Latest from Horse & Hound in Showing-opinion

‘This is a worrying time indeed,’ says top show horse producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable

Katie Jerram Hunnable — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 09:32:47 +0000

Top British show horse producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable shares her thoughts on the plight of our county shows and equine flu

While it seems to be business as usual for many of us producers, I feel it’s not the case for others as numbers in some classes seem worryingly low, even at our traditional county shows.

I always feel very torn when it comes to our local county shows. I used to religiously ensure that I took horses to them. But, they fall early in summer and I found if I prioritised these fixtures, I missed a handful of the early Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers at other prestigious county shows and I ran the risk of missing out on early tickets.

As a producer, it’s therefore not a viable choice; I have to consider the wishes of my owners who naturally hope to see their horses at Hickstead and HOYS and must plan my season accordingly.

Also, we run a different risk by not supporting the county shows that are granted qualifiers. HOYS have a strict handle on the numbers entered and an affiliation fee, so if we don’t support them, they will be both out of pocket and without qualifiers.

While I understand the financial justification for centralising the bulk of the HOYS qualifiers, it doesn’t help the more regional county shows such as those we have here in the south-east of the country.

It’s a similar plight affecting shows across the south, the north and into Wales and Scotland, where there are rarely qualifying opportunities.

What this means for regional talent and showing’s future is a discussion for another day, but I fear it can’t be good.

These shows provide a vital shop window for our public to see showing, and perhaps even other country or agricultural pursuits for the first time. Who knows, an inspired member of the public could become a future supporter of our shows in a plethora of ways.

They also provide a cracking – and nostalgic – day out for our teams as well as the public. To wind up losing more of these traditional fixtures would be a great shame.

Shows, safety and survival

This season, our shows have the added complication of the spread of equine flu across the country.

Personally, I think that having shows check passports and vaccination records is a good thing and I’m thoroughly unimpressed with tales of people trying to flout the rules.

Perhaps the classes most at risk of very low numbers from this outbreak are the mare and foal classes.

Understandably, breeders and producers are wary of taking young foals to shows due to the risk of exposure. They will all be old enough to travel according to guidelines, but not old enough to be vaccinated, as initial vaccination isn’t recommended until the foal is four to six months old.

My husband Chris is on the Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain committee so I know they are particularly worried about the safety of hosting these classes at their championship show. What a pity if a society dedicated to breeding is left unable to showcase breeding stock at its flagship event.

At this point, I urge everyone to be careful, to be responsible and to do their part in minimising the spread of disease. The last thing our industry needs is for organisers to feel forced into cancelling shows, similar to what happened during the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and more recently, the Covid-19 epidemic.

Many of our fixtures failed to get back off the ground afterwards. Further cancellations could mean unsurvivable financial losses to some more shows, making this a very worrying time indeed.

● What measures would you like to see our shows employ to minimise the risk of flu? Let us know 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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‘A timely reminder that a good horse is never a bad colour,’ says Rebecca Penny

Rebecca Penny — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 09:41:39 +0000

Native pony specialist Rebecca Penny has her say on amateurs beating professionals and refreshing results in the show ring

For years, the showing world has been dominated by the perception that professionals hold all the cards when it comes to winning at the highest level.

Whether ringside, on social media or in conversations after the classes have finished, there is often a suggestion that amateurs and home-produced combinations are at a disadvantage. That they simply cannot compete with the professionals.

Yet the results frequently tell a different story.

A perfect example came at Devon County, where home-produced riding pony Wycroft Benjamin Bunny secured one of the first Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) Price Family supreme in-hand final qualifications of the year.

Anyone involved in showing understands the significance of that achievement. The Price final is one of the most difficult tickets to secure, attracting quality animals, experienced producers and fierce competition at every qualifying opportunity.

Yet on that day, it was a home-produced pony that came out on top. Similar stories unfold every season, with amateur exhibitors proving they are more than capable of taking on some of the biggest names in the sport and winning.

“The horse is the great leveller”

Sometimes the debate around amateurs and professionals focuses so heavily on who is producing the horse that we forget the most important factor of all: the horse itself. In many ways, the horse is the great leveller.

I have always believed that if you have a quality animal and prepare it well enough, you will have your day regardless of your status. Reputation may attract attention, but quality still has a habit of rising to the top.

What concerns me more is the divide this debate continues to create. By constantly framing showing as amateurs versus professionals, we risk losing sight of the fact that everyone involved shares the same passion.

Many professionals started out producing their own animals at home, while many amateurs dedicate an extraordinary amount of time, effort and expertise to presenting horses and ponies to a very high standard.

In reality, the line between the two groups is often far more blurred than many people would care to admit.

Which brings me to one of the more contentious aspects of the discussion: what actually constitutes an amateur?

Depending on which society’s rulebook you are reading, the answer can vary considerably. A competitor may qualify as an amateur under one set of rules but be excluded under another. Some exhibitors can spend years producing horses and ponies to a very high standard and still compete in amateur ranks, while others find themselves ineligible because of technicalities.

The inconsistency inevitably creates confusion and frustration. If societies are committed to maintaining a distinction between amateur and professional competitors, then there should be greater consistency in defining where that line actually sits.

A refreshing result

Another result from the early part of the season also caught my attention. It was refreshing to see a coloured horse – Lostock Up Till Dark – take one of the first HOYS qualifying hack championships, ridden by Harrison Taylor.

Traditionally, show hacks have been associated with a very specific image and type, and coloured horses have not always fitted neatly into that perception. Yet this result served as a timely reminder of something many of us have believed for years: a good horse is never a bad colour.

What was particularly pleasing was that the horse appeared to be judged entirely on its merits. It was not overlooked because it happened to have patches. It was rewarded because it was good enough. Surely that is exactly how showing should be.

Perhaps the lesson from both results is the same. Whether it is an amateur taking on some of the most established professional producers in the country, or a coloured horse stepping into a championship often dominated by tradition, quality should always be the deciding factor.

Showing is at its best when the best horse on the day wins, regardless of who is at the end of the lead-rein, who is in the saddle or what colour it happens to be.

● How does your definition of an amateur compare with societies’? Let us know 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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‘History was made’: Nigel Hollings shares his Royal Windsor 2026 highlights

Nigel Hollings — Thu, 28 May 2026 09:28:23 +0000

Royal Windsor’s chief showing steward Nigel Hollings on the show’s origins and the 2026 fixture’s highlights

It’s hard to imagine that the first show in 1943 was a one-day affair called the Windsor Horse and Dog Show. Nevertheless, it helped to raise enough money to buy 78 fighter aircraft for the RAF. My favourite anecdote from that year was that a lurcher stole some chicken from King George VI’s lunch plate so dogs have been banned from the event ever since!

This year’s four-day show and the tragedy that unfolded revealed the harsh reality of running a major fixture. But my role as Royal Windsor Horse Show’s chief showing steward is to focus on the highlights of the showing classes.

History was made.

The royal family dominated the section for retrained racehorses. Two former Horse & Hound award recipients continued to shine. The Count Robert Orssich hack championship, won by an amateur, was pure Windsor magic. The mountain and moorland sections, including the Pretty Polly home-produced classes, were well supported and spectators in the Castle Arena showed their appreciation for all the true-to-type champions on show.

My first show horse was the wonderful lightweight hunter Portman Lad who was equally successful on the flat and over fences. Consequently, I have total admiration for a hunter that meets this criteria, which is a rarity these days.

Craig Kiddier’s charge Mulberry Lane is the dual-purpose show hunter that keeps on giving. Already a twice Royal International supreme champion as a worker and a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) supreme title holder as a flat horse, he galloped away with the open hunter spoils on his first visit to The King’s back garden.

Although Robert Walker failed in his bid to win this title for a 10th time, his daughter Izzy most definitely kept the Team Walker flag flying high. She made Royal Windsor history when riding Stoneleigh Showtime, now owned by her grandparents, to a fourth victory in the show pony championship in their last season together.

Even the legendary Pretty Polly, her sister My Pretty Maid and her daughter Pollyanna only won the title twice. Pretty Polly’s grandson Gem’s Signet along with the Gilbert-Scotts’ Cusop Heiress came closer by notching up three championship titles.

Sound advice

Outside of the ring, I joined Vicky Smith and Robert Walker in the Performance Hub area to talk about “all things showing’’.

Vicky, who took the riding horse championship here with her reigning HOYS champion Tremarl Timpani, offered some sound advice to anyone starting in showing: “Cut your suit according to your cloth, and above all be willing to learn anything and everything throughout the whole process.”

Robert Walker was asked how he keeps his string of horses fresh during a busy show season. He replied: “Treat each horse as an individual. We do very little work in the school and exercise in the field instead. This will keep them alert and consequently they are more likely to remember what you teach them.”

On my visit to the hub, I was asked, “How do we keep showing up to date?” I explained that it is important to encourage more young people to become stewards and judges, and for them to learn their craft alongside experienced officials.

This year the Orssich committee, tasked with selecting Windsor’s judges, invited some new faces such as Victoria Mullen, Harry Moore, Ellena Thomas and Adam Forster to officiate.

Similarly, showing societies need to promote new and inclusive competitions to increase participation. However, it’s important to do so without losing traditional values.

A favourite quote

Finally, my favourite quote came from the hunter judge Vikki Smith, who summed up the week in a nutshell at what is one of the calendar’s premier events: “Mulberry Lane’s ride and gallop will be a memory of a lifetime!”

● What advice would you offer to anyone starting out in showing? Let us know 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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Showing is at a crossroads amid increasing pressure, warns Simon Reynolds

Simon Reynolds — Sun, 03 May 2026 09:26:03 +0000

Show horse producer Simon Reynolds believed rising costs is forcing competitors to make more selective decisions with greater pressure to deliver results at every outing

Behind the scenes, a challenge is growing that could shape the future of the sport. It is no secret that equestrianism is under increasing strain, whether through social licence concerns, equine welfare scrutiny, or financial pressure.

The true cost of producing a horse to the top level has escalated sharply. For some, this is no longer manageable; it is a tipping point. Fuel strikes planned last week and crippling fuel prices served as a reminder of how external pressures are becoming the everyday reality of competing.

Competitors are making more selective decisions. Fewer shows, fewer horses, and greater pressure to deliver results at every outing. The margin for “giving a horse time” is narrowing.

Competitors may perceive that every entry fee and mile travelled must justify itself. The question is whether a once pleasure-driven sport could turn into something more calculated, and potentially more ruthless.

Decisions around campaigning frequency, recovery time and when a horse is truly ready for the ring deserve careful thought. With competition becoming a calculation rather than a progression, there is a risk that welfare could come under pressure. Expectations may, in some cases, be shaped by cost rather than readiness.

Of course, the very best producers and owners will never compromise their horses, but it would be naive to assume the wider system is immune.

We must also recognise the structure that underpins these competitions. The sport and shows rely heavily on volunteers. Rising costs are affecting shows just as they are competitors. Some early season events have reported lower entries, while fixed costs continue to climb. There are also murmurs of poor competitor behaviour; when the cost of attending is high, expectations rise.

While this does not reflect the majority, it takes very little to tip the balance.

Are “classic” types in danger?

Alongside this, another shift is taking place, one that raises concern that traditional breeding and correct types are being diluted. Particularly in show hack classes – although it is also evident in hunter ranks – we are seeing a move away from the thoroughbred type towards more of a Continental look, threatening the profile of the classic show hack of the past.

Today’s horse owner often seeks versatility, a horse that can show, but also turn a hoof to dressage or other disciplines. Breeders are following the sport horse market rather than producing specialist types. Many Continentally bred horses offer trainability and rideability.

Yet this raises an important question: does showing now reward “off the floor” movement over the correct type? Type is evolving, and even riding attire is reflecting this with a move away from its understated heritage.

Showing may soon face a defining question: do we hold the line on what constitutes a true hack or traditional hunter, or accept an evolution towards a sport-influenced animal? Do enough of these classic horses even exist?

Encouragingly, tradition is still being championed. I am delighted that the Irish Draught classes continue to draw strong numbers, with their Royal International qualifiers often among the best supported sections. Alongside the thoroughbred, this breed remains vital.

Yet the future is far from bleak. It is encouraging to see a new generation of talented probationary judges emerging, including much needed side-saddle specialists. Showing needs these judges.

As some ride judges retire, there is a clear requirement to support those stepping forward. With experienced judge mentorship, this will build knowledge, confidence, and consistency for the future.

The sport may be under pressure, but it is also evolving. The challenge is to adapt without losing the values and traditions that define it.

● What measures do you think could be put in place to safeguard type and tradition in the show ring? We’d love to hear from you 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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‘If a horse doesn’t perform, we have to look at ourselves and do better,’ says showing producer Gill Thompson

Gill Thompson — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:32:08 +0000

Leading pony producer Gill Thompson has her say on good behaviour and schedule changes for this season

We made our season debut at North of England Spring Show recently, and I was very pleased to see strong classes with generally good entries across the board – especially in the native sections – despite the rising fuel costs. Let’s hope this continues throughout the season.

I’ve read several columnists in Horse & Hound recently refer to our social licence as equestrians, particularly with regard to welfare, and I was disappointed to discover first hand at the show why this is clearly something that needs to be high on the showing community’s agenda.

Conduct on a showground and, in particular, in the show ring itself reflects on all of us, and it’s disheartening to learn that not everyone takes that responsibility seriously, nor pays as much attention to their horses or ponies’ welfare as they should.

I feel very strongly that any handling or riding of horses in a way that compromises their welfare or deliberately causes discomfort is not acceptable, however frustrated we might be at the time. If a horse doesn’t perform as we wish, we have to look at our own groundwork and training at home, and do better.

What truly worries me is that if people believe that rough handling is acceptable at a show, what do they think they can get away with at home?

I really hope that the relevant societies take action in such cases, and feel sure that they will in this instance.

Going forward, I would urge everyone to be mindful of their behaviour at all times, not only for fellow competitors, but for spectators, too, and most importantly, for the horses.

HOYS mixed height show pony qualifiers

Going into this season, I am disappointed that Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) didn’t revise the decision to run the mixed height show pony qualifiers.

Last season, I expressed concerns that these classes would be dominated by 148cm ponies, and my fears were proven correct. Every one of last year’s mixed qualifiers was won by a 148cm pony, meaning that the finals were quite unbalanced.

It takes a really special 128cm pair to hold their own against 148cm combinations, where at the top end, riders can have left school and drive a car.

I have a 148cm this season, so I could be tempted into the class, but I would have to be pretty sure of my little rider’s ability really to hold their own before entering one with a smaller pony.

An excellent stepping stone class

On a more positive note, I have to congratulate the British Show Pony Society and the Royal International (RIHS) on the introduction of the first ridden of hunter type class. Unfortunately, I don’t have a combination for this class this year, but I wish I did!

As a concept, I think it provides an excellent stepping stone for those children coming out of the lead-rein hunter type as the leap into the open 123cm class is significant, and too much for many of them.

Some ponies also can’t make the step up, as they don’t quite meet the mark as a type in the open classes. This new class gives those ponies a second string to their bow, and means that children can stay on that pony a little longer, which has to be a bonus for parents in this current financial climate.

Anyone who has dealt with young children new to first ridden will know that you really have to work at getting them to use the whole ring. On a practical level, requiring that the children negotiate the obstacles in the ring independently teaches them to use the arena without necessarily realising it.

It also gives them a good grounding should they go down the workers route and into cradle stakes, and requiring that they only canter on one rein is just enough for them to manage.

From speaking with fellow producers who do have these ponies this season, the children are loving this class, and get excited even walking the course. Irrespective of all the other benefits, this alone has to make the class a success.

● How can the showing community respond more effectively when welfare concerns arise? We’d love to hear from you 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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‘Why are we reluctant to speak up and voice our concerns to showing societies?’ asks H&H’s Bethan Simons

Bethan Simons — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:32:59 +0000

H&H’s showing editor Bethan Simons speaks up on the need to address questions surrounding equine welfare, which she rates as “showing’s most pressing concern”

With qualifying season well under way, I find myself in an awkward spot as I discuss results. I want to talk about exciting new horses, promising talent and the working hunter course. Sometimes, the food.

I’m not naive. Not everything in sport is rosy; I’m open to discussion and to addressing concerns. But hearing the same old gripes, and having the same troubling conversations is wearing.

Welfare isn’t the only subject of dissatisfaction rippling through currents of conversation in the showing community, but it is the most pressing.

The trouble is, concerned onlookers complaining among themselves doesn’t move us forwards or drive change. Instead, the concern is rendered performative and, ultimately, futile.

At a fundamental level, horsey folk are pretty tough. We get on, heads down and with little fuss. But as horse lovers, responding to any behaviour towards them that makes us uncomfortable isn’t making a fuss, it’s taking responsibility, it’s safeguarding, and it’s necessary. We know this, so why are we reluctant to speak up? To voice our concerns? To report to societies?

Part of the problem is that our rule books need updating. Currently, societies are working hard to update their welfare policies, but such updates can’t impact practice a moment too soon.

These updated rules need to be concrete and without wiggle-room. Recently H&H dressage editor Oscar Williams addressed a similar concern with regard to the welfare rules shaping dressage and I found myself asserting, “Exactly!” as I read.

He asked what constitutes “excessive tension” and who decides? The same is applicable here. What constitutes “excessive work”, “excessive force” or “excessively tight” is currently subjective. So brave is the soul willing to confront perceived offenders in, for example, a collecting ring or between lorries with nothing but conviction to back them up.

That’s why we need firm guidelines from our societies.

“Why not in showing?”

Next, it’s time for stewards on the ground to monitor welfare in our collecting rings, and even more pressingly, in our lorry parks. Such stewards exist in other disciplines for tack checks and the like, so why not in showing? These stewards need to be educated not only in welfare guidelines, but also the rhetoric to deal with offenders.

I struggle to support the “fat police” approaching – and shaming – our young and impressionable, and maintain there’s a better way to address this problem. But I am all for stewards who can intervene when anyone, no matter how much influence they wield, rides a pony obviously too small for them, when horses are worked excessively or in an unsympathetic manner.

Where we find such willing volunteers is a matter for another day.

Complainants and intervening stewards must feel supported. A breach of the rules must spur action from those societies in a one-size-fits-all way. There cannot be differential treatment for anyone. Not judges, not sponsors, not anyone.

Richard Davison argued in a recent H&H column that those who receive sanctions on a welfare basis should receive mandatory education before returning to competition. What a great idea.

I’d add that any person with a cruelty- or welfare-related conviction who wishes to show should receive the same mandatory education before being returning to affiliated events. Given the high standards we expect of judges, members with prior convictions or society sanctions should not be allowed to occupy a position on the panel and of influence, either.

Such moves would send a clear message not only to our showing community, but to society at large and those that hold our social licence that welfare is taken seriously.

To be clear, especially to those outside of showing, most competitors, producers and owners love their animals and have only their best interests at heart. Too often less-than-desirable behaviour stems from pressure to deliver results and, probably, blissful ignorance of the harm caused to the horse and to their own image and reputation.

As the saying goes, “One bad apple spoils the cart.”

We cannot let the behaviour of a few impact the future of a beloved discipline enjoyed in a responsible manner by the majority.

● How would you go about education regarding welfare in showing? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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

‘Rules should be informed, practical, and evidence-based’ says Rebecca Penny after NPS outlaws a certain noseband

Rebecca Penny — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:23:20 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where is the science?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Stuart Hollings: ‘Shows will definitely need your support even more this term’

Stuart Hollings — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:30:35 +0000

Successful pony producer turned well-known and respected judge, Stuart Hollings, looks back on a Horse & Hound show guide from 2000 and reminds us of showing’s influence on the careers of brilliant riders

I recently came across the Horse & Hound show guide dated 24 February 2000, with 192 pages to explore and containing articles on Team Jago, Lizzie Briant and judge Anne Hawkins. It was a bargain read at £1.65! Particularly fascinating was the fact that many of the topics therein have some relevance today.

The report that immediately caught my attention mentioned that the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) boycott was all but over. Thirteen county shows had opted out of HOYS qualifiers in 1998 following the introduction of a £4 levy fee. Hit by subsequent disastrous entry figures, five fixtures reapplied the following year and four more, including the Royal and Great Yorkshire shows, returned to the fold in 2000 when the contribution increased to £6.

This season, the levy fee stands at £20 per entry. The success of a show these days is seemingly judged by its entry numbers, particularly at HOYS qualifying events. Many competitors are unaware that the show organisers are responsible for any financial shortfalls should they not meet their entry number/ contribution fee targets. Consequently, these shows will definitely need your support even more this term!

Pretty Polly Puzzling

Another news story informed us of the inaugural Pretty Polly finals to be held at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) at Hickstead with four plaited classes – two for mini show ponies together with a mixed height open show pony and show hunter pony class. Not surprisingly, Heritage classes were added some years later for mountain and moorland (M&M) ponies due to their popularity. But I’m puzzled – why were the mini plaited classes taken off the menu, particularly when these classes produced the overall Pretty Polly champion on many occasions?

If it was due to lack of support back then, surely it would do no harm to give the plaited mini section another chance given that a brand new class for first ridden show hunter ponies has been added to the open British Show Pony Society/RIHS portfolio this time? May I boldly suggest holding just two mini classes to begin with: a combined lead-rein show pony/show hunter pony class and a first ridden equivalent, possibly without an obstacle course for compatibility that could run alongside the M&M mini?

The then Horse & Hound editor Arnold Garvey also offered some sound advice for the start of the 2000 season: showing is about opinion and not hard facts nor first past the post. Whatever your discipline, do your damnedest to win but take it on the chin if you don’t. The last thing we need is competitors who go whinging to judges like football players.

The important role of showing

I feel immense pride when telling non-showing equestrians about the important role showing has played in forging the careers of some of our most brilliant horsemen and women in dressage, eventing, showjumping and racing. Two Olympians even informed me how their pony showing careers taught them to cope with the pressure of competing in front of large crowds.

My ace card is when I boast that five winning HOYS show pony riders, three of whom also secured the coveted championship title at Wembley, went on to win Burghley!

The latest BSPS rider who is on a trajectory to follow suit and was presented with a BSPS award last month for outstanding achievement is 10-year-old Anya Dewey Clark. Her earliest showing victories include the 2021 HOYS mini plaited championship and a first ridden win there the following year. Still competing in working hunter pony (WHP) classes, it is her cross-discipline success at the highest level that has been phenomenal. As a prime example, she won both the 143cm WHP title as well as the 128cm showjumping championship at HOYS last season. Be inspired!

Showing buffs, can you name the five show pony riders who went on to win at Burghley? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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I’ve picked my showing highlights of the year, plus a low I’d like to leave behind in 2025

Bethan Simons — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 08:30:37 +0000

As with every year, the 2025 showing season has seen some great wins, with both new and established combinations making their marks on the history books. But some moments – and combinations – seem to stick in the mind. Here are my highlights…

Highlights from the 2025 showing season

Morgan Matthews and Clibberswick Special Delivery stand champion at the BSPS Heritage championships. (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

1. Clibberswick Special Delivery

Personally, I’m a sucker for a cute Shetland and tiny rider combination, and Clibberswick Special Delivery claiming the first Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) first ridden ticket of the year at the National Pony Society (NPS) championships with little Morgan Matthews was an instant mood boost all the way back in April.

It was the beginning of a super year for them, with the cute duo also standing supreme at the British Elite show, one of the amateur circuit’s leading fixtures, and the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Heritage championships, where he is photographed here.

Nancy Lyons and her pony Newydd Lady Marmalade jump to glory in the 143cm working hunter pony qualifier. (Image credit: Laurence Dunne)

2. Four tickets in three days

Nancy Lyons, 11, proved a chip off the old block securing no less than four HOYS tickets over three days at the Northern Ireland Festival. Not to be outdone, Nancy’s mother – former Olympian Louise Lyons – added a fifth HOYS ticket to the family’s tally when securing the working hunter qualifier. Nancy went on to secure further wins at Burghley and at HOYS.

Ruby Ward and Noble Banksy clear a jump on their way to winning the intermediate working hunter and being crowned working hunter pony champions. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Boots and Hooves)

3. A double at Royal Windsor

Nancy’s older cousin Ruby Ward also proved a formidable opponent in the working pony ranks, posting a unique double at Royal Windsor. She was champion working hunter pony aboard Noble Banksy, and champion M&M working hunter pony champion with Lady Dublin of Corderry. Banksy and Ruby went on to win and stand champion at the Royal International (RIHS), at Burghley and reserve at HOYS.

Izzy Walker is full of smiles after Stoneleigh Showtime is crowned show pony champion at Royal Windsor Horse Show. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Boots and Hooves)

4. Third time champion show pony

Isabella Walker and Stoneleigh Showtime set in motion a stunning season at Royal Windsor where they stood champion show pony in the iconic Castle Arena for the third time on the bounce. The pair went on to secure the supreme pony title at the RIHS – another of my highs from the 2025 showing season – the 128cm show pony final at HOYS, and the H&H Show Horse of the Year award.

Frenchfort Kildysart Lady trots to the overall supreme young horse title at the Dublin Horse Show. (Image credit: 1st Class Images)

5. A special win at Dublin

A teary Philippa Scott showed Chelis Hc Z three-year-old filly Frenchfort Kildysart Lady to stand supreme young horse at Dublin Horse Show on behalf of friend Tiernan Gill who underwent underwent open heart surgery six weeks earlier. Not only is she a lovely filly, but the win clearly meant so much to the team around her, making it all the more special.

David Newsome gives Coppathorne Glitz and Glamour a hug after an above and beyond act of sportsmanship helped the pair win the section C yearling filly class at the Royal Welsh. (Image credit: 1st Class Images)

6. A showing of true sportsmanship

An above-and-beyond act of sportsmanship from a fellow competitor Lowri Reed helped showing newcomer David Newsome secure a red rosette at the Royal Welsh Show with Coppathorne Glitz And Glamour. When he was pulled top, Lowri – pulled second – talked him through the class: where to stand, what to do and where to go, right down to reminding him to straighten the halter and tidy her forelock. This is what we should be encouraging in our younger generation – excellent sportsmanship.

Show hunter pony Stretcholt Roulette and Ella Eynon stand supreme ridden at the Royal Welsh. (Image credit: Equinepix)

7. Supreme championship for young rider

Ella Eynon, who turned 16 this month, performed a show way beyond her years in the supreme ridden championship at the Royal Welsh aboard her mother Rebecca Faulkner’s 143cm show hunter pony Stretcholt Roulette. Their polished performance bode well for HOYS, where they once again gave a brilliant account of themselves to stand show hunter pony champions.

Cascob Welsh Doll trots from the ring as supreme champion at the Royal Welsh. (Image credit: Equinepix)

8. Supreme champion at Royal Welsh

While I mentioned that I love a cute Shetland, my heart will always lie with the Welsh cob. So, watching sisters Hannah Owens and Ellie Amphlet leading Hannah’s home-bred section D mare Cascob Welsh Doll to the Welsh breed’s most coveted title – supreme champion at the Royal Welsh – was an undeniable personal highlight.

Craig Kiddier and Mulberry Lane clear a hedge in Hickstead’s international arena while wearing their champion’s sash. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Boots and Hooves)

9. A superb recovery

The moment when defending champions Craig Kiddier and Mulberry Lane recovered from a slip in their individual display with aplomb by jumping a hedge during a ride-off against Robert Walker and hunter champion Flash Point in the Royal International’s supreme horse championship was truly superb and will stick in the minds of spectators for some time.

Maisie Kerry-Oates and Cadlanvalley Royal Bronze claim another championship title. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Boots and Hooves)

10. Third major fixture ticked off

Cadlanvalley Royal Bronze and Maisie Kerry-Oates shone to win the junior M&M championship at the Royal International. This ticked off a title at a third major fixture for the pair who were also champions at HOYS and London International in 2024. They added workers to their repertoire later in the year, and so will be ones to watch in yet another section next term.

Glencarrig Douvan stands with Patrick Curran, his owner and breeder, and with Grace Maxwell-Murphy in the saddle at Clifden. (Image credit: Rynes Walker)

11. A double for Douvan

Connemara pony fans were treated to an extra-special 100th running of the breed show at Clifden this year. Glencarrig Douvan well and truly earned his place in the history books by securing both ridden and in-hand supremes. He was led to the in-hand spoils by breeder Patrick Curran, who’s father Ciaran led Douvans father Glencarrig Knight to the supreme spot in 2014. Douvan was steered to the ridden supreme by Grace Maxwell Murphy.

Sarah Walker stages a stunning comeback after horrific injury to win at HOYS aboard Crystal Cove II. (Image credit: 1st Class Images)

12. A magnificent comeback

After a potentially catastrophic fall last year, it was fantastic to see Sarah Walker back in the ring, and even better, see her land her first ever win in the hunter ranks at HOYS aboard middleweight Crystal Cove II. That’s how to stage a comeback!

Georgia Darlington and Jara jump to glory and stand HOYS working hunter champion. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

13. Proof that size isn’t everything

Georgia Darlington proved size doesn’t matter in the HOYS working hunter championship, jumping one of only two clears and winning the title on her former intermediate working hunter champion Jara.

Carters Top Gun and Oliver Hood canter out victorious from the 2025 cob of the year championship. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

14. A milestone for Team Hood

Oliver Hood claimed two cob championships on the bounce and in doing so, landed Team Hood’s 100th centre-line moment at HOYS, a testament to their influence on showing in our time.

Rotherwood Fantasia and Emma Harker stand 2025 champion show pony at HOYS. (Image credit: 1st Class Images)

15. Bowing out on a high

What a swansong Rotherwood Fantasia had at HOYS, ridden by Emma Harker, providing another of my highs from the 2025 showing season. The 148cm mare won her class before landing the show pony title in a breathtakingly beautiful championship line-up and stood part-bred pony champion less than 24 hours later.

The show pony championship was all the more remarkable for showing followers and all the more special for the Harker family as Emma’s sister produced her own Stanley Grange Crescendo to stand reserve champion, ridden by Matilda Holmes.

Isabel Burchell and Rowfantina Man Of The Match are lead by Oliver Burchell and presented with the lead-rein hunter pony champion title. (Image credit: 1st Class Images)

16. Two home-bred winners

Mandy Burchell-Small’s Rowfantina stud enjoyed an incredible HOYS, with two of three home-bred winners – lead-rein show hunter pony champion Rowfantina Man Of The Match and Welsh M&M lead-rein class winner Rowfantina Principal Dancer – led by Mandy’s son, Oliver Burchell, and ridden by his daughter, Isabel. Even better for the family, the latter win and the supreme championship landed on Oliver’s birthday.

Holly Smith and Kincardine Uist are victorious in the 2025 junior mountain and moorland championship at HOYS. (Image credit: 1st Class Images)

17. A stunning debut

Winning both her classes and a championship on her first visit to HOYS was not what 13-year-old Forfar-based Holly Smith expected, but that’s exactly what happened. She won the ridden Highland class and the junior M&M championship with Kincardine Uist.

Heniarth SH-Boom and Richard Miller are victorious in the 2025 Price Family supreme in-hand championship. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

18. Sassy section A joins in-hand hall of fame

Grey Welsh section A mare Heniarth Sh-Boom looked stunning under the spotlight at HOYS having lifted the coveted Price Family supreme in-hand tricolour. She oozed charm with sass only rivalled by her filly foal Heniarth Sherry Trifle who kept spectators amused.

Leisa Woodward’s Thistledown Superstar claims the Mountain & Moorland supreme ridden title, ridden by Sharn Linney. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

19. Girls on top

A female one-two is rare in a native breeds championship, but is exactly what happened at HOYS with Welsh section C mare Thistledown Super Star claiming the tricolour ahead of Fell mare Greenholme Kate.

KBF Lucia and Jayne Ross canter victorious from the 2025 coloured championship at HOYS. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

20. First coloured championship graduate to go supreme at HOYS

Jayne Ross punched the air as she was called forward supreme champion astride KBF Lucia at HOYS. This was Jaynes eighth supreme title at HOYS, and notably, though “Poppy” was not the first coloured to stand supreme at HOYS, she is the first horse to have graduated to supreme directly from the coloured championship.

Elmswood Spring Parade is 2025 supreme champion pony at HOYS, ridden by Florence Rendall and led by John Harvey. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

21. Tiny but mighty

After a blindingly bright season in which producer John Harvey’s team secured three coveted tickets to the Price Family supreme in-hand championship, John also led home-bred Elmswood Spring Parade to stand mini champion and eventual supreme pony at HOYS, ridden by Florence Rendall. Florence’s HOYS has to be another highlight, as she proved to be a tiny but mighty force in the mini ranks, also winning the first ridden class.

Melliver Willy Wonka is supreme champion at the first-ever TSR Amateur of the Year Show. (Image credit: 1st Class Images)

22. A fantastic first run

The first running of The Showing Register’s Amateur of the Year championship show was a terrific event, and will only get more popular. The quality in the championships was super with winners including Camilla Davies’ lightweight hunter Glenkeeran Dance In The Deep, who we’ve seen time and again hold his own in amateur and open competition, and eventual supreme, former HOYS and RIHS champion Melliver Willy Wonka ridden by Daisy-May Ovens.

Boston Black Tie and Helen Baker are crowned HOYS Hack of the Year before the pair were sadly disqualified. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

A moment I’d like to leave in 2025

After enjoying the highs of the 2025 showing season, I’m loathed to revisit this awful moment, but a review of the season wouldn’t feel complete without it. An easily-done human error at HOYS where the wrong mark was given precedence led to the incorrect animal winning the large hack class.

Unfortunately, the marks at HOYS qualifiers and at the HOYS final are not released until after a section’s championship, meaning that by the time the mistake was spotted, the combination – in this instance Nicola Faulconbridge’s Boston Black Tie and rider Helen Baker – had performed a classic hack show to land the tricolour, too.

Sadly, the pair were stripped of their title and reserves Cranbornes Sirius and Harrison Taylor were announced champion. This was one of the most unfortunate errors that I can remember at a major final, and to their credit, all parties involved behaved admirably – from the swiftness of action and diplomacy from the HOYS team, to the stoic dignity of Helen and Nicola, and the quiet grace of other parties affected.

The error occurred at the end of what was otherwise a great season for Helen and “DJ” who were also crowned hack champions at the Royal International for the second time on the bounce.

What were your favourite moments in the 2025 showing season? Write to hhletters@futurenet.com for a chance to be published in Horse & Hound – please include your full address (town and county will be published).

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‘Do we have too many judges without valid experience?’ asks Stuart Hollings

Stuart Hollings — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:28:23 +0000

Successful pony producer turned well-known and respected judge, Stuart Hollings, has his say on ill-qualified judges and the hot topics of the showing season

This season has been a time for reflection and how showing can move forward.

I have never known a year in which there has seemingly been such a widespread undercurrent of disrespect directed towards judges’ decisions. Sadly this has sometimes been justified.

When I was competing, many of the judges were proper horsemen and women and you would gladly have given them your cheque book to source a good show prospect. That is why I do not have any objections to producers and breeders being on judging panels.

My bugbear is when judges have no valid experience of the section they are judging. My brother Nigel’s favourite quote says it all: “You wouldn’t appoint an England football manager who has never kicked a football.” Apologies to Pippa Funnell – who jokingly covered her ears at his many football analogies during his appearance on her podcast – for another one.

It seems everyone wants to become a judge nowadays rather than take the traditional stewarding route to give something back. Once on one panel – and this is where the main grievance lies – it is easier to upgrade to other categories.

Consequently, do we have too many judges? The British Show Pony Society (BSPS) alone has around 450 people on its books, arguably to cater for its three championship shows and three major finals.

In my opinion, if this is indeed the problem, the solution would be to temporarily shut the door on any future judges’ auditions, except for horse ride judges, to reassess the situation.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for young blood, but not at the expense of losing experienced judges who are being overlooked by inexperienced show secretaries and consequently resigning from panels rather than paying expensive membership fees every year for no reason.

“The final nail”

One reader of H&H magazine requested an explanation for the supreme hunter championship at Dublin Horse Show (letters, 28 August).

It is not my place to dispute the judges’ decision, but what alarmed me was that the second ride judge was allowed on board the eventual champion, totally unaware that it had misbehaved badly with her co-judge beforehand.

Having judged at Dublin many times, I know there is a strong duty-of-care ethic and safety is paramount. In the past, this horse would have automatically been “gated” and I heard that others were dismissed from the ring for lesser displays of bad manners during the week.

The consequences, had judge number two been seriously injured, are too scary to contemplate. Following on so soon from last year’s “Balmoralgate”, in which a ride judge sustained a broken neck, this could have been the final nail in the coffin for ride judging.

Hats a hot topic

Another hot topic of the season was the upsetting disqualifications of three horses at Horse of the Year (HOYS) qualifiers because the riders’ hats fell off. The HOYS rule is as succinct as a “No smoking” sign: “A rider whose hat comes off will be disqualified.”

The answer to the common query, “How is this different to when gentleman riders doff their hats on the lap of honour?” is simple: the class is over when the line-up is dismissed.

However, there does need to be more clarification to cover all the scenarios.

On a different page entirely, the current trend of hats not being removed by male riders and judges during rosette presentations is yet another example of showing etiquette disappearing, to the detriment of our sport.

While some riders may not wish to risk doing so after this year, there’s no excuse for the judges.

Finally, the best of luck to those competing at the London International Horse Show in December.

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‘The most exciting title for some time’: Nigel Hollings on the HOYS show pony showdown and impressive breeding

Nigel Hollings — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 07:30:45 +0000

Producer and trainer Nigel Hollings reflects on an exciting HOYS, picks out some highlights and makes a suggestion

This was my 55th consecutive year attending the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) as a competitor, spectator or judge. Dreams were fulfilled and hopes dashed, together with successful first-time visits, final rides, family triumphs and dual winners.

The highlight of the week for me was the historical show pony championship on Saturday evening, which was one of the most exciting for some time.

The Harker family proved invincible yet again, but this time secured both places on the podium. Emma Harker was champion on her 148cm victor Rotherwood Fantasia, while her sister Victoria’s 138cm winner Stanley Grange Crescendo, ably piloted by Matilda Holmes, was reserve.

This is the third time in four years the Harker team has triumphed, as Ardenhall Blenheim – owned by Jenny Harker – won back-to-back championships here in 2022 and 2023. Continuing to shine, Fantasia topped the part-bred class the next day.

I’m proud of the fact that one year I bred, owned and produced a winning show hunter pony at HOYS. However, that achievement pales into insignificance when you consider that Rowfantina Man Of The Match scored to win the lead-rein of hunter-type class and Rowfantina Principal Dancer led the mountain and moorland equivalent.

A true family affair spanning four generations, both ponies are home-bred and owned by Mandy Burchell-Small and were led by her son Oliver and ridden by his daughter Isabel. The Rowfantina Stud was founded by Mandy’s late mother, Jean Shemilt, over 50 years ago.

Breaking records

I was blown away by this year’s Price Family supreme in-hand champion, Heniarth Sh-Boom, owned, bred and produced by Richard Miller and Meirion Davies. I believe that she is the first-ever Welsh section A mare to have won this prestigious final.

It was brilliant to see that judges Jayne Stuart and Godolphin bloodstock agent John Ferguson interacted so well during the process and encouraging to hear that all four in the championship were actually home-bred.

In contrast, I felt so sorry for the connections of Boston Black Tie who had his hack of the year crown removed the following day through no fault of his own, due to “human error’’. It must have been akin to winning the lottery then losing the ticket.

Although not the same, at least the promoted hack champion, Cranbornes Sirius, and Harrison Taylor enjoyed a lap of honour when they headed their intermediate show horse class two days later.

An inspiration

One of the most inspiring and incredible stories of the week involved Georgia Darlington and her mother Samantha’s home-produced 2022 HOYS intermediate worker victor, Jara.

Having qualified for the HOYS working hunter class at the British Show Pony championships in their last year together in intermediate ranks, Georgia decided to compete Jara at Birmingham just for the experience and with no expectations.

On the day, they jumped one of only two clear rounds against much bigger types and won probably the most competitive class at the show by six marks at their first attempt.

Just a thought: with so many ponies forward in the open mountain and moorland championship, is it worth considering having separate small and large breed championships followed by an overall supreme?

Post-show, I cannot wait to watch this year’s highlights on Channel 4 and hopefully these will include the award-winning performances of the two supreme champions: Elmswood Spring Parade, ridden by six-year-old Florence Rendall and led by John Harvey for Team Helliwell; and KBF Lucia, ridden by Jayne Ross who won her first HOYS championship in 1966 on the 128cm show pony Cusop Pirouette.

Congratulations to both parties!

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Gill Thompson: ‘As stressful as HOYS can be, try your best to enjoy the occasion’

Gill Thompson — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 10:35:24 +0000

Gill Thompson, who has shown ponies and horses at the highest level and is a leading producer of ponies, looks back at the BSPS championships and ahead to HOYS

With the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Summer Championships behind us, and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) just around the corner, it feels as if the season is almost at a close for most of us.

I came away from the BSPS championships with mixed feelings and food for thought. The new class for young ponies, judged by Yogi Briesner, Jane Nixon and Richard Davison, was excellent. It was a great idea that was well supported and well judged, as were other new initiatives.

I was saddened to see some more traditional classes were poorly supported. This was even the case in some of the Blue Riband leagues, which used to be the strongest sections, and in some 128cm show pony classes, which have been strong qualifiers. Reflecting on this, I wonder if these traditional classes need a rethink, too, and perhaps the schedule needs a reshuffle altogether.

In Stuart Hollings’ most recent column, he outlined some of the benefits of using a marks system, and questioned their continued absence at Hickstead.

A few competitors have since spoken to me about this, and I wonder actually whether a further reversal to a 60/40 split in marks in favour of performance would be even better?

This would definitely ensure combinations were better rewarded for excellent performance. We may also see fewer results where conformationally excellent ponies come to the fore even with a blip, which is something that seems to incense the masses and put off newcomers to the discipline.

“The final throes of preparation”

As HOYS is a heartbeat away, we’re in the final throes of preparation, which doesn’t get any easier! I try to remind myself that as long as the ponies look and go as well as possible, I can do no more.

It’s impossible to truly replicate the atmosphere there, but there are things you can do. If you’re competing at HOYS for the first time, make sure you’ve practised indoors, and try to replicate the conformation phase with a narrow strip in the arena.

It’s also important to make sure that you don’t underestimate the length of time it takes to get from the lorry to the arena. I always have a photo of the arena familiarisation and working-in timetable on my phone – it’s easy to forget these. And always have your bridle number with you – it’s needed even when you’re in the outside arena working in, but it’s so easily forgotten and it can be a long run back for it!

An uneven split for show ponies

As predicted, the show pony classes will be uneven this year in light of the new mixed qualifiers, all of which were awarded to 148cm ponies, including at The Showing Register’s (TSR) amateur-only show.

There were no 128cm ponies eligible for a TSR Amateur League ticket, either, so the smallest ponies will have the smallest numbers forward, which is such a shame as they really have been strong in qualifying rounds, and this won’t be reflected at the final. While I appreciate that HOYS must make changes and try new initiatives, I hope that they rethink this one next year.

I’ll also be keenly watching the final of the new intermediate show horse final. I haven’t had an intermediate this year, but I feel the new format where the winner rather than champion qualifies is a step forward. It will be interesting to see the split between small and large types qualified, and also whether the new height rules will have encouraged new horses into the fold.

Finally, we all work so hard to get to HOYS, it’s sometimes easy to forget that this is the pinnacle of the showing calendar, and as stressful as the preparation can be, the show itself is also to be enjoyed. So if you are competing, try your best to enjoy the occasion, and the best of luck.

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‘We must balance etiquette with safety in the ring,’ says top show horse producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable

Katie Jerram Hunnable — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 06:23:12 +0000

Katie Jerram-Hunnable produces top-class show horses in all sections, including several for The King. In her exclusive Horse & Hound column, this leading judge, competitor and trainer has her say on the hunter championships, manners and more...

It’s been a good season overall, and we were delighted with how smoothly the Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHB (GB)) hunter championships at Addington went, and that good numbers came forward.

The new Rory Gilsenan memorial championship, in particular, was brilliant, and spectators really got behind it. It was run in a new format, with a mark given for the go-round, judge’s ride, conformation and jump. The jumping phase was conducted in the evening, and in drawn order. Those with least points went first and the leaders were last to jump.

We wanted it to be a nail-biting finale with competitors and spectators alike interacting, so we didn’t tell competitors how many points they had or if they had a fence in hand. An optional joker fence was included and gave riders the opportunity to gain a further 10 marks.

This meant that although Jasean Spraggett, the eventual winner, had a fence in hand, she took a gamble and went for the joker. The atmosphere was fantastic. Next year, there will be tweaks, but overall, it worked really well.

Good manners

While numbers overall were fantastic, I was really disappointed that not all eligible champions came forward for the Price Family supreme in-hand qualifier.

It is an honour to judge what is usually a packed qualifier, and so to have slim pickings, however beautiful they may be, must be disappointing. It’s also disrespectful to both the judge and the show organisers who have tried their very best to put on a good show if you take a championship and don’t come forward for further assessment in the supreme.

If you cannot come forward for a championship, it’s good manners to at least excuse yourself. In this instance you should inform the show secretary. Not doing so is unacceptable as it results in some championships or sections not being represented. Also, it allows organisers a chance to alert the exhibitors of the reserve animal so that they have the opportunity to come forward.

You never know, under a different judge, that reserve may go on to take a ticket.

“We must be safe”

I was also disappointed to hear that two amateur riders lost Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) tickets when their strapless hats fell off during prize-giving and at a stand-still. What a shame for the individuals involved.

In complete contrast, one young rider lost his hat at a gallop at Dublin in the main ring. Had that happened in a HOYS class, he would have been disqualified, but in this instance, he was handed back his hat and allowed to continue.

When chinstraps were mandatory for a time, it caused huge controversy, and we all wanted to go back to our Pateys or Honri hats.

Mine was measured and is fitted correctly, and I understand one of the riders had hers made specifically for her, but I see a lot of these kinds of hats sold online.

This raises the question of whether or not anyone ought to be buying essential safety gear in this way. It’s all well and good following etiquette, but we must all be safe. That said, it is a real shame for the individuals involved.

Whatever the weather

Finally, the weather has been amazing this summer, but it has made our season more difficult in many ways. I congratulate the many teams who have been busy watering our show rings and keeping them in excellent condition.

The ground elsewhere has been extremely hard, and I have found our horses have done far less work out in the fields than usual in a bid to save their limbs.

Now that we’ve had some much-needed rain, owners must be careful that laminitis doesn’t rear its head with a rush of sugary grass.

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

Stuart Hollings — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:29:48 +0000

Well-known and respected judge and former producer of numerous top ponies Stuart Hollings reflects on the value of using marks in the show ring

Is plaited showing spiralling into decline? Despite encouraging numbers at some shows, the low numbers forward this season overall – particularly in the pony sector – make me wonder.

In contrast, mountain and moorland competitors are a different crowd and appear to embrace “their circuit” far more and will continue to prosper as a consequence.

I’m convinced that we need to return to when showing was at a peak some 20 years ago to address the problems, and future-proof the discipline.

The British Show Pony Society (BSPS) introduced the marking system in the mid-1990s to promote transparency. I’m flummoxed as to why this was axed in the Royal International (RIHS) flat classes post-Covid.

If marks had “run their course”, why do they remain in place in Horse of the Year (HOYS) and London International (LIHS) qualifiers and finals? Marks also live on at the BSPS judges’ assessment days and are compulsory for probationary and first-year judges, ironically.

The majority still find mark sheets fascinating and flock to the secretary’s marquee to view them and bombard show organisers to post them online.

The importance of feedback

Showing is a subjective discipline and a common complaint is that competitors, particularly at the start of their showing journey, receive little or no feedback.

Nowadays judges understandably seem more reluctant to give comments for fear of social media backlash and the unknown can lead to cynical conspiracy theories festering at the ringside instead!

Apart from dictating results, marks provide valuable information. How far behind the winner was their pony, perhaps, or which judge was the good or bad cop, for example?

Mark sheets can also produce evidence of below-par judging: judges not using their marks, not taking into consideration the go-round or even altering their marks late in the process! But above all, they provide a valuable aide-memoire when sorting big classes such as the RIHS finals.

I concur with Bethan Simons’ comments that unless judges possess superpower memory levels, in reality, they can only clock the best and worst. So what happens to the middle group that makes up the majority?

Writing copious notes does not work and consulting them can be time-consuming. Could the little-used “A-B-C” alternative marking method (A for animals worthy of a top placing, B for a lower place and C for those not in the running) be the answer? This would also eliminate the risk of adding up so many numbers incorrectly.

At the conclusion of the individual assessments, those with AA scores are asked to walk round as the two judges choose their final line-up. These can be topped up by the AB group if necessary.

I believe this system has merit and allows a conversation between the two judges both when pulling in after the initial go-round, which is vital, and more importantly during the final reckoning.

“Tin-hat time”

I felt redundant when judging phase two of the working hunter pony classes at Lincolnshire with my brother Nigel who held all the cards with 70% of the marks, for jumping, at his disposal. There were only seven clears in the whole section on the day.

The courses are more challenging these days and require a pony with technical ability. Interestingly both our champion and reserve combinations, Tullibards Silver Mine and Nellfield Blueboy (ridden by Anya Dewey Clarke and Guy Hamilton respectively), have valuable showjumping credentials. Our champions had also qualified for the 138cm showjumping final at the RIHS.

Now for tin-hat time: would allocating 40% of the marks to the showing phase, like in horse working hunter classes, encourage more competitors?

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Gill Thompson: ‘How many young riders on 128cms can hold their own in HOYS mixed height show pony qualifiers?’

Gill Thompson — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 09:32:44 +0000

Gill Thompson, who has shown ponies and horses at the highest level and is a leading producer of ponies, shares her thoughts on clarity in shows and mixed height show pony classes

At this year’s Longines Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), the Hickstead team put on a super show with a great atmosphere, and they should be thanked and congratulated. That said, I would welcome one significant change in the way that the show hunter and show pony finals are judged.

Each year, stewards ask children in these classes for a “short show”, which I find can be unnerving for our younger riders who are desperate to give the best account of themselves possible at such an occasion.

The sand track and slope in ring two make it easier to give guidance to our riders in the show hunter pony classes and to plan a show to gallop up the hill. But it’s not so easy in the show pony finals.

As a producer, I want to give my riders confidence in their ability and show. But it’s difficult to assure them that what I would consider a “short show” will be enough when they see other young riders attempt serpentines, canter circles and so on.

For this reason, I would personally prefer to see set shows, so that riders know what they need to do. If the relevant ruling bodies would prefer not to set shows, then perhaps we could ask for more clarity instead?

For instance, stewards could ask for “a short show with one change of rein and an extension”. This way, riders can still plan a show to their strengths, but know that it’s within the parameters of what the judge wants to see.

Mixed height show pony classes

We are just over halfway through the season and it’s a strong one in pony ranks. The show hunter pony championship at the RIHS demonstrated this for me, as five of the eight ponies forward in the championship had not qualified for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at that point.

The show pony classes have also been strong – something I’ve been very pleased to see as a traditional section – and it’s more difficult than ever to qualify.

The 128cm classes in particular have been very strong numerically. For example, there were 22 forwards for judging at Royal Three Counties and there were 19 at Lincolnshire.

However, I worry this is partly because owners and producers are actively avoiding entering the new mixed height qualifiers, which have had mixed numbers. The first run at Royal Bath and West was encouraging with 19 forward, and Royal Norfolk also enjoyed entries in the double figures, but others haven’t been so strong.

At the time of writing, all of the mixed qualifiers have been won by a 148cm pony. In fact, the top three places have largely been dominated by the bigger ponies and older riders.

To me this makes sense; these riders are far more established in the ring – especially as the age cap on riders of 148cm ponies has risen to 18 – whereas many 128cm riders are newly out of first ridden classes. It would take an exceptional 10-year-old to beat the polished show of a 17-year-old. I’m not saying there aren’t these riders, but they are not the norm.

My 128cm rider isn’t ready for a split class but I would have attempted a mixed class with my 148cm, had we not opted initially to enter the split qualifiers and succeeded this way. Others must feel similarly. Especially as diesel is now so expensive, people might prefer to save it for days they feel they have a better chance.

I understand that some will argue it’s just like a championship, but for me this isn’t the case. In a championship, younger riders don’t have to negotiate a busy go-round or perform shows – and, crucially, they feel confident having just won their class.

I am surprised that not one 138cm pony has won a mixed class, though. It would be interesting to see a breakdown of entries per height in these mixed classes to see if the only reason they are dominating the placings is that they are dominating the entries, or if there is more to the story.

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

Bethan Simons — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:28:07 +0000

H&H’s showing editor Bethan Simons on showmanship, amateur classes and marks

We were treated to a glorious week of showing at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS). The supremes were particularly thrilling, with masterclass performances all-round and a thoroughly entertaining ride-off between Craig Kiddier and Robert Walker. Both horses looked stunning and Craig’s hedge-leaping party trick really got the crowd going.

In the pony supremes, there was no denying that eventual supreme and reserve Isabella Walker and Alice Homer – both of showing dynasties – had showmanship written into their DNA. Both proved competitive chips off the old block, pulling out all the stops in their shows.

DNA aside, experience counts for so much in the ring. With such prowess in these age-restricted ranks, it’s little wonder we needed the inaugural Young Dragonara class. It is aimed at children who have not ridden at RIHS, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) or in the Heritage supreme at London International (LIHS) in the last two years except on the lead rein.

It was a resounding success. Twenty-four combinations came forward for judging. Of course there was a range in quality, but the top of the line looked no less produced than the open line-ups. Irrespective, let’s hope the class continues to encourage more young riders by giving them a taste of riding at such a prestigious show.

The merit of marks

I was disappointed to see that the heights and weights in the British Show Horse Association amateur classes had been amalgamated.

I understand it may well be a decision reflective of the numbers in previous years, but it rendered the riding horse class in particular enormous, spanning the entire ring. There was not one “small” in the final placings, and some good-looking combinations walked away unplaced.

Between this and the timetabling on the Sunday afternoon, one competitor told me she felt they were “the poor relations”, which is a pity given the excellent standard and the effort it will have taken to get there. We can’t allow this lest we risk losing many of the amateur competitors whose skills, membership and entry fees are so valuable to our societies and fixtures.

In all credit to the judges in these classes, I heard no one disputing the placings.

But with such big classes to judge across several sections, it’s difficult to fathom how all judges can accurately remember every show and animal with no marks, and often no notes. I’ve no doubt the top five and the bottom five stick in the mind, but what about the middle section who demand and deserve equality?

Perhaps classes of this size illustrate the merit of marks, not only to aid judges but also competitors and spectators. It’s important to the sport’s “look” that judging appears resolutely fair, and clarity and transparency in placings help here. It’s not necessarily about justification – a judge shouldn’t have to justify their decisions – but rather about explanation.

As ever, there were a few results in some of the other sections where it would have been beneficial to be able to find insight.

If marks are to remain a “no” here, what about a microphone for judges to explain what made their winners or champions stand out? Is this the kind of Strictly Come Dancing system that competitors and spectators might welcome at a championship show?

Top-notch sport

Overall the RIHS team must be wholeheartedly congratulated. Watching top-notch showing before socialising against the backdrop of a dipping sun on what must be one of the most beautiful showgrounds, I couldn’t help but think, “This is as good as it gets,” during our summer season.

Meanwhile for the lucky few able to show in there, Hickstead’s International Arena with a packed crowd remains truly magical.

On a different note, as a Welsh breeds devotee, I started last week at the Royal Welsh where cattle and sheep numbers were reduced significantly due to blue tongue restrictions. It got me thinking, whatever the problems we have, as equine exhibitors let’s be grateful we are able to enjoy showing with so few constraints.

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Robert Walker: ‘Showing is as popular as ever, so why do class numbers vary wildly?’

Robert Walker — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 09:33:54 +0000

Cheshire-based show horse producer Robert Walker has his say on class numbers and showcasing young animals

The season is now well under way and, as usual, it’s great to see established and new faces out showing. With several area association and county shows now under our belts, it’s been interesting that, as ever, the numbers of horses and ponies forward vary greatly. This is obviously very frustrating and worrying for some show organisers, but I don’t think it’s down to one thing with one answer.

Nowadays there is so much choice. When I was growing up, there were the county shows and the agricultural shows. On top of those now, there are area association or society shows, club shows and specific qualifying shows. This means that competitors are inevitably all very spread out.

There’s also a lot more choice in classes. When I was a child, there were hacks, hunters and riding ponies – and cobs were emerging. But there were no riding horses, coloureds or mountain and moorlands. Now the latter two sections are very popular, so if we see smaller traditional classes, it could well be that riders who previously showed in those categories have switched to a different type of horse.

I believe that showing is as popular as ever, but it’s enjoyed on a much broader spectrum. There is a huge undercurrent to affiliated showing, with many people enjoying it at grassroots level.

Take the numbers of entries in classes at the STARS (Showing Teams and Rising Stars) championships or Equifest as great examples. The challenge for affiliated showing is to entice those competitors to come to affiliated shows. We must be more proactive.

Perhaps we need more of these competitors to be aware of what they can try on a “day ticket”, for example, and maybe we need more similar chances for people to dip a toe in the water, so to speak.

And we must make sure they don’t feel out of place or in the minority. People – whether more experienced show riders or officials – are always happy to help.

Where classes are dwindling at county shows, we need to ensure that people aren’t afraid to give it a go. We need people to realise that they are missing out on a great day out showing. It’s not always about winning, showing is also about taking part. For most people it’s about enjoyment and fun.

I always advocated lifting restrictions on classes to encourage more occasional show riders to compete at county shows, but am no longer sure it’s the answer. Without restriction, classes could become unruly. It’s not just a matter of standards, sometimes regulation is needed to keep people safe.

A great showcase

I’m just back from a trip to Ireland’s Bannow and Rathangan Agricultural Show. I really enjoyed watching the judging of the Irish Shows Association and Bannow and Rathangan Show Society All Ireland three-year-old championship.

The championship has a qualifying system where you have to gain your place in the final at certain agricultural shows through the season. It was a pleasure to see 20 three-year-olds forward for the final judging. The winner has the added bonus of a healthy chunk of a huge prize pot: €5,000 (£4,330).

There were many animals that won’t make show horses but will be aimed down different routes. Regardless, it was great to have such a showcase for breeding and an ideal way for breeders to market the animal while also being competitive.

It took me back to the days when we stood Hunter Improvement Scheme (HIS) stallions; customers wanted to showcase the foals at the good local agricultural shows and some were sold on from there to do different things.

In Ireland, the ringside was overflowing with spectators. The atmosphere was great, with so much interest and enthusiasm for breeding. There were many eagle eyes there as well as members of the public, with showing enthusiasts old and new enjoying the spectacle.

We have the Horse of the Year Show in-hand final, but do we also need a similar showcase for UK breeders at a county show?

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H&H showing editor Bethan Simons: ‘Let’s just have one society – and judges’ panel’

Bethan Simons — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:35:05 +0000

Horse & Hound’s showing editor Bethan Simons discusses administrative errors, judging panels and apps

I had rather a late journey home after judging at the North of England Summer fixture, with competitors greeting me with “good evening” by the time we got into the ring.

Unfortunately, an administrative error affecting the first classes of the day had caused the ring to run late. Despite having passed through the requisite schedule checks, it turned out that one of the appointed judges for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) junior mountain and moorland (M&M) section was not on the correct panel and was therefore unable to officiate.

This error wasn’t noticed until the 11th hour, leaving the other judge judging almost 50 ponies on his own. No wonder it ran late.

This is not the first time this has happened – a similar situation occurred at a leading county show last year. Luckily, they had just enough time to find a replacement.

This got me thinking. If judges themselves aren’t sure whether or not they can accept an appointment, and if HOYS aren’t sure when they check a schedule, how are show organisers meant to be sure? Especially in the case of county fixtures where the organisers are not showing buffs volunteering for the role, but staff members paid to oversee appointments with no further involvement.

Better systems

It’s time we considered how digitisation could alleviate administrative problems. At the very least, an up-to-date electronic list of judges for every section, brought to us collaboratively by HOYS and the societies would help show organisers and the judges themselves. Better still, let’s just have one society – and therefore panel – for horses and one for ponies.

Not only would it mean one set of rules to adhere to, but also save us significant amounts of money as competitors. It would also save money for our judges who must pay an annual fee to each society in order to remain on their panels even if they have no appointments.

It’s also high time we had just one entry system for all qualifiers. How many times must we type out the same names, the same numbers, the same addresses…? It’s such a win when you log into a system and it remembers your horse!

There have been problems with the adding of marks again this year, especially in the workers. It’s so disappointing for all involved when this happens, including the poor stewards. As an example, there are five classes of HOYS M&M workers with an average of 20 in each, so stewards may well have to compute the marks of 100 ponies in that section alone. It’s too much.

Given all that’s possible on a smartphone, you would think that we’d have an app that could calculate marks by now. Such an app would also save time in flat classes. No one enjoys that stomach-churning time between the end of the shows and the calling of results. You’ve done your show and can do no more, your fate is left in the lap of luck and the stewards’ maths abilities.

For the fun of it

On a lighter note, I recently saw Geoff Billington had shared photos on social media in fancy dress in the run-up to Bolesworth. I love seeing how top riders in other disciplines show their human, fun sides.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see fancy dress or novelty classes for our leading riders? Perhaps it’s what showing needs to fuel public interest and break down the barriers between professionals and amateurs!

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Rebecca Penny: ‘Is the antiquated card-carrying clause really necessary in 2025?’

Rebecca Penny — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 09:30:40 +0000

Rebecca Penny has her say on last-minute judge changes and whether now is the time to give certain antiquated systems the boot

Following on from Simon Reynolds’ column, I fully endorse his “choose, don’t chase” approach and wholeheartedly echo his sentiment that planning a showing calendar has become something of a logistical minefield.

With a packed schedule, overlapping dates and ever-increasing costs, the modern competitor must juggle multiple roles: rider, groom, accountant and even logistics coordinator.

Generally, given the expenses involved with attending any show – fuel, stabling, entries, not to mention the hours of preparation – I tend to make my entries strategically.

Like many others, I aim to give my ponies the best chance of being seen and appreciated by the right set of eyes. Therefore, I base my decisions on prior observations and careful research into the appointed judges’ preferences.

That’s not playing the system, it’s just common sense in a sport where subjectivity plays a large role.

However, one particularly tricky obstacle to negotiate during planning is a last-minute judge change.

Already this season, I have twice discovered a change only upon arrival at the showground. By that point, the ponies had been bathed, prepped and worked accordingly; the alarm clock had gone off at an ungodly hour, and in one instance, I had driven a few-hundred miles to walk into the ring and find a completely different judge standing there.

It is not only disheartening but, in some cases, the decision would’ve been to go elsewhere or not to compete.

What’s the answer?

We all accept that there are unforeseen circumstances and last-minute illnesses happen – that’s life, and compassion must come first.

But when judge changes occur due to administrative oversights, scheduling conflicts or simply a lack of communication, it becomes more than an inconvenience. It undermines the confidence and trust that exhibitors place in organisers.

At the very least, there should be a clear and consistent protocol in place: a 24-hour window across all shows, particularly where entries have closed in advance, to allow competitors the chance to make informed decisions – whether that’s to enter, withdraw or make a substitution.

Yet, all too often, those requests are met with a firm no, especially at county level.

The card-carrying conundrum

I have one more thing to discuss while we’re on the topic of outdated systems.

Surely in this tech-infused age, the idea that riders must rummage through a jacket pocket to produce an owner’s slightly soggy, dog-eared membership card in order to secure qualification for a prestigious final feels… a bit 1997? Especially now that entry systems are perfectly capable of cross-checking membership details digitally.

Some exhibitors have earned their qualification fair and square, only to forfeit it due to this antiquated card-carrying clause.

Meanwhile, if the results of a qualifier have had to be corrected afterwards due to marking errors, the qualification could then be awarded to a competitor who might have been unable to produce a card on the day.

It is almost enough to make you wonder if the real challenge lies not in the ring, but in locating where you last left that card. Was it in the lorry? The pocket of a sodden tweed? Wedged behind the bread bin at home?

Who knows, but perhaps it’s time for those enforcing this process to rethink: is it really necessary?

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Simon Reynolds: ‘Don’t put chasing qualifiers ahead of your horse’s welfare’

Simon Reynolds — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:20:15 +0000

Show horse producer Simon Reynolds comments on excessive travel in the chase for qualifying tickets, and asks if physical show catalogues are still necessary

I have heard some concerning stories at shows about how many miles people are travelling to gain qualifications. Planning a horse’s season can be a minefield, but it should never be at the expense of their welfare.

People have been chasing down the last of the Royal International qualifiers and over a nine-day period at the end of May there were at least 10 shows, some of which were two-day fixtures.

At this point in the season the Horse of the Year Show qualifier chase also ensues.

Let’s say someone tried to chase a ticket at Royal Three Counties, Royal Cheshire, The Lincolnshire Show and the Royal Highland, which are all on consecutive days. If they drove from showground to showground, that’s just over 520 miles – without factoring in the drive to and from their own yard. The last leg from Lincoln to the Highland alone is 280 miles!

Unless you are taking different horses to these shows, please do not do this. The riders, drivers and grooms must also be exhausted by this.

What makes showing special

It has been great to be out competing and showcasing our horses on the big grass rings at county shows again. Having the general public spectating and being able to give our owners a good day out is what really makes showing special.

Overall, the going has been good, considering how hard the ground has been and organisers should be commended on this. Still, we were grateful for some rain.

I have been guilty this year of not supporting early novice classes, but this was purely because mine was not ready, and I would love more shows to put novice classes on throughout the season. A true novice does not become ready for open classes in half a season.

At the recent Hambleton and Rutland fixtures, my novice had a lovely day, showing on a nice large grass ring. We then spent time grazing him while we enjoyed a picnic with our owners. He had a great experience.

With the early shows, when the weather is cold, you are quickly putting horses back on the lorry. That experience doesn’t really give the young horses a chance to take it all in and relax.

I was disappointed to see some competitors not staying for either a championship or a supreme. Some shows go to great efforts to provide trophies and even prize money, so it can be disheartening for them when they are not supported.

Are hard copy catalogues necessary?

I am often frustrated with the excuse some shows give to not take a late entry, because the catalogue has already been printed.

Most shows do take late entries, which is helpful to the competitor, improves declining class numbers, and ultimately the show’s profits. Are catalogues really that popular nowadays? I do not know many people that will spend the money on one. I dread to think how many unsold catalogues are disposed of after a show.

Perhaps to save some money, facilitate late entries and to do our bit to save the planet, do not print a catalogue. In this era of smartphones, surely a QR code to scan or an online link would be the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way forward.

On a lighter note, at a recent county show, there was a call on the tannoy for anyone who could lend some spare stirrups and leathers to a competitor.

I can recall some years back, a well-known producer who had brought a lorryload of horses to a show, only to find he had fallen foul of the online entry system and hadn’t entered a single horse. Just imagine the tannoy call: “Could anyone lend a horse?”

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Nigel Hollings: ‘Royal Windsor is the most magnificent week of showing’

Nigel Hollings — Fri, 30 May 2025 09:34:48 +0000

Nigel Hollings, who ran a successful production yard responsible for multiple HOYS and RIHS champions, is the chief showing steward at Royal Windsor Horse Show – he reviews the week

Royal Windsor Horse Show (RWHS) 2025 did not disappoint on so many levels and we were treated to the most magnificent week of showing this country could offer.

Throughout the event we were blessed with amazing weather and it is a testament to Nick Brooks-Ward and his team that the rings were perfect following an extended period of dry conditions.

I have been the RWHS chief showing steward for 12 years and 2025 was truly one of the best, with many remarkable performances and wonderful championships enjoyed by both spectators and competitors alike.

To me, showing is all about family involvement. Much has been said about the Walkers’ achievements with Robert and his 12-year-old daughter Izzy winning two outstanding championships each. A chip off the old block, Izzy actually won more classes – sorry, Robert!

Interestingly both of Izzy’s champion show ponies are owned by Helen Davies, whose mother Pauline Binks owned State Visit, hunter of the year at Wembley way back in 1968.

Another busy lady deserving of a mention is Isabella Mears Wood, who rode in three Castle Arena championships: ridden coloureds, supreme cob and supreme hack, winning the latter with such an elegant display of horsemanship.

Her father Guy is no stranger to the showing scene either, and we used to compete together in the working hunter pony classes many moons ago.

“On every judge’s bucket list”

To officiate at Windsor is on every judge’s “bucket list” as it is such an honour and privilege to be asked. The Orssich Committee, the group tasked with selecting Windsor’s judges, has always championed and promoted new and younger judges by inviting them to officiate alongside more senior officials.

I particularly enjoyed watching Matt Ainsworth and Simon Somers sorting the show hunter ponies. Earlier in the week Matt finished reserve hunter champion to Robert Walker on Dublin Street Fighter, so what a treat for those young jockeys to be judged by such hunter experts.

Similarly, Richard Ramsey officiated in the plaited working hunter pony ring with Rachel Turner. I remember watching Richard win the working hunter class at Horse of the Year Show on Sporting Print in 1972 and Rachel securing the reserve champion accolade in this year’s RWHS working hunter section with Ernie Big.

Gregory Goss from South Africa returned to judge for the third time and on this occasion cast his experienced eye over the cobs and show ponies. Showing in South Africa is extremely popular and many followed him live on social media platforms.

Looking back in history, one of the most prestigious championships to compete in here is for the famous Lord Weatherill challenge cup, presented to the champion show pony, which is always my favourite to watch. This championship was once described in The Times as the “quintessence of beauty”, and this year’s crop all excelled in the Castle Arena, showcasing why our show ponies are the best in the world.

Welfare at Windsor

From the onset, RWHS has carefully considered the welfare of exhibits competing at the show and in many classes The Horse Trust’s Body Condition Awards are judged by leading vets.

RWHS also has its own rules in place and officials and stewards are briefed on if and when action needs to be taken.

Chief steward Sebastian Garner and I make regular spot checks around the showground and particularly in the exercising areas.

However, I must congratulate most competitors on the way they behaved and prepared their animals for the show ring in full view of the general public.

I believe this important message is at last producing positive results, which can only be good for the sport of showing.

● Should judges at leading fixtures have demonstrated their credentials for the category they officiate – or should other qualities take priority? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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H&H showing editor Bethan Simons: ‘I’m putting my tin hat on as this needs to be said’

Bethan Simons — Wed, 28 May 2025 10:49:08 +0000

H&H showing columnist Rebecca Penny recently reminded readers to exercise prudence when posting online. I agree with her wholeheartedly; it’s important to equestrianism as a whole, let alone showing, that we, as representatives, are mindful of how we are perceived in an increasingly difficult social landscape.

But it is not enough. We must do more. We can’t afford to simply appear to “behave” when we post photos for the rest of the world to see. We must behave better towards each other and to our horses, on and offline.

I generally believe that what we put online is the best of us — a scrubbed up version of our lives and ourselves. If this is the case, I’ll decline an invitation to meet the “in real life” versions of some individuals commenting on showing posts on social media at the moment. They’re nothing more than bullies hiding behind screens, anonymity and the unrecognisable accent of the keyboard.

I recently interviewed an excited child and parent at a show; they had netted their biggest showing achievement to date. So I was surprised when said parent contacted me to ask that we didn’t publish their success after all.

Why? The pony and child had been subjected to such criticism online that said parent was afraid of further backlash. That child is seven years old. That parent worked hard to produce a pony to a superb standard — no mean feat. Why tarnish such a happy occasion? In this instance, an old saying springs to mind: “pick on someone your own size”.

They are not alone, and this is not the way to nurture the next generation of talented showmen and women or safeguard the future of our sport.

Being appropriately mounted

Now to get out my tin hat.

Let us be clear, weight guidelines exist with good reason. If the welfare of a horse is compromised due to the weight of its rider, it’s a problem that needs to be resolved. How we are addressing the issue, however, is equally concerning.

To begin with, I think that there is a difference between being inappropriately mounted due to weight, and inappropriately mounted due to that all-important factor in showing: “the picture”.

I know of several very small adults who have been told that the “picture isn’t right” when they ride smaller native breeds and they sometimes finish placed below combinations who have performed a lesser show as a result, even if it’s a case of preference – the picture – rather than because that adult exceeds the weight guidelines.

However, I believe when weight guidelines are exceeded and therefore welfare is a genuine concern, judges are reluctant to comment for fear of offending, backlash and condemnation. Yet, for me, judges are uniquely positioned to be able to discreetly comment and “vote” with their placings. Do we need to be more open about this problem and help judges develop a rhetoric to tackle this taboo subject in the ring? I’m not sure.

One thing I am absolutely certain of, however, is that the correct way to address this issue is not through online bullying so cruel and vitriolic it’s devastating. Neither is it the singling out and disqualifying of individuals in a collecting ring by welfare officers dubbed the “fat police”.

My heart broke for a teenage girl I saw removed from her Dales pony — a native bred over generations to carry significant weight, far exceeding her approximate UK size 14-16 — at a show. She was not, in my humble opinion, any heavier than other riders in the class, but she was less polished and her attire less up to date, and being alone rather than walking amongst the others, easy to pick out.

Such actions can only bring harm to a rider — a human being with feelings and with self-esteem that could be irrevocably damaged. Cruelty to horses has no place in our sport, but neither do discrimination, shaming and humiliation. They do not belong anywhere.

The need for safety stewards

Whilst I’m not sure stewards with scales are the answer, I do feel we’ve a need for increased stewards for safety purposes, especially around the pony and workers rings.

I heard a workers judge bellowing — rightly — from within her ring recently. A spare pole-cup was still dangerously in place on a practice fence. She also had to tell a child which direction to jump. This should not have been her responsibility.

Meanwhile the whole collecting ring was bedlam. For starters, it was tiny, with ponies whizzing up and down, over-zealous mums barking instructions and spare siblings hanging around — sometimes literally from the fence. Comical, really, if it didn’t pose such significant safety hazards for both competitors, their horses and spectators.

In the absence of such individuals to monitor either safety or welfare, we need to be better at policing ourselves and each other, albeit respectfully.

Remember, anything that reflects badly on showing online also reflects badly in real time, especially at county shows and leading fixtures where a spectator could just as easily be an experienced fellow as a curious member of the public.

We must be mindful of this, not to placate arguably overly “woke” sensibilities, but for our horses and for each other. This way our social licence might be renewed time and again. And deservedly.

Some rays of light

Showing societies are making changes, evolving what they do to try to increase inclusivity, engagement, and fun. It seems to be working.

Tweaks to the BSPS Winter championships schedule were rewarded with record entries, and I loved seeing so many take part in hobby horse competition at the Northern Ireland Festival.

That’s the way to ensure our children want to grow, improve and remain in this sport. Well done to organisers!

● What do you think is the best way forward when an unsuitably mounted rider arrives at a show to compete? Let us know your thoughts. Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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‘Plough your own furrow and breed what pleases you’: advice from Heniarth Stud’s Meirion Davies

Bethan Simons — Fri, 16 May 2025 10:40:27 +0000

Meirion Davies and Richard Miller breed ponies under the Heniarth prefix. Their successes include 55 winners of 27 championships at the Royal Welsh show, 29 individual HOYS qualifiers, and LIHS Best of Breeds.

This time of year can be very stressful for breeders in all disciplines, fretting that all will go well with foaling and whether or not a maiden mare will accept her new role. Between planning and waiting, there are plenty of worries to keep you awake for the birth!

The reward is the breeder’s gift: the honour of being the very first person to see the manifestation of their dream.

Nothing can beat the feeling, in the early morning mist, of seeing your foal, fawn-like and ethereal, up on its feet. It makes your heart beat a little faster. Hopefully, the mare’s ritual, a pirouette around her foal, and the sound of mutual whickering soon follows. Finally comes the satisfaction of the slurping, suckling sound. All is well.

Some foals arrive as if from Ikea, flat-packed, taking days to unfurl. Others “make an entrance” – statuesque, their outline sculpted – cast from their future promise with that necessary “it factor” for showing already present.

It’s a tough call, that immediate evaluation of the newborn. But by the age of 10 days, you can evaluate most foals’ potential.

A duty of care

Our foals are the result of years of planning and immeasurable investment in time, patience and worry.

Despite this, the mares foal outdoors at Heniarth. We interfere very little with the birth, just moving in to spray the foal’s navel and ensure it receives critical colostrum.

The mares are inoculated eight weeks prior to foaling, so this ensures the foal has some level of immunity. Then we withdraw, allowing the combination to bond.

However highly we rate our mares and foals, or how excited we are to show them, we have a duty of care for all we breed.

On show

At Heniarth, we approach showing a broodmare and foal with delicacy. Once we have a thriving foal, we enter a maximum of three shows, limiting the number for their wellbeing.

A show mare’s foal should have as normal a life as possible, with daily turnout to run and tire itself out so it can sleep and grow while enjoying the luxury of its stable at night.

In the ring, the foal handler’s role is to place the foal in a position where the mare is always alert, looking for it, capitalising on the bond without stressing the mare.

We do little handling of the foal beyond teaching it to tie up next to its dam. So when showing it, we sometimes lead from the other side of the mare, with the rein over her back so that the foal relaxes, trotting freely alongside.

However, if the dam does well, we will often forego the foal class in order to save the mare from tiring and keep her fresh.

When it comes to colts, our ethos is that few are good enough to remain stallions. Those who fall short should nevertheless be set up as youngsters to have a great life as a gelding, hopefully bringing immense fun for a child in the show ring.

Breeding brings challenges, but also great rewards beyond that breeder’s gift, such as watching a pony we have bred winning for new owners.

This spring, we’re thrilled to see a foal we sold to breeders in Sweden return to the UK. Seven years later, he has fulfilled his promise and is already notching up titles. We look forward to following the rest of his show season.

Enjoy what you breed

I close with one piece of advice for all breeders: plough your own furrow. Create what pleases your interpretation of a breed or type’s description.

Showing is only the opinion of one judge on a specific day, you have the other 364 days to enjoy what you have bred.

Good luck with the breeding and showing season. Never mind thinking your geese are swans, may your swans be foals!

● Are you tempted by the breeder’s gift? If not, what is holding you back? Let us know. Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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Stuart Hollings warns showing competitors: ‘Fail to prepare, prepare to fail’

Stuart Hollings — Fri, 02 May 2025 10:28:33 +0000

Stuart Hollings on the trials and tribulations of being a show secretary, novices and naming newcomers

I started the North of England Spring show in 1990 simply because southern competitors had one. This year there was a great atmosphere: reminiscent of the old days, no doubt helped by the glorious weather. I joked that it seemed to have a soporific effect on stressed exhibitors akin to horses relaxing under a solarium.

Elevating the show once again were the exciting prizes on offer, which were kindly donated by leading brands, ranging from children’s books to bottles of champagne.

There is nothing more rewarding for a show secretary than receiving rave reviews on their event, but let us not forget the amazing contributions of the hard-working officials and the all-important sponsors. However, it was not all plain sailing behind the scenes.

Why do some competitors still seem to think that the online entry system is similar to online shopping and they can cancel or change an entry after the closing date? It’s not like returning a garment to Marks & Spencer because they don’t like the colour. If you are unsure about attending a show, it makes sense to consider entering on the day, where allowed.

I also had to contact approximately 20 pre-entered competitors three days before the show to remind them to join the relevant society and register their animals to be eligible to compete in the Royal International (RIHS) qualifiers, as the rules in the schedule clearly stated. The popular adage springs to mind – fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

Summer novice classes

I’m bored with listening to competitors moaning about the loss of novice classes during the summer that were probably removed from the schedule due to lack of support. These will actually be making an experimental return to my summer show in June, so watch this space!

In comparison to the novice pony classes at my recent spring event, especially in the mountain and moorland ring, the novice horse numbers were disappointing despite inviting two exceptional ride judges. And worryingly, they were a far cry from 20 years ago when there were 20 novice hacks in the line-up.

Qualifying for RIHS and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) take priority for many competitors, which often means there is no room for novices on the horsebox.

With this in mind, perhaps we should take inspiration from the very first Stoneleigh Spring show at the National Equestrian Centre in April 1970 when the British Show Pony Society and British Show Hack & Cob Association – now the British Show Horse Association – joined forces to stage a show aimed at novices, with conferences in the morning and showing classes in the afternoon.

Simon Reynolds’ recent column regarding novices making their show-ring debuts made me chuckle. It reminded me of what the late Jack Gittins advocated: that the first show can lure you into a false sense of security when assessing an animal’s temperament and ability. As a rule of thumb, you have a better idea over the next few outings when they have become wiser.

We had one potential star who was as good as gold on his debut but took the judge back into line on his second appearance. The solution was extra working-in time.

Naming newcomers

Finally, an endearing story close to home recently caught my eye. A new recruit in the Lancashire Constabulary – a six-year-old Clydesdale formerly known as Blossom – got to choose her own new name from three feed buckets labelled with names of Lancashire villages. She chose Cottam over my two neighbouring villages, Langho and Whalley.

What a brilliant idea if owners and breeders were faced with the same dilemma!

● How do you think we can better accommodate our novice horses through the season? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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‘Be prepared with a plan B, and plan C – and there is no shame in calling it a day at any stage,’ says Simon Reynolds on first shows for young horses

Simon Reynolds — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:33:37 +0000

Show horse producer Simon Reynolds on setting young horses up for a long and happy career, plus some amusing memories of superstars’ maiden outings

Knowing when to debut a novice horse is a balancing act, especially when teamed with cold, dark, spooky mornings and clipped coats. I tip my hat to everyone that has already been out competing. I have a young team this year, and with early closing dates thrust upon us, trying to predict which horse will be ready for what show and when seemingly requires a psychic ability.

Considered and careful selections must be made when you have a novice horse: which ride judge will suit, which venue and even what terrain? Yet even when things are going like clockwork at home, sometimes you get to a show, and it all goes pear-shaped.

Don’t despair, this is normal. Horses are not machines! Have a plan, but always be prepared to implement plan B, and sometimes even plan C. It is important to make a judgement at the time and there is no shame in calling it a day at any stage.

I have brought horses out after the go-round and I adhere to the saying that there is always another day. Some of the best show horses I have produced have sometimes had other ideas at their first show.

My small hunter Sporting Sam – who went on to break records with four straight Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) wins from 1999 to 2002 – was incredibly cold-backed. He would frequently try to buck me off before his class, much to the despair of my groom because I would pull all his plaits out hanging on! Luckily, he never did this in the ring, but he was certainly comical outside it.

My wife’s lightweight show cob, Casanova, was also quite the character before he went on to be a HOYS champion. In his first season he had a tendency to run backwards at speed, without warning, and attempt to double-barrel the other horses. He had his own ideas on how to beat the competition.

I can remember his first show at Barton when he almost decapitated Robert Walker’s future HOYS supreme Broadstone Dalton. Robert had some choice words that day!

Before I took over the reins on the maxi cob Hallmark, who was quite a sharp character, his producer Jack Cochrane told me a funny story.

On their debut at a local ploughing match, he jokingly recalls entering virtually every class bar the egg-and-spoon race in an attempt to get it right.

By the end of the day, with much resilience and with the sun setting, he ended up supreme of the show. Hallmark went on to make showing history, winning HOYS six times and lifting the supreme title.

Giving horses their best shot

Preparing a horse for a ride judge and assessing ride according to type are topics that the British Show Horse Association has recently been keen to elaborate on, holding various informative and interactive Zoom meetings for judges and members.

It is so important to give individual horses the best shot at a long and happy career. You may have heard people discussing “picking a good judge”, a term often misinterpreted with the perception of fixed judging. However, this simply means selecting a suitable judge for an individual horse.

For example, a horse with a nervous temperament may be suited to a smaller lady who sits quietly, or conversely, a more backward animal may suit a more active rider. After showing and competing for more than 35 years, I keep a close eye on the judges’ riding styles but also what types certain judges go for, and try to plan each horse’s route through the season accordingly.

I think it is positive that Sport Horse Breeding (SHB(GB)) has removed the ride judge element for four-year-old show hunter classes and hope that this will encourage more youngsters to be started with less pressure and expectation.

● What else can our showing societies do to help set up young horses for a bright career in showing? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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Rebecca Penny: ‘Changes and challenges ahead for the showing world’

Rebecca Penny — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:34:10 +0000

Native pony specialist Rebecca Penny on HOYS changes and social responsibility in showing

As the summer season nears, many of us are busy making the necessary preparations to get ourselves and our ponies ring-ready. With every new season comes change, some well received, some met with groans, but all inevitable. This year is no exception, and I must say, a few updates to the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) rulebook have been long overdue.

One change I personally welcomed was the removal of the mandatory Joint Measurement Board (JMB) certificate for ponies from the three native breeds with no upper height limit – Welsh section D, Exmoor, and Dales – unless, of course, they have qualified in the mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter pony ranks.

This was an unnecessary cost burden for those showing these breeds in their respective finals, and its elimination is a small but significant win for competitors.

Another welcome change is the split of the HOYS M&M lead-rein class into separate Welsh and non-Welsh classes. At last, those of us in those classes no longer need to play the world’s longest games of “I Spy” to keep young jockeys entertained while waiting for 50 tiny combinations to take their turn in a single class.

I remain on the fence on the introduction of six mixed height children’s riding pony classes at the expense of six qualifiers run with the traditional height splits.

From now on, only 12 of the 18 qualifiers will run as usual. I do worry about the impact on younger children making the leap from first ridden to 128cm classes. Competing against much older riders on 148cm ponies could be daunting, and I wonder whether this will further deter participation in plaited classes.

On the other hand, perhaps this change will encourage riders to raise their game, pushing them to improve rather than shy away. We already see children holding their own against adults in M&M classes, so maybe this is the perfect platform to nurture resilience and skill. Those with the drive to win will always find a way to rise to the occasion.

Beyond rule changes, another undeniable force shaping our sport is the rise of social licence, the informal but powerful approval we receive from the wider public based on our ethical practices.

Both societies and competitors are under increasing scrutiny, and with that comes the need for more transparent and responsible horse care, the use of ethical training methods and improved competition conditions.

This has led to regulations tightening across the board, aligning showing with other governing bodies in equestrian sport and, crucially, with the public’s expectations.

As competitors, we have a duty of care not only to our horses but to the industry itself. The way we conduct ourselves, both in and out of the ring, has a ripple effect. Posting images and videos on social media comes with great responsibility, as our sport is more exposed than ever.

What might seem normal to seasoned competitors can appear shocking to outsiders unfamiliar with the nuances of equestrian life. A misplaced whip movement, a stressed pony or misuse of a training aid can, rightly, spark outrage. Ultimately, it is our responsibility to set the standard.

As expectations in equestrian sport continue to evolve, those who lead by example will not only contribute to its growth but also attract greater support from sponsors who value integrity.

● What can we do as an industry to ensure we maintain our social licence to go showing? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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‘It’s brilliant and it’s scary and it’s fun’: Sara Parrott on producing children’s ponies

Bethan Simons — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:30:53 +0000

Producing ponies for the ring is a tough gig, particularly when you’re producing ponies for children to ride. Sara Parrott gives some insight into the job when chatting with showing editor Bethan Simons on the latest episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast.

“It’s brilliant and it’s scary and it’s fun,” says Sara. “You get a lot of ups and downs with it, and you have to have a sense of humour but it’s also really rewarding when you get it right.” She continues: “My favourite class is the first-riddens, which definitely go wrong more than they go right, but when it goes right and they take a leap forward, it’s brilliant.”

Sara has produced ponies alongside her partner Craig Elenor at their Yorkshire base for the past decade, despite this not being their original plan.

“Funnily enough, when I moved up [from Essex] I had some horses to show, and Craig had in-handers,” says Sara. “There was never any plan to show ponies. They weren’t on the agenda; they weren’t on the business plan. We got sent two lead-reins for a client and it just took off from there”.

Sara also explains that she hasn’t always produced professionally: “I worked in different yards until I was about 23, and then I decided that you couldn’t earn any money out of horses – which is probably still true! – and so I worked as a housing officer for five or six years before I met Craig.”

She credits this with helping her to deal with the “people-facing” aspects of the role, dealing with the children, their parents and extended families.

Currently, Sara has 27 ponies “in”, from lead-reins to intermediates. Planning ahead is key with any team of this size, but Sara explains that because there are children involved, she’s often trying to plan a year ahead.

“Finding ponies, you have to be much more ahead of yourself than if you were finding horses for yourself. It’s just about matching ponies and riders together. You absolutely have to match the personality to the pony, but you’re also anticipating where they’re going to be in a year’s time which isn’t so difficult when you know your children.”

When working with the children, Sara operates on a “stacking the odds in your favour” philosophy, whereby you set them up to succeed in small incremental steps.

“Every time they ride, it needs to be positive and a step forwards, so with a first ridden we’ll halve the school so they are confident and you’re in control of the situation. Stack everything up so you have small wins.”

In an era when we’re being increasingly encouraged to be aware of pony welfare, Sara shares some tips on balancing ensuring the welfare of the pony with the safety of the child, something she says is “not easy” and she encourages “managing as best as you can” with tips including allowing lots of downtime, time in the field, and not having them too fit.

Sara and Craig ended their 2024 season on a high, as they produced Heather Clay’s lead-rein pony Derw Dream Boy to land one of the most coveted titles in showing; the Horse of the Year Show supreme pony championship.

Reflecting on that aspirational feat, Sara says: “At the time you don’t realise what you’re doing, because you’re working.” Rather, she shares that it was only after they got home and she was walking her dogs, that the achievement hit her.

Hear more about Sara and Craig’s yard, their successes and Sara’s thoughts on the industry, on episode 163 of The Horse & Hound Podcast.

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Stuart Hollings: ‘We need some exciting new superstars to grace the show rings in 2025’

Stuart Hollings — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 10:29:03 +0000

Stuart Hollings reflects on 2024, and what HOYS rule changes for the coming season might mean

On reflection, 2024 can be summed up as “non-vintage” for showing, as many major winners were unable to escape the taste of defeat during the course of the season, including at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Reviewing the NEC results seemingly revealed more surprises than usual. Was this due to more overseas judges officiating? Unlike some who jump on the bandwagon when posting on social media, I cannot, in all fairness, comment. I was aboard the new Cunard ship, the Queen Anne, at the time.

However, one thing I will say is that last year’s scenario is no different to when our UK judges officiate abroad, and rely heavily on their experience and adaptability, particularly when sorting different types.

How well I remember judging Nooitgedachters and Boerperds – not anagrams from TV quiz show Countdown, but South African native breeds – 25 years ago at a show in Johannesburg.

In November, I was delighted to present Craig Kiddier with the show horse of the year trophy at the Horse & Hound Awards, for Susan Tennant’s Mulberry Lane.

This was a fitting tribute to the talented hunter who secured the supreme horse championships at both the Royal International (RIHS) and HOYS, as a worker at Hickstead and flat hunter champion in October.

To echo Craig’s sentiments, “he’s a true working hunter – a show horse that can jump”, which was music to my ears!

Rumours to axe hacks

There has been plenty to talk about this winter – most notably, changes at HOYS. I was dumbstruck when I heard the rumour that hacks were in danger of being axed due to timing issues.

Like show ponies, cobs and hunters, hacks were in the spotlight at the very first HOYS in 1949 at Harringay when the Count Orrsich-produced Liberty Light claimed the prestigious hack of the year title as well as the most consistent hack award based on prize money won throughout the season.

The solution to save time at the 2025 final centered around a ride versus show debate. It was a no-brainer for me as a British Show Horse Association (BSHA) board member to keep the ride phase.

Although aspiring young riders are more comfortable giving a display, having a ride judge is undoubtedly a better test of a hack’s training. Also, there has to be a distinction between the intermediate and hack sections otherwise these classes could be amalgamated in the future.

And let’s face it, there will be more spectators to appreciate the hack shows in the evening championship than at silly o’clock in the morning. A commentary on the history of the park hack in Rotten Row would elevate the showcasing even more.

On the subject of intermediates, I championed the idea of opening up the HOYS intermediates to members of the BSHA in these pages two years ago. I thought that it could be an attractive incentive to swell those ranks.

Now that this has become a reality, the riding type has been rebranded intermediate show horse of the year. The height range is now exceeding 148cm and not exceeding 160cm, which will allow more large hacks and riding horses into the mix.

Time will tell whether my gut feeling was correct.

We need new superstars

When the record four-time HOYS champion show pony Holly Of Spring burst onto the ridden scene following an already successful career in in-hand youngstock classes, there was quite some hype and enthusiasts travelled to shows to watch her perform.

What we need to see in 2025, regardless of any changes, are some exciting new superstars to grace the show rings, thus creating the all-important buzz that helps to keep showing alive.

● What impact do you think the new HOYS rule will have on intermediates? How else can we save the intermediate? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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Katie Jerram-Hunnable: ‘Where the pony societies have it right’

Katie Jerram Hunnable — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:26:27 +0000

Katie Jerram-Hunnable on the lack of opportunities for young horses and what the horse showing societies could learn from their pony counterparts

With the qualifying season so close, we have been trying to plan the ideal route through the spring fixtures for our horses.

It seems that we have fewer opportunities than ever to prepare youngsters and give our more experienced horses a trip out before Royal Windsor and the county show circuit begin. We are left wondering why young horses find it hard to cope at such a crucial time in their career.

The South of England Spring Show is the latest event to fall victim to the lack-of-numbers crisis, and those of us in that area have lost yet another calendar date. Could creating smaller area committees from our horse societies be the answer?

This is where the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) and National Pony Society (NPS) have it right with their regional committees, and I wonder if it would be sensible for all our societies to follow suit. I feel that there is room for this and it needs to happen.

These committees could be the answer in several ways. First, by helping existing members. Pony society areas run multiple shows and clinics offering ample opportunities for young ponies to get out in early spring. Horse exhibitors are crying out for similar shows, even if two or more societies join forces to organise them in some areas.

The area committees could also facilitate training in the area. It’s true that some of us are already running clinics, but often we don’t know the participants and accidents can happen. Running clinics under a society’s umbrella could offer greater protection for us.

Currently, we don’t have the depth of membership to necessitate as many areas as the pony societies, but is this why? Do we simply not have the infrastructure in place to sustain a larger membership body? Splits such as north, east, south, west, Midlands, Wales and Scotland would work. Let’s create a system that is helpful, inviting and accessible. It would be great to hear from motivated people who would relish the challenge.

With so few opportunities, I find myself looking to travel further afield. This brings its own problems. I can’t reasonably ask staff to travel several hours each way on weekends in spring. It’s also very expensive to fuel the lorry for such long trips. Could these concerns be added factors in dwindling numbers? Without multiple owners to share costs, it is certainly a worry.

A safe environment for all

It’s such a relief that some BSPS and NPS shows are offering horse classes as without these, we’d have even fewer opportunities. However, I am nervous about taking the less experienced horses that need to go to these shows.

There needs to be a safe environment for all. I’m cautious about taking a fresh four-year-old into a collecting ring where there are young children, who simply won’t be experienced enough always to maintain a safe distance and so could be put in danger. This is a major safety concern that needs consideration.

Use them or lose them

Some argue that there are plenty of opportunities to get young horses out if we take them to dressage. This is not the same.

The collecting ring could be busy, but asking a young horse to negotiate competing in an arena on their own is different to asking them to negotiate a go-round and safely carry a judge. When they first experience a ride judge, they need a suitable environment, as a judge’s job is not to hold the hand of a green, young horse.

With that in mind, it’s essential that we use sport horse and four-year-old classes wherever possible, as neither requires a ride judge, so they are perfect for horses that are not ready for that. It doesn’t matter that your horse isn’t a dressage horse or showjumper, sport horse classes are for show horses, too, and we have to use them or lose them.

● What do you think our societies can do to encourage new members? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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H&H’s Bethan Simons: ‘London’s showing classes were welcoming, supportive and inclusive’

Bethan Simons — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:25:38 +0000

Horse & Hound’s showing editor Bethan Simons reflects on the showing classes at London International and the lessons we can take from it

Perhaps it’s my new baby, but it feels like we’ve barely had time to sleep since we were at London International (LIHS). Yet here we are, staring straight down the barrel of a brand new season. Still, it feels remiss not to comment on LIHS, which was a fabulous culmination of the 2024 showing calendar.

I know first-hand that it’s hard preparing for LIHS – the turmoil caused by rugging dilemmas in readiness for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) is nothing in comparison. It’s even harder still if all of your preparation is completed in the pitch black hours before and after work.

But every competitor deserves a pat on the back, because the standard, on the whole, was superb.

For me, there were three standout moments.

The first was the 2023 Tattersalls Retraining of Racehorses elite champion and reigning SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse winner Wonga Swinger landing the Rising Stars riding horse championship with Tori Thomas. It’s so satisfying to see a cracking horse thrive in its second career.

Then, 16-year-old Chloe Owen taking the Rising Stars hunter championship with her mother’s home-bred five-year-old Tarr Dauntless was the second. What a win for such a young pair. At the risk of sounding clichéd, the future looks bright for these combinations and it will be exciting watching them progress in open classes.

The third was Birkettbank Master John and Victoria Taylor topping the Heritage championship. Not only did they give a beautiful performance making it thoroughly deserved, but as a home-produced combination, their win in one of the show’s few unrestricted sections cemented London as a triumph for amateurs.

It represents what showing can be

Another total triumph was the attitudes displayed. A friend of mine who was openly dreading her Rising Stars final returned home elated. Fellow competitors and officials had been encouraging and friendly so her rosette was just a bonus. In a similar vein, I applaud the steward who stepped in to help an overwhelmed cradle stakes combination get started on their round.

For me, both of these examples represent what showing can be – welcoming, supportive and inclusive. We must be careful to be all of these things with everyone, but particularly to those who are new to the sport or we risk losing our smaller area shows where numbers are dwindling.

Father Christmas taking a break from the toy factory to visit children in the ring was also super. Anything that makes showing a little bit more special for our young competitors is vital if we’re to see entry numbers buoy and keep talented jockeys in showing rather than lose them to more adrenaline-fuelled or technical disciplines.

The only incident to tarnish the week was a stolen truck and trailer, leaving one West Walian competitor temporarily stranded with her horse a very long way from home. I can’t recall anything of the sort before and really hope this isn’t a sign of what’s to come for equestrian competition in general.

It’s hard enough and expensive enough without the threat of such serious crime while we’re in the thick of things, and it’s an added complication event organisers – so many of whom are volunteers – really don’t need.

The season is longer than ever now, so I hope that the horses and ponies competing at LIHS have had at least a break from schooling if not a proper holiday before entering Royal International and HOYS qualifiers, which are just around the corner.

Without the twinkly lights, mulled wine and mince pies to sustain good humour, please can we try to remember the lessons we can take from London, and wish each other good luck?

● How can we encourage more people to give showing a go? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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Rebecca Penny: ‘Many positives about HOYS, plus the odd tweak needed’

Rebecca Penny — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 10:28:50 +0000

Native showing specialist Rebecca Penny on successes and areas that she feels needed improvement in this season’s judging at Horse of the Year Show

As we close the curtain on the 2024 season and begin working with novices and new recruits for next year, it’s a good time to reflect.

Personally, I had mixed feelings about the new judging format at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). I found it refreshing to have overseas judges announced only the night before the classes and this new concept introduced many positive elements.

One of the most notable was the exceptional standard of ride judging throughout the show, which made for great spectator viewing. It was undoubtedly more exciting to watch and felt much less predictable. From the classes I observed, I could clearly follow what the judges were looking for, especially regarding performance.

We witnessed a good mix of repeat winners alongside several fresh faces enjoying well-deserved moments in the spotlight, which is always beneficial for the sport.

The choice of William Fox-Pitt for the plaited pony workers seemed to be a huge hit with the competitors, and the children really valued his feedback.

Improvements for the future

However, I feel the format worked more favourably in some sections than in others, and adjustments would be needed if this format is to be repeated in the future.

I don’t want to take anything away from the winners, who were certainly deserving, but classes involving our native breeds at this level need judges for both ride and conformation who are fully conversant with all 12 native breeds and their way of going according to breed type.

Additionally, there appeared to be an oversight regarding cultural differences, as some overseas judges may not have been fully aware of our expectations for judging specific classes.

Speaking as a competitor in the lead-rein mountain and moorland classes, I found it disappointing that the judge did not watch the ponies’ shows in their entirety. For me, one of the most important criteria for a lead-rein pony is manners; thus, the downward transitions and the halt at the end of an individual show are crucial elements, especially when it lasts only 45 seconds.

Perhaps the judges should have been briefed more thoroughly beforehand, as I’m not the only person who deemed it rude.

My final observation was that some judges seemed overworked and were assigned to far more classes than usual, particularly in instances where there were crossovers, such as the hacks and intermediate show riding types, where several horses competed in both.

I felt it would have been preferable for these sections to have completely different sets of judges, which would also prevent cutting horses and riders from multiple classes in the event of a connection arising.

As with any new initiative, there’ll always be room for improvement, but this was a well-received starting point.

Sad news

I would like to close by offering my heartfelt condolences to the Hood family, following the sad news of Allister’s passing.

Allister was someone I held in the highest regard – not only was he the greatest showman many of us will ever have the privilege of watching, but he was also a true gentleman. His support was invaluable; he generously shared his wealth of knowledge and showed remarkable kindness to those of us starting out in showing, myself included.

He will be greatly missed.

● What new innovations would you like to see at HOYS? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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H&H’s showing editor Alex Robinson: ‘The change at HOYS was refreshing to watch’

Alex Robinson — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 10:20:04 +0000

H&H’s showing editor shares her thoughts on the new judging format at HOYS 2024 as she signs off from her role

There was plenty of anticipation ahead of the 2024 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), mainly around how the judging format adopted for the 75th anniversary edition of the show would play out.

On this occasion, a list of respected judges from across the globe was revealed at the start of the year. However, exactly who would be officiating each final at HOYS wasn’t known until the night before each class.

There was definitely some apprehension about the change, mainly as it was the unknown, something different to what we were used to. Usually, at the beginning of the season, many decide if HOYS is a show they want to aim an animal for given who will be judging them in October.

Throughout the year, there has been very little speculation about who was set to take to the centre line, and a few surprise, yet thoroughly deserving, wins and placings were sprung in real time during our week at the NEC.

It made for an interesting and engaging watch, and the general consensus among spectators was that the change was refreshing and it revitalised viewing.

The judges were all of the necessary calibre expected at a premier championship, and they were certainly kept busy during the week, with most officiating several sections.

The ride judging was nothing short of exemplary, with every single exhibit being given a lovely ride, even if it wasn’t to be their day in the final line.

I’m constantly impressed by the standard of riding displayed by our own young riders too, across the classes, particularly in the working hunter sections, and this year’s tracks were a testing challenge that each rider took on with bravery and determination.

It’s hoped the standard format of inviting our own experienced panel judges to judge will be back on the agenda for next year, but this change was an exciting way to commemorate the famous show’s 75th anniversary and perhaps it could return in some way in the future.

Leave it in the lorry park

Grumblings on social media after some classes were still present, and it was disappointing to see remarks akin to the unwelcome trend of “judge bashing” being thrown out on threads.

This new format was always going to welcome discussion, but some of the comments from unhappy competitors perhaps should have been left to the horsebox debrief where you can say what you like.

Ultimately, HOYS is just another show and each mark is given on the basis of one individual’s opinion on a set day. It would be a very bad job if we all liked the same thing and thought every animal in the class to be the winner.

We all have preferences. What one may deem steady and well-mannered, others may say stilted and not going on enough. What one may regard as flashy and forward, the other may say unrhythmical and hurried.

Of course, each exhibit at this show is of a certain standard just to be here, but attention to detail and using a fine-tooth comb is essential at this level if we are to have a final line-up.

Goodbye!

This was my last HOYS as H&H’s showing editor after almost seven years at the helm. What a time it’s been and I must say a massive thank you to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing and interacting with over the course of my time in the role. I wish everyone a restful winter before we do it all again next season.

I hope to be a HOYS finalist again myself in the future and I wish everyone the best of luck with your own horses and ponies. Over and out!

● What did you think of the new judging format at HOYS 2024? Let us know by emailing hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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Simon Reynolds: ‘We could all learn a lot from Ros Canter’s professional outlook’

Simon Reynolds — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 09:28:01 +0000

Simon Reynolds on how he’s been inspired by a top eventer, why the equestrian world needs to pull together now more than ever, and positive steps forward

Times are changing rapidly; the horse world and the people involved have changed beyond all recognition. With the recent cloud of controversy surrounding the Olympics, we must all be aware that equestrian sport is under a microscope, and often from non-horsey, social media-driven mouthpieces. While some claims are quite valid, others are worrying.

Following the Olympics coverage, I saw some comments stating that because a horse was “frothing at the mouth”, this must be cruel. Others were calling for a blanket ban on riding.

However, we mustn’t be drawn into the sensationalism of current equine affairs, and we must look forward as to how we can make positive changes to the sport. Today, people are encouraged to speak out, and to have an opinion on almost anything, and I do think that the voices that really matter are the members of any society.

Without the membership, there is no society.

As a board member of the British Show Horse Association, I think that there have been some positive changes this year, and I hope there are more planned on the horizon to help drive towards a fairer and level playing field.

I would like to reassure the members that the formulation of the new committees is working well. Members are encouraged to contact or approach a board member on a certain committee (the details of which are on the website) where a matter can be discussed and then brought forward to the whole board.

It is positive that no single person is in charge of decision-making, and it is a collaborative and democratic process, which is working well.

It was certainly time for a shake up, and there is room for more improvement. Communication is key. I think some people have the perception that societies are a “closed shop” so to speak, and in the past, I think this may have been the case, but now thankfully times are changing.

We have sadly had a few accidents this year in the showing world, and it is a stark reminder of the danger we can all face and highlights a sobering perspective. I do wish David Ingle, Kimberley Minchin and Sarah Walker swift recoveries.

“We could learn a lot from Ros”

With the lows, also come the highs. I have been inspired recently by eventer Ros Canter. The way she handled the disappointment of her Olympic cross-country penalty was pure class. She was not drawn into controversy and accepted the decision gracefully, especially on camera, like the true professional that she is.

We could all learn a lot from Ros’s attitude; a masterclass in composure and professionalism, despite disappointment and pressure. She is proof that hard work and determination pay off, as she has secured phenomenal results of gold medals at the Olympics and Europeans and has won at Badminton and Burghley.

A breed spectacle

It was wonderful to see the inaugural Irish Draught classes at the Royal International. Huge thanks must go to series sponsor British Horse Feeds for supporting a brand-new class and believing in the concept; also, to Hickstead for hosting the classes, and the Irish Draught Horse Society for working so hard in the organisation of it.

It was encouraging to see such a huge number of quality horses forward, and it drew quite a crowd of spectators. What a momentous step forward to showcase and future-proof the breed. I urge anybody who has a horse with Irish Draught breeding to look in their passport and consider the class for next year. The criteria for a part-bred is 25% Irish Draught.

What a momentous step: Simon celebrates the inaugural Irish Draught finals at the RIHS, where Goosey Gander and Katie Jerram-Hunnable reigned champions. (Image credit: Alex Robinson)

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Julie Templeton: ‘Shows in England could learn a lot from Dublin’

Julie Templeton — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 07:28:37 +0000

Julie Templeton on our Irish neighbours’ prize pots and packed-out crowds at ringside

I’ve just returned home from judging at the Royal Dublin Horse Show for the first time and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the prestigious fixture.

It did help that the weather was incredibly kind to us, however the show itself was fabulous. I feel that some of the shows in England could learn a lot of lessons from the Dublin format. As well as top-class showing, there were amazing tradestands and an abundance of food and drink options for all to enjoy. The rings were fantastic and the layout of the show led to a great atmosphere.

I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed arenas where the grandstands were completely full and spectators were standing five deep around the remainder of the perimeter. This was the norm for nearly every single class. This could be in part down to the well-priced entry tickets and the very generous allocation given to competitors. Our county shows could definitely learn a lesson here.

While the average British showing enthusiast would think the class entry fees ranging from €275 to upwards of €400 per class are eye-watering, I’m sure they’d be surprised and impressed by the prize money on offer.

In standard showing classes at Dublin, first place typically takes home at least a few-hundred euros in some pony sections, and even into the thousands for the highest-placed Irish Draught stallion. Even competitors in fifth place still earned a respectable sum. It makes our brown envelopes with £15 for first seem farcical.

While it has been widely publicised that we are facing challenges here with dwindling numbers in our breeding classes, this was not the case in Dublin. The prize pots were spectacular with some in-hand classes offering upwards of €500 for first place and a huge €3,000 for the best foal.

An equally brilliant initiative was that the breeder of every winning animal across all youngstock classes was awarded €150; what a fabulous way to acknowledge breeders.

All in all, if Dublin can make this format work and have all classes with at least 20 competitors in them, then perhaps it’s about time we looked at the structure in England and re-evaluate in order to regenerate interest in our sport.

Safety first always

Lastly, my thoughts and best wishes are with Sarah Walker who had a terrible accident recently at the Sports Horse Breeding of Great Britain hunter championship show while working in. While she had to undergo surgery, the doctors said that she had been very lucky in the circumstances.

This just goes to prove that accidents can occur at any time on any animal.

While this incident took place in the warm-up I believe those competing in the ring should also be aware of possible dangers and risks.

All competitors should be wearing the correct standard of hat at all times and there should no longer be a place for classes where other headgear is acceptable. Health and wellbeing is worth more than vanity.

● What do you think shows in England could learn from Dublin? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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Stuart Hollings: ‘I was accused of inciting a riot, but are we any nearer to knowing the full picture now than 20 years ago?’

Stuart Hollings — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 09:28:47 +0000

Stuart Hollings on persistent issues affecting the show ring, and why exhibitors should think before they act

The 2024 show season has been so open on the results front up to now, as most of the major players have been beaten on occasions. Is this scenario – a bit of a shake up of the form book – preferable to seeing the superstars take all the spoils?

Earlier in the year I purchased a subscription to the Horse & Hound historic archive and it is so interesting to be reminded of both the legendary champions that have graced the rings in the past and of important topics that are as relevant today.

On 16 September 2004, and with the heading “Time to insure our future”, I suggested in my H&H column that judges “create merry hell at their next annual general meeting” if precise information was not forthcoming over insurance cover while judging. One chairman subsequently accused me of inciting a riot!

Twenty years later, are we really any nearer to knowing the full picture? This concern does not solely apply to ride judging – I’ve had some lucky escapes when judging youngstock and even during rosette presentations.

My understanding is that judges’ membership fees automatically include insurance cover but how many of us have seen any documentation?

When judging for the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), I believe judges are covered from the moment they leave home to returning home from judging BSPS classes. But it doesn’t include officiating for other societies or non-affiliated classes.

What happens when you are invited to judge a stand-alone supreme championship like a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in-hand qualifier?

Will your travel insurance be sufficient when judging outside the UK, at shows that have no affiliation to our showing bodies? Are celebrity guest judges and those invited from overseas, who are not on our judging panels, in a vulnerable position?

The devil is in the detail and there are so many questions that still require answers for both show organisers and officials alike.

“It’s not rocket science”

Competitors can be their own worst enemies at times. They readily complain when classes are dropped from the schedule and yet didn’t support them beforehand.

There are different schools of thought regarding which option attracts the most entries; a definite closing date or allowing entries on show day. The former is certainly easier for shows but the latter is considered to be more exhibitor-friendly.

However some competitors are running the risk of losing the goodwill of show secretaries over two issues that could see entries on the day being next to face the axe. Firstly, when entries are reopened at the show, this is not an invitation to start changing your pre-entries or even asking for refunds – usually because their pony has since qualified!

My advice is to take up the show day option if you are unsure what to enter – particularly at the beginning of the season – as being more accurate could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Secondly, is it that far too many competitors are still arriving at shows without completed HOYS entry forms to hand? It’s not rocket science to photocopy these forms with all the relevant details and keep them in the horsebox until required.

HOYS may already have the information on file, but show secretaries still need correct and legible ID numbers to type the facts into the HOYS database. There is nothing more frustrating than when this data on an entry form is obviously incorrect, causing unnecessary work after the show!

● How can competitors and secretaries work together so that entering shows is simple? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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Magnus Nicholson: ‘There were problems in the showing world in the past, too’

Alex Robinson — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 10:28:41 +0000

Magnus Nicholson is a leading show horse producer, judge and BSHA board member, who is based in North Yorkshire. He has won titles at all major shows, including at HOYS and the RIHS.

Having been injured in a car accident last November, I have had a strange year this year. I handed my horses’ reins over to my wife, Kate, and was able to ride only towards the end of the season.

One of my highlights of 2023 was judging the ride of the heavyweight hunters at the Royal International (RIHS) final. It was great to see strong entry numbers as well as quality down the line.

The unique format of the hunter championship is always a crowd-pleaser. Each of the ride judges takes the first- and second-placed horses from the other weight classes for a spin, and this can really influence the outcome. It’s a fantastic main ring and you can really open horses up along the grandstand.

It’s been great to see societies encouraging fresh faces on to the judging panels, too; Nick Gauntlett, who judged the middleweights at the RIHS, is actively involved in eventing.

The subject of judging has been a strong topic of conversation this year, but this is nothing new. Having judged for nearly 40 years, I think the biggest change in recent times is the advances in technology, such as camera phones and social media use. Technology can be helpful and useful, but remember that people can take a bad photo, situations can be misinterpreted and there are two sides to every story.

I genuinely believe that the majority of judging is fair and above board. But there will always be a few who can spoil things, though I know that societies are working hard to deal with this.

Now is the time for change; competitors want to see judges being held accountable and transparency is paramount. The horse world is small. Many people know each other; it’s almost impossible to go to a show as a judge or as a competitor and not bump into a friend. When this happens common sense and professional etiquette must prevail.

However, judges need support, too, as well as encouragement and training from societies, so they feel confident and capable.

“A true gentleman”

A sad point of the year was when I attended the funeral of Peter Richmond, one of Yorkshire’s greatest showmen, who was also a true gentleman and a friend.

I worked for Peter in my teens and I was honoured to be asked by his family to deliver a tribute. Peter’s wife Sylvia kindly gifted me Peter’s red tailcoat, which he had inscribed in the pocket. Most people know I am rarely brought to tears, but I was certainly moved by this gesture. I wore the tailcoat with pride at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) this year.

The older I get, the more I realise how lucky I was to have that generation of older showmen who were so keen to hand down knowledge and advice. It’s something we must continue, to encourage the next generation.

Magnus was honoured to have been gifted the late Peter Richmond’s red tailcoat, which the legendary showman, pictured here riding small hunter Small Print, wore during his career. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

A bright future

Generally, I believe that showing is in a good place and there is still enthusiasm across the different classes. This year, many young people have taken the top spots at shows and this has to be good for the future.

At HOYS I met a young lady who had won the native junior working hunter final on her first time competing there. Her supporters were delighted and I thought it was great to see such positivity.

There will always be showing in one form or another. It may be different from the past, but people still love to show off their horses. We can all be guilty of looking back to the past with rose-tinted glasses and thinking it was so much better, but there were problems then, too. They just seemed easier to deal with when we were 20 years younger!

● How does showing need to change? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

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Julie Templeton: ‘Be mindful of your cheeky offers for breeders’ ponies’

Julie Templeton — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 09:28:22 +0000

Leading pony producer, trainer and judge, Julie Templeton, shares her concerns about the future of British Riding Pony breeding

I was very pleased to note that prior to this year’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) final, the organisers announced that the intermediate show riding type format used in 2023 would not be continuing next year.

This year, large and small show riding type qualifiers were judged separately, but only the combination who was section champion qualified for HOYS, whereas in previous years there were separate qualifiers for each height. I’m sure many are pleased with the decision to change, as I know this year’s format did deter many people from wanting to compete in the section.

It’s very positive that HOYS listened to competitor feedback and hopefully they will continue to do so when making decisions.

Now would be the perfect window of opportunity to slightly alter the show riding type classifications. Instead of having classes for small and large types, I believe it would be beneficial to have classes for hack and riding horse types, added to the existing show hunter class. Hopefully, this would encourage numbers back into the classes and perhaps make competitors more likely to venture into horse classes of the same type.

A change of pace

I had a very different HOYS experience this year as we had less involvement backstage than usual. I thoroughly enjoyed being a spectator and loved being able to watch the classes with no stress or expectations. HOYS is such a social event and it was great to catch up with horsey friends and chat with no time constraints, something I have never been able to do before.

Every year, I always make a point of watching the in-hand horse and pony championships, which are a wonderful showcase of the very best of world-renowned British breeding. In the pony section, I had connections with the Welsh section D stallion (Gwynfaes Seren Wledig) who won the class. However, my unbiased opinion was that he was absolutely outstanding on the day and thoroughly deserved his win.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

However, it was a pity to see that there were only two plaited ponies through to this final. Unfortunately, it’s reflective of the current state of British Riding Pony breeding. Prior to HOYS, a WhatsApp group was set up involving a variety of people from showing to offer ideas as to how the breeding of British Riding Ponies can be encouraged and promoted.

As a breeder, I know how costly it is getting a pony to the ridden stage with so many factors determining whether or not they can succeed in the show ring. Height, temperament, conformation, movement and health all come into play.

Without thinking too much outside the box, a good starting point would be to protect the breeders we currently have by paying them a fair price for the time and effort they have put into breeding these animals. So, if in the coming months you are out shopping for your next youngster, please bear this in mind when you are about to make a “cheeky offer”. The breeders need protection or we won’t have a British Riding Pony to rejoice over in the future.

● Are you a British Riding Pony breeder who feels underappreciated? Write to us and let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 19 October, 2023

Stuart Hollings: ‘It holds the in-hand scene together’

Stuart Hollings — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 09:32:53 +0000

Stuart Hollings on the HOYS in-hand supreme championship legends

All eyes will be on this week’s Price Family supreme in-hand final at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). This year’s stellar line-up includes 15 first-timers and nine returnees, one for an incredible fifth time plus others that have also been well placed.

Surprisingly, only two plaited representatives have qualified in the 13-strong pony division and for the first time two graded class one Irish Draughts will join nine other horses. Interestingly, six exhibits are following in the footsteps of either their dam or sire at this year’s final, one being the son of the 2014 champion Rendene Royal Charm.

Many of the class of 2023 are either home-bred or produced from home, or both. Consequently, it is thought by many that recognition of these categories with a special award at Birmingham is now long overdue.

Although this unique competition began way back in 1965, it remains as relevant today. I firmly believe that it is the glue that holds the present-day in-hand scene together. And I know of no other HOYS showing section that has been nicknamed after previous sponsors – the Fredericks, Lloyds, Creber, Templeton and Cuddy – who are remembered with such affection even now.

This competition has definitely created many wonderful memories as well as equine and human superstars over the years.

The two-time champions roll of honour includes Llanarth Flying Comet shown by Len Bigley, Treharne Tomboy, Rosevean Eagles Hill, Free Spirit and Colin Tibbey’s charge Pinewell Bucks Fizz. Hunting Eve, shown by John Rawding, triumphed three years in succession.

The Bigley family has qualified 53 times since 1974 (31 times with animals bearing their Llanarth prefix) – considered to be a record – as well as landing the championship accolade on three occasions.

A familiar face showing Welsh section As and Bs, Colin Tibbey is retiring after the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in November. He has captured three HOYS championships during his career and notched up his 25th qualifier at Bucks County this term.

Simon Charlesworth, 40, already has two HOYS led championship titles under his belt. He went through the card at the National Hunter Championship Show at Addington in August with a previously unshown three-year-old hunter, collecting his 42nd led ticket en route, and a memorial trophy celebrating John Rawding’s amazing five HOYS in-hand championships.

Consequently Simon has set himself a challenging goal before he considers retiring; to match or beat the Bigleys’ tally of 53 wins or John’s championship record of five – whichever comes first!

Esteemed and worthy judges

This year’s judges Sophie Henderson (née Waddilove) and Vanessa de Quincey bring a vast wealth of knowledge to this difficult task and are no strangers to competing and judging at HOYS. Sophie is married to renowned racehorse trainer Nicky Henderson and as a child won the coveted HOYS show pony of the year title in 1971 at Wembley aboard the famous 14.2hh Gems Signet.

Vanessa took the reserve hack of the year title on Moonstrike in 1966 aged 18 and went one better to capture the championship the following year. Her family has bred successful Welsh, part-bred and riding ponies under the Erimus prefix.

Let us not forget Michael Hendrie who was originally judging alongside Sophie but sadly died in July. His credentials were also exemplary as he produced and handled three winning pony broodmares in this contest – Ainsty Merry Maid (1989), Culross Maid Of Honour (1992) and Huttons Ambo Camelia in 1997.

Good luck to everyone in this final. Remember that wherever you are placed, it is such an achievement to be there as it remains one of the hardest HOYS competitions to qualify for, especially for pure-bred animals.

How do you think the HOYS in-hand supreme final has changed over the years? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 5 October 2023

Rebecca Penny: ‘We need one set of rules for amateur and home-produced classes’

Rebecca Penny — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 09:32:35 +0000

Rebecca Penny is a website designer and online marketing consultant who has won at HOYS and RIHS on various native breeds and lifted the M&M supreme in London in both 2015 and 2021.

As the summer show season draws to a close, this is the perfect time to reflect on the year’s events. This season, we have witnessed several significant changes. Some have been incredibly exciting – for example, the developments in the world of amateur classes.

Many showing societies have stepped up by offering a multitude of qualifying spots for prestigious events like Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the London International Horse Show. While these initiatives have been largely well received and supported, they have not been without their fair share of eligibility hiccups.

To pave the way for a smoother and more efficient future, it would be beneficial for all showing societies to come together during the winter months to establish a unified set of criteria for both home-produced and amateur classes. The current situation, where different rules apply to different societies and competitions, only serves to create unnecessary complexity and can lead to frustration for both exhibitors and show organisers alike.

A glaring example of this complexity can be found in the case of the combination that had their British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA) amateur championship win at the Royal International Horse Show removed. While this rider was ineligible to compete under BSPA rules, they remained eligible to compete as an amateur under the criteria set by other societies, such as The Showing Register. Such inconsistencies not only undermine the integrity of the sport, but also leave participants bewildered and disheartened. It’s so easy for competitors to make genuine mistakes when there are so many conflicting rules.

“Unquestionably necessary”

Another aspect of equestrian competition that warrants a more collaborative approach is dope testing. I echo the sentiments expressed by my fellow columnist Robert Walker who raised some excellent points and highlighted the importance of dope testing in our sport.

While dope testing is unquestionably necessary, it is equally crucial that we continue to establish a standardised disciplinary procedure for positive test results. This consistency will not only uphold fairness, but also ensure transparency in the adjudication process and act as a deterrent for people. Presently, there are significant disparities in the fines and suspension durations being imposed.

“A remarkable feat”

Amid these discussions and concerns, the recent British Show Horse Association national championships provided a breath of fresh air by showcasing riders who raised the bar with their performances. The supremes were a thrilling experience, offering a departure from the normal formats of classes we are used to.

One standout moment that left an indelible impression on me was the performance of the relatively young producer Elliee Stunt on board Howetown Holly’s Legacy. Her bold and outstanding performance in Saturday’s evening supreme left me in awe. She demonstrated that hard work truly pays off in this sport. Elliee’s remarkable feat, receiving straight 10/10 scores from all three judges, exemplifies the dedication and talent that our sport needs to thrive and evolve. It is such showmanship that has the power to generate excitement and buzz around the rings, attracting both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

I’d like to conclude by extending my best wishes to all those embarking on their journey to HOYS. If it’s your first time attending, don’t hesitate to seek assistance or guidance from those with more experience if needed.

● Are you riding at HOYS or in London for the first time? Write to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 21 September, 2023

Robert Walker: ‘What makes Dublin Horse Show so special and unique?’

Robert Walker — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 09:36:32 +0000

Robert Walker on finding young horses in Ireland, whether dope testing processes need to change and ex-racehorse rules at HOYS

We have recently returned from Dublin Horse Show, which is undoubtedly one of the highlights of our year. It’s a fun time for us to catch up with Irish friends and the breeders of many of our current horses.

This year, class numbers appeared to be up and the quality of horses was stronger than I have seen for a while. Spectators at the ringside were 10 deep for some classes and the show of young animals was exceptional.

Young horses are specifically aimed at Dublin and if you’re on the hunt for something for the future, this is the place to shop. You don’t necessarily have to look at the top of the lines. The eventing market takes a lot of youngsters over to their side, but if you have a root around you can find something special, even if the animal isn’t quite furnished enough for the show ring on the day.

We purchased a raw young horse who didn’t go through the card on this occasion, but we are thrilled and can’t wait to start working with him.

While many of us are there to find our next stars, the social aspect of the show also makes it a memorable time. The atmosphere of Dublin cannot be replicated. I’m not quite sure what makes it so special and unique – perhaps the fact it’s a celebration of everything Irish, or the location being right in the middle of the city.

“No easy job”

I am pleased to hear that dope testing is becoming more commonplace at shows. We have been subject to two tests this year and it’s something I support as it keeps the sport clean and fair. There is a theory that the top horses never get tested but this isn’t true, and I think societies need to publicise the negative results, as well as the positives, where they can to prove this.

Dope testing is not an easy job, but I wonder if it could be made easier and more transparent if we followed a similar format to what I’ve heard has been used in other countries on occasions.

The steward in the ring is presented with a bag full of numbered balls. A ball is picked out of the bag by the steward, and the number on the ball is representative of the horse in the line who is to be dope tested. For example, if ball three is removed, the third-placed horse is tested; it’s similar to a lottery.

This would ensure that everyone knows the process is completely random. It would also act as a further deterrent to those who may consider cheating; I have been to shows where people load up and go home once they have spotted the dope tester on site!

Plus, if we only test the winners of classes at the bigger shows, then during one season many of the same horses would be repeatedly getting tested. It would also take the pressure off those who are doing the testing as they can’t be accused of selecting certain animals for a test. I’ve always been pro dope testing, but a tweak to the process would make it more random by removing the subjective element.

Let them return

Finally, I wonder if it’s time for a change to the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse rules, which specify that any horse that has placed first in any previous Racehorse to Riding Horse final at HOYS is ineligible to compete in future years.

These horses have found a new life in a different sphere, and it seems restrictive to prevent the best ones from being able to compete at the most famous and prestigious show of the year. Some horses also might not have what it takes to compete in other classes due to not being of a certain type, so this ruling effectively stunts them. The racehorse class is the only section for some, so it’s a shame that they can’t go back.

● Do you agree with Robert? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 7 September, 2023

Katie Jerram-Hunnable: ‘We need more novice classes’

Katie Jerram Hunnable — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:32:25 +0000

This is the time for our young talent to shine, writes leading competitor, trainer and judge Katie Jerram-Hunnable, who has produced top class show horses in all sections, including several for The late Queen

It’s been an exciting time for showing as the next generation of talent has come to the fore. At last month’s Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) young riders Will Morton and Craig Kiddier finished as supreme and reserve in the prestigious horse supreme championship. Alice Homer also shone at Hickstead after her run at the Great Yorkshire where she took the novice hunter championship. We’re constantly asking when the next batch of new faces will come through, and it’s happening right now.

I always knew Will would reach the top. He won the SEIB Search For A Star series in 2013 and then he came to work for me when he left school. His attention to detail was second to none and he never left a stone unturned. It’s lovely he’s now found the right string of horses to take him through; many people have talent, but you also need to have the right material underneath you to succeed. I was so proud and watching him felt as good as winning the class myself.

What Will, Craig and Alice have in common is that they have dabbled in other disciplines, such as eventing, hunting and racing. They have all done their stints in the Pony Club, too. A note to the generations behind them is to try different things as it’s this experience in other disciplines that will shape you into an excellent rider.

A lack of support for novice classes

It was great to see a first Burghley young event horse qualifier held at the recent Sports Horse Breeding (SHB) of Great Britain (GB) championships (15–16 July). Credit must go to Nick Gauntlett and those on the council whose efforts were instrumental in obtaining the qualifier. It was a huge class and competitors and spectators alike loved it. It’s important for the society to be part of such a competition as ultimately, we’re breeding horses for performance.

What was disappointing, however, was the lack of entries in the novice classes. While the animals presented were top quality, there were only three or four exhibits in each class. I’ve recently returned from Dublin, where the novice classes were so well supported that they had separate sections for weights.

As fellow columnist Simon Reynolds recently noted, novices really do miss out during the season with a lack of opportunities, so are people not bringing their young horses to the championships due to a lack of preparation?

Learn their trade

The four-year-olds suffer the worst as classes for this specific age continue to decline. I have a four-year-old who has only been to one show this year, despite being ready to do more. I don’t want to take him in an open class for fear of him winning and so being ruled out of future novice classes. Even if I were to enter him in a novice class, he’d be against more seasoned horses.

While we can give them outings over winter in the dressage ring and at arena hires, I want my young horses also to learn their trade in the discipline they are ultimately going to contend. This begs the question; do we need a new novice series held throughout the show season with a final offering a monetary prize held at the championships?

I also ponder if we could encourage amateurs to enter their young horses by awarding a highest-placed amateur rosette in each novice class, culminating in an amateur novice supreme. I, along with the rest of the SHB (GB) society, would be grateful for ideas.

● How do you think societies can offer more opportunities for novice horses and ponies? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 24 August, 2023

Simon Reynolds: ‘Young talent were deserving winners at Hickstead’

Simon Reynolds — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 12:05:00 +0000

Young talent’s success at Hickstead was well deserved, says top showing producer Simon Reynolds

Firstly, I would like to congratulate everyone at Hickstead for a brilliant Royal International Horse Show. Everything was so well organised, from the helpful security team and parking staff to all the officials and stewards. It is no mean feat to bring together a huge event with such precision.

Congratulations to Will Morton for lifting not only the hunter championship, but also the supreme horse title with the lightweight hunter Kilcarna Brilliant. The horse started his career with showman Robert Walker’s son Sam in the intermediate show hunter ranks before growing over height. He’s still not a tall horse and the picture is very nice with Will.

Another young talent to flourish there was working hunter champion and reserve supreme rider Craig Kiddier aboard Mulberry Lane.

These two young riders have not won these classes by chance or opportunity – they have grafted and worked hard from a young age, serving their apprenticeship. I am sure all of those years working away behind the scenes made those victories at Hickstead all the more special, proving that a true win does not come handed on a golden platter.

I was lucky enough to stand cob champion and third in the supreme with the lightweight cob Copenhagen. This year the cobs were upgraded to the brilliant ring five with the oval all-weather track, and the move was popular with competitors and spectators.

Points of concern

I would like to make a plea for more shows to offer novice classes throughout the year, as in the latter half of the season they seem to drop off. It takes at least two seasons to establish a novice horse properly. However, members must support these classes, or we will lose them. Perhaps the way forward is to follow the lead of Mid Herts and other shows in putting on an unaffiliated novice class, which was very well received.

Another point of concern after talking to competitors is the move only to allow the champion intermediate to qualify for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), which is having a negative impact on morale and possibly on the numbers wanting to participate in 2024. Theoretically, a 14.2hh show pony from the small division could be competing against a small riding horse from the large division for the HOYS ticket. Comparing the two is like chalk and cheese.

Perhaps what this has highlighted now more than ever is the need to categorise the intermediates as hacks, riding horses and small hunters, for riders under 25 years old, to be presented and ridden as they would in the adult ranks under the umbrella of the British Show Pony Society.

It is so important to maintain type and the categorisation of horses, something that for years we have all tried to improve on. There is real skill and knowledge in breeding or finding that special “one”; the best example of its type.

I really hope further changes will not be made to amalgamate more classes in the future.

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

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 10 August, 2023

Katie Jerram-Hunnable: ‘It’s hard for an adult to settle a stressed horse, let alone a child’

Katie Jerram Hunnable — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 15:03:55 +0000

Katie Jerram-Hunnable, show horse producer for HM The Queen, shares her thoughts on the job of judges, ring-rusty young jockeys and the need for quiet rings...

THIS week, I wanted to address a few things that my fellow producers, columnists and competitors have commented on recently. It was lovely to be back out showing at championship level at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), but after a season out of the show ring, I noticed that a lot of riders, mainly those in the children’s classes, were ring rusty.

For many young jockeys, the RIHS was their first experience of a big showing class. Sometimes, ponies were moving three or four abreast on the go-round and during the initial pull-in, judges couldn’t even find the pony they wanted.

The number of riders who couldn’t ride a final walk-round was also alarming.

The problem is that you just can’t replicate this atmosphere at home and entries are significantly less at the smaller, qualifying shows, making for a very different experience.

However, while all should be forgiven for those riding in the 122cm or 128cm classes, for those riding ponies above the 133cm mark, this lack of ringcraft needs to be ironed out.

Similarly, why are some jockeys of a certain age still riding with knots in their reins? Even when on the lead-rein, they should be learning to ride without them as soon as possible.

I was recently chatting to a fellow judge about this issue, and he said that when he was judging a small hunter class a few weeks ago, he was shocked to find one adult competitor with knots in their reins.

When I was judging at the British Show Pony Society championships, one 133cm show hunter pony rider I judged even had a handle on the front of the saddle.

While nerves, pressures and being told to hold the hands in a certain place are all possible reasons for knots, shouldn’t we be teaching jockeys how to ride properly as early on as possible in their careers?

Maybe it’s the trend of the child just getting on the pony at a show, but if this is the case, they must do more homework to ensure they have a stronger partnership with the pony and have their basics in place.

If you’re spending a lot of money to buy and show beautiful animals, ensure your child is learning their craft, too.

I was also disheartened to hear about fellow columnist Julie Templeton’s recent situation at the RIHS (opinion, H&H 12 August) where a young jockey from her team had her first place stripped from her in the 138cm show pony class after the pony fidgeted in the line-up.

These championships have such a wonderful atmosphere, but when animals are called forward in reverse order and are then subject to loud cheering and even roaring from the spectators, it can be horrendous as a rider, especially if you’re sitting on a tense animal who isn’t used to such a situation.

I felt greatly for that poor child; to have lost out on that moment would have been severely traumatising. It’s also unfair how it’s only the winner who is ever demoted, and usually not any other placing further down the line.

At the end of the day, we’re not riding police animals. Should we be encouraging no noise until the lap of honour? We don’t want to lose our top animals just because they become unsettled by factors outside of their control. We want the ring as quiet as possible and it’s hard enough for an adult to settle a stressed horse, let alone a child.

Clapping after individual shows is something I’d definitely like to see clamped down on, as it not only agitates the pony that has just finished its show, but the next combination who are about to set off.

Do you think spectators should be expected the remain quiet at ringside until the lap of honour? Share your views by emailing hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, and if your views are published as our letter of the week you will win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 26 August

Julie Templeton: ‘Come over from the dark side’ H&H Plus

Julie Templeton — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 11:00:37 +0000

Show organisers need to move with the times, says Julie Templeton

IT’S that time in the show season when entries take up a considerable amount of everyone’s routine. It’s especially laborious for producers, who complete entries en masse.

Now, due to Covid, there is even more paperwork than normal. Online entry systems are definitely the way forward and I’m especially in favour of those that let you store your exhibits, riders and owners on a database, so you can enter a class in a matter of minutes.

However, there are some shows that seem reluctant to come over from the dark side. They not only require you to fill in the now statutory Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifying forms, but also an entry form repeating all the same information for their own show entry. I find this exceptionally time consuming and wholly unnecessary.

It’s also frustrating that shows have very early closing dates. Often, we adhere to this and get our entries in on time only to find out that the show has reopened due to lack of entries. They can still manage to process those late entries prior to the show so why not just have a later closing date to begin with?

PENALISING CUSTOMERS

I HAVE voiced my frustrations about ticket allocation at county shows before and this has once again reared its ugly head.

One show called after we had submitted our team entries to say that they were only issuing two tickets per pony to limit numbers on the showground due to Covid restrictions, but we were able to purchase up to four tickets per pony at £10 each. Clearly, it wasn’t about the pandemic, but more about squeezing a bit extra out of the competitor.

Given that most of these shows are being run behind closed doors with no county show entertainment, tradestands or food halls, it seems extortionate to take further money off competitors for coming to watch an entry they have paid handsomely for.

We were also told that the more ponies you enter, the fewer tickets you get, so a client entering one pony gets two tickets yet if you enter two ponies you only get three. Why penalise the customers who are supporting your show by bringing more than one exhibit? It makes no sense whatsoever.

LACKING CONSISTENCY

WE were recently at a show in the pouring rain and due to the cold, we requested that we could bring rugs for the ponies and jackets for the children into the ring. We were told no, as it didn’t meet Covid guidelines.

Why would you have the children and ponies sitting getting absolutely soaked and shivering with cold, rather than using your common sense that bringing rugs and jackets in was not a breach of any guidelines? Equally, in one ring, only four grooms were allowed in at a time to strip ponies for conformation, while in the adjacent ring there was a full class with all the grooms stripping at once.

I also saw a picture of a line-up of animals with the jockeys all wearing masks. Riding is a socially distanced sport, so I found it crazy to expect competitors to wear masks while riding, especially at an outdoor event. Shows need far more consistency in their on-the-ground operations to ensure that competitors understand what is expected of them.

However, I do see the challenges from the organisers’ perspective. We recently ran the inaugural UK Ponies and Horses show and tried to be as friendly and accommodating as possible, despite some demanding requests from competitors.

We have to bear in mind that without the jockeys, producers and owners, we won’t have shows to go to. Therefore, my advice to fellow show organisers is to try to think of things from a competitor’s point of view and consider the long-term picture for our industry when making snap decisions and using Covid as your excuse!

This exclusive column is also available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 10 June 2021

Rebecca Penny: ‘All you have to do is turn up and it’s no laughing matter ’ H&H Plus

Rebecca Penny — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 11:00:55 +0000

RIHS qualifiers need to become more competitive, says Rebecca Penny

AS I write this I have seven shows looming over an eight-day period – obviously not with the same horses. I don’t know whether to celebrate being back in full swing, or to put in a furlough request as the sheer thought of it exhausts me before it begins.

On a serious note, I’m concerned that too many shows are being crammed into such a small time frame, in some cases in close proximity, while offering the same qualifiers. As a result, entries across the board are suffering massively.

It has become a standing joke that in the open Dartmoor, Exmoor and Shetland classes all you need to do to gain a Royal International (RIHS) ticket is turn up and stay on, but it’s no laughing matter.

Nor is it a healthy competition, as we are in danger of qualifications holding very little value or kudos unless something is done to boost class numbers and entice fresh faces into showing.

Is it potentially a case of reducing the number of qualifiers for unsupported classes, or should the small breeds be amalgamated to make the qualification process a little tougher?

I’ve pondered for hours, as I’m sure many show organisers have, as to what is pulling the entries in at certain shows and what’s causing the huge decline at others. I feel there are several contributing factors.

Some people simply don’t feel ready to go showing just yet. Others have found alternative disciplines to explore and used the break to go down these avenues. However, one of the main issues is an exhausted resource of judges.

We’ve got to the stage where the same people are judging week in and week out, and as exhibitors we have become much more selective and savvy with entries once we have established the individual’s likes and dislikes.

The National Pony Society (NPS) has a fairly demanding judges’ assessment, which is a good thing in many respects. However, with several counties now having only one listed panel judge, it leaves secretaries with little room for variation. But how do we entice new candidates to come forward?

ACTING FAST

AT the first of four Stoneleigh Horse Shows this weekend it was good to be able to make full use of the showground’s great facilities and surfaces.

Unfortunately, heavy rain over the past few weeks meant that on the Saturday working hunter competitors were faced with far from ideal going on the only grass ring.

Full credit must go to the organisers for acknowledging this and acting swiftly to make amends by rearranging the second day’s classes to give suitable going. They couldn’t turn back the clock, but they acted in the competitors’ best interests. It makes a big difference when show organisers listen to competitors.

What a shame the Great Yorkshire Show doesn’t do the same. Organisers took it upon themselves to include a new “in-house” rule affecting most of the pony classes. This stated that only those riding a pony in its class, or someone of an age eligible to do so, could ride it anywhere on the showground, yet this isn’t a rule approved by any society.

I appreciate equine welfare considerations must be respected, but I don’t believe this has anything to do with welfare. There are situations when a novice rider or inexperienced pony is competing and the best way to keep a partnership safe in a buzzy atmosphere is for an experienced, suitably lightweight rider to prepare a pony for a class.

Over the past few years the Great Yorkshire Show’s policies have caused quite a stir. If its organisers are not content with standard rules and regulations imposed by the showing bodies which they affiliate to, then perhaps they should not hold the qualifiers.

This feature is also available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 3 June 2021

Stuart Hollings: ‘Take up the challenge or pay the price’ H&H Plus

Stuart Hollings — Tue, 25 May 2021 11:00:20 +0000

Stuart Hollings encourages riders to up their game in the ring

ALTHOUGH the 2021 showing calendar has met with disruption – as some county shows will not be taking place and other events have either cancelled or moved to later dates – the fact remains that our beloved sport looks set to be on a steady course to some semblance of normality in the coming months.

Furthermore, the three premier events – Royal Windsor, Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) – remain on this season’s itinerary. Hallelujah!

I’ve only attended three shows as an organiser and judge so far and noticed that a handful of male producers have adopted a heavy metal rock guise during lockdown, and definitely need their manes pulling!

More importantly, I have been impressed how rejuvenated many of the established equines are looking following a break, and I’m excited to see how the healthy number of well-educated new prospects progress during the season and beyond.

However, I can’t help thinking that some pony jockeys are understandably ring rusty, and haven’t fully embraced the opportunity of raising their game from playing-safe mode with the marks system not being used.

Nor have they understood the importance of the re-introduction of the final walk-round element, which is not the same as a casual leg stretch into the front line and can determine the outcome of the class. Consequently, it begs the question whether marks do, in fact, stifle showmanship.

A memo to riders – if a judge specifically asks for a gallop, particularly in a championship, take up the challenge or pay the price of being left out in the cold as happened at my recent North of England Spring event on two occasions.

Above all, it will be interesting to observe if the current formbook changes significantly as we cross over into HOYS qualifying territory, when ride judging and marks for flat classes come back into play.

“THEY DON’T HAVE A CLUE”

I HAD a chat with fellow columnist Rebecca Penny at the British Show Pony Society winter championships about her recurring complaints over the lack of prize money on offer.

Wearing my secretary’s hat, I explained that at North of England last month, we originally decided not to award prize money, won by a chosen few, in favour of keeping the entry fees attractively low, which affects everyone across the board.

However, one society insisted that we gave a first prize of £15 in their RIHS classes; this meant we had to, in all fairness, action this in all the Hickstead qualifiers in the schedule, costing us over £700. Consequently, those particular entry fees became a tad more expensive despite our best intentions.

I concur with Katie Jerram-Hunnable, another member of the Horse & Hound

family, who mentioned in her column that generally owners were more concerned about showing starting again than receiving prize money early in the season.

I believe many competitors don’t have a clue how much time and money is invested in any equestrian event well before the first entry is received. And I cannot emphasise enough that without the support of our wonderful, generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers, many shows would not even take place, particularly in these uncertain times.

More shows have been utilising the online entry system during the pandemic and while it’s taken time for us to get used to it, this is the future and it’s undoubtedly here to stay. It has led to the latest catchphrase – “I must have pressed the wrong button” – which has been doing the rounds as the perfect excuse when competitors try to change or have made a hash of their entries.

You can also read this exclusive column in the 27 May issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

Robert Walker: ‘We’re showing for nothing’ H&H Plus

Robert Walker — Wed, 12 May 2021 08:00:53 +0000

It’s time to reward our jockeys with prize money again, writes Robert Walker

WE still have one or two horses to get back out, but the show season is progressing well for us and it would appear for everyone else, too. We’re still very much in the pandemic – and social distancing is still in place in normal life – but with ride judges on the horizon and shows getting busier, it seems like normality is resuming.

Equestrians always just crack on with the job, and when a red rosette is thrown into the mix there’s even less of a reason for any hugging and kissing at the ringside. That healthy rivalry is back and competition is hot.

I joked at the weekend that another lockdown would suit me just fine, as I seem to have done too many miles over the past few weeks, but in reality I’m happy to be back and going, thanks to some very good people who have led us the right way.

NOTHING TO SHOW

FOR as long as I can remember, my showjumping friends would take the mickey out of me for my sport.

“You put all that effort in for the sake of £25,” they’d say.

But it seems in 2021 we’re showing for absolutely nothing in return. Why, when the majority of classes are kindly sponsored, are we not receiving any prize money?

I was pleasantly surprised at BSPS Area 2A (2 May) to be awarded decent prize money in relation to entry fees, and I made a point of thanking the show afterwards. However, at one show I was frankly a little offended to receive a first prize token of £5; when our entry fees are nearly 10 times this cost, why bother?

As a team we’ve sponsored more classes in the past two years than we ever have before, and while we were all willing to make sacrifices last season so we could show and help out with the extra costs, it’s time to reinstate prize money.

Competitors travel and pay entry fees, and a brown envelope or two can go a long way in helping cover those costs. While my owners don’t do it for the prize pots, it’s a massive blow for those of us who make a living out of showing.

I’ve been to shows with big supremes to find out on arrival that there is no money to play for, so where’s the incentive? While we’re grateful for fixtures, it’s time shows thought about rewarding their jockeys and competitors again.

A lot of people won’t want to mention such a thing as they feel it might affect their results but we’re a flourishing sport, lorry parks have been full and we need to keep encouraging and including new and existing riders, owners and producers.

NUMBERS GAME

WE’VE had such a deluge of RIHS qualifiers over the past few weeks, and therefore we cannot expect every single class to be full to the brim. Popular judges and popular venues will garner entries.

People are being more selective about where they compete, too, and most will vote with their feet these days, which isn’t a bad thing.

At the recent BSPS Area 1B show (1 May) I was surprised to see so many hacks, cobs and riding horses at a fixture which isn’t usually as popular with those competitors, but it proved that a well-run show at a nice venue will attract entries. But we can’t do everything, and I’m sure this will impact some shows.

With the HOYS qualifiers set to commence soon, I’m sure the horse numbers will be up again. There are plenty of beautiful, well-produced horses out there.

You can also read this exclusive column in the 13 May issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

National Pony Society chairman Jayne McAuliffe: ‘choose, don’t chase qualifiers’ H&H Plus

Alex Robinson — Thu, 06 May 2021 14:00:46 +0000

Jayne McAuliffe on the British Riding Pony, junior jockeys and welfare

AS I begin my term as chairman of the National Pony Society (NPS), I’m aware that these are challenging times for our sport. The increase in costs and decrease in memberships is being felt across the board.

Last year saw the NPS, along with all the other societies, soldiering on with reduced office staff, some on furlough or working from home. Tribute must be paid to our office manager, Sacha Shaw, who for part of the year worked entirely alone, while also playing a large part in the drafting of The Showing Council guidelines.

Our recent NPS Spring Festival (24 April) held at the Three Counties Showground was a success. The whole day encapsulated the NPS ethos of being a friendly, welcoming and inclusive society and the smiles on the competitors’ faces made all the hard work behind the scenes worthwhile.

MATTERS OF SIZE

WE have seen an increase in the trend of adult riders on small breed mountain and moorland (M&M) ponies.

We rely on our judges to take account of the fit, weight, height and age of the rider, and this can only be marked down in the ring if it’s having a detrimental effect on the pony’s way of going.

The performance aspect would be penalised if the pony were to show any sign of negative impact as a result of the rider, in the same way that an overweight pony should be marked lower for conformation and placed down the line.

We count on our judges’ discretion in both these matters. Equestrian sport is one of the most inclusive in the world and although we as a society provide classes exclusively for juniors, we also celebrate that we can see our children compete against adults.

Furthermore, we want to stress to our members that ponies’ welfare should be at the heart of every decision. This also applies to travelling to shows, many of which will be on at the same time this year. We promote the ethos of “choose, don’t chase”.

Competitors think no one will realise if they’re taking a pony up and down the country in search of qualifiers, but in the age of social media, it doesn’t go unnoticed.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE RIDING PONY

SADLY, British Riding Pony numbers are still dwindling and I would like to see more come forward in both the in-hand and ridden classes; as the passport-issuing organisation for the British Riding Pony, we are keen to promote their versatility.

With no rider age limits on our plaited pony classes, we have always encouraged lightweight older riders to enjoy competing their ponies under the same guidance that allows adults to ride M&M ponies.

Our judges will be looking for a harmonious picture, but rather than having to sell a pony when a rider is out of Horse of the Year Show and Royal International age-restricted classes, under the NPS banner they can continue to enjoy their pony. It also allows a novice pony some ring time under a more experienced rider.

We have not been idle during lockdown. Thanks to the vision of trustee and judge Sara Hird we have embarked on creating the Great British In-hand Show to be held in September at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre in Cheshire.

It will be a showcase for breeders and a shop window for producers and owners looking to source their next superstar. It will bring together all of our wonderful native breeds and the British Riding Ponies, not forgetting our hacks and riding horses, many of whom have British Riding Pony blood. The following day will include the finale of our brand new arena eventing series.

It will be an end-of-season celebration of fun and excitement, and a chance for all pony enthusiasts to come together.

 What do you think about adults riding ponies? Write to hhletters@futurenet.com

This exclusive column can also be read in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 6 May

Katie Jerram-Hunnable: ‘It seemed like it was never going to happen’ H&H Plus

Katie Jerram Hunnable — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 08:00:15 +0000

Katie Jerram-Hunnable on why youngsters are benefiting from a change

IT seemed like it was never going to happen but we’re back in the show ring, and it’s fantastic. Apart from having the chance to compete again, it’s wonderful to see friends and to see everyone so thankful. So far, I haven’t heard any complaints, so let’s hope it stays that way as we cautiously count our blessings.

We’ve been itching to get our young horses out, and had a great day at Lucinda Haines’ superbly organised British Show Pony Society Area 15A show held at Arena UK. Everything was done safely, but the four rings were close enough to make everything seem connected.

Judges and stewards did a great job and as far as I could see, everyone was sensible about social distancing and staying in their bubbles. The largest number of competitors in my classes was seven, but others had more. It’s such a great venue, as it’s accessible from the north and the south. So far, there seem to have been more shows organised in the north, but no doubt it will even out.

I was surprised that there were no entries in the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) open class at Arena UK and just one forward in the novice section. I think some riders have been worried about putting entries in for fear shows wouldn’t go ahead, but I feel it’s brave of those who went ahead and organised them.

Hiring facilities is expensive and while I know some feel differently, my owners all said that they weren’t bothered whether prize money was offered. What mattered was a passion for our sport and just getting things up and running again.

THE BIG WIDE WORLD

THE novice horses had their eyes on stalks as they had to cope with so many things they hadn’t seen or heard before. In normal times, I would have been holding clinics and they would have been ridden around as an introduction, but obviously that couldn’t happen. However, we’re all in the same boat and as far as I could see, we all coped.

Riding a youngster who was a little green doing an individual show made me glad I was on board rather than a ride judge. There are some wonderful ride judges who give novice horses the positive approach and reassurance they need, but in these exceptional times I was pleased it was me who did the metaphorical hand-holding.

A few shows like this will be invaluable in giving novice horses mileage. You may ride them at home and find they are perfect every day, but you can’t simulate experiences such as being in the ring with four other rings nearby, so they have horses meeting them face to face – albeit at a safe distance.

Many people have had more time for their horses during lockdown. Hopefully, this has reinforced how much better the end result is when you take time and do things properly, rather than being tempted to take short cuts.

To everyone breathing a sigh of relief that their young horse behaved well at its first outing, enjoy the satisfaction but don’t rest on your laurels.

First shows can be a bit like first days out hunting. Everything is new, so the horse is kept occupied. On the next few outings, your horse may feel he knows what’s happening and it’s all rather exciting.

DEEPEST SYMPATHY

FINALLY, the many tributes paid to the Duke of Edinburgh highlighted his depth of knowledge in so many fields, from science and conservation to equestrianism.

His accomplishments as a whip are well documented and we must remember that horses show us what we are – they make no allowances for rank. Our sympathy goes to The Queen and to all those who loved him.

This exclusive column can also be read in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 29 April

BSPS championship director Philip Hilton: ‘You have to rock and roll with the options’ H&H Plus

Alex Robinson — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 14:00:46 +0000

The BSPS championship director Philip Hilton on showing in the new era

YOU can put all sorts of plans in place, but if the weather isn’t good you’re set up for failure. This weekend at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Winter Championships we were blessed with great weather. In all, the quality of competition was outstanding.

This show at this time in the season is for the novice and restricted ponies, and there were some lovely new faces.

One of the most encouraging trends was in the young children’s classes; in one cradle stakes class we had 22 entries. Lockdown has been positive for these jockeys who have been able to improve their riding, take more lessons and change up their routines; maybe even trying other disciplines, like some cross-country schooling.

Splitting classes into sections of no more than 12 in some instances was also beneficial for the mini riders. The smaller class sizes meant children weren’t standing around for too long and ponies came out fresh.

Only the Royal International (RIHS) classes were stripped to aid with timings, and no marks were used in line with the new rules. Both judges and competitors seemed happy. From a judge’s view, it’s much more fun to officiate without marks. You can tweak the line-up as you see fit and the pull-in and final walk-round really does add to the class.

Philip Hilton (Image credit: creditUnknown)

MAJOR CHALLENGES

COVID protocols are changing all the time. The BSPS created a skeleton schedule months ago but we had to wait and see how the Government agencies were going to guide us before dissecting the plan and making amends as necessary.

As a showing director, you’re only as good as the people who you work with and, thankfully, the BSPS team make everything run like clockwork. We have great stewards and volunteers who are the ultimate professionals.

For some of them, it’s their annual holiday and we like to look after them. This time our hands were tied so we couldn’t provide them with the usual service; we couldn’t have a congregation of judges and stewards around the breakfast table which is usually a great buzz before a day’s showing.

Most ate a breakfast roll on the hoof before the show started, made do with a packed lunch in their cars and had to be served dinner in their rooms back at the hotel. But not one single person complained.

Hosting working hunter sections in the indoor school also took some planning, and with Horse & Country TV filming we had to get it right. We wanted to utilise the space, but as only one horse and rider and their bubble were allowed in the arena at one time, we had to juggle the schedule.

Thankfully, course-builders, pole-pickers and judges are deemed as workers so we managed to hold the novice and restricted classes inside. We also couldn’t hold the supremes or evening performances inside but we made it work – you have to rock and roll with the options you’ve got.

TIME TO COMPROMISE

IN recent years I’ve become increasingly disappointed with the numbers of plaited ponies forward in classes. As a society we’re concerned as to where the show pony and hunter pony is heading, and it’s something we’re looking at.

Breeders are fed up with producing animals they can’t get the money for, and producers can’t source the type of animals they want. There needs to be a compromise. Perhaps in the future we’ll look at the height sections so breeders have some leeway. They have little control over the height a foal will make and currently the sections are quite restricting.

This year will be my 25th year as show director of the BSPS, and it will also be my last. I’ve met some fantastic people and while the role has changed massively – we delegate a lot more now – I’ve done it for long enough and it’s time to hand over the baton.

This exclusive column is also available to read in this Thursday’s H&H magazine (22 April, 2021)

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