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‘This has to be the most special’: history is made as combination clinch Royal Windsor show pony crown yet again

Bethan Simons Bethan Simons

    • History has been made as a show pony and rider claimed their fourth title on the bounce at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

    Stoneleigh Showtime (Charlie) and Isabella Walker made their last appearance in the Castle Arena count. They lifted the prestigious Bernard Weatherill trophy – one of the most coveted of the show – and trotted out the 2026 Windsor show pony champion for an unbelievable fourth time. This matches Isabella’s father Robert Walker’s incredible tally in the hunter championship with the inimitable View Point.

    “We’ve been champion here four times,” said Isabella, clearly moved by the bittersweet occasion, “but this has to be the most special one, as it’s my last year in the class and our last year together. He’s so special.”

    The Cusop Dimension eight-year-old, bred by Stephanie Horton, landed the 128cm class en route.

    Isabella and Charlie have enjoyed a fairytale run together and have accumulated an impressive tally including two wins and a reserve title at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). They also went one better at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) last season, where they stole the show in Hickstead’s main arena to stand show pony champion and later, land the overall supreme pony accolade.

    To punctuate their stellar 2025 season, they were voted the H&H show horse of the year at the Horse & Hound Awards 2025.

    Champion show pony at Windsor Horse Show 2026, Stoneleigh Showtime and Isabella Walker and Stoneleigh Showtime

    Isabella Walker and Stoneleigh Showtime claim their fourth show pony title on the bounce at Royal Windsor 2026.

    Charlie was owned by Helen Davies, but when Helen decided to part company with the prolific gelding last season, Isabella’s maternal grandmother Diane Hesford stepped in to secure Isabella’s final season with him.

    “Where could I ever find another like him?” asked Isabella’s mother, Sarah Walker. “He’s absolutely irreplaceable. Of course I get nervous watching them in a championship like this, but only because I want it to go well for them. I never once worry about Isabella when she’s on board Charlie. I often joke that he’s my favourite child. He’s our pony of a lifetime.”

    Isabella echoed her mother’s sentiments: “He’s just such a kind pony and he’s just so genuine. I’m so lucky.”

    His genuine outlook was evident in the arena, not batting an eyelid on his lap of honour despite the cacophony of clapping and ceremonial music that accompanied him on his way round.

    Following Charlie and Isabella on their lap of honour were the reserves, Heidi Cooper astride Stephanie Fitt’s quality 148cm Cleapatra.

    Heidi, 13, and Cleapatra – produced by Elliee Stunt – are in their second season together. Last year, they stood second at HOYS in the 148cm class, matching Elliee’s former placing there in the part-breds with the nine-year-old Strinesdale Matador mare out of prolific ridden champion Fairfax C.

    Notably, Heidi also steered her mother Rachel Cowan’s Goldengrove Picture Perfect, a six-year-old by Wycroft Rainbow Dancer, to the top of the line in the 138cm show pony class having already won the novice equivalent earlier in the day.

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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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