A multi-garlanded duo once again prove a force to be reckoned with when adding another title to their impressive tally by clinching the 2026 Royal Windsor coloured championship.
Despite heavy rain and thunder during her time to shine in the Castle Arena, Diane Stennett’s KBF Lucia (Poppy) and Jayne Ross gave a polished performance and a stand-out gallop to clinch the overall coloured spoils, sponsored here by the Leeman Family.
Poppy — the reigning Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) supreme horse — won the coloured ridden non-native horse class on her way to the overall sash.
The Free Spirit 10-year-old, bred by Michael Cook and Tony Reynolds, took the red rosette in the same class last year.
KBF Lucia and Jayne Ross are undeterred by the torrential rain to take the coloured title.
(Image credit: Elli Birch)
The heavens opened just before the cohort of coloureds entered the ring, but the weather did not bother the super-consistent Poppy, who rose to the occasion once again.
“She felt fantastic,” Jayne said. “It’s just the most wonderful place to win. It’s a very special show, so it’s extra special to win it here.
“We didn’t have the best weather for it, but you know what, once you’re in there, you just get on with the job.”
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Behind Jayne in reserve for the 2026 Royal Windsor coloured championship was the reigning Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) supreme coloured champion, Lostock Up Till Dark (Susie), piloted by Harrison Taylor, winners of the non-native pony class.
Reserve champions Harrison Taylor and Lostock Up Till Dark with sponsors Richard and Lisha Leeman.
(Image credit: Elli Birch)
The striking tobiano seven-year-old mare is owned and bred by Caroline Hamilton and first moved to Harrison’s yard in February 2024.
Young producer Harrison drove through the night to the show, and only brought Susie, who made the trip worthwhile.
Harrison said: “It’s been really good. We only came for the day. The atmosphere and weather were crazy, but she’s been really good.”
Michelle Pickford’s Burghwallis Storm Chaser won the native/traditional/cob pony class and the winning native/traditional/cob horse was Cobert De Niro, ridden by his owner Louise Durdin.
To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website,subscribe to the Horse & Hound website
