Red Rock III takes HOYS coloured ridden native/cob/traditional horse title

Janay Atherden finally got the opportunity to ride the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) centre line, when her remarkable lightweight cob Red Rock III lifted the final coloured class of the show, the HOYS coloured ridden native/cob/traditional horse of the year final, sponsored by CHAPS (UK)/The Sankey Family.

Red Rock III — who is known as Red at home — is a 10-year-old skewbald owned by Janay and her mother Lisha Leeman.

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

Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.

‘He is one in a million’: coloured cob continues to make dreams a reality at HOYS

After losing her beloved cob, Randalstown Top Notch, earlier this year, Janay bought Red from his former owner Tracey Veale, who had him in production with Vicky Hesford.

Janay and Red have hit the ground running this year in their first season together, taking reserve supreme coloured at the Royal International in July and standing supreme of show at the CHAPS championships.

Janay said she didn’t feel the pressure entering the ring on Red, a former HOYS winner in his previous home.

“It was my last class of the week so I decided to go in and enjoy it,” she added. “He’s a Rolls-Royce ride; he is sublime. He never lets me down and is a lovely person. I’m always watching the husband win, so this was incredible.

“Last night was the first time I’ve ever ridden in a championship here at HOYS, and he’s done it again.”

Mr Popplewick ridden by William Hibbert took reserve in the HOYS coloured ridden native/cob/traditional horse of the year final.

You might also be interested in…

‘That was the most magical moment’: Jo Bates takes HOYS hack spoils with young mare

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