Noble Peppermint takes 2022 HOYS working hunter pony of the year title

Horse No 1125, winners of the National Pony Society/Mole Valley Farmers Working Hunter Pony of the Year Championship during the Horse of the Year Show held at the NEC in Birmingham in UK between 5 -9th October 2021

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

The Ward Family’s 133cm mare Noble Peppermint (Pepper) proved that she really is one of the best in the working hunter pony business, as she lifted the National Pony Society/Mole Valley Farmers HOYS working hunter pony of the year championship for the second time in her career at the 2022 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Her jockey, 10-year-old Elsie Lynch, was riding her at HOYS for the first time. The pair have had a stellar year, winning Royal Windsor and qualifying for HOYS at Royal Three Counties.

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

TOPICS

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.

Noble Peppermint reclaims HOYS working hunter pony title with 10-year-old jockey

Their victory comes four years after star working hunter rider Ruby Ward steered Pepper to win the exact same title.

Elsie took Pepper’s reins at the end of last year and Pepper is still based with Ruby and her mother Kelly Ward. Ruby was ringside to watch their triumph:

“I was so emotional,” said Ruby. “She still lives on our yard and is in the exact same stable she’s always been in.”

“A lot of riders were having the first and fourth fence down,” said Elsie, who was riding the HOYS centre line for the first time. “I tried to ride my best and put Pepper in the best place possible.”

Kelly bought Pepper in Ireland as a four-year-old.

“The family only live 10 minutes down the road from us so it’s worked perfectly,” she said. “Pepper has really dropped down for Elsie, and Elsie has worked really hard.

“You can never guarantee what a pony will do during its career, but Pepper is the perfect example of a working hunter and she’s very kind and genuine. We’ll keep her forever.”

Ennis Boy, winning 153cm, and Ellie Callwood similarly made the most of their Andrews Bowen international arena spin and took reserve.

Second in the 133cm working hunter pony of the year championship was Florence Drewitt riding Helen Drewitt’s Captain Foley.

You might also be interested in…

Who will take the 2022 HOYS hunter championship? Find out the class results here…

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

Meet the winners of the 2022 SEIB Search For A Star classes