The Queen’s 15-year-old part-bred pony Whalton Highwayman brought his successful association with the Royal Windsor Horse Show – “his favourite show of the year” according to his rider Kinvara Garner – to an end by winning his class and standing section champion.
Fred, as Whalton Highwayman is fondly known at home, has been based with 18-year-old Kinvara and her family for five seasons. The Queen originally approached Kinvara about riding him after she witnessed her playing the part of a young princess Elizabeth in a special live performance celebrating The Queen’s 90th birthday, aboard Fell stallion Townend Schubert.
“Fred was cut late and lived as a stallion for most of his life,” said Kinvara, who rode the prolific gelding to the same title at Royal Windsor in 2018 and has piloted him to top placings at both Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International Horse Show.
Unfortunately, The Queen wasn’t there to witness Fred and Kinvara’s winning performance at Windsor this year.
“Her Majesty had to go and watch the afternoon performance, but I had a chat with her the day before our class,” added Kinvara. “I think she was disappointed to miss us in action, but obviously delighted with the result.”
Kinvara notes that this will be Fred’s final year in the show ring.
“We’ve not decided when he will retire, but I’m sure this will be his last season,” she added. “He loves Windsor; he definitely has a certain attitude when he’s here and it seems to be his favorite show of the year.”
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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.
