‘He’s really stepped into himself this year’: working hunter star gives rider a first Windsor championship

Working hunter pony contenders did battle on the final day of Royal Windsor Horse Show, but it was Ruby Ward and Kelly Ward’s winning 143cm Noble Ronan who were selected to take the Royal Windsor working hunter pony crown.

Their cracking clear round was duly followed up with an eye-catching championship performance, including a storming gallop.

“We’ve had Ronan since he was a youngster,” said top working hunter jockey Ruby, 15, who has won three Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) qualifiers with seven-year-old Ronan this year. Ronan was winter and summer novice and restricted champion at the 2021 BSPS championships, and he was also RIHS section champion at this year’s show.

“He’s really stepped into himself this year and has come into his own,” continued Ruby, for whom this was a first Royal Windsor championship.

Ruby’s former ride, 12-year-old mare Noble Peppermint, joined them in the championship after winning the nursery stakes class with new rider Elsie Lynch.

“Peppermint jumped so well and Elsie is getting on really well with her,” said Ruby, who rode Peppermint to be working hunter pony champion at HOYS in 2018. “The whole course was a great, fun challenge. The atmosphere here is second to none, and Ronan was perfect. This is such a result, plus, we get a lovely trophy.”

Ruby will now aim Ronan for the RIHS final, Burghley and HOYS qualifiers.

William Pittendrigh jumped another clear round and took section reserve on his intermediate, Silver Lough, who had taken second in the open lightweight working hunters on the first day of Royal Windsor.

You might also like to read

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

‘He’s the comedian of the yard’: former international showjumper shines bright in the show ring at Royal Windsor

‘To have him back is the best feeling’: coloured pony bounces back from pelvis injury to become a Royal Windsor champion

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