A prolific show pony who won a host of titles during his fruitful ridden career has passed away aged 16.
Devon Touch Of Class, a 13.2hh gelding bred by the late Betty Skeet, died on New Year’s Eve after suffering a bout of colic.
“Touchy” was unbeaten in his three outings as a foal and was supreme in-hand champion at Ponies UK summer championships as a youngster.
“There was something special about him from those early shows,” said Mrs Skeet’s daughter, also named Betty. “He was never going to be a hunter pony or a worker, he was an out-and-out show pony.
“It was very unusual for a gelding to have such a consistent in-hand record but we could take him to most shows throughout his life without a saddle and he’d stand up. He had all the same charisma in-hand as he did under saddle. He won many in-hand championships with us.”
As a four-year-old, Touchy joined John Harvey and his team to start his ridden career, later moving on to Vanessa and Henrietta Windsor-Phillips. Piloted by Henrietta, Touchy racked up several championships.
“They had 14 wins in a row,” continued Betty. “He won overall titles at BSPS, Ponies UK and NPS championships and was placed several times at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“People would comment on his terrific action; he was just such an amazing mover.
“After returning home, he continued his winning ways with Georgina Reik. They competed at HOYS together and Touchy was was also twice champion at Cherif.”
His last show ring appearance was in 2015.
“He was an all-round lovely person who was very much loved by all. When he went away to be produced he stayed exactly the same; a kind, gentlemanly pony who you could do anything with him. He touched many people and he will be greatly missed.”
For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday
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
Former H&H showing editor and deputy features editor
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.
