‘He just ate the course up’: rider takes Royal Windsor win after 15 years of trying

A thrilled working hunter pony (WHP) rider got her first Windsor win after 15 years of trying, and went one better to take the 2026 Royal Windsor WHP championship.

Isabella Stanley rode Samantha Stanley’s Moorland Whiteriver (Niall) to success in the 153cm plaited class, as the only combination to go clear.

This was Isabella’s first win at the show since her debut in 2011 on the lead rein.

“It feels absolutely brilliant. It’s a dream come true,” she said . “I started on the lead rein and came up through the workers. I’ve dreamed about winning for years and it’s nice to have finally done it on my favourite horse. It’s extra special.”

The 12-year-old grey gelding jumped a fantastic round in the Frogmore arena through a testing course which had caused problems through the day.

Isabella said: “He was an absolute pro today. He just ate the course up and he was the only clear round, so I’m super pleased.

“He’s a funny character on the yard. He makes everybody laugh. Everybody loves him – he’s a real superstar.”

Niall, by Moorland Snowy River, was bred by Mr and Mrs Coyne.

This is not the pair’s first major win. Last year, they took a cracking turn around a technical intermediate working hunter track at Hickstead and bagged a coveted blue sash. They have also been runners-up at both Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Burghley.

Reserve in the 2026 Royal Windsor WHP championship went to the 133cm winners Nellfield Blueboy and Guy Hamilton. Guy travelled seven hours to compete here from Scotland, but made the trip worthwhile.

The pair are trained at home by mum Kathleen, a showjumper, and dad Andrew, who trains racehorses.

Kathleen said: “He’s been a fantastic pony for us. He won at Royal International last year, he was second at HOYS, and now he’s won Windsor and been reserve.

“We can’t really ask for any more. He’s been fantastic. We love him to bits.”

Imogen Philp also had great success in the working hunter pony classes winning two classes. She took the 143cm class with Oh For Olive, and the intermediate division with Lenny Mcmanus.

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