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‘This is the icing on the cake’: versatile New Forest gelding takes Royal Windsor M&M ridden title

Bethan Simons Bethan Simons

    • A striking grey New Forest didn’t miss a beat in the Castle Arena as he landed the top spot in the 2026 Royal Windsor mountain and moorland (M&M) ridden championship – sponsored by New Horizons Plastics – and bagged a ticket to the London International (LIHS) Heritage championship.

    Beverley Bayes’ Ravenstone Fudge II and Stephanie Turner reigned in a quality field that included Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), Royal International (RIHS) and LIHS winners.

    Fudge, a 14-year-old by Furzey Lodge Zennica out of Hyde Alice, was bred by Pat Throne.

    “We’ve had him four years now,” said Stephanie. “He’s won HOYS, he’s won at London International, and he’s won at Great Yorkshire, so this is the icing on the cake to win and go champion here. It’s amazing.”

    Commenting on the atmosphere in the Castle Arena, Stephanie said: “Oh! It was amazing. And he was amazing in there. He’s been a star all day.

    “Both judges said he was the one they would like to ride, so that was lovely and meant a lot as that’s how I judge – the ones I want to win are the ones I want to ride.”

    Stephanie Turner and Ravenstone Fudge II claim the 2026 Royal Windsor M&M ridden title in the Castle Arena

    Stephanie Turner and Ravenstone Fudge II.

    Prior to his show ring career, Fudge was an eventing pony but had ceased to enjoy his job and was sent to Stephanie to be sold. Beverley, who was already on Stephanie’s yard, bought him and he’s been produced by Stephanie since.

    Now, he enjoys a varied schedule.

    “He does a bit of everything,” said Stephanie. “He jumps, he does a bit of dressage and has represented the Suffolk Area teams. He’s an all-rounder.”

    In reserve for the 2026 Royal Windsor M&M ridden title was Ellena Thomas aboard her mother Karyn Thomas’ Ashleyvale Glen Duror, an eight-year-old Highland stallion sired by Ashleyvale Glen Avon.

    Ellena Thomas and Highland stallion Ashleyvale Glen Duror are reserves for the 2026 Royal Windsor M&M ridden title

    Ellena Thomas and Highland stallion Ashleyvale Glen Duror.

    The pair were winners at the Royal International last term and were second at HOYS, but this was their first spin in the Castle Arena together.

    “He won his class and came straight here,” said Ellena, who had to rush to change her attire before the championship. “But it was amazing in there.”

    Notably, mother and son duo Sarah Parker and Owen Parker were both in the championship. Sarah piloted her own Welsh section D class winner Llynhelyg Mistar Jones – now gelded for Owen to ride in junior classes – Owen was aboard Sarah Weston’s winning home-bred Dartmoor, Westown Wild Fire.

    Samantha Roberts piloted Bradley Helyer’s Cnwch Carwn to win the Welsh section C class, and Lucy Richardson’s Marsh Walk On By was steered to win the Welsh A and B class by Lucy’s daughter, Lilly Richardson.

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    Bethan Simons
    Bethan Simons

    H&H showing editor
    Bethan joined Horse & Hound as showing editor in January 2025, after spending two years as Editor for Showing World. Having adored ponies since childhood, she started showing as a teenager and has enjoyed wins at major shows up and down the country, including Royal Highland, New Forest, and the Royal Welsh, as well as HOYS, RIHS and London. She is particularly passionate about Welsh breeds and is also a Welsh language commentator.
    Bethan Simons

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