Want to learn more about rare native breeds? Free roadshow of native ponies comes to UK

Enthusiasts can now learn more about five of the UK native breeds at the Roadshow of Native Ponies which is to be held across four days in 2022/2023.

The promotional roadshow will focus on Highlands, Fell, Dales, Exmoors and Dartmoors and although places must be booked, the events are free to attend.

“The idea of the roadshows first came about in 2019, when the Highlands, Fells and Dales societies considered running a joint educational event,” said chief organiser Jill Graham. “The Exmoors also came on board and two roadshow events were planned for 2020, one in the South and one in the North. Sadly, these had to be postponed due to the pandemic, but the intention was always to reorganise them once people could meet safely again.

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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.

Want to learn more about rare native breeds? Free roadshow of native ponies comes to UK

The event is aimed at judges, stewards and competitors who want to learn more about specific breeds and their heritages.

The following four venues will host the roadshow:

Northern — Unicorn Centre (North Yorkshire) 18 April

Scottish — Champfleurie Equestrian (West Lothian) 18 September

South Western — The Grange Equestrian (Devon) 1 October

Southern — Unicorn Trust (Gloucestershire) 1 April 2023

Each event will run from 10am to 4pm. Selected breed representatives will take part in breed group discussions hosted by a senior breed panel judge, who will discuss breed type, conformation and way of going.

All the breeds will then come together for a go-round and individual performance with a speaker discussing each pony. The event will close with a session during which spectators can ask panel judges questions.

“We’re looking forward to showcasing these numerically smaller but no less important breeds, and we have some wonderful speakers and ponies lined up for each event. We hope as many people as possible will come to what should be an interesting and informative day.”

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