‘We thought we were going to have to have him put down’: much loved 20-year-old bounces back to lead Shetland one-two in 2026 Royal Windsor senior ridden championship

A much-loved gelding who was almost put down on health grounds has claimed the 2026 Royal Windsor senior ridden championship.

The Richardson family’s Shetland Briar Snowman has been a prolific competitor under saddle. Two years ago, they feared they would lose him to a bout of laminitis.

But ridden by 10-year-old Penny Richardson, and now aged 20, the grey gelding is back on form.

Penny’s mother Lucy said: “He was very poorly a couple of years ago. He had really bad laminitis.

“We thought we were going to have to have him put down. We’ve nursed him along and now he’s back in the ring.”

The family have owned Snowman for nine years, and he competed at the highest levels predominantly with Penny’s sister Lily.

Lucy says they are pleased to have the senior classes to try in his later years, adding: “Penny didn’t get to ride him as much as Lily, so it’s wonderful.”

Penny said: “This is his favourite show. He likes hacking, and he likes going to the sweet shop and getting polos. He’s one of my favourite ponies to ride.”

It was a Shetland one-two in the 2026 Royal Windsor senior ridden championship.

In reserve was Queenie Follows aboard 28-year-old Clothie Nightcap. They were led to victory by Queenie’s father Stebe Follows in the senior-plus class for ponies aged 24 and over.

When he’s not showing, Nightcap has an interesting role. He has been owned by the Royal Regiment of Scotland for the past seven years, and is their official mascot’s companion.

His breeder Elinor Bosanquet of the Clothie Pony Stud, who shows him on behalf of his owners, said: “He’s taught loads of kids to ride and drive. He still drives and rides today.

“He loves people and he goes round various shows with their mascot, meeting and greeting.”

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