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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is Polly Eddis’s background in horses?

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

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

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

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

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

Polly’s showing highlight

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

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

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

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

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

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

What will Polly be looking for at Hickstead?

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

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

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

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

How can riders achieve this?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Polly’s pet hates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Polly’s advice for someone making their Royal International debut

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

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

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

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I’ve collated your need-to-know information for all the HOYS 2026 plaited pony qualifiers all in one place because I know that working out where to go to attempt to secure Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifications for you or your child’s ponies is no mean feat.

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

HOYS 2026 plaited pony qualifiers

• Annabel’s Deliciously British Mini Show Pony of the Year
• The BSPS Children’s Riding Pony of the Year
• Lead Rein Pony of Hunter Type of the Year
• The de la Hay Family Ridden Partbred Pony of the Year
• The Honourable Stud Intermediate Show Horse of the Year
• Shine Source Footwear Ltd Show Hunter Pony of the Year
• The Smith Family Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year
• NPS/Mole Valley Farmers Working Hunter Pony of the Year

HOYS qualifiers for plaited ponies 2026

Annabel’s Deliciously British Mini Show Pony of the Year

These qualifiers are applicable to both the lead-rein and first ridden British Mini Show Pony of the Year classes.

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The BSPS Children’s Riding Pony of the Year

These qualifiers are applicable to the 128cm, 138cm and 148cm classes. Some qualifiers will be holding mixed classes for all heights together.

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Lead Rein Pony of Hunter Type of the Year

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The de la Hey Family Partbred Pony of the Year Championship

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The Honourable Stud Intermediate Show Horse of the Year Championship

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Shine Source Footwear Ltd Show Hunter Pony of the Year

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The Smith Family Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year

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NPS/Mole Valley Farmers Working Hunter Pony of the Year

These qualifiers are for all four sections of working hunter ponies.

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

• For all your need-to-know information for other 2026 HOYS qualifiers, plus more expert showing advice from top riders and updates on shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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I’ve collated your need-to-know information for the 2026 HOYS show horse qualifiers, which includes hunters, hacks, riding horses, cobs, and working hunters in one place.

Negotiating where to go to secure Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifications for your horses is no mean feat, and I know first-hand how hard it is to find qualifier details and keep on top of planning your season, so this should help make it easier.

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

2026 HOYS show horse qualifiers

• The Harrod & Coles Family Cob of the Year
• The Andrews Family Hack of the Year
• The Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year
• NeedleSmart, John Illingworth and Cliff Kirby Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year
• Alan Marnie & Family Riding Horse of the Year
• The Mears-Wood Family Ladies’ Side Saddle Horse of the Year
• Hamilton Tarmac Small Show Hunter of the Year
• Catplant Group of Companies Ltd. Show Hunter of the Year
• Alan Marnie & Family (Meta Lounge Limited and SHB (GB)) Working Hunter of the Year

The Harrod & Coles Family Cob of the Year

These qualifiers are for both the lightweight and heavyweight cob sections.

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The Andrews Family Hack of the Year

These qualifiers for the hack classes are for both small and large sections.

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The Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year

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NeedleSmart, John Illingworth and Cliff Kirby Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

Alan Marnie & Family Riding Horse of the Year

These qualifiers are for both sections of riding horse.

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

The Mears-Wood Family Ladies’ Side Saddle Horse of the Year

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

Hamilton Tarmac Small Show Hunter of the Year

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

Catplant Group of Companies Ltd. Show Hunter of the Year

These qualifiers are for all three weights sections of show hunter.

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Alan Marnie & Family (Meta Lounge Limited and SHB (GB)) Working Hunter of the Year

Below is the information for all working hunter qualifiers.

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• For all your need-to-know information for other 2026 HOYS qualifiers, plus more expert showing advice from top riders and updates on shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A gelding his owner thought may never jump again rose to victory and was crowned 2026 Royal Windsor working hunter champion.

Its Lush was piloted by owner Hannah Horton to stand top in the lightweight working hunter division en route to the tricolour.

“Lush” – out of Ordell and by Ars Vivendi – was brought as Hannah’s eventing ride and competed with success, including a top-10 placing in a competitive early season intermediate section at Tweseldown in 2020. But last year, the 16-year-old had an accident in the field.

“We thought he’d broken his leg,” said Hannah. “But we got him back thanks to our vet Chris Tufnell, who was amazing with him. It means so much because we never thought I could jump him again. He’s incredible.”

Lush was on box rest for eight months, and only came back into work last November.

“It was quite difficult for him. He doesn’t like to be doing nothing. But, because he is ours, I could take the time. Although he’s mine, it’s a massive team effort and he doesn’t feel like just mine – it feels like he’s everyone’s.”

Hannah has had much success at Windsor in the past, including winning the 2025 working show horse and retraining of racehorses (RoR) flat classes. However, this was her first championship win in the Castle Arena.

“It’s always been a goal of mine and it’s just amazing,” she added.

Lush jumped a stylish clear to stand ahead of Jasean Spraggett and KBF Paved With Stars in his class.

Hannah said: “He was phenomenal. I’ve worked really hard over the winter in just trusting the canter. He’s got such a massive stride, I sometimes kill the canter a bit. But I went in and trusted him and we looked after each other and helped each other.”

2026 Royal Windsor working hunter reserve champion

Reserve in the championship went to Olivia Minihane and Calcourt Victor, who also stood reserve with his owner Rose Bailey in the amateur hunter championship earlier in the afternoon.

In the working show horse class, sponsored by Mr and Mrs Michael Rider, Nicolina Mackenzie’s Russmond Vega (Yorkie), a former broodmare by Grafenstolz – also sire of now three-time Badminton winner Lordships Graffalo – took the win.

Yorkie was bred as an eventer, but was felt to be too small for the job at 156.2cm.

The 13-year-old – already Hickstead bound this term – was purchased by Nicolina in 2024 and began her showing career with Leicestershire-based Jill Wormall last season.

“I saw her on Facebook and had to have her,” said Nicolina, for whom the win was a welcome boost after breaking her foot two weeks ago.

“She had been in the field for several years having babies so Jill re-backed her in November 2024. She’s been tricky, but she’s really thrived jumping the working show horse classes.”

Though just lightly campaigned last term, Vega and Jill notched up a third here, qualified for Hickstead, and took a win in the working show horse Grand Prix at the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) championships.

The pair have been showjumping through the winter, managing to collect almost £500 in British Showjumping winnings and qualifying for the Discovery second rounds.

“We haven’t pushed her because she’s meant to be a show horse. Showjumping was for education but it’s been the making of her,” said Nicolina, adding, “she’s got manners to burn now.”

It was just as well, because the heavy traffic meant that she had very little time for any working in.

“Jill was running to get her ready and she just had to go in and get on with it.”

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

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

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

About Justine Armstrong-Small

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

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

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

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

Open working hunter pony classes

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

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

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

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

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

Novice working hunter pony classes

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

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

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

Cradle or nursery stakes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Justine Armstrong-Small’s show ring pet hates

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

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

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

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

Advice for Hickstead first-timers

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

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

Any advice for HOYS for the first-timers

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

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

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If you or your child are looking for the added challenge of a course of fences to negotiate in the show ring, then the workers is the place for you. Our guide to buying a working hunter pony is a good place to start if you’re looking for a new pony to meet the challenge.

What makes a good working hunter pony?

Working hunter pony classes are one of the most popular sections within showing. Show schedules today offer a whole host of working hunter classes where both children and adults can enjoy competing their ponies over a course of rustic fences as well as showing off their way of going and conformation.

Each class is split into three phases, and marks are awarded for jumping, style, manners and way of going, conformation, type and freedom of action. The combination with the highest final score wins the class.

There are different levels of working hunter pony classes, ranging from unaffiliated through to novice, restricted, open and finally, national finals found at the major showing championships, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), the Royal International (RIHS), and the London International Horse Show (LIHS).

Both the plaited and mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter pony classes are split into height sections, some of the classes are also restricted according to rider age and competition level.

What to consider when buying working hunter pony

Before you begin looking at the ponies themselves, there are some considerations that you will need to make…

Plaited vs native working hunter ponies

If you are searching for a working hunter pony for your child, then one fundamental decision you need to make is whether to pursue a plaited or a mountain and moorland pony. There are pros and cons to both.

Plaited working hunter pony classes are age restricted, so your child will generally be competing against their peers. Also, if you purchase a part-bred pony, a sports pony or a British Riding Pony, for example, they will only be able to compete in the plaited ranks.

Just like their plaited counterparts, M&M working hunter ponies jump in height but there are no age restrictions on M&M worker classes, aside from in tiny tots or junior classes. This means that unless your child is just starting out in the workers and is aiming for those classes, they will not have to move out of any one height due to their age.

The advantage of this is that your child can potentially stay on their pony much longer. So, for example, if you were to purchase a 133cm pony for your child of 11, provided they don’t outgrow it, they could stay on that pony until it retires.

This is particularly advantageous to children who are smaller than average as they can enjoy extra years on a native, whereas peers on a plaited will have to move up through the sizes regardless of whether they are still small enough for their existing pony.

This does mean, however, that your child will have to compete with riders of all ages in the M&M working hunter pony ranks.

But if you purchase wisely, you could find yourself able to compete in both sections with a registered native pony that is capable of jumping the slightly bigger fence heights in the plaited sections.

Just remember that to compete in affiliated M&M working hunter pony classes, the pony must be fully registered with their respective native breed society and trimming isn’t allowed by all native breed societies. So even though, for example, the Fell pony you are considering is more than capable of jumping the heights, your chances of wrangling its mane into plaits and slicking down its feathers to look trimmed are very slim indeed!

The Welsh sections A, section B and section C, New Forests and Connemaras each have examples of their breeds currently successfully holding their own in both the plaited and M&M working hunter pony sections.

Age restrictions

Another of the most basic considerations you need to make is the age of your child. There are age restrictions on each of the plaited height classes as well as on native tiny tots and junior sections. There are also differences in the age restrictions for plaited finals at the RIHS and HOYS.

Make sure you read through the rules of the classes you are aiming to enter to ensure that they are going to be able to compete.

A word of caution: for parents new to showing and even to ponies, it may seem like a good idea to buy a pony from one of the bigger height sections even if your child is still relatively young in these classes and new to the competition. However, this means that they will be competing against children much older than them – or even young adults – and will be faced with much bigger fences. You’ll need to make an informed decision on whether or not your child can handle the stiffer end of the competition.

If you’re looking for a working hunter pony for yourself and are reading this guide, make sure that you check which classes you are eligible for. If you are over 18 years of age, then you are confined to either a 153cm or an intermediate in the plaited ranks, but M&M working hunter pony classes are generally open to adults, too, so you don’t need to worry about age restrictions for these classes.

Rider height and weight

As well as considering their age, it’s also sensible to consider your child’s height. The reality is, taller children might need to move up through the pony heights faster than their peers. Consider this before purchasing a pony for your child as you may find the pony outgrown before they’ve really hit their stride together.

As with their age, it may seem a good idea to launch your little 12-year-old into 153cm classes on the basis they can remain on the same pony for years, but if they are over-horsed, you could be creating a whole new problem to solve.

For taller children, they may find they have an extra year or two in a height bracket aboard a native pony, as they can be chunkier to take up long and growing legs.

Your own height and weight should be a consideration for you, too, when looking at ponies. The idea of smaller fences and a smaller pony to manage may be appealing, but you will feel more comfortable and the all-important picture will be much more attractive to judges if you are sensibly mounted.

I’m all for adults riding ponies if they wish to, but they should be on a pony of an appropriate size and build. It’s unfair to expect a pony to work properly over a course of fences if you are of an inappropriate weight ratio for the pony. Welfare guidance suggests that the rider should be no more than 20% of the pony’s weight.

Rider capability, personality and goals

Consider carefully your child’s capabilities and your aims for them with their prospective ride. If your child only has one season left in the class and is desperate to enter HOYS qualifiers, then buying a novice pony with very little mileage is not sensible. Neither is a novice a suitable purchase if your child is realistically not capable at this point in their own education of bringing on a green pony.

As well as your child’s capabilities, consider their personality and confidence levels, and try to purchase sensibly with these things in mind. If your child is nervous for example, they may be better suited to a pony who will quietly and steadily go about tackling the course, and it may be better to purchase a pony with some prior mileage who can help your child build confidence.

On the other hand, if your child is confident and ambitious, they may prefer a bolder jump and more forward ride. They may also be more mentally able to cope with the unknowns and the hurdles associated with bringing on a novice pony. Of course, this isn’t an exact science, and only you can really know what your child needs and what they can deal with.

If you’re buying a pony for yourself, you still need to consider your aims and realistically, what you are capable of. Can you honestly see yourself having the time and energy to bring on a green pony? Do you really want to jump the meatier HOYS or RIHS qualifiers and finals? If so, you’ll need to find a pony with a sufficient jump to cope with these fences, but if you think that competing at a lower level is more for you, then you may find more ponies to view that fit the bill and fit your budget.

Your personality is also important. What type of ride will you enjoy? A pony with more “go” than “whoa” or visa versa as they approach a fence? As an experienced adult, you may be able to school your pony to give you the kind of ride you enjoy. But be honest with yourself about your goals, capabilities and personality and you’re more likely to find a suitable partner.

Type and conformation

Samantha Darlington and her daughter Georgia Darlington have produced multiple top working hunter ponies. Georgia won the HOYS intermediate working hunter pony final in 2022 riding her own Jara before the pair stepped up successfully into horse ranks, finishing champion working hunter at HOYS in 2025. She was also champion M&M working hunter pony at HOYS in 2015 riding Welsh pony Tynwydd Good Friday. Georgia has also won the RIHS on each of the ponies. During her career Sam won HOYS and the RIHS over fences and was part of the England working hunter pony team.

“We always try to remember that a working hunter class is a showing class, so we’re looking for a type of animal that is good enough to show,” says Sam. “When we look at a pony and we ask ourselves if it would be good enough to show on the flat. For example, it must have correct conformation, move well and be straight.

“If I’m looking at a plaited pony then I would look at it as a show hunter pony. While it’s definitely harder to find these quality types today, once upon a time most riders would do both working hunter and show hunter classes with their ponies.”

“If I were looking for a native, it would similarly need to be a conformationally correct animal that is of a good type and stamp for its breed. If a pony hasn’t jumped it can be hard to tell if it is going to make a worker. You could take a look at the breeding to gauge if it will jump, though it’s not a guarantee.”

Blemishes and injuries

A true blemish, caused by a knock or an accident, is passable if everything else is good, Sam explains.

“I could overlook a splint or something similar if it didn’t impact soundness. A working hunter should have been jumped and hunted, so it’s unrealistic to expect their legs to be absolutely perfect.”

When it comes to prior injury, though, proceed with caution. Make sure that whatever has happened in their past is not likely to affect their future soundness and their ability to stand up to the kind of rigorous training and fitness needed for a successful season in the workers ring. If the pony is perfect in all other ways, discuss throughly with your vet what you can do to manage the condition and make an informed decision from there.

Where to find your next working hunter pony

Ponies are often sold via word of mouth, as Sam explains.

“It’s the best method in my opinion. Asking people who are out and about on the circuit and who have seen the pony around is the best way to gauge if it will do your job.”

Working hunter ponies for sale will be advertised at various times in the season on online platforms as well as on social media. Often, top ponies with consistent CVs will be available after HOYS, especially if the rider will be out of class for the next season.

“Social media and online sources make it easier to find out a pony’s history, and if we have pursued a pony billed as a schoolmaster we make sure to do extensive homework before a viewing; we make sure that it has done what is being claimed.

“I would definitely not recommend buying a pony without going to view it. Many ponies can sound ideal on paper but when you look at their jumping record they’re not quite what it seems, as in they might be consistently having poles down, or might have issues with certain obstacles, such as water trays.”

It’s also worth thinking outside the box. Look at adverts for Pony Club ponies or all-rounders. If the pony has good conformation and paces and is of a good type, it might make an excellent worker with the added benefit of having gained lots of mileage out and about enjoying other disciplines.

Viewing the pony

It’s always advisable to view a pony, even if you have asked around and gained some positive recommendations.

When assessing the ride of a working hunter pony, Georgia says: “I like a worker to ride forward and ‘pingy’. I like something to take me to a fence as I don’t like kicking. I would want a prospect worker to be bold and careful over a fence.”

It goes without saying that it’s a good idea to give the pony a jump when trying it. Think carefully about what you expect in a ride. If the pony you are viewing ticks all other boxes but gives a lesser ride, think about whether you can work with the pony to improve it.

If it rides well but isn’t your ideal partner in other ways, you’ll need to weigh up whether you can compromise on those things. For example, my sister’s former worker stopped twice when we tried him, even though he had previously jumped open tracks. The stops and his behaviour revealed that we were looking at a pony with some quirks, but ultimately we decided to buy him anyway – and though his personality would drive others stir crazy, we work with them where we can as we love him anyway.

If you’re unsure, genuine sellers will be happy for you to try a pony a second time. If you or your child have worked with a trainer for a while, they may be willing to accompany you to a viewing, especially if you are new to purchasing. And they may well be able to give valuable insight.

Ultimately, only you – and your child if it’s for them – will know if the pony you are viewing is the right one.

Some sellers will permit a trial period, though not all sellers wish to let their ponies go out on trial.

How much does a working hunter pony cost?

Budget is hugely personal and how much you can expect to pay is dependent on many different factors.

Every seller has a price in their mind, but a pony is only worth what someone is willing to pay. If you’re thinking of approaching the owners of a pony already proving itself on the circuit to ask to purchase the pony, expect to pay more.

An established pony in the current climate will be at least five figures.

If you don’t have the budget for your perfect pony, you need to decide whether you can wait to save up some more, or whether you can compromise and purchase, for example, a less established pony.

What happens when I’ve agreed on a sale?

When you have agreed on a sale, it is time to organise a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended.

The vet will assess the pony with the specific job you want it for in mind, so it’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting that they are intended as a working hunter pony.

If you tell the vet that you want the horse for the show ring, they should hopefully inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults that could impact its future career, even if they don’t impact its soundness or performance.

If the pony is for a child, then suitability and temperament should be taken into consideration by the vet.

Sam adds: “If you are spending a decent amount of money, I strongly recommend getting a vetting, ideally a five-stage vetting. An unbroken three-year-old could undergo a three-stage.”

Anything else?

Take your time. Just because you are keen to hit the ring or your child is suffering serious FOMO at the side of the ring, doesn’t mean that you should rush into any purchase. It’s best to be absolutely happy with your buy, even if that means exercising a little patience. The right pony is out there somewhere!

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

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

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The working hunter pony (WHP) classes are some of the most popular on the showing circuit today. They are an all-round test of both pony and rider, with the judges assessing not only type, suitability, conformation, paces and manners, but also accurate and stylish jumping ability.

This feature covers everything you need to know if you’re thinking about having a go at working hunter pony classes, or you’ve already started and want to know more.

We’ve included:

• History of the working hunter pony class
• What makes a good working hunter pony
• Correct turnout
• Class format
• Fence heights
• Who can compete?
• Prestigious finals

History of the working hunter pony classes

These classes first began at local shows and gymkhanas in the 1960s. As they gained popularity, they came under the umbrella of showing societies, such as the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), who first published rules to regulate the section in 1970.

“The working hunter pony class evolved from replicating a day’s hunting, when you would arrive at the meet well turned-out and on a smart animal that is mannerly in company,” says BSPS judge and WHP team chef d’equipe Philip Hilton.

The track at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) closely emulates the class’ roots on hunting field, as the ring is slightly sloping and undulating, and includes natural obstacles. This makes it an extremely popular goal.

Nowadays, separate WHP classes exist for plaited and native ponies, but some — particularly the Welsh section B, New Forest and Connemara — can often double up and compete successfully in both sections.

As plaited pony classes are age restricted, the introduction of the mountain and moorland (M&M) WHP classes means that adults can enjoy competing ponies in these classes, too, provided they are suitably mounted on an appropriately registered pony. These classes are often some of the largest classes at qualifying shows for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), growing in popularity year on year since their introduction there in 1992.

What makes a good working hunter pony?

Working hunter ponies should possess qualities that are recognised in the hunting field. These include good manners, ground-covering movement and a bold jumping style. A WHP should be a scaled down middleweight hunter and have the same quality, while also having plenty of bone and substance.

Judges look for combinations with a bold, consistent jumping style that are going forward in a balanced rhythmical canter and meeting each fence without a break of stride. They also look for good conformation, a calm and obedient temperament, and harmony between pony and rider.

We’ve put together some advice on how to buying a working hunter pony.

Working hunter pony turnout

Working hunter ponies should be shown with manes plaited and with quarter marks, similar to show hunters.

Native workers are shown with their manes and tails trimmed – or untrimmed – as is allowed by their respective breed society and without quarter marks, as expected in a flat class for natives.

Tack for working hunter pony classes

Many riders choose to ride in specific working hunter pony saddles, which are designed to be a halfway-house between a show saddle that best shows off a pony’s conformation, and a jumping saddle. But you can also ride in your usual jumping or GP saddle, providing it is plain leather with no bling or bright colours on.

Bridles should be plain, too – no diamanté browbands. Grackle nosebands, flash nosebands and martingales are allowed in WHP classes, but you should always check the rules for tack and bitting guidance varies depending on your level.

Unlike flat show classes, brushing boots are allowed on the forelimbs only, but they must be plain black or brown and must not have elasticated straps. Plain overreach boots are also acceptable, but rarely used. All boots must be removed after jumping and before your perform your show.

You can also use appropriate studs if you feel your horse or pony would benefit from them.

In native classes, stallions can compete, but should wear a stallion badge on their bridle to alert other riders to their presence.

What to wear for working hunter pony classes

For WHP classes, wear tweed. Brown or green tweed show jackets are most common and always look smart. Be warned that while choosing your jacket, bold tweeds can be frowned upon by some judges so it’s usually best to stick to plain or a subtler check. Navy jackets are sometimes worn in championships held in an evening performance at the more prestigious shows such as society championships, or at HOYS. At qualifying or county shows, it’s appropriate to wear your tweed jacket in the championship.

As the WHP are rooted in the hunting field, think along traditional lines and aim for a smart, workmanlike appearance, and steer away from bling on ties, hats or the tops of sticks.

Wear plain gloves (preferably brown) and, if you need to, carry a plain black or brown stick, but make sure you check the rules for your class regarding sticks as they do vary.

Riders on ponies under 143cm traditionally wear short brown jodhpur boots with jodhpur clips, but nowadays it’s generally not frowned upon to wear plain black long riding boots with no bling, especially for adults in mountain and moorland WHP classes.

Hats can be peaked or a skull cap with a navy, brown or dark green velvet silk. Just make sure your hat is up to standard – here is our guide on what to wear in showing classes for more information.

Some societies, such as the BSPS, also stipulate that you must wear body protectors for their classes during the jumping phase. Most riders wear them over their jacket as you are generally permitted to take them off for the second two phases of competition if you wish.

Make sure you read the guidance carefully to make sure that your body protector is up to standard and please note that there are also specific rules relating to the wearing of air jackets, so check the relevant rule books if you wish to wear one.

• BSPS rulebook
• BSPS/LIHS working sports pony/ showing series guide
• BSPS Burghley Gold Cup rulebook
• HOYS rulebook
• NPS/RIHS M&M guide

Working hunter pony class format

A WHP class consists of three phases – jump, show and conformation. The maximum score for all three phases is 100, and only in a championship do the judges confer.

Phase 1: Jumping

In this phase, combinations are expected to tackle a set of rustic fences and obstacles designed to emulate what they may have historically encountered on the hunting field, such as a bullfinch, a pen or a water tray. The classes can be held on grass or on a surface and may include natural obstacles where available such as a bank, ditch or small hedge.

Usually, there is at least one double to negotiate, but the smaller divisions designed for children will have lesser obstacles – such as no water tray – and less combination fences to tackle.

Generally, there are 50 marks available for a clear round with marks deducted for stops and poles, as in other disciplines. There are an additional 20 marks that are allocated for style.

Phase 2: Show

The second phase is a show. Nowadays, for the swift running of classes, the individual show is usually judged in a small ring adjacent to the jumping ring. Here, a second judge will assess a pony’s way of going and manners in a short show.

Usually, you stand before the judge, move off in walk, then trot, complete a figure of eight with a canter on each rein, give a short extension, before making your way back down through the paces to stand again and give a salute to the judge. You can make up 10 marks here.

Phase 3: Conformation

This your final phase, and 20 marks are available. Here, you will present your pony in-hand without its saddle or boots, so that the judge can assess your pony’s conformation.

The judge may ask questions before assessing your pony stood still and then walking away and trotting back towards them.

Once all three phases have been completed by every competitor, all combinations eligible and hopeful of a placing re-enter the arena and line up ready for placings to be announced. At this point, it’s important that your pony walks in and stands still in a mannerly fashion. While not marked formally, judges will be reluctant to award high – especially qualifying places – to badly behaved ponies and such ponies can be asked to leave the ring disqualified.

Placings are usually called forward using the competitor’s back number, so know yours in advance and listen for it carefully.

How big are working hunter pony fences?

One of the principal benefits of competing in classes affiliated to one of the societies is that the course will have been designed by a recognised course builder, and is unlikely to be oversized or “trappy”, which can often happen at local unaffiliated shows. Courses for HOYS and RIHS qualifiers will always be slightly more difficult and built up to height.

There are now variations between the societies and the major finals, so for a full accurate list of fence heights, consult the society rule books:

• BSPS rulebook
• BSPS/ LIHS working sports pony/ showing series guide
• BSPS Burghley Gold Cup rulebook
• HOYS rulebook
• NPS/RIHS M&M guide

Who can compete?

Plaited working hunter pony classes

Plaited working hunter pony classes are age restricted, with age dependent on the height of the pony.

• Cradle stakes – ponies under 122cm
• Nursery stakes – ponies under 133cm
• Under 143cm
• Under 153cm
• Intermediates – up to 158cm for riders under 25

At the very beginning of their workers careers, competitors under eight years old can compete in “tiny tots” sections at many area and society championship shows.

Next, ponies and children compete in cradle stakes, with ponies under 122cm high. Then there are the nursery stakes, with ponies under 133cm. There are finals for both these competitions at Hickstead and London International, but not at HOYS. Both these finals are run under BSPS rules.

Once a little older and more experienced, children can compete their 133cm pony in open classes for their heights, and this is where things get a little more complex as the ages differ for competitors aiming for Hickstead or London compared to those aiming for HOYS.

Regardless, once out of the 133cm division, children can move up onto 143cm ponies, and later, 153cm animals before finally, intermediates capped at 158cms for riders under 25.

M&M working hunter pony classes

In native ranks, there are again tiny tots classes, but for those aiming for Royal International, there are four height divisions to cater for the different breeds. At HOYS, however, there’s an added junior class for riders under 12 years old and ponies under 122cm.

The major societies will run novice classes across the same divisions for both plaiteds and natives. In addition, as you work towards qualifying standard, the BSPS and NPS run training classes that are divided by the height of fences rather than height of ponies, and there is no requirement for a show or conformation section.

Prestigious finals to aim for

There are a range of classes for all abilities from novice to open for all heights and ages. But there are a handful of more prestigious and coveted finals for open combinations to aim for, such as the WHP of the year final at HOYS and the RIHS WHP championship. If you’re aiming to qualify for one of these, make sure that you read the rule books carefully to ensure that you have the correct memberships in place, and you – or your child – are of the correct age to compete, as there are variations in rules.

Desert Orchid at the BSPS summer championships

This is always an extremely challenging course where heights and widths of fences are usually bigger than those in other championships; just to jump clear is considered a major achievement and in fact, earns an bonus 20 marks. Historically, this was only open to plaited ponies, but there is now a native section, too.

Gold Cup at Burghley

Seasoned WHP young riders also aim for the “Gold Cup”, which is run by the BSPS and the Pony Club, and has a final at Burghley International Horse Trials. It does not follow a traditional working hunter pony class format, but the inclusion of a rustic set of fences similar to that seen on the workers circuit makes it an appealing challenge for these competitors.

London International

Similarly, WHP enthusiasts are offered the opportunity to compete at London International via the BSPS’ increasingly popular working sports pony classes, which now include classes for children and adults, including smaller children still on the lead rein.

Royal Windsor

You don’t have to qualify to compete at Royal Windsor, but many riders in the native and plaited WHP classes enjoy the challenge of tackling the usually testing track here, especially as it’s hosted on such an iconic show-ground.

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Changes to the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) rules and Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) qualifiers have been met with mixed reactions.

The most controversial changes are to plaited working hunter pony sections and their RIHS finals, which follow the BSPS rulebook.

The minimum height in class descriptors has been removed, so for example 133cm ponies can step up to the bigger 143cm tracks. Competitors in 133cm and 143cm classes will have two more years in the class, until the year they turn 15 and 18 respectively, and 153cm riders will have until they are 25.

Trainer Karen Raine, whose daughter Rebecca competes in working hunter pony ranks, told H&H: “In an open letter to the BSPS, it was argued that as riders could be 18 in 148cm show ponies, it should be the same for 143cm show hunter ponies and workers. At 17, they could be doing GCSEs in their final year in 143cm classes, so they don’t get a good run in their final year.

“There was only a three-year gap between the 143cm and the 153cm age limits, and to get a 153cm pony to be jumping effectively newcomers [1.10m] level in showjumping takes time. Unless parents have the money to run two ponies or buy an established 153cm, riders effectively spend two of their years in 153cm producing the pony and only one true open year. It’s great they’ll now have extra years.”

BSPS chairman Paul Cook said this age increase had been most influenced by members.

Varied reasons

“The reasons vary, but predominantly, riders argue that they are not too big for their animals, and will probably keep them and do other things with them if they can’t compete in our working pony classes,” he said. “It’s also a significant transition time for young people. Changing horses as well is quite challenging.”

Kelly Ward, whose daughter Ruby has followed her footsteps to compete in working hunter ponies, feels the move is a “backwards step”.

“I don’t think the 153cm classes needed to increase in numbers,” she said. “We’ve not done every one this year, but the ones we have done had between 15 and 20 in them. It’s been a busy year at shows and numbers have been good this summer.”

Kelly is also concerned that the slight reduction in fence height will have a negative impact on standards.

“I worry it will encourage people to do other things. There are loads of good children who don’t need heights lowering – it’s insulting to them. Children who want a tough track will jump them elsewhere in other disciplines.”

One young rider who grew up in BSPS ranks but is now focusing predominantly on eventing is 2025 153cm Windsor winner Lily Brennan.

Lily said: “I think I will still try to qualify for Horse of the Year Show and RIHS as they’re such lovely competitions but it has crossed my mind whether to just go purely eventing as the courses are much bigger, more consistent height-wise and more technical.

“The section will become increasingly competitive with people up to 25 years old in it, probably making it harder to qualify for those who, like us, don’t chase tickets and just do it as and when it fits in or because you just really like jumping at a specific venue. I also think it will be a shame for the intermediate classes, which I feel will suffer with no one pushed to step up with the ages.”

The end of intermediates?

Kelly agreed, adding: “I think it will finish the intermediate class completely because riders won’t move into it because they don’t have to.”

But the BSPS said there is a demand for the class.

“A lot of people have had real difficulty in sourcing an intermediate working hunter, in terms of cost and finding a good one. But the riders want to remain jumping in these classes,” said Mr Cook, who added that the intermediate class will be reviewed at the end of next season.

“It will now be up to riders to support this class or risk losing it.”

Changes to the Burghley Gold Cup may help the intermediates.

For 2026, this final will follow new height and age requirements. Instead of the traditional 133cm, 143cm and 153cm sections, ponies will be not exceeding 138cm, 148cm and 158cm. This enables combinations competing in intermediate working hunter pony classes to compete for the first time, in response to popular demand.

“It will allow more competitors an opportunity to compete at Burghley,” said working hunter pony stalwart and panel judge Claire Collier. “These classes are also opened up to the Pony Club, where most children move on to bigger animals far more quickly than in showing, so it’s a good thing to widen the parameters.”

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There were thrills and spills aplenty in the National Pony Society/Mole Valley Farmers Working Hunter Pony of the Year with three riders parting company from their mounts and only nine clears across all four sections over David Norlander’s testing track at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Izzy Mason, 16, booked her place in the championship with the seven-year-old grey gelding Sea Warrior (Hugo) after posting one of only three clears in the National Pony Society/Mole Valley Farmers 153cm Working Hunter Pony of the Year. The pair then came up trumps to take the overall title.

“He just got better and better today and kept giving and giving. He has never been in an atmosphere like that and he gave me a great feel in the gallop in the championship,” said a delighted Izzy, who was marking her first win at HOYS.

Ponies that showed bravery and boldness were rewarded, but tricky lines proved challenging, especially for the ponies in the larger height sections. This was reflected by four of the nine clears coming from the 133cm final.

“The track was tight off the corners and asked a lot of questions but he jumped his socks off for me,” commented Izzy after winning this morning.

Hugo was only purchased two years ago by Izzy’s mother Juliette and combines competing in the worker classes with contesting the show hunter pony classes. He will be back in the ring on Saturday for the Shine Source Footwear UK LTD 153cm Show Hunter Pony of the Year.

HOYS working hunter pony reserve champion

Standing second in the 153cm final and overall reserve champion was Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) champion Noble Banksy (Ernie) and Ruby Ward. The seven-year-old chestnut gelding, owned by Ruby’s mother Kelly, was also this years Royal Windsor and Burghley Gold Cup champion.

“It was a complete shock because when you go in on a second place you try to remain optimistic, but you think it’s all over so it’s a great surprise,” said Ruby.

She was joined in the championship by her Irish cousin Nancy Lyons Teehan who was aboard the National Pony Society/Mole Valley Farmers 133cm Working Hunter Pony of the Year winner Dartons Séoda Bán.

With the sole clear in the National Pony Society/Mole Valley Farmers Intermediate Working Hunter Pony of the Year final, 16-year-old Imogen Philp piloted her mother Petrina’s exciting six-year-old Lenney McManus to win.

Lenney was based on Michael Whitaker’s yard before they purchased her at the end of April and the pair also compete up to 1.10m in British Showjumping.

“I was just hoping to get around,” said Imogen, who was drawn last to jump and for whom this was a first HOYS victory. “The course was really tight and the jumps came up quickly.”

As one of the youngest competitors in the class, 10-year-old Anya Dewey Clarke gave a jumping masterclass in the National Pony Society/Mole Valley Farmers 143cm Working Hunter Pony of the Year to post the only clear and take the title with the 16-year-old grey gelding Tullibards Silver Mine.

The pair will also be competing over the coloured poles at HOYS when contesting the CT Equine Collection 138cm Championship on Saturday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love makes a comeback

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

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

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

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Debbie Barker-Runiewicz watched proudly as her daughter Molly Barker won the Jacksons of Yorkshire M&M 122cm working hunter pony title at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with their own Exmoor Moonpenny Delphinus (Finn) – with whom Debbie won this title three years ago.

Finn, a 14-year-old gelding, was making his fifth consecutive appearance in this final and his impressive record now includes two wins, and second place in 2023. This is Molly’s first-ever time qualifying for and riding at HOYS; she has won two HOYS qualifiers this season, and the pair were M&M 122cm working hunter pony winners at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

“It was a bit of a fluke that she ended up taking the ride this season, so I think it is even more special than if I had done it myself,” said Debbie, who walked the course with Molly.

“The course was very big but I reassured her that he can jump these and she just needed to have him forward, but also stay relaxed!” added Debbie, who hopes to be able to ride Finn again next season.

“He loves to jump and he loves his job so I don’t think there would be any reason to not bring him back out again next year. Eventually I would love for my two other younger children to be able to ride and compete him – not necessarily at HOYS – but it would be magical if they could,” said Debbie.

Lullaby is a dream

The diminutive duo of eight-year-old Alice Hartenfeld and Exmoor mare Anchor Lullaby (Lulu) posted a flowing and careful clear to be crowned the Jacksons of Yorkshire M&M junior 122cm working hunter pony champions.

Having won an impressive four qualifiers this year with Alice, Lulu also contested the National Pony Society/Supreme Products M&M ridden Exmoor/Shetland final yesterday with Alice’s mother Katherine, where they finished sixth.

As the sole representative of her breed in the class, Lulu is the first Exmoor to win this final since its inception in 2022.

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A former intermediate working hunter champion steps up to stand Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) working hunter champion.

The working hunter championship track – sponsored at HOYS by Alan Marnie and Family – certainly sorted through contenders with only two clears in the final line up. It was first-timers Georgia Darlington and Jara, 11, who impressed the judges to take the HOYS working hunter champion title in the end.

“I was pleased just to qualify. I only took her because it was a nice course to jump, so to come here and jump clear… I was just delighted with that. This is more than I ever imagined. I just never expected to win that class,” said Georgia.

Georgia has owned and produced Jara herself since she was a five-year-old. The pair are past Royal International (RIHS) winners, and were crowned intermediate working hunter pony of the year at HOYS in 2022. But, with Georgia out of class this year, she decided to step the scopey little mare – she stands at just 158cm – up to attempt the bigger open working hunter tracks, and did so with aplomb here.

“We have mainly showjump, and she showjumps up to 1.30. We haven’t really campaigned her in the workers because she’s so small. I didn’t think she’d stand much of a chance against the big hunters.

“This is it now. She retires from the show-ring here.”

Interestingly, the reserve champion also regularly showjumps. This was Allan Birch and Vicky Tennant’s 12-year-old Porsche mare, Bold Adventure.

“She’s been with me for five years, I’m very fortunate to be allowed to ride her. She’s a very good horse,” said Allan. “With anything she does, she really tries. She excels at anything she tries. She’s actually done a six-bar up and jumped 1m 90, and been in the Speed Derby at Hickstead and has just started jumping at Grand Prix so she has another career aside from this.”

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Craig Kiddier and Susan Tennant’s Mulberry Lane landed the Barberstown Caste supreme ridden horse for a second year running at the Agria Royal International Horse Show, after a championship full of drama in the International Arena.

It looked as if it could be all over for “Obi” when the reigning champions slipped and Craig lost his stirrup during their individual show. But thankfully for him, they tied, on 29 marks, with Robert Walker and Flash Point. This granted them a second chance to really show how well they could operate in a ride-off against Robert to land the title for the second time.

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“I don’t know what happened,” said Craig “He just slipped and I lost my stirrup and at that point I thought that was it. It just went terribly wrong and it felt like it was horrendous. Then the judges had been more generous than I would have been, but I’d never done a ride-off and to be honest I wasn’t sure what to do.”

If Craig was hesitant, he hid it well from the crowd, who cheered enthusiastically as he jumped the hedge at the bottom of the arena for a second time. This sealed the deal for Craig and the super-cool 10-year-old OBOS Quality gelding.

“He’s got character, he’s got class, he’s got swagger,” said a beaming Craig, “He is just the perfect horse. Whatever you ask him to do, he just does it; he tries his hardest.”

Obi had won the working hunter champion for the third time on the bounce to graduate to the supreme, looking very at home on his lap of honour with the hounds. He was also second for the second time in the middleweight hunters, proving his quality.

Owner Susan Tennant spotted Obi as a three-year-old halfway down the line during a trip to Dublin Horse Show. He didn’t especially impress the judges that day, but he impressed Susan and she brought him home. He has repaid her several times over, standing reserve supreme here in 2023, supreme last term and supreme at Horse of the Year Show.

In reserve was Robert Walker with Jill Day’s exquisite hunter champion Flash Point, winner of the lightweights and hunter supreme earlier in the week. At just six, Flash Point – a half-brother to double Hickstead and Horse of the Year Show supreme View Point – looked a picture of cool composure to gallop time and again up the front of the arena to a cheering crowd and surely has a big future ahead of him.

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

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

”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Craig Kiddier and Susan Tennant’s outstanding Mulberry Lane claimed their third consecutive victory in the Baileys Horse Feeds supreme working hunter Championship, marking a remarkable hat trick at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

“He’s just amazing,” said Craig. “To win it one year is mega, to do it for the third time is incredible. He just loves it here – he’s only ever been three times and he’s taken three championships.”

Known for his scope, presence and impeccable temperament, the 10-year-old loves the iconic lap of honour with the hounds which adds to the spectacle.

“The lap of honour here with the hounds is so special – he loves hounds,” said Craig. “He hunts quite a lot, so this environment suits him perfectly.”

Craig praised the course at Hickstead for its natural flow and technical challenge: “It was a good, technical, flowing course with enough questions. This is always a special class because of the natural obstacles – it’s perfect for a horse that hunts.”

Craig is now looking hopefully ahead to the supreme championship.

“I took the supreme here last year and jumped the wall. I need a plan this time! I’d love to jump the water, but I doubt they’d let me.”

Versatile and talented, Mulberry Lane exemplifies the rare blend of show ring style and working ability.

“Horses like him aren’t around – he’s a show horse that jumps,” Craig added. “He was second yesterday in the middleweights, but he’s also an outright worker.

“He was supreme at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last year in the flat, but winning the workers at HOYS — that’s the last one we’ve got to tick off.”

Pimms O’Clock is reserve supreme working hunter at Royal International

Reserve went to William Pittendrigh riding the 12-year-old Pimms O’Clock, owned by Helen Dyer. The pair had graduated to the championship by winning the Baileys Horse Feeds lightweight working hunter championship.

William has had a challenging year: “It feels like one of those years when things aren’t quite plain sailing, but we keep chugging away and then days like today happen.”

He praised the support of his owner and said: “I’m grateful to Helen for putting her trust into me to ride and prepare Pimms, and our efforts have been rewarded as she does just as much behind the scenes”

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

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Ruby Ward topped a strong field to claim the coveted LG Show Team O’Donnell Family BSPS supreme working hunter pony championship at the Agri Royal International Horse Show, piloting her consistent seven-year-old chestnut gelding Noble Banksy (Ernie) to victory in the 153cm section before taking the overall title.

Returning to Hickstead having finished second in the championship last year, Ernie stepped up with confidence to conquer a particularly testing Kevin Millman-designed track.

“It’s been amazing to come back and up our game this year,” said Ruby. “He tried his heart out. The course was really technical and poley; it caught combinations out at different points, so I was blown away by how he tackled it.”

The pair earned praise from the judges for their bold and balanced performance, with producer Jayne Ross marking the show and confirmation element.

“To hear Jayne say we stood out with a forward show, looking up through the bridle, was just incredible,” Ruby added. “She’s a legend of the show world – I couldn’t believe it.”

Reflecting on their lap of honour in the main ring, Ruby summed up the emotion of the moment: “Galloping up that hill as champion at this show – it’s the best feeling in the world.”

Young Scot stands working hunter pony reserve champion at Royal International

Taking the reserve was young Scottish rider Guy Hamilton, who impressed aboard his mother’s eight-year-old roan gelding Nellfield Blueboy, trained at home by his showjumping parents Andrew and Kathleen Hamilton.

The duo delivered a stylish and accurate round over the tight, technical track.

“It was a tough course,” said Kathleen. “You had to get your lines absolutely right and there were some tight turns, but this pair just took it in their stride and jumped a beautiful round.”

Also coming forward for the championship was the grey 15-year-old gelding Star Smokey, winner of the 143cm class, who was ridden by Florence Duncalf and is owned by Laura Wheelwright.

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Catch up with other news from the Agria Royal International:

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

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

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On our 166th episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast we speak to working hunter specialist Katy Green, who won the working hunter championship at Royal Windsor in May, about nursing her winning ride back to health, what it takes to enjoy success in working hunter ranks, both in horse classes and with native ponies, and why her horses are so special to her. We hope you enjoy listening.

Episode 166 of our popular audio service The Horse & Hound Podcast is now live.

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• View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

On this episode we speak to working hunter specialist Katy Green. She talks about about nursing her winning ride back to health, what it takes to enjoy success in working hunter ranks, both in horse classes and with native ponies, and why her horses are so special to her.

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Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 166

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The working hunter tracks for horses and ponies at the Agria Royal International are widely recognised as being among the most challenging on the outdoor circuit. In this article exclusive to H&H subscribers, we ask a leading working hunter rider why that is and how best to prepare for Hickstead’s unique championship courses

The working hunter classes at Hickstead’s Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) present some of the most challenging tracks that horses and ponies will see all season.

Amy Tough is one of our leading working hunter riders with an impressive seven Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) wins and crucially, several RIHS successes. Most recently, she won the horse workers at Hickstead on Kalani K in 2024. She also won the mountain and moorland working hunter pony class (exceeding 143cm) astride King Rover in 2022.

Here, Amy gives her insight on the courses and shares her advice on how to train for success in the working hunter classes at the Royal International Horse Show.

The best thing about the working hunter classes at the Royal International

“It’s the most fun ring to jump in all year,” says Amy. “The atmosphere is super and there’s always a strong crowd, which adds to it. It’s also a really testing track, which means it’s a level playing field and every horse has a good chance of success if they jump well.”

Why is the workers at the RIHS such a challenge?

The ring at Hickstead is, according to Amy, the “closest course on the circuit to the hunting field” and not just because it’s on a slope.

“The ground is undulating there, and it has the most natural-looking features you’ll find all season – it’s the only ring with a stone wall, ditches and hedges.

“The horse workers will usually include these on top of the usual bogey fences in the ponies – the bullfinch and the water splash.”

In order to show off your animal, Amy suggests that you aim for a “true working hunter pace as it’s a big ring.”

But be warned, you can’t just set off at that pace and expect to breeze around the track.

“The course will always include challenges, for example there’s usually a pen for the mountain and moorland workers which will then really test the adjustability of the canter as the pony will need to be in a collected canter to get through successfully.”

How do the working hunter classes at Hickstead compare to at HOYS?

“It’s not necessarily any bigger than the course at HOYS, which has its own difficulties,” explains Amy. “It’s the complexity of all the different elements woven together that makes it difficult. You need a versatile horse or pony.”

How to train for success in the workers at RIHS

As Hickstead nears, Amy prepares with lots of cross-country schooling.

“It helps to get horses used to the ground and seeing natural features like ditches and hedges,” says Amy. “Fences like these are hard to portray for your horse in an arena.”

Bullfinch practice is also on Amy’s agenda.

She says: “Practice bullfinches. If your horse or pony haven’t seen many – it’s possible a horse new to the open circuit could qualify without seeing any – start with a thinner filling of greenery so that they can see their way through and understand that this is how they tackle it, and gradually make it thicker as weeks go by.”

Amy warns new combinations to beware the water splash: “This can catch a lot of combinations out.”

With a water splash such as the one at Hickstead, horses and ponies are allowed to step in it, so they can either trot through it or jump it.

“It’s about working out what works for your pony,” says Amy.

To prepare, Amy suggests that you begin by getting horses and ponies used to the principle of a splash out on the cross-country course with a larger water feature, and then narrow it down.

“This way, it doesn’t shock them. With a water element out cross-country, the horse or pony can see it from a distance and prepare. The water splash at Hickstead is narrow and sunken so it could catch them out and shock them if they aren’t used to this kind of test.”

In the horse workers, the “ditches are sometimes behind rails, so practice this, too”, says Amy. “They need to have seen this or else as they go to take off, they might be surprised by the ditch and that might knock their confidence.”

Adjustability in your canter should be a part of everyone’s basic training. But it does no harm to practice some more so that you’re sure you can easily adjust the pace as you need to in the ring.

“For example, if you have a big oxer going down the slope to a ‘skinny’, it’s essential the horse doesn’t just run on down to it and knock it. You can only really practice this in open countryside on different slopes and gradients,” explains Amy.

Her last tip is to make sure that you practice all of these elements.

“You don’t want to only practice one – your bogey fence, for example – as then if something different catches them out early in the course, they won’t lose confidence for the rest of the track.

“Practice all elements to make sure your horse stays confident to jump a good round throughout, whatever comes their way.”

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Want to teach your horse to jump a bullfinch? First, you need to understand the fence itself. A bullfinch is a brush fence that has greenery, twigs or foliage extending from the top, which the horse should push through, similar to when jumping an untrimmed hedge when out hunting. In this situation, the judge does not want to see the horse jump over the top of the branches and clear the whole fence.

If you’re worried about how to jump a bullfinch or want to improve your horse’s technique over this type of fence, champion working hunter rider Katy Greens shares her advice on how to teach your horse to jump a bullfinch with confidence.

With Royal International Horse Show and HOYS qualifiers often including a bullfinch, not to mention the impressive one at Hickstead itself, many riders will need to incorporate tackling a bullfinch into their training and show preparation.

Why are bullfinches a problem?

“Bullfinches are hard to train for because most of the time you want your horse to be careful and leave all the poles up, but in this instance you are asking them to jump through something,” explains Katy, who specialises in the horse workers, but also competes some native ponies in the larger mountain and moorland working hunter pony divisions.

“It can be hard for the horse to understand when you are training to accommodate one fence when everything else they learn is about clearing the element,” adds Katy. “So when they first see a bullfinch, unless trained correctly, they think that they need to jump over the top and clear it. It’s even harder for the horses who are naturally very careful to understand.”

How to teach your horse to jump a bullfinch

When training, Katy emphasises that it’s important to take your time. In an ideal world you need an assistant on the ground to help build your bullfinch up steadily without you having to dismount and remount every time you need to change your fence.

“I always take teaching them to tackle a bullfinch really slowly,” Katy says.

1. Set up your fence

To begin you need a brush fence set up, in to which your assistant can poke greenery or soft twigs in the top of the brush.

“To start with, add the bullfinch material to each side leaving a big gap in the middle so that the horse understands it is a fence to jump.”

2. Jump the fence as normal

Approach and jump the middle of the fence as you would normally – aiming for the gap in the greenery.

“As the horse gains confidence and understanding, add a little foliage to the middle – and then a little more – but always keep it lower at the centre so they begin to get the feel of bruising through it and it touching them.”

It’s important not to overface the horse and make them feel they need to jump high to clear the greenery at this stage.

3. Add more brush

“We then add more greenery, little by little, to build into a fuller bullfinch,” says Katy.

Once the horse is confidently jumping through the bullfinch, and isn’t worried by the feeling of the foliage touching their legs, then you can call it day for that training session. But beware thinking that once you have done this, that’s your training done – it’s not.

4. Repeat

To ensure the horse’s confidence and understanding is established, you will need to repeat the process a few times.

“When we come to train for a bullfinch the next time, we restart the process,” explains Katy. “I will very rarely just run a horse at a full bullfinch, especially when they are only just learning about them – it’s fine once they are very established and confident – but at the training stage I wouldn’t.”

Continue repeating the process until you and your horse feel confident and ready to face a full bullfinch in the ring.

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

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Ruby Ward posted a historic working hunter pony double when she produced champions in both the native and plaited working hunter pony ranks at Royal Windsor Horse Show, with Lady Dublin of Corderry and Noble Banksy respectively.

Ruby, who is about to take her A-Level exams, jumped a super clear over Lisa Kelly’s testing intermediate track aboard her mother Kelly’s super eight-year-old chestnut gelding. Usually shown in the 153cm ranks – of which they finished highest of those who had a pole in fourth this time – Banksy won here in that section last year and took the reserve championship.

The pair also finished second at Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) last season in what was Banksy’s first worker season.

“The course was big and technical, and cleverly built – it rode and jumped brilliantly,” said Kelly, whose sister Louise Lyons represented Ireland as part of the eventing team in the 2008 Olympics.

Ruby has now won every section of the plaited workers here with Noble Peppermint (133cm), Noble Ronan (143cm), Lady Dublin of Corderry (143cm), Woodfield Hazy (153cm) and twice with Noble Banksy in both the 153cm and intermediate ranks.

Eventer crowned Royal Windsor reserve WHP champion

Reserve champion went to young eventer Lily Brennan and the 153cm victor Granite Des Iris (Milo).

“We just came for a lovely day out as Royal Windsor is one of our favourite shows and I can’t believe we won – he tried his absolute heart out,” said Lily, who took the British Show Pony Society Burghley Gold Cup championship with Milo last season.

The pair have been placed at RIHS and have qualified for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) the past two seasons, but their real passion lies in eventing, in which they compete up to two-star and have posted two top-10 finishes in the under-18 events this season.

Ollie Rowlands was not to be outdone by his sister Poppy – who won the not exceeding 122cm native workers on Delami Bravado earlier in the day – when he secured his own Royal Windsor win in the 143cm class with Dunran Love In The Mist (Lottie).

Owner Avril Kelly flew over from Ireland especially to watch the pair compete today and they did not disappoint, having also picked up their RIHS qualification in the native ranks earlier in the day. The 10-year-old Connemara mare is by the prolific sire I Love You Melody and contested her first BE100 event at Eland Lodge last month finishing a credible fifth on her dressage score.

The final winner from the section was the 133cm victors, Bluebell Beechey and Annandale Cufflink, who only started contesting the working hunter pony qualifiers last year, but ended the season jumping at HOYS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Windsor M&M working hunter pony reserve

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Katy Green posted an emotional championship win in the hotly contested working hunter classes at Royal Windsor Horse Show, riding her own 16-year-old mare Vulcanite. The pair headed the small/lightweight class before Vulcanite repeated the championship she won with the late Rory Gilsenan in 2016.

“Rory sadly died of a brain tumour in 2020, so this win is very special to me because we have finally done it together for him,” said Katy, who finished reserve to him that year aboard her second ride I’m A Diamond.

“I was six months pregnant at the time so I opted to ride my trusted horse and let Rory give her a good first experience at Royal Windsor,” explained Katy, who has nursed Vulcanite back to health in recent years.

“I don’t think I’ve ever nursed a horse so much in my life; she did a tendon last year and colic the year before, but she loves the job and still looks and goes amazing. She is crazy special to me,” said Katy.

Reserve champion working hunter at Royal Windsor Horse Show

Proving experience is needed around the challenging working hunter track built by Lisa Kelly, Rachel Turner took reserve on Ernie Big – another 16-year-old – who finished second to Katy in the small/lightweight class.

Jointly owned by Rachel and her sister Rebecca Brierley, this was Ernie’s fourth clear here and has been placed every time.

“He is a huge crowd pleaser and he aims to please. This is only his second show this year and his next show will now be Hickstead,” said Rachel.

Hannah Horton claimed her first win of the day aboard Lady Madeleine Lloyd Webber’s home-bred mare Sixties Icon in the working show horse class. The seven-year-old mare is by the outstanding sire Timolin and out of the Connemara eventing mare Jazzin’ Along.

Last season, the pair finished second in the working show horse final at Hickstead and have also been successful in affiliated eventing, finishing second at Little Gatcombe in September at British Eventing (BE)90.

Hannah hit the ground running with her this year, winning first time out at British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Area 7, qualifying for Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

“She’s just such a cool pony,” said Hannah.

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If you’re hoping to jump in the show ring next season and beyond but don’t currently have the ride to do so, then this guide on how to buy a working hunter is a good place to start.

What is a working hunter class?

Working hunter classes are one of the most popular sections within showing with both competitors and spectators alike. A working hunter class is judged in three phases, the first being a jump round over a course of rustic fences. The style and performance mark from this phase is then added to the points given by the ride judge for the ride, and the points accumulated in the conformation phase. While the jump phase is worth 60% of the final score, horses must be conformationally correct as well as comfortable, mannerly and balanced in the ride to score highly when the judge gets on board. The combination with the highest final score wins the class.

There are different levels of working hunter classes, ranging from unaffiliated to national finals found at the two major showing championships, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal International (RIHS). The quality, scope and price of the working hunters you will be looking at on your search will be dependent on the level you are hoping to compete at.

If you are aiming to ride at the highest level, then a former successful show hunter with a jump might be a better option for you. If you are looking to compete on the local show circuit, you could prioritise jump over conformation and show quality, as long as the horse is still to hunter type and is sound, fit and honest.

It’s important to note that in working hunter classes that are affiliated to the main horse societies, Sports Horse Breeding of Great Britain and the British Show Horse Association, any horse that is ranked as a grade A showjumper or advanced event horse is not eligible to compete.

What type of working hunter should I buy?

The exact type of working hunter you will be looking to buy will largely be down to personal preference, however there are a few key elements that should be considered irrespective of type. In brief, a working hunter should be a show hunter with a jump.

“Everyone has their own ideal horse, and my idea of the perfect top-class worker might not be the same as the next person,” confirms leading working hunter producer Kelly Ward of Noble Sports Horses. “While a lot of it comes down to personal preference, any working hunter should be conformationally correct and should be a nice quality show horse, not just a jumping horse dressed up to go into the ring. I don’t agree with those who assume a jumper will be a successful worker just because it will jump the course; it also needs to be a good stamp of a show horse.”

Horses usually compete together or in separate lightweight and heavyweight sections, so ideally you will know what section the horse will jump in depending on how much weight the horse can carry, identifiable by the amount of bone, substance and body said horse has.

Katrina Braithwaite is a leading working hunter competitor who has won the RIHS on several occasions.

“Personally, I like working hunters to have at least 50% Irish Draught breeding in them as I find it gives them a more trainable temperament and a level head,” says Katrina. “As I am the driver, rider, trainer and groom, I need something that is relatively easy to work with. Plus, when you get to the big county shows a horse needs to be able to cope with the atmosphere, so temperament is very important.”

What height of working hunter should I buy?

When it comes to height of the horse, this will first and foremost depend on the size and build of the rider. According to the BSHA and SHB (GB) rule books, working hunters must exceed 148cm (14.2hh) and there is no maximum height.

Kelly says that when it comes to talent and scope you shouldn’t just assume that bigger is better. Good working hunters come in all shapes and sizes.

“The 2023 HOYS working hunter champion (Bellvue Tomboy) is just a little 15.2hh horse,” she says. “While you might not bill a smaller horse as an ideal worker, many of them are powerful jumpers who are capable of taking on the height and doing the job, so don’t write them off.”

What should I look for when buying a working hunter?

It will largely depend on if you are hoping to purchase a young prospect or a horse which already has experience in the ring. When buying a younger horse which doesn’t have established form, you can look at the breeding to assess if it has a pedigree which lends itself to jumping. Assessing the horse’s conformation and paces, as well as its talent over a fence while loose in the arena, can go someway in assessing if the horse has a future in a certain sphere, though it can still be a gamble as each animal is an individual with unique talent.

When looking at older horses there are many factors to consider, as Kelly explains.

“As well as looking at the horse’s form, take into account the rider who has been competing it previously. You have to be realistic and ask yourself if you have the same abilities as the former rider. Perhaps the rider kept the horse in a certain way that you might not be able to replicate as it does not fit into your own routine and lifestyle, especially if you’re keeping the horse at home and fitting it into a busy life. Working hunters can take a lot of production so ensure you’re being realistic. Ultimately, you need to make sure you can ride the horse, so do your homework.”

Katrina adds: “Of course, they have to have scope and jump, and they have to move. Today, a working hunter has to have everything, including that look-at-me quality. Otherwise, you’re never going to get that top pull in a class of 20-odd horses.”

What about blemishes and injuries?

“When looking from the ground up, I ensure the horse has good feet and a good amount limb,” Katrina says. “If a working hunter had a genuine blemish that wasn’t upsetting to the eye, such as an old overreach scar or a tiny mark on the limb, I would not write it off. After all, they are working horses. I wouldn’t buy a horse with a conformation fault, or a horse that had sustained a horrific injury in earlier in life. But, a superficial blemish that does not affect the horse in anyway is passable.”

Where should I buy a working hunter from?

Working hunters for sale will be advertised at various times in the season on online platforms, but they are also often sold via word of mouth.

“Sometimes, the harder you look for the perfect horse, the less chance you have of finding it,” Kelly says. “Lots of people discover their next horses while out and about on the circuit and if you have the budget to do so, it can be easier to approach the owner of a horse you like to start a discussion about a potential sale. A lot of people will sell their horses for the right price, especially if they are professionals who are well-known for producing horses through the ranks.”

Katrina adds: “A lot of my horses have come from someone I trust via word of mouth. I have bought horses unseen before, but it’s always been from someone I have complete confidence in, so I’m not buying completely blind. Have an ask around, too; the horsey world is small and someone will probably know of the horse or the seller.”

How do I know if the horse is for me?

Ultimately, only you know which horse is the right fit for you, and you should ask yourself a few questions before you agree on a sale.

“It’s vital that you keep the horse within a reasonable distance from your home so you can build a strong partnership with it,” Katrina says. “You will need to make sure you spend time getting to know each other, as you have to have an exceptional amount of trust in each other when coming into some of these fences.

“You don’t necessarily need an arena. You can bond and school while out hacking, and when the season is approaching you will need to get out and about to arena hires. Ask yourself is you’re committed enough to the process.”

How much should I pay for a working hunter?

Budget is hugely personal and it also depends on the time of year and the current market.

“If you’ve got a nice, genuine, established open horse to sell then you can pretty much name your price as they are so hard to find,” says Kelly. “By the time you’ve produced a working hunter to top level over two to three years you’re probably not even making that much money out of it anyway. You have to ask a decent price to make the whole process worth it.

“If you’re buying a young horse at a sale, you’re more likely to find a bargain as the prices are dependent on what is being paid on the day. Though the sales market is unpredictable; sometimes you will feel you’ve paid enough for a horse, while other times you will feel like you’ve stuck lucky and got a gem for a very fair price.

“Horses aren’t cars and there isn’t a set rule dictating how much you should pay. Sometimes circumstances mean a horse is being sold for a lot of less money, sometimes sellers will hold out for a strong price as they have time to do so. But generally, if you have a nice working hunter, whether it a 133cm or a horse worker, you can command a good price for it.”

What happens when I’ve agreed to buy a working hunter?

When you have agreed on a sale, it is time to organise a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended.

The vet will assess the horse with the specific job you want it for in mind, so it’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting that your main goal is to compete it as a working hunter. If you tell the vet that you want the horse for the show ring, they should hopefully inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults which could impact its future career, even if they don’t impact its soundness or performance.

“I would always have a five-star vetting, and if money allows, I would ask for X-rays of both the hocks and feet,” says Katrina. “If you were buying a younger horse, say an unbroken three-year-old, a two-stage would do the job, but I would still request X-rays.”

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

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

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Without the pressure of high profile competitive outings on the immediate horizon, winter provides the perfect opportunity to hunker down and get some working hunter pony training hours in the bag. While the off-season provides a chance to take a break, if you have ambitions of jumping any of the circuit’s most challenging rustic courses this year, then you’ll need a training plan in place. With up-to-height fences, challenging lines and spooky obstacles to tackle, riders need to do their homework if they want to mix it with the best in working hunter pony classes.

Training for working hunter pony classes requires a three-pronged approach. As well as a fault-free and stylish jumping round, combinations must then perform an equally impressive show on the flat, before the pony is presented for the conformation phase.

Under British Show Pony Society (BSPS) rules, working hunter classes are scored out of a total 100 marks. During phase one, 50 marks are awarded for a clear jumping round, with 10 points being deducted for a knock down, 15 for a first refusal and 20 for a second refusal. A third refusal results in disqualification. A total of 20 marks are then awarded for style and manners while jumping. In the second phase, 20 marks are on offer for manners and way of going during the indvidual show, and 10 for conformation, type and freedom of action.

Success in working hunter pony classes does not just come from a clear round, as in showjumping; style during the jump phase is essential and ponies must then retain their manners and way of going on the flat, which can be a challenge for some.

Working hunter pony training: common problems

H&H chats to some of the showing world’s most consistent working hunter pony riders and producers to gather training tips designed to solve some of the most common problems seen so you can ensure your winter programme is finely tuned ahead of the upcoming season.

Georgia Darlington is a leading working hunter pony rider who has won at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) on multiple occasions. She was M&M working hunter pony champion at HOYS in 2015 on Tynwydd Good Friday (Smartie) and she also won the intermediate final there in 2022 on Jara. She has also won the RIHS twice as well as multiple BSPS and county show championships.

1. Bullfinches

“If a pony is going to be spooky, it’s usually at a water tray or a bullfinch,” Georgia explains. “A bullfinch can cause trouble if you’re on a particularly careful horse as they think they must go over the top of it. They will often jump it too big first time and worry themselves, or they simply don’t understand what you’re asking of them from the off.

“At home, I would start by opening the brushes up really wide on each side of the jump so the horse can see their way through the middle, gradually moving them in each time they go over it. Then, I’d fix the brushes so they gently skim the underneath of the horse. I’d work it up until they’re confidently jumping a full bullfinch.

“I’ve had a few ponies who always wanted to jump over the top of a bullfinch. Both Smartie and Jara would leap it as they are such careful jumpers. Though once they knew there was a path through, there was no problem.”

2. Water trays

A water tray is often the bogey fence of the course and, as Georgia explains, some horses never become fully confident with them. Learning how to jump a water tray should be a key part of training for working hunter pony classes.

“My worker Lisa’s Dream can be cheeky with them, and I can still never completely trust her with one, even at 18 years old,” she says. “Some never get better and you must always be ready for them to spook in the ring, though you can put the practice in at home. Before every single show, Lisa will jump a water tray the day before, and when I first go into the ring to jump, I will trot past the water tray so she can see it and knows it’s there.

“When training, it’s important to try and jump as many water trays as you can, of all sizes and shapes. At home, we have a water tray which is made up of four separate squares, meaning you can start with two squares under the jump but pulled apart so the horse can go through the gap in the middle. Then, we’d put a pole over the top so the horse pops the gap but over something. You can build it up to putting the squares together to make a full tray before adding water.”

3. Being unsettled during the show

“Many riders can overlook the show section of a working hunter pony class, which is just throwing away marks,” Georgia says. “Some ponies can be buzzy after jumping so ensuring you do enough flatwork at home can help. A pony needs to realise that they must settle back down after they jump.

“My top 14hh worker, Conan Spartacus, was particularly buzzy after his round. So, after practising his jumping I’d always do some flatwork on him, mimicking the situation as if I was coming out of the ring. Also, I’d make sure I started my show quietly, never pushing off into trot too fast and consequently hyping him up.

“My flatwork schooling is never overly exciting, just lots of basic work; lots of leg yielding, including circles, pushing out onto a bigger circle before leg yielding back in again. This works on suppleness as well as ensuring they’re always off my leg, which is vital.”

4. Lacking straightness

Amy Canavan-Smith is one of the circuit’s most consistent native pony specialists. She has produced ponies to the top on both the flat and over fences and she’s also a popular trainer. She has won HOYS and the RIHS several times and has been champion at both. She has also been champion at Royal Windsor and has won all major M&M working hunter championships on the circuit. Her most prolific worker ride is Connemara Laburnum Richard.

“The biggest issue I see in ponies I haven’t started myself, irrespective of breed or type, is a lack of straightness,” Amy says. “It’s so important to consider, especially when you’re jumping some of the courses built by the likes of Lisa Kelly and Graham Barclay, which always have offsets in them. If you’re coming around the corner and the pony throws a shoulder and has too much inside or outside bend, it’s going to make getting the right line 10 times more difficult.

“I would be improving straightness by working away from the side of the arena and riding plenty of transitions while staying off the track. I notice that, especially during indoor winter training clinics, that many ponies turn on the inside bend and stay on that same bend down the side.

“I would, therefore, be working down the three-quarter line and adding in transitions, walk to canter, and canter to walk. It’s discipline work but it’s also keeping them moving between your hand and your leg. The more you take with the hand, the more a pony throws its hindquarters out, too.

“The heavier breeds are harder to straighten. My former 133cm contender, the Highland Aigas Of Achnacarry, was a pocket rocket, but he was on the front end. If someone less experienced had got him, they might have put him in a stronger bit, but it wasn’t just a case of lightening him in the mouth, he needed bringing up from the leg. Initially, he would dive into the bottom of a fence, just going faster when you put your leg on him. He would turn from his head, not his body, so I’d do lots of work on a straight line.

“In the collecting ring, I would jump a fence, keep him straight and ask him to halt. It’s very tempting, while warming up at a show, to jump and get into the rat race with the others and constantly stay on a turn.”

5. Walking the course

“I cannot stress how important the course walk is,” Amy says. “So many riders walk the course but only to learn the route. In workers, it’s all about style and how you jump your round. Of course you want to go the right way, but you want it to look as smooth as possible.

“Take your time while walking; you can socialise with your friends later! Look at the angles to each fence and consider which approach will work best. It’s not just jumping fence one, two, etc, it’s judged as a collective. It doesn’t always go to plan, but if you go in with a plan at least you’ve given yourself the best chance of success.”

6. Uneven rhythm

Kelly Ward, a leading working hunter rider who has won HOYS, the RIHS and Windsor as well as all other major shows, has some useful advice on rhythm. As well as her own achievements, she has also trained and produced combinations to win at all major championships and finals. Her daughter Ruby Ward is a star working hunter pony rider, who has also reigned at HOYS, the RIHS and Windsor on various heights, plaited and M&M. In 2022, Kelly and Ruby’s 133cm contender Noble Peppermint was supreme at HOYS after winning the working hunter pony of the year championship with Elsie Lynch.

“A lot of riders think that they must work on their rhythm around a course of fences, but there’s no reason why you can’t begin by nailing your rhythm and flow around a set of poles on the ground,” Kelly explains. “If you can canter around six poles on the floor with ease in a good rhythm, then you can move up to a course of cross poles, then add the fillers, and so on.

“Improving a pony’s canter will also improve the rhythm over jumps. If a pony can’t canter in a good rhythm on the flat, you can’t expect it to produce that around a course of fences. A good exercise to improve the canter is working over poles on related distances. You can also work on lengthening and shortening the canter on the flat, pushing on and then bringing it back. This will make it easier to collect within the pace when needed in a tighter arena, but lets you push on when needed if jumping in a big open space.

“Ruby’s current 143cm working hunter pony Lady Dublin Of Corderry, who was champion at the RIHS and a winner at HOYS this year, struggled with her canter when she arrived. We spent a lot of time on lengthening and shortening her up. She’s a very forward pony and would struggle with collection at times.”

7. Riding on different surfaces

Kelly says one common problem she notices is that younger riders don’t have experience of riding on enough different surfaces, a symptom of modern day showing where so much takes place on artificial surfaces.

“Years ago, you’d be riding on grass week in week out, but today most shows are held at equestrian centre on surfaces,” she says. “Therefore, come summer, some jockeys won’t have jumped on grass, causing them to panic, especially over the bigger tracks at shows like the RIHS final at Hickstead.

“Riders aren’t used to jumping on uneven ground with inclines, and they get a bit lost without the railings around them. They then forget everything else they’ve learnt! My advice is to practise on grass as much as possible, so you’re prepared once you get to some of the lovely county shows which have big grass rings.”

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

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A tack malfunction in the form of a broken stirrup at HOYS during the working hunter pony final wasn’t going to stop a rider and her Welsh stallion… until it did.

Robyn-Jayne Hadland and Garlance Flash Jac set off around the 133cm M&M working hunter pony track at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with gusto, until Robyn’s stirrup leather unexpected snapped at the second fence.

Jac, who qualified for this year’s final at Robyn’s local show Flint and Denbigh, was not deterred, though, and the pair kept on going until the ninth fence where Robyn couldn’t quite manage to stay in the plate, just two fences from home.

“We jumped the first fence well, then over the second I looked down at my stirrup and saw it had snapped,” Robyn recalls. “I thought ‘screw it’ and carried on.

“A few years ago I actually lost my stirrup while jumping a novice course and we went clear so I thought I could do it again. I’d paid for my entry and there was a crowd full of people watching, too!”

The pair managed to jump seven fences after suffering the broken stirrup at HOYS.

“Jac had a poo, came back to trot and I just lost my balance,” Robyn continues. “He’s normally very keen to a fence so I think he was like ‘something’s wrong, Mum’. Though the whole way around he went so well; if I was going, he was going.”

Robyn and Jac had finished seventh in the open Welsh section C final the previous day.

“As we’d had such a good week, I still left the ring smiling,” Robyn says.

Robyn has owned 10-year-old Jac for four years. This was his second worker appearance here, and his first on the flat. He stood second at the Royal International in 2023.

“He hasn’t actually done a lot of jumping at all, but he loves it,” Robyn adds. “Last year [at HOYS] I’d broken my hand so couldn’t ride him here, so it was just nice to be able to get the chance this time.

“We have such a good bond and while at home’s very mischievous, but he doesn’t put a foot wrong under-saddle.”

● Have you ever experienced a tack malfunction at a key moment? Share your story 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

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows around the Uk including London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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It all came together at the right moment for a 25-year-old rider and her ‘tricky’ gelding, who not only jumped to win their class but scored the National Pony Society and Molevalley Farmers 2024 HOYS working hunter pony of the year championship at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). 

Phillipa King and her own Plato VD Donkhoeve (Pablo), a nine-year-old by Quidam De Revel, scored top marks in the intermediate class, booking their spot in the working hunter pony of the year championship. This marked Phillipa’s first-ever HOYS win and championship victory.

The working hunter classes were judged by William Fox-Pitt and Chris Lawrie.

“I can’t believe it,” said Phillipa, who teaches riding and swimming and who was jumping in pony ranks for the final time as next year she’s out of class.

Phillipa bought the gelding as an unbroken three-year-old from Jake Saler.

“He was small and weedy, but he could really jump,” Phillipa said. “Jake broke him in for us and it’s been a very long journey since.”

Phillipa said she’s struggled to manage Pablo’s outbursts in the ring. She explained: “He hated water trays and would also rear and nap a lot. He’s sent me flying a few times. We’ve overcome it with a lot of hard work and perseverance; we just kept going.

“It’s all come together in the last couple of years,” she added. “It was always inside him, it just took us time to get him on-side. He likes to show off, so in the end we got there.”

Pablo show jumps at Foxhunter level so the meaty track didn’t phase him.

“He’s used to the size, it’s the spookiness and the tightness of the arena, but he was amazing,” Phillipa added.

Reserve for the 2024 HOYS working hunter pony championship was Felicity Watts riding the incredible coloured mare Precious Gem II.

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

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On day three of the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), the four 2024 HOYS working hunter pony classes, supported by the National Pony Society and Molevalley Farmers, were assessed by two esteemed judges, including legendary eventer William Fox-Pitt.

William, who assessed ride and show after the round, co-judged alongside leading Australian showing figure Chris Lawrie, who was responsible for the conformation phase.

Competitors in intermediates, 153cms, 143cms and 133cms were treated to a David Cole-designed course that made use of every inch of the TopSpec Arena, but was typically tight and twisty as well as up to height.

“I’ve had a very interesting morning here,” William said. “The standard has been high and the course was quite serious. The first course [for the intermediates] was particularly demanding.

“The riders had their work cut out. Naturally, it’s not a friendly environment for a working hunter; it couldn’t be further from the hunting field, being under the lights and being required to gallop around the pillar. There were some smart horses, though, and they coped remarkably well. However, a few do need to buy a water tray!”

Chris added: “This is one of the best horse shows in the world so it’s no surprise that we had good numbers as well as well-produced ponies with nice riders. The standard was very high, but the winners were just that little bit better on the day.”

Here are the four winners of the 2024 HOYS working hunter pony classes:

Intermediate working hunter pony of the year

Phillipa King and her own nine-year-old gelding Plato VD Donkhoeve, who is by Quidam De Revel.

153cm working hunter pony of the year

Abigail Isaac and her own 11-year-old mare Lady Jamie, who is of unknown breeding.

143cm working hunter pony of the year

Evie Kennedy and her own 15-year-old gelding Little Dromin Phoenix, who is by Lettermuckoo Lad.

133cm working hunter pony of the year

Felicity Watts and The Bailye-Hawkins family’s 17-year-old mare Precious Gem II, who is of unknown breeding.

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Leading working hunter pony rider Ruby Ward admitted she was feeling the nerves as she entered the TopSpec Arena to jump in the 2024 HOYS 143cm M&M working hunter pony of the year final aboard Angela Hunt’s dun Connemara mare Lady Dublin Of Corderry (Dory) on day two of the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

The pressure had accumulated as Ruby and Dory are the reigning Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) M&M working hunter champions and plaited reserves, and they also picked up a lovely win at Royal Windsor in May. They were also champions at Royal Cheshire and at Lincoln earlier this year.

It was Ruby’s ambition to do the ‘big three’ by winning HOYS with the scopey yet mannerly Dory, an 11-year-old by Gwennic De Goariva.

“She’s never won here before,” Ruby confirmed. “But she’s done the three — Windsor, RIHS and now HOYS — in the same year; she is the first pony I’ve had do this.”

Of the 143cm course, which was designed by David Cole, Ruby said: “It was tricky. There were a few challenges including short doubles, which suited Dory as she can shorten her stride. And there were skinny planks which were also tricky.

“I did feel the pressure today, but I had to put it out of my mind and focus on having fun with it,” Ruby continued.

This was Ruby’s fourth HOYS win. She was last champion here in 2018 riding 133cm mare Noble Peppermint.

“Dory is so mannerly; she pops round and does her job without making any fuss at all,” Ruby said. “She was a bit sharp last night during the working in as she was excited, but today she got on with her job.”

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A proud mother credited weekly outings on the hunt field with the Old Berks for her son’s victory in the 2024 HOYS 133cm M&M working hunter pony of the year final at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Cheryl Elcock’s 11-year-old mare Brynithon Poachers Gold (Ruby), an 11-year-old by Leyeswick The Poacher, soared to glory with 12-year-old Oscar Elcock in the plate.

They qualified at NPS Area 7’s summer show and it was their first time competing at the NEC.

The 133cm class saw three riders part company from their ponies early on, though fortunately no one was hurt.

“Before I went in I was really nervous,” Oscar said. “Then, when I went through the first part of the double I lost my reins and I thought ‘oh my god’.”

Ruby, however, got the pair through, taking Oscar boldly forward so he could regain his composure and continue the round fault free.

“She’s so honest,” added Oscar, who last won at HOYS on a lead-rein show hunter pony.

“Ruby and I do everything together and for the last three years we’ve gone out hunting every single Saturday,” said Oscar, whose father was the senior master of the Old Berks for 10 seasons, only retiring this year. “It will also be my last time riding her at HOYS, though, as we have a 14hh pony waiting at home for next year, so it’s all still exciting,”

Ruby, who is one of the smallest in the class at just 12.2hh, was bought just before lockdown, as Cheryl explained: “We’d been looking for a pony for about two years and couldn’t find one. We saw her online and went to see her. She was bought mainly as a fun pony. We gave a few shows ago and we realised she could be quite good at this. Hunting has been the making of the pair of them. And Ruby has made Oscar into the rider he is today.”

Oscar added: “She’s given me so much confidence. She’s an amazing mare, the best pony I’ve ever had.”

After winning the 2024 HOYS 133cm M&M working hunter pony of the year final, Oscar and Ruby will re-join the other class winners for the championship later in the day.

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

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A 19-year-old Welsh section A provided his seven-year-old rider with her dream Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) win as they jumped to the head of the 2024 HOYS junior M&M working hunter pony of the year field.

Laura Long was on the edge of her seat while watching her daughter Mia-Bella Long jump here for the first time on Julie Millard’s ever-green gelding Vennebos Pearly King (Sparty).

A year ago, Mia finished second at HOYS on the lead-rein and now the budding young jump jockey has her sights set on show jumping here in future years.

Back in 2022, Sparty won the inaugural junior working hunter pony of the year final with his previous jockey Lola Carabine.

“We got Sparty at the start of 2022 as Lola was happy for him to come to us to teach Mia the ropes,” said Laura. “When we first got him Mia was so novice and she had to work hard on perfecting her show. She does show jumping as well, so the jumping has come more naturally than the flat part.”

Prior to his working hunter career, Sparty was a prolific flat pony. He only began jumping in his teen years. He’s currently home-produced.

“He’s the best pony in the world and he gives his rider everything. If they’re committed he’s going, no matter what. He looks incredible, too. He’s never looked so well in himself. He’s like a fine wine; he gets better and better each year.”

“Jumping is Mia’s favourite thing to do and she’s so level headed,” Laura added. “She’s so calm and brave; I’m so proud of her. Her dream is to jump in the main arena at HOYS one day.”

Last year’s HOYS M&M working hunter pony of the year Delami Bravado took Poppy Rowlands into second spot in the HOYS 2024 junior M&M working hunter pony of the year championship, with Guy Hamilton and Rhesfair The Done in third.

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A seasoned worker rider and the horse who jumped her off at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 12 months ago returned to the stage to lift this year’s Sports Horse Breeding of Great Britain HOYS working hunter of the year accolade.

A field of 34 starters took on David Cole’s course of rustic fences, with the testing track producing just three clears and a final line of 12 who returned for the second phase. Ride judge Jessica Stalling, who has travelled from Australia to officiate at HOYS, worked her way through “a very strong field” while conformation was judged by leading show horse producer Simon Reynolds.

On this occasion, it was Libby Cooke and her seven-year-old Uisneagh Camus (Bert) who were crowned champions. This title has eluded Libby over the years, and she also was determined to redeem their 2023 performance.

Libby said: “He jumped too high last year and I didn’t stay on. It wasn’t his fault; he’s amazing. I’m very lucky to have him.

Libby bought Bert out of Ireland as a four-year-old, as she explained: “I bought him from John O’Brien who I buy all my horses from. I have taken my time with him because I knew he was special — I’m not sure everyone believed me, but I knew he was.

“I have no school or field to ride in, so we mainly hack and I put him in the lorry to have a jump every other week.”

Bert produced one of three clears in this class to also nail the ‘See a Stride, 75’ fence; a special anniversary twist on the course in honour of HOYS’ diamond jubilee.

This optional but challenging new addition stood at 1.30m above the course of 1.20m fences. Those willing to tackle this fence were awarded an extra five marks, while those who took it on but failed to clear it had 15 marks deducted from their final jump score.

Reflecting on the track, Libby said: “He [Bert] made it feel quite easy, but a lot of people have said it’s the toughest track they’ve seen for a long time, especially the second half of the course.

“To win this time hasn’t really sunk in; it’s something we all dream of. I’ve been lucky enough to win at all the other major shows but not here, and it always grates on you a little bit. You think I’ve got to do that, and now I have. It’s a bit unbelievable.

“It might sound like the Oscars but I’ve got so many people to thank. I’m very grateful to have my sister Anna and Katie and Rosie Wilson. I’ve been doing this a long time, quite well, and there was a time I wasn’t. They got me back into it and motivated me again.”

Reserve in the HOYS working hunter of the year championship was Davina Fetherstonhaugh’s eight-year-old Longwood, known as Billy at home. Davina and Billy also jumped clear earlier in the day, also nailing the anniversary fence.

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

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Winning a supreme at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) is a dream for most riders and producers who compete in the show ring. This year’s horse and pony showdowns were as spectacular as ever, with each competitor putting on the performance of their lives in the hopes of capturing the three judges’ eyes, and earn their highest scores.

Craig Kiddier and Sue Tennant’s Mulberry Lane qualified for the horse supreme after winning the working hunter championship for the second year on the bounce. The pressure was on for huntsman Craig as he came forward for the supreme 12 months ago aboard “Obi” and the pair finished reserve, one mark off the title.

Obi, a nine-year-old sired by OBOS Quality, has been Craig’s ride for several seasons, though 2023 was the first time either of them had jumped at the RIHS before.

“Last year was the first time either of us had done the workers here, so to win and go champion was a dream come true,” said Craig, when he chatted to H&H’s showing editor Alex Robinson on episode 152 of The Horse & Hound Podcast. “The pressure coming back this year was immense.”

Earlier in the week at Hickstead, Craig and Obi also finished second in the middleweight hunter final, providing the pair with their first of three spins in the iconic main arena.

In the supreme, they were fifth to perform before the three judges, Philip Hilton, Joy Hall and Frances Youngs. Craig’s stand-out moment in his show was when he turned and headed towards the first fence of the Hickstead Derby course — a solid stone wall.

Craig explained how he planned his performance: “To be honest, I am a bit of a worrier in some ways, so the night before I was lying there thinking what could I do to make my show a little bit different. Last year, Obi did the most beautiful show, though I wanted to jump something this time. I spoke to one of the stewards about going up the bank and he said absolutely not, but I could go through the water. I thought that was a big ask for Obi to go from the grass, onto the rubber and into the water.”

At the last hour, the stewards conferred and said Craig could jump the wall if he wished.

“It was all very last minute and I hadn’t really planned where I was going to go; it kind of just happened. I galloped up the front, turned to the wall and I really didn’t get the best stride to it! But Obi said he could do this and he was just incredible. It was an amazing moment.”

2024 Royal International Horse Show supremes: pony winner Rosscon Copycat

In the pony supreme just moments later, history was made when producers David Jinks and Adam Forster of Team Jinks fielded both the supreme and reserve. Reise Shakespeare and show hunter pony champion Rosscon Copycat took the supreme, with Violet Mennie and mini supreme Newoak Midnight Blue, a lead rein contender handled by Adam, the reserve.

Both 19-year-old Reise and Violet and Adam finished their shows on scores of 26/30, prompting a rare ride-off. In the end, it was Reise and six-year-old Copycat who took the crown.

Adam also spoke on episode 152 of The Horse & Hound Podcast when he recalled going head-to-head with his teammate: “It was so special. It was a situation that may never be repeated again. Obviously we’re all incredibly competitive; Reise wanted to beat me and I wanted to beat Reise, but ultimately it’s coming back to the same yard.

“Reise has ridden for us since he was out of 12 handers and he’s come right up the ranks with us. I was very, very proud of him, and for producing both animals. Reise made me laugh after the supreme; he said ‘thank god you were running and we weren’t riding against each other as the result probably would have been very different’.”

To hear more from the stars of the 2024 Royal International Horse Show listen here to episode 152 of The Horse & Hound Podcast or search “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your favourite podcast app.

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The working hunter champion dazzled at the Agria Royal International Horse Show to capture this year’s seven-strong 2024 RIHS Barberstown Castle supreme ridden horse championship, after finishing in reserve spot 12 months earlier.

Craig Kiddier and Sue Tennant’s Mulberry Lane (Obi) were fifth to perform before the three judges, Philip Hilton, Joy Hall and Frances Youngs.

Craig began his show by tipping his hat to those spectating before placing it under his left arm. A few strides of trot on, he replaced it on his head and the show began. Obi went through the gears effortlessly, showing a floating trot and rhythmical canter, turning on the lightest touch of the reins. Obi then shifted on during the gallop, to the cheer of the crowd, before Craig turned and headed towards the first fence of the Hickstead Derby route — a solid stone wall.

Their final total of two 10s and an eight put them on a final score of 28/30 and the following combinations Jayne Ross and KBF Lucia (coloured champions) and Helen Baker and Boston Black Tie (hack champions) could not top them on this occasion with their respective scores of 25/30 and 26/30.

“I’m speechless, and I’m not usually a speechless person,” said Criag, second in the middleweight hunter final with Obi on Thursday, too. “You only dream of this, for it to be a reality is something else. I knew I needed to pull something out of the bag today. I said to the steward that I wanted to jump the wall. I didn’t get the best stride to it, but — bless Obi — he picked up my hand and said “I know what I’m doing”.”

Sue bought Obi out of Ireland as a three-year-old. She spotted him at Dublin Horse Show and Craig got him when he was a just-backed four-year-old.

“He was bottom of the line, but he was such a raw young horse with a big frame, and he had very correct limb,” Craig said. “He’s a true working hunter — a show horse that jumps. Wherever I point him, even if it’s probably a stupid idea, he’ll go. If i’m out hunting and I point him at a hedge, a ditch or a set of rails, he will go where I say.”

“Sue has been such a loyal owner to me,” said Craig. “We do have a little joke between us; I always call her smiling Susan as she’s not a very smiley person, but surely after today she’s got to be smiling?!”

Obi hunts with the South Notts. His show ring tally includes two Great Yorkshire show championships, including in his 2021 novice season and the 2024 title.

Reserve in the 2024 RIHS supreme ridden horse championship was this year’s cob champions, Oli Hood riding Catherine Dickens’ Carters Top Gun. First to go, former supreme winner Oli set the tone by presenting the heavyweight contender to perfection to score 27/30. The grey gelding provided Oli with an armchair ride, his transitions smooth and Oli’s reins loose and giving.

Jayne Ross and her first ride of the supreme, hunter champion Twinshock Warrior, came in with a score of 24/30.

Joining in the supreme were the Arab champions, Jade Hateley and Cipriana who scored 21/30 and the riding horse champions, Sophie Openshaw and New Illusion.

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A Connemara mare became a double 2024 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) winner — and a section champion — as she headed the NPS/Supreme Products supreme M&M working hunter pony championship on day four of the show.

Angela Hunt’s athletic dun Lady Dublin Of Corderry (Dory) initially jumped to the 143cm section with her rider Ruby Ward.

This year’s 12-fence course, designed by Kevin Millman, was without the iconic water-splash on this occasion owing to bad ground conditions. This made some riders take a breath and predict an easier challenge was ahead. They were, however, still required to be on the ball and navigate testing lines, sizable oxers and an impressive bullfinch, and clears still had to be earned. Ruby and Dory jumped one of seven clears in the 143cms, scoring a style mark of 18/20 for their efforts.

Dory, a Gwennic De Goariva 11-year-old, had reigned in plaited ranks on Wednesday, winning the 143cm final and posting section reserve.

Ruby, last M&M worker champion here in 2018 with Welsh section A Blackhill Imogen, has forged an exceptional partnership with Dory. As well as their two newly-acquired Hickstead wins, their 2024 CV includes BSPS championships, Royal Cheshire and Lincoln championships.

“She’s such a good girl,” said a thrilled Ruby, who is in her third year with Dory. This is the third time the mare has qualified for the RIHS, though she couldn’t attend the final during her debut season owing to a mouth injury.

“She did jump very well here last year, but she’s stepped it up this time and has done amazing,” said Ruby. “It was a spooky course, and they more than made up for not having the splash in there. But Dory is so honest and she takes anything on.”

Ruby also has exceptional form in plaited workers here at Hickstead. In 2019, she won the 133cms and finished reserve with her family’s legendary mare Noble Peppermint and in 2022 she was worker champion with 143cm contender Noble Ronan.

Judges of the four sections were Jackie Beatham (jump) and Lorayne Ahmet (conf).

“We saw some lovely jumping rounds that flowed forward, kept in rhythm and were balanced,” Jackie said. “Our champion’s round was very educated. The pony was beautifully balanced and careful, but looking through her ears at all times.”

Lorayne added: “She was a very feminine mare, though was also workmanlike. Her jockey rode her beautifully, too.”

Reserve in the NPS/Supreme Products supreme M&M working hunter pony championship fell to the current HOYS M&M working hunter pony champions, Ollie Rowlands and his mother Fiona Aston’s home-produced Delami Bravado. The Welsh section A won the 122cms before putting on an exemplary performance in the championship, with Ollie impressing with his sympathetic riding.

Lorayne said: “He was a lovely rider with a great set of hands on him. He showed his pony to perfection. In general, some of the shows were a bit hurried which let combination’s marks down.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Royal International Horse Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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The exceptional partnership of Craig Kiddier and Mulberry Lane returned to the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) to lift the 2024 RIHS Saracen Horse Feeds supreme working hunter championship for the second year in a row.

Vicky and Sue Tennant’s OBOS Quality nine-year-old jumped clear in the heavyweight class before returning to the International Arena to reign supreme once again. Yesterday, the on-form pair had finished second in the middleweight final, only confirming the gelding’s versatility and quality.

This year’s Kevin Millman-built track was a flowing test with challenges throughout, despite the permanent obstacles — including the hedge and the ditch — not being used on this occasion due to the ground conditions.

“It was testing with some questions, even though the ditch wasn’t in this time, but it still took some jumping,” Craig said. “You thought you were going clear, and then the skinny vertical going down the hill at the last was to finish. It confirmed that you’re never clear until you’re home!”

Last term, Obi and Craig finished their week at the RIHS as reserve supreme horse champions. On their outing ahead of this year’s final, they were champions at the Great Yorkshire for a second time.

“I’ll never, ever have another horse like him,” said Craig. “He was second yesterday in the middles, and champion in the workers today; they don’t make them like him very often.”

Craig admitted he felt the pressure ahead of this year’s RIHS final: “He’s quite hard to beat if he jumps clear as he’s so true to type, but you’ve got to get that clear. To be honest, anything can happen, but he’s done it. It still feels as special as ever. I had a few horses leave me at the start of the year, and I was a bit down about everything. But I get on Obi and he puts me back on a high.”

Obi hunts with the South Notts and Craig regularly showjumps him, too.

“He’s a lot stronger and more established this year,” Craig added.

The winning lightweight combination scored reserve in the 2024 RIHS supreme working hunter championship. This was Amy Tough aboard Sarah Robson’s Royal Diamond six-year-old Kalani K.

The second placed lightweight, Lucinda White’s Noble Queen Bee and Jasean Spraggett, and the second placed heavyweight, Lucinda Henson’s Blessed Spirit and Kieran Price, joined the championship.

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

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

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

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

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

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

1.

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

2.

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

3.

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

4.

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

5 A & B.

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

6.

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

7.

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

8.

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

9.

A rustic wall with two poles above.

10.

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

11 A & B.

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

12.

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

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At the 2024 Agria Royal International Horse Show, thrilling 2024 RIHS LG Show Team BSPS supreme working hunter pony championship classes culminated in the final showdown which was won by a 17-year-old gelding.

Joe Widger’s pure-bred Connemara Ella’s Melody (Barney) jumped one of two clears in the 153cm section before he galloped like fury to impress judges John Conifey (jumping) and Terry Chalmers (conformation) in the overall championship.

The I Love You Melody son was capably ridden by his partner of four years Hannah Mackey, who had made the trip over from Waterford in Ireland with her family to compete at the prestigious summer show.

Their route to Hickstead glory has been a slow burn, as 17-year-old Hannah explained: “When we came to the RIHS the first year, it didn’t go very well; we only got half way around. The following year we finished eighth and we didn’t end up coming here last year.”

Barney has been a prolific worker contender over the years, and Hannah says he shows no signs of slowing down: “He loves cross-country training and going to the beach; he’s not a fan of trotting around in circles in an arena and he can get bored easily. When he’s in good form he goes the best, so we try to keep him as happy as we possibly can.”

Hannah’s mother, Emily Widger, formerly show jumped to a high level. On Sunday, home-producer Hannah and Barney will be contending the Pretty Polly finals, and they’ll also be dabbling in show jumping while at Hickstead.

“Barney loves himself; he’s great and he knows it,” Hannah added.

Former champion Ruby Ward finished reserve in the 2024 RIHS supreme working hunter pony championship aboard another Connemara, Angela Hunt’s recent Lincoln and Royal Cheshire champion Lady Dublin Of Corderry. The 11-year-old mare led the 143cm field and she will return to the ring later in the week to contend the M&M worker final.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The 2024 Royal Windsor Horse Show welcomed the country’s best working hunter riders and their steeds to tackle a stunning 12-fence rustic track built by leading designer Lisa Kelly.

Lightweight and heavyweight contenders took to the Frogmore Arena on Thursday morning to compete for two separate titles. On the completion of both classes, first and second placed combinations headed into the Castle Arena to vie for the working hunter championship title, which was eventually secured by Adele Hanson and her winning heavyweight, The Top Drawer.

As the working hunter classes have been held in the main ring in previous years, the new setting of the Frogmore Arena provided different challenges.

Let’s take a look to see whether this year’s course would suit you and your horse…

Fence 1

The first fence was a welcoming upright with a brush filler to the front. Approached off the right rein, riders were required to judge the turn off the corner correctly to ensure a tidy approach and start off their course with gusto.

Fence 2

Coming in second was this wide and poley oxer that required careful riding to ensure the back pole was left in the cups.

Fence 3

An eye-catching white willow tree-themed upright sat at fence three.

Fence 4AB

The first combination of the course — a double that required two strides. The foliage wrapped around the poles was an interesting touch — hopefully your horse can distinguish them from snakes?!

Fence 5

Every championship track requires a water tray in the mix, and this year’s was placed under fence five. A tricky obstacle as it coming away from the gate, and the poles could be rolled if a horse became unsettled by the water beneath. 

Fence 6

The show-stopper of the course. A bright and flashy ladybird would be well-received by those who had put the miles in showjumping over winter.

Fence 7

A mother duck and her young welcome combinations to fence seven. The solid filler could possibly spook a few horses, but the more experienced should clear it with ease.

Fence 8

The second double of the course required one stride in-between each element.

Fence 9

The ninth effort was this chunky sheep-themed oxer.

Fence 10

Three from home and we were treated to the sole skinny of the course. If your horse is going well then this should flow nicely.

Fence 11

A pretty curved bridge that required careful, neat jumping so the top pole stayed in position.

Fence 12

The 12th fence of the course, an oxer with three jagged planks. This required quite an effort so we can imagine that some impressive official photographs were snapped here!

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A heavyweight gelding tallied the 2024 Royal Windsor working hunter championship, providing his long-term owner/rider with her first royal title over fences.

Adele Hanson’s The Top Drawer (Draco), a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse by jumping stallion Tabasco Van Erpekom out of National Hunt mare Indabag, had to initially impress judges Jo Jack (ride) and Anthea Derby (conformation) over the Lisa Kelly-designed worker track, hosted in the Frogmore Arena.

They then dazzled in the Castle Arena championship to be crowned winners of the overall title ahead of the reserves, Katrina Hirst’s OBOS Quality eight-year-old Drombane Classic, piloted by Eleanor Hirst, champion here 12 months ago with her own heavyweight Noble Gladiator.

“My co-judge and I unanimously agreed on our champion and reserve,” said Jo. “We watched lovely horses jump over a beautifully built course, which made our job easy and fun. Our champion gave me a super ride and his quality shone through in the main ring.”

Adele, who has won at Royal Windsor on the flat before, was over the moon to reign on her home-produced gelding Draco.

“It was an inviting course, but challenging,” Adele said. “The horses had to be controlled, disciplined and fully listening. It was a tight and bendy track, but there were some big open spreads and flimsy uprights to navigate, too.”

Adele bought Draco when he was a just backed five-year-old from Malcolm and Janet Ambler.

“He was a bit late getting going so we only brought him out as a six-year-old,” said Adele, champion with Draco during his novice season at the 2019 Great Yorkshire. “We’ve taken it slowly, but we’ve got to HOYS for the past couple of years. He’s not an easy horse; while he tries very hard he can get stressed in certain situations as he just wants to please. He’s bred to event, so he’s a forward ride; he likes to cover a lot of ground, which is why he loved the main ring here; he ate it up.”

The second placed combinations joining the 2024 Royal Windsor working hunter championship were Rachel Turner riding her own and Rebecca Brierley’s Ernie Big, a 15-year-old by Big Time, and Lily Ennis riding her own and Katie Rigler’s eight-year-old Lagans Lasts Rolo, another gelding by OBOS Quality.

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

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

Who are Amy Canavan-Smith and Vikki Smith?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ellis Grierson is a rider on a roll. The 30-year-old amateur working hunter competitor and native specialist finished her 2023 season with a second place at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) after racking up a tally of impressive results over the summer.

Also a keen event rider, Ellis Grierson has been involved in showing for nine years.

“I got into showing after moving into our first home that had land and stables,” Ellis explains. “I didn’t ride during university, and my event horse was semi-retired, so I was a bit stuck on what route to go down next. At the time, we had three horses, and four stables. It was a simple case of equestrian maths — the numbers didn’t add up for us!

“My sister spotted a beautiful little Welsh mare for sale half an hour away. She was my childhood dream come true; liver chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail — the ultimate Barbie pony. We didn’t have the faintest clue about showing, but we soon started venturing out to some local shows. We started making great friends on the circuit and the thrill of competitive outings became addictive, as did the buying of very cute native ponies to compete with.”

Ellis has enjoyed success on some brilliant ponies, one of her most successful being Dunally Jane (Jenka) who she credits for putting her on the map.

“She helped me get to where I am now,” Ellis says. “My sister bought her unseen as a feral two-year-old. I’ll never forget the feeling of dread when the transporter called to warn us to brace ourselves as she was a bit wild! To think, we took her from that crazy baby pony to being a Badminton Grassroots contender. She’s had countless wins and top placings in the show ring in workers, some highlights being winning the Scottish Horse show in 2021 and qualifying for the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) this year.”

Ellis’ ride of 2023 was undoubtedly her Welsh section D Derradda Rummy (Hummy) who finished as runner up in the exceeding 143cm M&M working hunter pony final at HOYS.

“It takes a great pony to qualify for HOYS, and an even greater one to finish second on their first visit there,” Ellis says. “I never thought I’d be competing at HOYS, let alone jumping clear around a 1.10m course there. I don’t think I’ll ever get over the shock of them announcing my number in front of that huge crowd!

“He has also led me to dipping my toe into the world of British Dressage, qualifying for the Winter Champs at Hartpury earlier this year. We are very much winging it when it comes to dressage, but we’re looking forward to stepping up the levels over winter. He is one in a million and he gives anything a go with a smile on his face.”

Ellis keeps her ponies at home in Scotland. Her set-up boasts an indoor barn with eight stables and indoor and outdoor schools.

“I count my lucky stars,” she says. “When we first moved to this home seven years ago there were no equestrian facilities. We had temporary stables put up next to my house while the yard was built. I really loved our little set-up back then but I do not miss the heavy Scottish rain bursting through the temporary roofs on a regular basis!

“My family all live around me and we work as a very good team. Everyone chips in as and when they need to and we are always there for each other when we need that extra support.”

Ellis Grierson — “I hope I can tick some off in 2024”

Ellis has also amassed a strong following on social media. She began her Instagram page five years ago.

“When I worked for the equestrian company Eqclusive I started taking photos and videos using the products for their own Instagram and it just went from there,” she explains. “I’ve met so many like-minded friends and I’ve been able to meet lots of these people face to face at shows and events after years chatting online.”

Adding another string to her bow, Ellis is gearing up to continue her eventing career in 2024: “I currently compete at BE90 and was lucky enough to compete at Badminton this year. Unfortunately the number of BE venues in Scotland is quite low now so we have struggled to get to many events this year, however I have a really exciting up-and-coming pony that I am planning to event next year and really hope he will be the one to get me ticking off my BE100 goal! I missed out on Badminton 2024 by one place so perhaps we can aim to get a 2025 qualification next year.”

Showing wise, Ellis is keen to return to the RIHS: “I went there for the first time ever this year and absolutely loved the atmosphere, so I’d really love to go back with a couple of ponies next year!

“For dressage, I’m hoping Hummy and I can qualify for the Winter Championships again at a higher level.

“An ultimate goal of mine is to step up to the horse working hunter classes one day, but I’m still waiting to find that special unicorn horse to tackle those courses. A non-competitive goal is to work towards my UKCC coaching qualifications. I really enjoyed training for my stage one and would love to get to my stage two and start doing some coaching. I have so many ideas in my head for 2024, and I hope I can tick some of them off.”

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The owners of a Connemara who enjoyed success in top-level working hunter classes have paid tribute to “the biggest legend of all time”, after her death at the age of 23. Golden Island Star had retired from the show ring but was still in active semi-retirement until she succumbed to a bout of colic.

Claire Somerset, who rode “Fiona” at events including Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), told H&H her family bought the mare 15 years ago, and she was first competed by Claire’s sister Alice.

Together, Claire and Fiona competed in mountain and moorland and plaited working hunter classes, more recently turning their attention to British Showjumping.

“She was the biggest legend of all time; everyone loved her,” Claire said.

Claire and Fiona were also on the British team that competed at the Royal Dublin Show in 2015, in a competition run by the British Connemara Pony Society.

“Jumping clear in the 15hh workers at HOYS in 2015 was probably my highlight,” Claire said. “It was a big course; I was terrified, and she just took me round. It was so special to be there, then to jump clear felt incredibly special.

“Then she came second there in the M&M workers so we went into the championship in the main ring. It was a great day.

“She was so kind and gentle on the ground – she was amazingly sweet, considering she was such a competition horse; she was the only one my dad could bring in – then as soon as you got on, she was ready to compete and ready to jump.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chetwynd Caspar: a very special Welsh pony

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

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

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

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

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

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

This year’s Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd. 2023 M&M working hunter pony of the year championship at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) saw four winning Welsh ponies battle it out for the title.

The top spot went to one of the smallest combinations, Ollie Rowlands and his mother Fiona Aston’s Welsh section A Delami Bravado (Benny).

The eight-year-old gelding and 13-year-old Ollie came through to the championship after winning the 122cm class. The pair, who were appearing at HOYS for the second year in a row, impressed this year’s judges Nicola Shuttleworth (conformation) and Jane Somerset (show) throughout.

Benny is produced from home by Ollie, who started jumping him during lockdown.

Benny is by Dukeshill Dotcom out of Brynrodyn Blodwen and he was bred by the Waller Family. He was started under-saddle by Hannah Turnock. Since he joined Ollie three years ago, Benny has been totally home-produced.

This year the pair won Royal Windsor, appeared at the Royal International Horse Show and they won HOYS qualifiers at The Showing Register’s amateur show and at Denbigh and Flint, respectively.

Ollie is a graduate from the ever-growing STARS amateur championships as in 2021 he steered Benny to working hunter pony glory at the final.

Reserve for the third time in their partnership was Ashley Bird riding his own Welsh section D stallion Gwerniago Gethin who had captured the 143cm honours earlier in the day.

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

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

On his seventh trip to the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), a Welsh section D stallion finally clinched the one title that had eluded him. Ross Keys rode Angela Jackson’s uber-consistent Dycott Welsh King to lift the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd. M&M exceeding. 143cm working hunter pony of the year championship at the NEC.

The 16-year-old, who was bred by Clare Granger and George Mitchell out of Navestock Monica by Mitcheltroy Welsh Prince, has won the Royal International and Royal Windsor, and he’d been knocking on the door in Birmingham, finishing third on three separate occasions.

“This result is beyond words,” said Ross, who has ridden King since he was a five-year-old. “This is the one I promised Angela when I first jumped a fence on him.”

Angela bought King as a two-year-old colt from his breeders. She campaigned him on the flat with success before he commenced his jumping career.

“As time progressed he’d had enough of doing flat classes so we focused solely on the workers,” said Ross’ partner, Anna Chaplin. “It did take him a while to get him to the level he is at now. He had stallion tendencies and he could be a little bit backwards. We’ve worked very hard with him, as while he’s very easy in some ways, he can be difficult in others.

“He’s very intelligent; it’s like dealing with a human and he knows things horses shouldn’t know. He doesn’t like it if another stallion comes onto his lorry and he hates it if Ross rides another horse. Ultimately, he knows he’s The King. But, he has a heart of gold. He has an extra special, unique relationship with Ross, too.

King has juggled stud duties alongside his showing career and throughout the winter he lives out with mares.

“We have his grand-children at home,” said Anna.

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

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

For the third time in his career, the Welsh section D stallion Gwerniago Gethin (Derek) led the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd. M&M 143cm working hunter pony of the year championship under his owner/rider Ashley Bird at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). 

The 14-year-old, who is by Gwerniago Brenin, won the same accolade in both 2016 and 2017, finishing reserve in the championship on both occasions.

“That was amazing, I loved it and so did Derek,” said Ashley, who rode his ‘horse of a lifetime’ Derek to win this year’s 143cm final and finish reserve champion at the Royal International in July. “I would like that HOYS championship win now!”

Ashley bought Derek as a three-year-old from Birmingham.

“He was a bit rough and ready, and he was cheap; he cost me about £400,” Ashley said. “I had planned to show him in the flat classes but he never grew big enough, so I decided to see if he jumps and the rest is history. He loves it and he jumps like a stag.”

Derek was just a six-year-old when he first won HOYS. He has also finished second here.

“He missed a year of competition due to a broken hoof so to come back and win this again is pretty good going,” said Ashley. “I don’t think I’ll ever get another pony like him again. I have his brother at home, though I don’t know if he’ll quite live up to Derek.

“At home Derek can be a nightmare and he’s a bit of a pain, but when he comes to a show his mindset shifts and he gives me his all.”

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

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