Britain squad heading to the showjumping world championships next month will be flying the flag, Ben Maher, who was on the gold medal-winning team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and Adrian Whiteway, who will be making his senior championship debut.

Ben brings forward his relatively new ride Catelly, who was bought by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright for the triple Olympic gold medallist just three months ago, and they were part of Great Britain’s winning Longines League of Nations (LLN) squad in Rotterdam last month.

There will be a great reception for the hugely popular duo of Adrian Whiteway and Chacco Volo, who will be making their final team appearance before heading to Aachen as part of Great Britain’s World Championship squad. It’s been a fairytale couple of years for 35-year-old Adrian, who made his five-star Nations Cup debut here last year with Deborah Cox’s 13-year-old stallion and a win at Hickstead would be the perfect send-off.

US-based Jessica Mendoza is back in Europe for the summer and has made it on to the non-travelling reserve list for the showjumping World Championships in Aachen. She is riding her own 11-year-old bay gelding Summerhouse, with whom she has been competing since early 2024, and was also part of the winning team in Rotterdam this summer. They too were on the team that was just pipped to second by Germany in this Nations Cup in 2025.

Tim Gredley was part of the celebrated team that brought showjumping home in the Hickstead Nations Cup of 2023 with the country’s first Nations Cup victory on home soil for 13 years. His trusty partner, 13-year-old Medoc De Toxandria, is a veteran of two championships – one with Tim and one with Matt Sampson – and countless Nations Cups.

Good luck to the British team and we look forward to another cracking Nations Cup at Hickstead.

British Nations Cup team for Hickstead 2026

• Harry Charles with nine-year-old Fighting Phil, owned by Harry / 16-year-old Casquo Blue, owned by Harry’s father Peter Charles and Stall Zet.
• Ben Maher and 14-year-old Catelly, jointly owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright.
• Jessica Mendoza riding 13-year-old In The Air, owned by Permilla Amman, Georgia Kipp, Jessica Mendoza, Kristi Mitchem and Melissa Skowlund / 11-year-old Summerhouse, owned by Permilla Amman, Georgia Kipp, Jessica Mendoza, Kristi Mitchem and Melissa Skowlund, AKA “The Moms’ Club”
• Tim Gredley with 13-year-old Medoc De Toxandria, owned by Tim’s wife Rachel Gredley, his father William Gredley and Unex Competition Yard.
• Adrian Whiteway with 13-year-old stallion Chacco Volo, who is owned by Deborah Cox.
• Chef d’equipe: Di Lampard

The Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain takes place at 2.15pm this afternoon, Friday 24 July, at Hickstead.

How to watch the Hickstead action

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Robert Walker claimed the Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) Supreme Hunter Championship aboard Full Cry at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show, steering the outstanding seven-year-old to his first Hickstead victory.

Owned by Jill Day, the gelding qualified for the supreme after winning the middleweight hunter championship, adding another major success to a fantastic run that included the supreme hunter title at the Great Yorkshire Show just a week earlier.

"This is his first win here," said Walker. "We've got two lovely middleweights, including Greenhall Treasure Island, who won here in 2023 and 2024, but this year we decided it was his turn.

"Last week he was supreme hunter at the Great Yorkshire Show, which was the first really big show where we'd asked a lot of him, and he answered every question. He's proved he's stepped up another level."

Robert explained that owner Jill Day bought Full Cry as a two-year-old in Ireland before the Walker team patiently produced him through the ranks.

"He's by the talented showjumping stallion Balou du Rouet, out of an OBOS Quality mare. He was bred to win Badminton Horse Trials or the World Cup, but our wonderful owner loves her show horses. She allowed us to bring him on slowly and he was virtually unbeaten as a novice.

"He's had a fantastic year and now I've got to take this one to Horse of the Year Show."

Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) Supreme Hunter reserve champion

Reserve supreme honours went to IJ Countryman, the seven-year-old grey winner of the Alan Marnie Meta Lounge Ltd SHB (GB) Heavyweight Hunter Championship, ridden by Robert Walker but presented by his wife Sarah in the supreme.

The partnership repeated last year's heavyweight success before going on to complete the double by winning at Horse of the Year Show.

"He's a big horse, but he's probably the easiest one I've ever ridden," said Robert. "He rides like a small hunter."

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Robyn-Jayne Hadland celebrated the biggest victory of her career when Garlance Flash Jac claimed the KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage Mountain and Moorland Supreme Ridden Championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show.

The 12-year-old chestnut roan Welsh section C stallion, by Oak Jac out of Benuchel Siriol, secured the prestigious supreme title after heading the Welsh section C and D championship. Home-produced, the stallion proved once again that his antics at home are a world away from his impeccable manners in the show ring.

"He's just an idiot at home," laughed Robyn. "How he's even still got all four limbs I've no idea. He's an absolute hooligan in the field and a complete fool, but the minute you get on his back he knows exactly what his job is."

Fighting back emotion after the biggest win of their partnership, she added: "I can't even describe how this feels. This is by far his biggest win. I bought him in Bristol from the late Benji Rees, so I'd like to think there was a little bit of Benji looking down on us today."

KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage Mountain and Moorland Supreme Ridden reserve champion

Reserve supreme honours went to Ashleyvale Glen Duror, the eight-year-old grey dun by Ashleyvale Glen Avon out of Ashleyvale Amazing Grace, owned by Karyn Thomas and ridden by Ellen Thomas.

The pair repeated last year's section victory before once again finishing reserve supreme.

"It's his second year winning the class," said Ellen. "He's had a nice easy day, he absolutely loves the big open spaces and the atmosphere of that ring. It was almost like he remembered it from last year. Now we've qualified for both HOYS and London, my plan is to start jumping him a bit more."

The KS Baling Ltd BSPS Heritage Mountain and Moorland Junior Championship was awarded to Owen Parker, riding Weston Wild Fire, the 10-year-old bay who won the Dartmoor, Exmoor and Shetland section, owned by Sarah Weston.

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Harry Charles and Bandit continued their flying recent form as they won the ClipMyHorse.TV tankard at the Royal International Horse Show.

Harry and the 11-year-old held their lead from seventh of 56 starters to triumph in this two-phase competition, which came hot on the heels of their brace of wins in Valkenswaard.

“He’s on a hat-trick; we’ll have to start calling him Mbappé!” Harry said, referring to the golden boot winner at the 2026 football World Cup.

“I’m very happy as he’d been knocking on the door but we’d have one down, from my mistake or his, but now the penny’s dropped a bit, and he’s very easy when he’s on form.”

Harry said these classes are among the hardest to win as there are only five or six fences in the jump-off phase, so there is not as much scope to take time off. But he and the Irish-bred gelding owned by father Peter and Stall Zet made every turn count, the compact, agile Bandit showing all his speed and scope.

“You have to be pretty much perfect in these classes and take the first distance everywhere, and actually my first one didn’t come up, but he’s so fast, I just tried to be smooth,” Harry said. “That’s how he’s fast; if I try to take too many strides out, it can be a bit stop-start. It’s like cruise control, I have to set it high from the start and try not to break it, just keep the pace and ride the correct lines.’

Bandit sustained an injury in late 2024 and had nearly a year out, then started jumping small classes at the end of last year.

“He’s pretty much come right back to where he left off, if not better,” Harry said. “He’s a bit of a Swiss Army knife; he doesn’t spook, he’s extremely brave and super-fast. I haven’t done a five-star grand prix with him, although I wouldn’t rule it out, but classes like this are his bread and butter. He’s on about 60% of his tank, he finds it easy and it gives him confidence. I’m very lucky to have him.”

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The fabulous Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze won a second consecutive Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge at the Agria Royal International Horse Show, three seconds plus a fence ahead of their nearest rivals.

The 2025 champions were last to go, and drew a huge roar from the crowd as they finished in 117.8sec, ahead of Tara Dixon and Master Smart on 124.30 and last year’s runners-up Alex Bragg and Ardeo Premier, on 125.13.

The win means Gemma – who first won this class in 2022 with her World Championships ride Flash Cooley – joins Pippa Funnell as a three-time winner of the class; only Gary Parsonage has won it more, with four titles on his CV.

“That’s cool, isn’t it?!” Said Gemma. “Pip’s the coolest in the sport, so I’m happy with that!”

Gemma said last year that The Rex Syndicate’s Irish-bred gelding was probably one of the nicest horses’s she’s had and his form since then – which includes winning the four-star Lycetts Grantham Cup at Thorseby – has done nothing to shake that view.

Asked if she felt any pressure after last year’s win, Gemma said: “Of course there’s always pressure. But we had a wonderful win here yesterday, and I just thought ‘I had a lovely win yesterday, I really enjoyed it. Let’s just enjoy this wonderful horse and do the best we can do.”

Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze: how they did it

The round was flawless; jumping on lovely balanced turns from the off and fast and accurate from the start. They had the slightest of pauses on the top of the bank but then flew home, taking the longer route at the barrels to avoid the knock-down rails of the shorter route, accelerating over the brush and the Devil’s Dyke without a check – and were cheered most of the way home.

“I had a real plan,” Gemma said. “I knew my plan, and I just tried to stick to it, to the point I made [husband] Gary watch the round back from last year, and try to go one or two less strides here and there – I’m not joking when I say I counted everywhere! I think that’s where the [show]jumping comes into play, I’ve got so used to counting, then when you’re trying to be really quick and you can shave off a stride here and there, it makes a difference. Really being that precise is, I think, where I’ve upped my game a bit.”

Tara, daughter of eventing legend Karen, was not only making her debut in this class, it was the first time she had ever been to Hickstead, but she and Master Smart looked like old hands as they went fast and sure from the start, taking the direct routes off the bank and through the barrels, just clipping the rail of the second element there.

“I’d never even been here as a spectator – now I love the place!” she said.

“I was aware of this class and had seen clips, then at the beginning of this year, I made a 2026 bucket list and this was on it, so I decided to make it happen. Mum and Dad have been here so they debriefed me on the whole show.”

Tara has had her parents’ Satisfaction gelding since he was five, eight years ago, and she said they were not a match made in heaven at first, as “he kept putting me on the floor!”

“But we clicked,” she said. “And I honestly think there’s no horse as talented as him. He’s so quick with his feet and just loves the game, he can do it all and he’s gorgeous. I can’t wait to try to finally get my ducks in a row and keep kicking and do well at a big one somewhere.”

“It was great fun”

The 2024 winner Alex and Debbie and Neill Nuttall’s 14-year-old are well practised on this course, although it had had some tweaks since last year, and they gave a masterful performance today, fast, smooth and clear.

“I was surprised because the sun was so bright, he spooked at fence one,” Alex said. “I could hear them doing the commentary saying ‘He’s produced him since he was four years old’, and I think he must have heard and thought ‘Oh, I’ve got to behave like a four-year-old’!

“I thought ‘Fence one, this is not good’, so I had to give him a little bit of encouragement.”

Alex said “Eddie” has not quite got the speed across the ground of the other two but he was neat and balanced.

“And he’s great fun,” he said. “I was definitely having fun. These classes are magnificent; I think they’re great for our sport to showcase it to a different audience, in a different way. It is really fun, and I know it’s a competition, but I think I try to look at it as an exhibition, a showcase, and I love it. Thank you to Hickstead for continuing to put it on, and Ashby Underwriters for continually supporting it.”

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Nine-year-old Connie Hutton claimed the LG Show Team O'Donnell Family BSPS Supreme Working Hunter Pony Championship aboard the outstanding Noble Peppermint (Pepper) at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show.

The 16-year-old mare, owned by Connie's mother Sarah Hutton, qualified for the supreme after winning the 133cm working hunter pony championship.

Already one of the sport's most decorated working hunter ponies, Pepper added another prestigious Hickstead title to her illustrious record that includes the 2022 Horse of the Year Show Supreme Pony of the Year. She won at the same class at Royal International back in 2019 under Ruby Ward, and has now returned to the top with another junior rider.

"I was so scared because it was my first time jumping here," said Connie. "But she made me feel so safe. Then going into the big ring with the horses was really nerve-racking, but the gallop was such fun."

Sarah Hutton reflected on the pair's impressive season, which began with qualification at the first 133cm qualifier of the year at Northallerton before securing their first Horse of the Year Show ticket at Midlands County.

"They've had a brilliant season," she said. "Now I just want them to enjoy the rest of it before we start thinking about preparing for HOYS."

LG Show Team O'Donnell Family BSPS Supreme Working Hunter Pony reserve supreme champion

Reserve supreme honours went to Moorland Whiteriver Grey, ridden by Isabella Stanley and owned by Samantha Stanley. By Moorland Snowy River out of Grey Rock Misty, the 13-year-old Connemara gelding qualified after winning the 153cm Working Hunter Pony Championship.

"He's just incredible," said Isabella. "He's my horse of a lifetime. When I think about everything we've achieved together – winning the intermediates here last year, finishing second at HOYS in 2024, representing England for the past two years, and then winning and taking the championship at Windsor this year – it's just amazing."

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Leyla Scott-Christian partnered the Dales Griseburn Major to victory in the UKPH Anthony Evans Insurance Young Riders Mountain and Moorland Championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show.

The nine-year-old, owned by Joe Watson, qualified for the championship after winning the UKPH Anthony Evans Insurance Large Breeds Championship. It marked the gelding's first appearance at Hickstead and another major accolade in a glittering career.

Joe bought Griseburn Major as a three-year-old colt and produced him patiently before launching him into the show ring.

"I bought him as a three-year-old, we broke him in slowly and gave him a novice year," he said. "In 2022 I took him to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) where he won and went champion, and from then on he's had the most wonderful career, including two reserve supreme titles at the London International Horse Show and a best of breed title.

"This is actually his first time at Royal International and Leyla has only been riding him since the start of the year, but today they just really clicked."

Joe explained that the Dales stallion was gelded in August last year, a decision that has transformed him.

"We felt it was the right thing to do to settle him and since then he just loves life. He's the biggest character and everyone's favourite in the yard."

UKPH Anthony Evans Insurance Young Riders Mountain and Moorland reserve champion

Reserve championship honours went to Marsh Walk On By, the eight-year-old Welsh section A ridden by 14-year-old Lily Richardson and owned by her mother, Lucy Richardson.

"He's the most amazing pony," said Lily. "He's won HOYS twice and now we're looking forward to competing tomorrow in the section A/B class before heading home to prepare for HOYS."

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Will Morton claimed the pure-bred Arabian championship aboard LVA Winters Rascal at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show, steering the 13-year-old to a memorable victory in just their fourth show together.

Owned by Susan Rose, the son of LVA Maximus out of Winters Lilly B has enjoyed a remarkable start to the season with his new rider. After joining Will’s team at the beginning of the year, the gelding stood reserve champion at Royal Windsor before taking the championship at Suffolk, arriving at Hickstead in impressive form.

"He's new to me this year and this is only our fourth show together," said Will. "Coming here was a bit unexpected, but it's such a fantastic ring to ride in. I've been lucky enough to ride cobs and hunters in the International Arena before, but this was my first Arab, so it's been a whole new world."

Reflecting on the 13-year-old’s championship-winning performance, he added: "He lit up and owned it. He doesn't even wear ear plugs in that atmosphere. Now we're looking forward to trying to get our Horse of The Year Show ticket and then hopefully going to party in Birmingham."

Susan Rose, who has owned LVA Winters Rascal since he was a yearling, praised his versatility.

"He's a proper all-rounder," she said. "We also do dressage and showjumping with him, and he's a real member of the family. To see him come here and win a championship like this means so much."

Reserve championship honours went to Arimathea, the 12-year-old ridden by Louisa Biles and owned by Katie Gore.

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Fourteen-year-old Isla Smith crowned a memorable return to Hickstead by claiming the New Horizon Plastics Ltd Supreme Show Hunter Pony Championship aboard Sutton Grange Fancy That (FT) at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show.

The 15-year-old, owned by mum Laura Smith and produced by Craig Eleanor and Sarah Parrott, qualified for the supreme after winning the New Horizon Plastics Ltd 143cm Show Hunter Pony Championship for the second consecutive year. Having finished reserve supreme in 2025, the south west Scotland combination returned to go one better and secure the overall title at Hickstead.

”It was incredible pressure coming back after winning the section last year,” said mum Laura, ”Last year Isla and ‘FT’ were still a relatively new combination, but after another year together they’ve really grown as a partnership, and this year they managed to go one better.

“As a mum seeing your child ride in the main ring is something very special and I’ve been fortunate to see it twice.”

Judge Jayne Brace’s view

Ride judge Jayne Brace praised the quality of the hunter pony classes and the depth of competition in the championship.

“We were looking for proper hunter ponies, with a leg in each corner, and we found quality throughout the classes,” she said. “The gallops were excellent and the standard was exceptionally high.

“When the eight champions came together, they were all true to type and made for a lovely championship. We wanted something that really moved forward, and the champion, the 143cm winner, if you blew him up could easily have been a lightweight hunter.”

RIHS New Horizon Plastics Ltd Supreme Show Hunter Pony reserve champion

Reserve supreme honours went to Scarlett Davis aboard the seven-year-old Brynteg Llwynau Red Rose, owned by Charlotte Davis, after the Rochdale home-produced combination won the New Horizon Plastics Ltd 153cm Show Hunter Pony Championship.

“We’ve only had her since October and this is her first season,” said Scarlett. “We qualified for Royal International at the BSPS Winter Championships and then qualified for HOYS at the Scottish Horse Show a few weeks ago.

“She was bred by Jessica Pritchard and was actually supposed to be a coloured, but when she was born solid Jessica gave her to us on trial. We’ve completely bonded and now we do everything together.”

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Gemma Stevens may struggle to squeeze in any sleep as she prepares for the World Championships – but winning titles such as the Unibed high-performance equine bedding winter grades B and C final at the Royal International Horse Show must make up for it.

Gemma and nine-year-old Warrior Special triumphed from a field of 24 to win the prestigious title – the day after Gemma’s place was confirmed on the British team that will travel to Aachen with Flash Cooley.

“It’s challenging, shall we say!” said Gemma, of trying to fit everything into days that only have 24 hours each. “But it’s a really nice afternoon, the sun’s shining, all the owners are here and everyone’s happy. I’m thrilled to bits.”

Gemma was drawn halfway through the seven-strong jump-off, and first in Thomas Pritchard and Princess SW were the ones to beat, on 37.22 sec. Gemma put her foot down, and took advantage of the Warrior stallion’s huge scope and stride to finish in 36.99.

“I didn’t watch the first two go but the one before me was really fast and went third, so I thought ‘I’m really going to have to get a wriggle on!’” Gemma said.

“He’s a big horse and really careful but he has the most enormous stride, so I probably took 10 strides less than everyone else. For such a big horse, he’s got a real turn of foot.

“The owners absolutely loved winning here, it’s the best arena in the world.”

Warrior Special was bred down the road from Hickstead at Brendon Stud and he was sold aged six to Nadia Al Mutawa, who flew him to her home in Kuwait.

“He did a couple of 1.40ms as a seven-year-old but because it’s so hot there, they don’t have summer competitions,” Gemma said. “Nadia wanted him to come back and Shirley [Light, of Brendon Stud] very nicely suggested she send him to me.

“When he arrived, I thought he wasn’t really my type, but the very first time I jumped him at home, we had a partnership.

“He’s really coming into himself this year; he was second in the Chard grand prix and won at the Great Yorkshire Show; we’re thrilled with him and excited about the future. I think he’s got all the scope for the really big jumps.”

Gemma is competing in Saturday’s feature class, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, and this is creating another challenge.

“I’m riding my World Championships horse in the advanced at Aston-le-Walls in the morning,” she said. “I’ve got a 7.30am dressage, I should be done by 9.45am, then it’s a two and a half-hour drive back here, so we’ll be hot-footing it – I could really do with a helicopter!”

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A young rider achieved a historic Hickstead hat-trick, just missed out on a second as she beat herself and then set another record with a third pony – within a couple of hours.

Anya Dewey Clark won the Pro Ponies UK winter 128cm championship at the Royal International Horse Show with Kilcreene Snapdragon, and came second with Jim. She then won the winter 138cm title with Fredaine De Blonde.

Anya, who made history last year by winning every major 128cm title with Jim, went first in the 128cm jump-off with her superstar knowing that if they were to triumph, they would be the first combination ever to win this title three times. The 2024 and 2025 champions held their lead – the legendary 18-year-old Jim flying in his inimitable style – to finish clear on 45.99sec, a lead that held until the last combination.

This was Anya and 13-year-old “Snappy”, whose amazing ground-covering stride helped set them up to finish on 45.30. This meant Anya is the first rider to have won the winter 128cm title three times.

“It felt absolutely incredible,” Anya said. “They’re both such amazing ponies and it’s such a great arena; I love it every year.”

The 128cm course was a challenge; 11 combinations were eliminated, the double causing a fair few problems, so only five went forward to the jump-off. The closest of these to Anya was Anthony Condon’s son Hector, who finished in 44.86sec with Darth Moll but just clipped the second-last vertical.

Anya said she “probably wanted to win on Jim”, but went in with the plan of replicating her first round.

“I let [Snappy] go to the last; he’s got such a big stride and knows how to cover the ground,” she said. “I’m always confident with my ponies as I know if I go in and give my best – if I give my all, they give their all. I love them both so much.”

Winter 138cm final

The next class was the 138cm final, in which Anya and “Blondie” were seventh of 11 combinations in the jump-off. They finished clear three and a half seconds ahead of second-placed Amy Capper and Playboy Van De Zoetewei, a pony who has won this title five times, and Anya became the first rider to win the 128cm and 138cm titles in the same year.

Anya and the 11-year-old mare had a pole down as a new partnership in this class in 2025 and Anya said they had been practising on grass since.

“I knew the time would be fast so I’d have to start strong and finish strong, and make all the turns,” she said. “She was absolutely amazing. She’s known as the queen of the yard at home and I just love riding her. I can’t wait for the rest of the year.”

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Harrison Taylor riding Caroline Hamilton’s Lostock Up Till Dark made it back-to-back victories in the Alan Marnie & Family Supreme BSPA “Indian Trail” Ridden Championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show, after the striking tobiano mare once again topped the coloured ranks at Hickstead.

The pair lifted the same coveted title in 2025 after qualifying by winning the Marnie & Family BSPA (Plaited) Large Ridden Pony Championship, and returned this year under the pressure of defending their crown.

“It means even more this year,” said Harrison. “There was a lot of pressure bringing her back. She was actually coming here just to contest the hacks, but at the last minute we decided to do the final qualifier at Hambleton.

“She absolutely loves that ring. She's got the hacks on Saturday and then we’ll focus on HOYS, where she’s qualified for both the hacks and the coloureds. I honestly feel she's just getting better and better.”

Owned by breeder Caroline Hamilton, the seven-year-old tobiano mare has continued her remarkable rise over the past two seasons, adding another Royal International supreme title to an already outstanding record.

Reserve supreme honours went to Jayne Ross aboard KBF Lucia, the nine-year-old piebald mare owned by Dianne Stennet and Lucy Cameron. The combination qualified after finishing reserve in the Alan Marnie & Family BSPA “My Humdinger” Ridden Horse Championship, before going on to secure the overall reserve title.

The BSPA Junior Championship was awarded to Harper Casey riding Lynuck Look At Me, an eight-year-old piebald mare who qualified as the highest-placed junior from the BSPA Native/Cob/Traditional Large Pony Championship.

The mare enjoyed supreme success at Hickstead last year, when she claimed the 2025 Reserve Supreme Coloured Championship under David Bennett, and once again demonstrated her consistency at the highest level by returning to the championship honours in 2026.

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With top-class showjumping on offer in one of the nation’s most beloved arenas, there have been some truly fantastic moments at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

Top Royal International showjumping memories

In no particular order, I’ve chosen a few favourites to whet your appetite ahead of this year’s fixture.

Janet Hunter and Lisnamarrow’s remarkable run

Scotland’s leading lady Janet Hunter and her spectacular white-faced Lisnamarrow were one of the most memorable partnerships of the late 1980s and the early ’90s.

Together, they won the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in 1988, 1989 and 1991 – holding a unique place in history as the only combination to have accomplished this impressive hat-trick.

Lisnamarrow, known as Scotty, had made comebacks from injury to take the wins, having had the best part of a year out following the Olympic selection trial at Hickstead in 1988. He returned to the ring three months before their 1989 victory, when Janet beat her mentor Liz Edgar and Everest Rapier by more than three seconds.

“I was based at Ted and Liz Edgars’ and beat Liz in the jump-off, which didn’t go down well with Ted! They all packed up and left me to celebrate without them!” Janet recalls.

The pair’s 1991 victory was a nostalgic milestone as it was the final year the RIHS was held at Birmingham NEC, which had hosted it from 1982.

Great Britain’s Nations Cup triumph

A spine-tingling roar echoed around Hickstead on Nations Cup Friday in 2023, when Great Britain put an end to a 13-year drought without a home victory.

The spell was broken in spectacular fashion by maestros John Whitaker and Unick Du Francport, who sealed the deal with a fairy-tale clear round.

On his 180th team appearance, John was joined by Ben Maher, Harry Charles and Tim Gredley to finish on four faults.

“The first time I came to Hickstead was in 1970 or 1971 with a pony. But today was – after all those years – probably the best day,” said John, who was 67 at the time.

The enormity of the occasion also affected Britain’s team manager Di Lampard.

“I have to confess, I took myself off and shed a tear. I’m not normally like that, but this did hit me because I wanted it so badly,” she said.

The win kicked off a historic week for the home side – on Sunday, John’s son Robert added to the family legacy by securing his first King George V Gold Cup aboard Vermento.

It heralded a new era of Whitaker family dominance at Hickstead – with cousin Donald winning the King’s Cup in 2024, Robert regaining it in 2025 and James picking up the Queen’s Cup the same year.

Sibling double

Were you at Wembley – one of the venues that has been home to the Royal International until it moved to Hickstead, where it has remained ever since, in 1992 – when David Broome and Liz Edgar pulled off an incredible sibling double act not once, but twice?

In both 1977 and 1981, they lifted the King George V Gold Cup and Queen Elizabeth II Cup in the same year, conquering what were then entirely separate male and female championships.

H&H’s report by Pamela McGregor-Morris records how in 1977 the Broome family “saved the show” and that their father, Fred Broome, was awarded “the Sherry Sippers award for the personality making the most impact during the week”.

David – who had apparently “talked seriously of retiring at Hickstead” – won five classes that year, including his fourth King’s. He also secured the Radio Rentals champion horseman title after jumping clear on “four strange horses”. Liz, riding Everest Wallaby, finally laid her hands on the Queen’s after 16 years of trying.

David and Liz’s records in both classes remain unsurpassed. David lifted the King’s Cup six times between 1960 and 1991, while Liz dominated the Queen’s between 1977 and 1986, winning on five occasions.

Tim Stockdale finally lifts the King’s Cup

Few moments capture the electrifying highs and lows of showjumping quite like the afternoon in 2010 when the late Tim Stockdale fulfilled his 34-year dream to lift the King George V Gold Cup with Kalico Bay.

The previous year, a heartbreaking fault at the final fence denied him victory on his Olympic ride Corlato, leaving them runners-up to Peter Charles and Murkas Pall Mall H.

By 2010, Corlato had been forced into retirement, so Tim brought forward the inexperienced Kalico Bay, who was facing his biggest test to date. The pair navigated a hair-raising first round, where the nine-year-old banked an oxer and Tim was nearly thrown out of the plate at the notorious double of ditches.

Yet the jump-off delivered the ultimate redemption arc. Tim found himself in an identical position to 12 months earlier – drawn last and chasing down a target, this time set by Robert Smith and Talan.

Refusing to repeat his mistake, he took a crucial check to the last, still crossing the line a massive 1.88sec clear to trigger an epic standing ovation.

“When I was 12, I watched Mike Saywell win this on Chainbridge [1976] and said, ‘One day I am going to win that’ – and now I’ve done it,” Tim said in his post-victory interview.

What’s on this year at Royal International?

• The Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain, the JCL Insurance Brokers Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup are just three highlights from the showjumping ring.
• There are showing championships galore across the six days, with the best of these competing in the Barberstown Castle supreme ridden horse and the Supreme Products supreme pony championships on the final Sunday.
• Plus there’s arena eventing, scurry driving, cross-pole jumping and a shopping village, bars, restaurants, children’s entertainment and hospitality options to enjoy, with “Style Saturday” a hugely popular competition for anyone who likes to dress up.

How to follow the action

The Agria Royal International takes place at The All England Jumping Course at Hickstead in West Sussex from 21–26 July. For more information on Royal International tickets, visit hickstead.co.uk

Horse & Hound will be creating extensive online coverage including breaking news, exclusive interviews and expert insight, in addition to what will be included in the magazine report (on sale 30 July).

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With top-notch showing on offer in one of the nation’s most beloved arenas, there have been some cracking moments and great memories at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

Epic moments at Royal International

In no particular order, here are a few of my favourites to whet your appetite ahead of this year’s fixture.

“A super show combination”

With two contenders – the mountain and moorland (M&M) and show pony champions – on the same marks, it was all to play for in the 2018 pony supreme.

In a nail-biting ride-off, Melanie Stanford and her daughter Gemma’s Highland stallion Benbreac Of Croila and Matt Cooper rose to the occasion, and remain the only M&M champions to lift the title.

Matt and the then 11-year-old gave a stunning performance to demonstrate Benbreac’s impeccable manners despite torrential rain and soggy ground conditions.

“He’s a dream ride and I think the weather and the occasion helped us as he just ploughed on regardless and he loves a big atmosphere,” said Matt at the time.

Looking back, Gemma agrees. “That ring and that atmosphere was made for Benbreac, and the ride-off really played to our strengths. Matt is so competitive and the more people cheered the more Benbreac loved it. Together the pair of them were a super show combination.

“I remember that week so clearly. There was a heatwave at the beginning and we were working so hard to keep him comfortable with ice packs and so on. Then it poured for the supreme – two extremes.”

“A magical day”

The poignant moment that the late legendary showman Allister Hood retired from the arena hand-in-hand with his wife Anne marked the end of an era for showing.

Earlier, he had been presented with his ninth supreme trophy aboard the twice-supreme Our Cashel Blue after the pair scored a perfect 30/30 for their sparkling individual performance.

Once crowned, Blue was led from the ring and show director Lizzie Bunn presented Allister with an engraved crystal, he removed his jacket and left the arena through a guard of honour.

“Allister loved Hickstead – that main ring is so special to ride in – so early in the year he formed a plan to retire there,” said Anne.

“We took Blue to one local show to qualify and it worked out so well. He was champion coloured on the Tuesday – Allister’s dialysis days were Monday, Wednesday and Friday – and returned for the supreme.

“Hickstead and Lizzie went above and beyond. It was a magical day. A day we never thought would happen so it was extremely special and very emotional.”

Cob’s prime ministerial moment

Winston Churchill took time out from his second term to visit the show then known as the International Horse Show. He’s photographed with multigarlanded Alexander, who was champion cob thrice on the trot.

Churchill was a famously keen horseman, and his name remains synonymous with the crème de la crème at the show as his eponymous trophy is still presented to the supreme champion horse, making it one of the most coveted of the fixture.

It’s believed it was first presented by Mr Holland Martin in Churchill’s honour in 1949 to the famous hack combination, Liberty Light and Count Orssich, who “entranced the public” according to a H&H report of the event. In those days, the supreme was judged “entirely by the acclamation of the onlookers”, at the time and he “received the greatest number of claps.”

“A flag-flying moment”

Now, pony champions vie for the Dick Saunders trophy, presented in honour of the late legendary figure in their own supreme. But once upon a time, they were pitted against the horses.

Dick was judging alongside Nick Skelton and Sarah Sutton in 1993 when show pony champion Royal Bronze became the first pony to outshine the horses. The Team Hollings-produced 148cm was ridden to glory by owner Anna Evans.

“The atmosphere was electric,” recalls Stuart Hollings. “Royal and legendary cob Super Ted were on equal points after their individual shows and had to go again. Royal ended his show with a great gallop to capture the title after gaining two 10s and a nine compared to Super Ted’s one 10 and two nines.”

Six-time Royal International and four-time Horse of the Year Show champion Super Ted had already cemented his place in history at this point, so “that day was a flag-flying moment for pony showing”, adds Stuart.

What’s on this year at Royal International?

• There are showing championships galore across the six days, with the best of these competing in the Barberstown Castle supreme ridden horse and the Supreme Products supreme pony championships on the final Sunday.
• The Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain, the JCL Insurance Brokers Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup are just three highlights from the showjumping ring.
• Plus there’s arena eventing, scurry driving, cross-pole jumping and a shopping village, bars, restaurants, children’s entertainment and hospitality options to enjoy, with “Style Saturday” a hugely popular competition for anyone who likes to dress up.

How to follow the action

The Agria Royal International takes place at The All England Jumping Course at Hickstead in West Sussex from 21–26 July. For more information on Royal International tickets, visit hickstead.co.uk

Horse & Hound will be creating extensive online coverage including breaking news, exclusive interviews and expert insight, in addition to what will be included in the magazine report (on sale 30 July).

• To stay up to date with the latest news and reports throughout Royal International Horse Show, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Martin Jones has been tasked with officiating two sections at this year’s Royal International Horse Show: the jump phase of the mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter pony finals, and the conformation phase of the mini M&Ms.

Martin’s co-judges are Sara Hird and Emma Hector respectively. With just days to go, Martin shares an insight into what he will be looking for in the ring.

Martin Jones’ background in horses

Martin has been involved with ponies all of his life.

“As children, my sister and I had our own ponies, which we enjoyed taking to Pony Club, riding club, gymkhanas and hunting. We were very much grassroots competitors, attending local agricultural shows, and so I didn’t really get into showing properly until I was in my twenties and began keeping my own broodmares and so on,” says Martin.

After leaving school, Martin went to Millfields in Newmarket, and under the tutorship of Anne Rolinson, he gained both his British Horse Society intermediate instructor’s certificate (BHSII) and National Pony Society diploma in stud management (NPS Dip).

“While working in Newmarket, I had the fortune to visit and work at some of the major thoroughbred studs and benefited from the teaching of both the renowned vet, Peter Rossdale, as well as the late Colonel Gray, director of the National Stud,” says Martin

His first love has always been the British Riding Pony though, and he “was fortunate enough” to work for Liz Mansfield-Parnell at her Rotherwood Stud.

“I learnt so much about the successful production, breeding and showing of world class ponies, where standards were always the highest and only perfection would do,” he recalls.

Latterly, Martin worked in the banking industry, breeding British Riding Ponies under the Landemann prefix, with a small, select number of mares, chosen for their bloodlines as well as their pony characteristics, movement and good temperaments.

Several of his mares enjoyed successful ridden careers previous to motherhood, and their progeny have continued to shine under saddle.

Landemann Peony, for example, is a former supreme champion at the BSPS championships, and Landemann Bird Of Paradise claimed the show pony championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2024.

“I’m delighted to have bred show ponies to win at HOYS and the RIHS,” says Martin. “But being presented with the Bwlch Valentino trophy – a beautiful bronze first presented by the Eckley family in 1968 – for breeding the champion show pony at HOYS was a bit of a dream come true. If you breed show ponies, it’s the trophy you want to win, so to have it on my dining room table for a year was a real thrill.”

Since his semi-retirement, Martin has been more heavily involved with the NPS, having served many terms as a council member over the past 30 years or so. He is currently the vice-chair of the society, having held the chairman’s role for three years previously. He’s also an active member of his own area – NPS Area 29.

Martin Jones’ judging experience

Martin sits on a whole host of panels covering a vast array of types, including the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), National Pony Society (NPS), British Show Horse Association (BSHA), British Connemara Pony Society, Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS UK), Sport Horse Breeding GB (SHB GB), The Showing Register and the British Miniature Horse Society.

As well as judging at many of the UK’s leading county shows, he’s had the pleasure of judging in Europe, New Zealand and Australia, and considers officiating at the latter two some of his judging highlights.

“The judging systems are different over there and it was a real learning experience to see their ways. Ponies and horses are produced and ridden to the highest standards, and I particularly enjoyed judging the young rider classes, which are really popular in Australia and New Zealand.

“Over here, we don’t really have similar classes at the same level, where the children are judged primarily on their riding abilities. The standard of riding in these classes is so high and they’re fantastic to judge because of it.”

Of course, he also considers previous appointments at HOYS and RIHS to be some other highlights.

What will Martin be looking for in the M&M workers?

“I’m looking for what I would describe as a balanced and fluid round with ponies moving through the track in a good forward rhythm, in a way that is appropriate for their breed,” he says.

“In the plaited workers, I would look for a more bold and enthusiastic round, but some mountain and moorland breeds are not necessarily built to gallop around a worker track, so I’ll want to see these ponies working in balance and covering the ground in a forward rhythm.”

Martin has words to the wise for competitors.

“I’ve watched these working hunter pony classes for many years and so know it to be a long track in a big ring, with up-to-height fences and on an incline. I’ve noticed that a lot of ponies demonstrate a lack of fitness and start to tire and sound ‘breathy’ in the latter half, losing their rhythm and forwardness as a result.

“So I would say, make sure that you and your pony are of the appropriate condition and fitness to jump around a long, testing track. The course at the Royal International finals is very different to the courses that many will have qualified on, which in many cases is likely to have been on a flat surface in a small arena.

“I’ve also noticed that the bogey fence is often the open ditch or water tray, so practice that in advance if you can. It catches some of the most seasoned campaigners out.

“In short, be prepared. Be prepared for a long, varied and testing track, and for undulating ground.

“I would also advise competitors that it’s always a good idea to take some coaching, on a regular basis if you can. Even Olympic riders have coaches on the ground. It’s a good thing to have someone helping you and your pony improve your technique and the investment will help you be fully prepared.”

Martin Jones’ pet hates

“Having been so involved in the NPS and its welfare remit over the past few years, I’m very aware of welfare as I’m judging, too. No matter how frustrated you may feel if things aren’t going to plan during your round, inappropriate use of the whip is not acceptable.

“I also get a little bit frustrated by the number of people walking the course. It’s not a family day out, so I prefer to see competitors accompanied by one other person. Walking round chatting to your friends is not an effective way to walk the course!

“And I may sound a bit of a ‘fuddy-duddy’, but those walking the course should also be dressed appropriately for the occasion, and in a way that is respectful to the show, its officials, sponsors and fellow competitors. The weather may be hot, but that’s not an excuse to walk the course in beach wear.”

What will Martin be looking for in the M&M mini classes?

As well as the M&M working hunter ponies, Martin will also be assessing the mini classes, which naturally have very different requirements.

“These classes are always a joy to officiate,” he says, “though it’s easy for the grandness of the occasion to unsettle some young riders, whose mental and physical ability can be so different, even though of similar ages.

“I do love to see a pony with a good walk, and an animal that marches into the ring, tracking up, ears pricked and looking through its bridle – rather than down at the ground – will catch my attention. A pony that carries its jockey forward, in a safe and steady manner, without having to be encouraged forward every stride, is always more enjoyable to watch, and more comfortable to ride.

“During conversations I hear, my experiences of judging and comments on social media, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the ridden classes are judged solely on way of going. Please remember that 50 marks are for conformation and freedom of action, so it’s important as much time and effort is put into this phase, too. It makes the judge’s job much easier, and shows the pony off to its best advantage if it is correctly presented to the conformation judge – which means an adjustment by the rider/ handler as the judge walks round the pony.

“You can’t change the pony’s conformation, but presenting your pony correctly will give you the best chance. Again, practice at home so that this phase comes naturally and is easy on the day. A pony reluctant to trot up, with its ears back and tail swishing, is not going to show itself off in the best way, and can easily lose marks as a result. Don’t let the conformation phase be an afterthought.”

Martin’s tips for major final first-timers

“Planning is everything. If you’ve not competed at the Royal International Horse Show before, you are in for a treat, as it’s a wonderful venue. But it can be a long walk to the ring, and a long way back to the stable area if you realise you’ve forgotten something just minutes before you’re due to enter the ring.

“It takes a lot of time, effort, energy and money to qualify, so you want to give you and your pony the best chance. Ask someone experienced before the show for their advice.

“Most judges would be happy to help if asked in the right way and at a suitable time. Often, it’s the attention to detail that makes the difference, and shortening a pony’s tail an inch or two, or suggesting a rider try their stirrups a hole longer, can make all the difference to the overall look and impression.

“Practise at home, but not so much that your pony becomes disinterested. And remember, though everyone wants to do well and get a rosette, there’s only one winner on the day. Win or lose, there’s always another show, but your pony’s trust and happiness are the real prize worth taking home.”

• For unlimited access to more expert training advice from top riders, judges and coaches, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

A quality and jolly cob is always a pleasure to watch going about its work in the ring; this year, Jackie Beatham and Leon King have the tough task of sorting through the lightweight and heavyweight combinations at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

Jackie will assess each horse’s conformation, and Leon will put each one through its paces in the saddle. So who is Leon King, and what are his preferences when judging?

Leon’s background in horses

Leon isn’t from a horsey background, but started riding aged six.

“I was very lucky to have opportunities when I was younger,” says Leon. “I showjumped in junior classes up to JA level with ponies that we had bought from Reading Market.

“Then at 12 years old, I was lucky to have the opportunity to help and ride for a lady called Vicki McRae. She had vast experience and she taught me an ‘old-school’ way of doing horses.”

Vicki introduced Leon to showing, too.

“She had bred some lovely young horses that I was fortunate enough to ride, two of which got me a ride at Wembley when I was 16; one in the working hunter pony section and one in the riding horses.”

From there, Leon spent 14 years producing show horses for the Underwood family, with a host of wins and championships at the country’s most prestigious shows.

These days, you can find Leon working for Yorkshire-based Susan Tennant and the Tennant family, where he produces show horses from their home.

“Susan breeds full and part-bred Irish Draughts,” he explains. “We have four home-breds out this season.”

With a career that’s reached enviable heights in showing, Leon thinks hard on his showing highlights.

“I’m lucky there are so many to mention, but I would have to say winning hunter champion and riding horse champion in the same year at Horse of the Year Show on Loch Royal and Tattigare Watch This Space owned by the lovely Underwood family.”

Leon’s judging experience

Leon sits on the British Show Horse Association (BSHA), Sports Horse Breeding (GB), the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) and the Retraining of Racehorses judging panels and has a broad range of experience judging.

“I have been lucky enough to have judged some lovely shows,” he says, “and I have judged in Australia three times; I judged their Horse of the Year Show, which was an experience I will never forget. But judging the Royal International Horse Show is a highlight; it’s one of the best shows in the UK for horses.”

How to impress Leon King in the ring

“When I judge, I love a horse that walks with a free step, relaxed outlook and stays in a balanced and rhythmic outline,” says Leon. “A show horse should have the ‘look at me’ attitude, and type is so important – the horse must match its category.

“As a ride judge, I think a good, fitting saddle that doesn’t move with leathers that aren’t new and stretch as you rise up in trot. You also need big enough stirrup irons and worn in reins with some thickness.

“If I’m judging a show, I like to see a well thought out show with flow. Part of the show must show some walk and of course, a good show of lengthening.

“Pet hates of mine are when competitors push their horses or ponies out of their natural rhythm. Going faster doesn’t make the animal move better; it looks untidy. I also dislike short jackets and massive scrunchie! These aren’t going to lose you the class, but it’s just my preference.”

Leon’s advice for Hickstead first-timers

“The work is done at home; prepare properly. Know your horse – how much work they need and so on, so you have plenty of time to plait, turn out and get everything perfect for your class. Write a check list so nothing is forgotten. Stud holes are a must in my experience.

“Do this and you will enjoy yourself.”

• 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:

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

‘I like to see the horse is actually enjoying itself’: Royal International judge Margaret Hopkins shares her advice for competitors

‘It’s all about confidence and harmony’: tips for success from Royal International judge Polly Eddis

‘Go find a space where you stand out’: meet Royal International coloured ponies’ judge Nathan Arnold

Tickets for the 2026 Royal International Horse Show have been released

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

We expect to hear that many riders, producers, horses and even stewards have busy schedules at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), but perhaps we don’t expect that some of the judges do, too. One such judge is Margaret Hopkins, who will officiate in four sections. She will assess the ride element in the amateur maxi cobs, the hacks and the working show horses, and will be judging the conformation phase in the intermediate working hunter pony.

Margaret Hopkins’ background in horses

“I’m not from a particularly horsey family,” says Margaret. “But I was brought up in Gloucestershire in a very horsey area.

“I’m the eldest of three sisters, and we bullied our parents into getting us a pony. We were very lucky that we had people around us who encouraged us to have a go at everything.”

As a result of this encouragement, the sisters attended Pony Club and from there, showjumped, evented, and rode in point-to-points among other things.

“And I was lucky enough to have hunted with many packs all over the country from an early age.

“I was competitive, but now I prefer the training and producing of young horses to make them become the best horses they can be in whatever field they are in.”

Margaret’s job – stable manager on the Badminton Estate – has her engage in a host of equestrian activities.

“Anything horsey that happens on the estate is in my remit,” explains Margaret.

Consequently, there’s never a dull moment in this varied role, from preparing the family’s hunters in winter, to the Badminton Horse Trials, a host of Pony Club and other events and rallies.

She also keeps her own band of broodmares, aiming to breed quality all rounders.

Margaret’s judging experience

“I was persuaded to go on the old HIS panel by some eminent judges of the day and from there I went onto the British Show Horse Association panel, and more recently, the British Show Pony Society panel.

“I enjoy being able to ride others’ horses – it’s a privilege – and it’s a pleasure going to shows and looking at some lovely horses and seeing what’s out there.”

When it comes to judging highlights, Margaret says that she’s always enjoyed officiating at the Great Yorkshire Show.

“It attracts some of the best producers and horses, and the rings are amazing,” explains Margaret, “and you’re taken care of with some good Yorkshire hospitality.”

What will Margaret be looking for as a judge?

“The last thing I look at is whether a horse is on the bit as so many are over bridled and behind the bit,” she says.

When it comes to the hacks, Margaret says that a hack must have abundant presence.

“They need to draw the eye; they are the Kate Moss of the showing world. They need to have a good and supple walk, be light in the hand and have a soft, supple way of going and appear to give a comfortable ride.”

Margaret will expect to find a maxi cob that has a “purposeful and workmanlike” way of going.

“You granny, grandad or anybody should be able to ride them and them remain the same – going forwards, looking through the bridle with active paces.

“I don’t like roly cobs. They tend not to move as well the heavier they are, but they should nevertheless sit up and go through the bridle and travel forward without being on the forehand.”

Despite a cob’s heavier build, Margaret expects that they are “not on the forehand – they should be uphill and not heavy through the shoulder; the power should still come from behind.”

Once on board, Margaret expects that whatever she is riding, the horse should take her forwards and be well balanced, and quick off her aids, both upwards and downwards through the gears.

She also explains that ordinarily, she would “forgive a wrong leg once on a young or novice horse, providing it comes back to trot and strikes off again correctly.”

However, in a hack, this is unacceptable.

“I would penalise that in a hack class,” she says. “I feel a hack, you should just sit and think canter, and it should take you. You shouldn’t need to position a hack too much.”

In the working show horse class, Margaret and her co-judge Sarah Coward will assess each combination’s jumping round together, before she assesses the ride and Sarah casts an eye over each exhibit’s conformation.

“In these classes, we tend to see a mixed bunch in terms of the types of horses, and you have to be careful that you award style marks fairly and accordingly. For example, a riding horse type might be able to jump the fences naturally and show a lot of scope. On the other hand, it’s not often that you see a cob that jumps with a lot of scope, but a cob that jumps with a correct jump and a good technique deserves to be scored highly.

“The style marks here are where there is the greatest room for difference.”

As combinations tackle the course Margaret expects: “A forward rhythm and a good canter, and that the horse should be able to keep coming to the fence in that rhythm and canter.

“And I like to see the horse is actually enjoying itself, too – especially with the cobs as when they come in and give it their best shot, they put a smile on your face.”

Finally, Margaret will be taking a close look at the conformation of the intermediate working hunter ponies.

“In this class, I’ll be looking for something that is not too light in its frame with good quality limbs, not too closed behind, and a straight mover. I also don’t want to see too many lumps and bumps. That said, I’ll forgive a small splint in a working hunter pony and wouldn’t expect that limbs are as clean as a hacks due to their job.

“For me, curbs are a ‘no-no’ as you assume if a horse has a curb, then it’s weak in its hindleg. I also don’t want to see a horse that is too straight in its hindleg as the hindleg is vital to get them off the ground. I want rounded hindquarters with power in them.”

• For more expert training advice and to keep up to date with major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘It’s all about confidence and harmony’: tips for success from Royal International judge Polly Eddis

‘Go find a space where you stand out’: meet Royal International coloured ponies’ judge Nathan Arnold

Tickets for the 2026 Royal International Horse Show have been released

A competitor’s guide to the 2026 HOYS showing qualifiers

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

Polly Eddis and Judy Bradwell will be sorting through the plaited working hunter pony contenders at this year’s Royal International Horse Show (RIHS). The tracks these contenders face at Hickstead are arguably the toughest of the season. Polly will assess each combination as they negotiate the jump phase, and Judy will cast a careful eye over their shows and conformation phases.

For many working hunter buffs, Hickstead is the ultimate place to win! That’s because the meaty courses are built in a ring that has an incline, with the kinds of natural obstacles that most ponies won’t encounter in their qualifying rounds. To help you prepare, Polly has given us some insight into what she’ll be looking for on the day.

What is Polly Eddis’s background in horses?

“I’ve been obsessed with horses since I was about three,” says Polly. “I can still remember the first time I sat on a pony as if it was today. He was a little pony called Ali Baba. And growing up, I just adored working hunter ponies. I used to read magazines and look at the ponies, then Mary Rimell said she would take me to a competition.

“I had an ordinary pony, but he went very nicely, and Mrs Rimell took us to the NPS championships at Malvern, which was near where we lived.

“I did the working hunter pony and I won it. And I just couldn’t believe it,” she recalls.

Polly later evented, but her affiliation with the working hunter ponies remained strong.

“My eldest daughter Lucy wanted to have a go, and I just loved watching my girls coming through the workers. We had some gorgeous ponies and some lovely times.”

Polly’s showing highlight

As well as lots of fun on the circuit, the Eddis family enjoyed some extremely successful days showing, with high-profile wins and championships including in the tough Desert Orchid ranks, and seven wins at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Yard stars include Kyregate Peter Pan, Nobel Sir Prize and the inimitable Cashel Bay JJ, who was champion worker RIHS. Polly’s younger daughter Susie was supreme at the Royal International having claimed the working hunter pony championship aboard Beat The Boss, so Polly will understand just how combinations are feeling as they negotiate a day’s competition at Hickstead in these classes.

“We also had some fantastic days at Burghley for the sports pony competition – a fabulous competition; everyone loves the atmosphere there,” adds Polly.

“And we had some brilliant days when the girls were on the working hunter pony teams, too. That was great fun.”

Polly is a member of the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) council, and sits on their working hunter pony panel.

“My business – Parasol UK – is extremely busy and time consuming, but I wanted to give something back, so I only sit on the workers panel,” she explains.

What will Polly be looking for at Hickstead?

“A lot of my thoughts as a judge are based on what I used to teach my girls, Susie and Lucy, who did quite a lot of workers. I think we used to do more of our training in the kitchen than we did in the arena – we would think about previous rounds, and imagine future rounds,” says Polly.

“It was just a family chat, but we really used to sort of put our heads together and make a plan of how to improve their performances.

“We were always searching for that one extra mark. As a judge I’m so aware that that one mark really matters, so I am very careful when assigning marks.

“Overall, I want to see a combination who exude quiet confidence, harmony and a pony who looks as if he’s loving his job and leaves me with a smile on my face.”

How can riders achieve this?

“I would hope that my lineup will all show measured confidence as they go round. I’ll be looking out for combinations that are purposeful and positive, but that are never careless – it should never feel out of control. It’s all about confidence. I want to see a very confident pony and a cool, calm rider. The combination should make it look effortless. I used to say to my children, ‘make it look as if anyone could ride this pony round; make it look effortless.’

“I also want to see that the riders have a plan to negotiate the course. I’d like to see them set up a good round. One thing that I always used to say to my girls is ‘ride in between the fences and the fences will look after themselves’. Rhythm and balance are hugely important to me.

“I don’t want to see a rider who just thinks that it’s all about the fence; it’s everything that happens between the fences. If you approach the fence in a balanced and forward rhythm, you’ll almost certainly get a very nice jump.

“It’s not the end of the world to me if a smaller pony goes around a corner on the wrong leg providing they are in absolute balance. I’d rather that than see them repeatedly break the rhythm and concentration. However, I would hope that the older riders in the 143cm and 153cm combinations will have sufficient experience and skill to anticipate corners and ensure the right leads as they land from the fences.”

In a similar vein, Polly says: “I don’t mind if, for example, a rider is on a smaller pony with a short stride, they go through a one-stride double in two strides. I’m happy with that as long as it’s planned that way with two even strides. To me, that’s intelligent riding and it’s working as a partnership.”

That said, Polly is careful to remind riders that the “best round isn’t necessarily one that everything goes perfectly”. Instead, she explains that “it will often be a round where something needs a quiet adjustment from a rider. But the pony stays in rhythm and it’s enjoyable to watch.”

Polly’s pet hates

“I don’t want to see a pony being kicked along or gagged,” says Polly. “I want them in their rider’s hand and off their leg. I also don’t want to see ‘willy-nilly’ slapping on takeoff. One tap in an emergency, I can live with, but sometimes I think it has become an absolute habit.

“And I don’t want to hear any parents giving any outside assistance – I will mark it down. At this level, riders should be confident.

“I also can’t stand too much use of the voice. I don’t want to hear a running commentary as a combination goes around. It’s thankfully very rare at this level.”

As a parent who has prepared ponies for these classes, what are Polly’s tips?

“We would always go cross-country schooling before RIHS,” says Polly. “We went regularly anyway, but made sure we’d always go before Hickstead to prepare for the ground and the type of obstacles there.

“We also always built a flimsy, wispy bullfinch, rather than a big, thick, bushy one so that it’s encouraging for them to go through.

“Beat The Boss was deeply suspicious of anything where he couldn’t see his landing and 10 strides behind it, so we only ever did a thin bullfinch to practice so that he just got the impression it’s a lovely feeling going through and to have Susie being pleased with him the other side at home. On the day at Hickstead, the bullfinch was stiffer than he was expecting so we’d then go back to the wispy one at home to re-establish his confidence.

“The other thing that riders and parents should be aware of, it’s a long way around the course compared with one on a surface. Make sure the ponies are fit. If I hear a pony huffing and puffing and breathing heavily, that’s something I would mark down.”

Polly’s advice for someone making their Royal International debut

“Enjoy it. You’ve earned your place there; you deserve to be there,” she says. “Don’t be over-awed by the occasion.

“Lots of people lose their class in the warm-up because they’re worried about it. Don’t over warm up. You have a warm-up plan that you use at every competition so follow exactly the same routine. Don’t change it just because it’s the Royal International – your pony doesn’t know that. Then ride with a plan, not panic.”

• For more expert training advice and to keep up to date with major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘Go find a space where you stand out’: meet Royal International coloured ponies’ judge Nathan Arnold

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

Tickets for the 2026 Royal International Horse Show have been released

H&H’s guide to working hunter pony classes: what to know before you give them a go

“Turnout should be smart and workmanlike...”

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

The qualifiers for the coloured classes at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) are among the most popular and the finals are always well supported on the show’s opening day (21 July). Four judges have been appointed to sort through competitors. Lauren Brill and Jo Jefferson will preside over the horse classes, and Lesley Bradfield and Nathan Arnold will sort through the ponies.

Later in the day, Jo and Nathan will be the ones putting the lucky few through their paces to decide the championships. Here, Nathan gives us insight into his background, his judging experience, and – crucially for competitors and onlookers – what he is looking for in the ring.

Meet the judge: Nathan Arnold

Nathan started riding at the age of 12.

“My dad was a lighthouse keeper stationed at the time on the Isles of Scilly so I started riding at a local riding school nearby,” says Nathan.

The family moved back to Kent then to Cornwall where friends kept horses and his passion for them grew.

Once he left school, Nathan worked in hunt yards and for friends then began riding competitively at around the age of 21.

“It just happened. Some friends asked me to ride and compete their horses and that’s where it began,” he says.

He then produced show horses in his own right on a yard in Cornwall, based on the outskirts of Truro.

From there he and Brett McKinnon proved a competitive force, as with horses produced by Brett and ridden by Nathan were placed at premier shows including Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and RIHS, and thrice lightweight hunter champion at Devon County and Royal Cornwall.

Nathan began working exclusively for Polly Coles eight years ago, so he is now based on outskirts of Doncaster in Yorkshire.

“We’ve got a range of horses here – hunters, cobs, heavy horses and a hack this year,” he says.

Since working for Polly, team highlights include the champion hunter at the Hickstead Derby Meeting, the 2022 Maxi Cob of the Year and the 2023 Heavyweight Cob of the Year.

Nathan Arnold’s judging experience

Nathan sits on the British Show Horse Association (BSHA), the Sport Horse Breeding (GB) (SHB (GB)), the British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA) and the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) panels.

Nathan has judged at a whole host of the UK’s leading fixtures, including at the Royal Welsh twice, something he describes as “great fun”.

“I rode the Welsh section Ds there the first time in 2016. I have no involvement in mountain and moorland ponies so it was a totally different experience,” he admits.

More recently, Nathan thoroughly enjoyed his second appointment at Royal Windsor where The King watched on as he presided over the riding horses.

“That was absolutely amazing,” said Nathan. “What an experience to ride judge there – and with The King watching.”

Nathan also judged in Australia in 2018 and the South African HOYS in 2023.

“South Africa was another highlight for me,” he says. “I just did not anticipate how high the standard would be out there.”

This will be Nathan’s second appointment at the RIHS. He has previously judged the the maxi cobs and amateur hacks.

What Nathan Arnold will be looking for at Hickstead?

During the go-round, he will be looking for a pony that draws the eye, covers the ground and that moves appropriately for its type.

He is assessing the conformation of the pony classes, and again, type is important.

“I want a pony that is true to type, with the correct amount of limb for its type.”

This applies in the championship, too, where he will expect to find an animal that is true to type as a native, traditional or non-native from either the pony classes or the horse classes.

During the championship, combinations will need to also prove they are worthy contenders for the supreme coloured crown by giving mannerly yet sparkly performances.

Competitors beware, Nathan’s pet hate in the ring is “competitors who constantly circle around the judges, and carve other competitors up.

“Go find a space where you stand out, keep your pony in a nice balanced rhythm, and don’t push it out of its step.”

A last minute bit of advice to someone competing at Hickstead for the first time?

“Enjoy every moment and don’t put too much pressure on yourself,” says Nathan, adding, “You’ve qualified to go there so enjoy every minute of it.”

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

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Finding a hotel near Hickstead will help you make the most of your visit to the venue, whether you’re there to spectate, support or compete. The All England Jumping Course at Hickstead in West Sussex hosts a number of prestigious shows including the Hickstead Derby, the Royal International Horse Show and the All England Jumping Championships.

We’ve included a great selection of accommodation by type – not just hotels near Hickstead, but guest houses, B&Bs and holiday lets, too, so you can easily find what you’re looking for. Distances are calculated in driving distance to the showground (BN6 9NS).

Jump down to find the accommodation you’re looking for…

• Hotels near Hickstead
• B&Bs, inns and guesthouses near Hickstead
• Holiday lets and apartments near Hickstead

Hotels near Hickstead

B&Bs, inns and guesthouses near Hickstead

Holiday lets and apartments near Hickstead

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

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The judge and leading producer shares her thoughts and tips in this exclusive article for H&H subscribers

If you’ve spotted that Justine Armstrong-Small is down to judge your pony in working hunter pony classes, then you’re in luck. I caught up with her to find out what she’ll be looking for on the day.

About Justine Armstrong-Small

Justine Armstrong-Small is a showing judge and leading show horse producer who has won accolades at all major shows. She’s won the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) several times, and she’s reigned at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) before, too, which includes lifting the supreme horse of the year accolade in 2003. She has ridden many top working hunters, including the legendary Zin Zan, and more recently, the prolific middleweight Carlingfords King.

Justine is on the judging panel for the following showing societies:

• British Show Pony Society (BSPS)
• British Show Horse Association (BSHA)
• Sports Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHBGB)
• British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA)

What does Justine Armstrong-Small look for when she’s judging?

Open working hunter pony classes

“By the time it gets to the summer season, I would hope that each combination entering the ring for an open class is established and will be attacking the course head on,” says Justine. “This is especially the case at Hickstead as it’s a course like no other and it requires forward, positive riding.

“I will be looking for a round to be ridden in a nice, forward rhythm with confidence. I like to see a pony going forward but in a mannerly fashion – not pulling the jockey’s arms out of their sockets with its head in the air.”

“Some county shows and finals, such as the RIHS, have big, awesome-looking fences. These occasions can certainly provoke nerves and it can make some riders a bit hysterical,” notes Justine.

“My advice is to not panic so you don’t rush your pony out of its rhythm. Plenty of practice at home will go someway in subsiding nerves. Some jumps, especially at the RIHS, such as ditches, the open water and bullfinches, can catch riders out. Putting in the work in at home will mean you can ride confidently on the day.

“Take note if the ring is on a slope, too, as you’ll need to ride the hills in balance with control.”

Novice working hunter pony classes

“In a novice round, I’m looking for a pony to be willing as it takes on a course,” says Justine. “It doesn’t necessarily need to have its hocks right under it and it shouldn’t be over bridled, it just needs to be happy in its job and looking to the future.

“In a novice class I want to see a positive rider that’s supporting the pony and its balance, and not rushing it out of its stride. I see lot of people gallop at jumps and then a pony stops and they end up losing confidence.

“I know we ideally want to see a pony canter around, but at this stage I would rather see a pony take its time and the rider wait for it and trot into a fence than chase to it,” she advises. “When you chase them, they end up putting the breaks on.”

Cradle or nursery stakes

“In a cradle or nursery stakes class, I like to see a pony that doesn’t over jump. The pony should stay in a nice rhythm and not be tanking round the course,” says Justine.

“A nursery and cradle stakes pony should be in a lower gear than an open pony – think more 25mph to an open pony’s 40mph – and looking after their little rider.”

What does Justine look for in a champion working hunter pony?

Justine says her champion will have a bit of presence and look-at-me factor.

“Quite often at the workers – especially where the jumping phase is imposing – you don’t always get the best show animals through to the championship as they haven’t fared as well over the course as the jumping ponies, so it can be a bit of a lottery.

“The championship is still a showing class though, so I will be looking for something that is well put together and moves well. A champion should also cope with going round in a group with the others as they wouldn’t usually do that and some can get giddy at that point.”

Justine Armstrong-Small’s show ring pet hates

Justine shares one thing she really doesn’t want to see in the ring.

“I hate it when a rider slaps their pony on the neck with their stick. It’s a sign the animal isn’t going forward off the leg.

“I would usually deduct a mark every time the pony is smacked on the neck,” she warns.

“If the pony isn’t going, use your stick once as an aid correctly behind the saddle. Slapping them on the neck isn’t effective and if you do it going over a jump the pony is likely to drop a leg anyway.”

Advice for Hickstead first-timers

“The RIHS is an amazing track and the show is such an occasion. The fences are sturdy and are well-dressed so they’re an eye-full for both pony and rider,” says Justine.

“There are lots of natural features thrown in so you need to do your homework. Hiring a local cross-country schooling venue ahead of the show is a great idea – you can practice solid fences as well as riding into the water so you’re not caught out on the day.”

Any advice for HOYS for the first-timers

Justine recommends: “Before jumping at HOYS, you need to get some indoor practice as the ring is smaller and you have to use your corners and all your arena. The fences feel bigger in there, too, as it’s a smaller space, so be prepared for that.

“It’s very bright in the arena at HOYS, so try to go jumping in an indoor arena with the lights on as it’s very different to jumping outdoors or even in a normal indoor.”

• Enjoyed reading this? For more expert training advice from top riders and coaches, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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The British Show Pony Society (BSPS) and Marnie-Grange Stud have announced a new series to reward consistent combinations, sponsored by Alan Marnie.

New for 2026, the BSPS Marnie-Grange Stud leading pony of the year awards will allow combinations to make consistency count by accumulating points in their relevant sections over designated shows holding qualifying classes for the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) – including the final – and London International (LIHS) within an agreed timeframe throughout the season. Prizes of £50, £30 and £20 will be awarded in each class, and rosettes to sixth place.

Members will upload results after each show on a league table, providing an opportunity to monitor progress and position. The champion will receive £1,000, the reserve champion £750, third reserve £500, fourth £300, fifth £150 and finally sixth place will receive £100.

Between October and December, members will also be able to vote for their favourite leading pony from the top six in each championship, for a members’ award to be presented at the BSPS AGM.

The sponsorship announcement coincides with the launch of an equestrian partnership between Alan Marnie and respected horseman and decorated showman Jerome Harforth.

Alan Marnie said: “Supporting the sport is about more than visibility — it’s about backing the organisations and people who ensure a strong future. The BSPS plays a vital role within our industry, and Marnie-Grange reflects our belief in British breeding and the importance of investing for the long term.”

BSPS chairman Paul Cook added: “We are very grateful to the Marnie-Grange Stud in supporting this new initiative, with fabulous prizes. This new competition will reward the rider/pony combinations who achieve consistent results across a range of qualifying classes, culminating in fantastic championships, which will showcase the best ponies in each section.”

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

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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

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Royal International Horse Show tickets are now on sale, and by getting them now you can save money on the gate price. The 2026 show at Hickstead’s All England Jumping Course runs from 22–26 July, and it’s sure to be a cracker!

The Agria Royal International Horse Show is one of the biggest outdoor shows in the country, with international showjumping galore and highly prized showing championships throughout the week. If you’re hoping to watch the Derby, you need tickets for the Hickstead Derby meeting instead.

Royal International Horse Show tickets: general admission

A general admission ticket grants you access to the showground and all of its facilities, as well as both public grandstands.

Tickets are currently available at a reduced advance rate, which means booking now will save you a bit of money and I’ve included the gate prices in brackets for comparison where there’s difference. All advance ticket orders are subject to a £3.50 booking fee per order (not per ticket).

General admission prices are the same throughout the week and children under five do not need a ticket, while those aged five to 14 do need a ticket, but these are free.

• Adult (15+): £25.20 (£28)
• Senior citizen (65+): £19.80 (£22)
• Child (age 5–14): Free
• Parking: £15

Flexi tickets

Not sure which day you want to come? Book a flexi ticket. Valid for any day but can only be used once.

• Adult (15+): £29.70 (£33)
• Senior citizen (65+): £24.30 (£27)
• Child (age 5–14): Free
• Parking: £15

Full week tickets (Wednesday–Sunday)

• Adult (15+): £99 (£110)
• Senior citizen (65+): £79.50 (£88)
• Child (age 5–14): Free
• Family (2 adults + 2 children): £63 (£70)
• Parking: £60
• Caravan pass: £120
• Electric hookup: £100

Royal International ticket upgrades

Highweald Ringside Terrace 

This ticket give you access to a raised platform with one of the best views of the Longines International Arena. You do not need this upgrade if you’re buying members’ tickets.

Tickets cost £15, but do not include general admission.

Royal International members’ tickets

A members’ ticket grants you access to the members’ enclosure, which has a grandstand with excellent views, a restaurant, champagne bar and viewing deck.

• Adult (15+): From £30.60 (£34)
• Senior citizen (65+): From £25.20 (£28)
• Child (age 5–14): From £25.20 (£28)
• Family (2 adults + 2 children + parking): £111.60 (£124)

Five-day members’ tickets

• Adult (15+): £165.60 (£184)
• Senior citizen (65+): £120.60 (£134)
• Child (age 5–14): £121.50 (£135)
• Family (2 adults + 2 children + parking): £544.50 (£605)

Further details for all tickets can be found at boxoffice.hickstead.co.uk

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

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At the recent Winter Classic Show at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre (30 October-2 November), one horse in particular had everyone talking – the striking six-year-old Orkney V.

Ridden by Louie Cunningham, the Jumanji x Spartacus TN gelding topped a competitive SEIB winter novice championship qualifier in spectacular style after a thrilling 11-way jump-off, earning a coveted ticket to the final at the Royal International Horse Show next summer.

The alluring grey Orkney V was bred by Mark Evans and Amanda Forster of Castell Sports Horses in Wales, and sold to Geoff Billington and his wife Sarah as a two-year-old. He made his competitive debut with Sarah last year before Geoff campaigned him in a few more British novice and discovery classes over the winter.

“They started him, but Geoff asked me in April if I would ride him,” said Louie. “The plan was to sell him, but as he kept developing, I realised he was so, so talented and knew I had to secure an owner for him.

“Luckily top showing producer Susie Shuttleworth and her husband Stephen stepped in to buy him.”

Louie Cunningham on Orkney V: “He’s what everyone is looking for in a modern showjumper”

According to Louie, Orkney V is “probably the most careful horse I have ever ridden”.

“He’s just like a cat,” he said. “You say jump and he says ‘how high?’

“He has a really rhythmic canter and he is what everyone is looking for in a modern showjumper – we’ve turned down some eye-watering cheques for him already.”

Louie’s success at Kelsall Hill was his second victory on the bounce in the SEIB winter novice championship qualifiers, having already picked up a Hickstead ticket at Aintree with 18hh Nella, also a grey but a very different stamp to the nippy, blood gelding Orkney V.

He also rode the mare Fairwood Emerald in this qualifier at Kelsall Hill, who would have been second but for toppling one rail. The runner-up was Michael Fursedonn riding the equally exciting Harley De La Bouverie and Sonny Broberg finished third with the lovely Taffia VD Berghoeve Z.

“We’ve not had this quality of horses for a long time,” added Louie, who rides for Ashdale Sports Horses in Cheshire.

You can read the full report from Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre Winter Classic, where Emily Ward landed the grand prix with her HOYS-winning home-bred Wild Star HF, in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine, in shops Thursday, 13 November.

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

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

Show horse and pony producer Edward Young’s yard has bidden a sad farewell to prolific hack Classic Chauvanist, who died on 15 September aged 22 after a short and sudden bout of colic.

“Charles” was a prolific winner on the circuit; team Young “lost count” of how many Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers he won, including multiple victories at Royal Three Counties, Royal Cheshire Co, the Lincolnshire Show, the Hickstead Derby Meeting, Midlands Counties, Ashbourne, Mid Herts County and the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) National Championships.

“It came on very suddenly and although we got him into hospital, there was nothing they could do for him,” said Edward.

Edward’s mother, Dinah, and Colin Rose bought Charles from his breeders, Annie and Colin Horn of the Classic Stud, when he was six weeks old.

“Charles came to us at two years of age and lived here ever since,” said Edward. “He had three owners during his time here, the last being the Horns, who bought him back from Rose Kelbie in his later years.”

Charles was mainly piloted by Edward and Lyndsey Kelbie during his ridden career, but was occasionally ridden by others in intermediate classes.

Although he was often garlanded at qualifiers, “he never had a lot of luck at HOYS” and a title there eluded him. He was, however, successful at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) and collected a supreme hack title in 2016, two wins and seconds there.

“He was a lovely, kind horse and easy to do in every way,” said Edward. “Except to turn out, or if he saw a horse-drawn carriage, which terrified him.

“We were lucky to have him in our lives. We have a few of his great-nephews and a great-niece on the yard, and they have huge shoes to fill.

“He spent his retirement with my partner Collette’s old hack, Prince Bishop or Theo, who we bred and was also 22. Theo was Charles’ partner in crime and turnout friend for over 15 years, and until Charles’ passing, they were inseparable. He’s as upset as us to lose him.”

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

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