Adele will be judging the 2026 hack championship and she shares her advice in this exclusive article for H&H subscribers
The trophy for the hack championship at Royal Windsor, the Count Robert Orssich Challenge Cup, is one of the most coveted among show horse producers and riders. This year, the task of deciding who wins this prestigious trophy falls to Adele Hanson who will assess their ride, and her co-judge, John Cutts, who will be assessing the conformation of each exhibit.
So who is the 2026 Royal Windsor hack judge Adele Hanson? And what will she be looking for in the ring?
Adele Hanson’s background in showing
“I was brought up on a farm so my parents always had horses and bred them,” says Adele. “My first pony – Joansey — bucked me off daily and she was the one that really taught me to ride. My dad said I wasn’t allowed to have another pony until I learn’t to ride that one, and that’s where I learnt determination and perseverance”.
Adele had a natural introduction to showing.
“My parents did a lot of in-hand showing with the youngstock they bred so we were regularly at shows growing up,” she explains.
As a girl, Adele enjoyed considerable success in the show ring, predominantly in the working hunter pony ranks.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“I’m led to believe I’m the only rider to have been national BSPS working hunter pony champion two years on the trot on two different ponies when the final was held at Peterborough and before the workers went to Horse of the Year Show,” Adele reveals.
After graduating into the horse workers, Adele and her multi-garlanded Omegas Boy were supreme champion two years on the bounce at the Royal Agricultural Show netting a cool £2,300 from both wins. She’s also enjoyed championships at several other leading fixtures, such as Royal Cheshire County and Great Yorkshire, and posted solid results at HOYS.
“I’ve judged at several leading county shows, including Royal Cheshire, Royal Three Counties, and at the BSHA champs. I’ve always loved every minute,” says Adele.
“I’ve also judged the Royal International twice, HOYS twice and I’m soon to have judged Royal Windsor twice, which is an absolute privilege.
“Last time I judged Windsor, I did the ride section of the riding horses and my mother and I had the absolute privilege of meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II and had a short conversation with her, which I’ll never forget.”
This year Adele considers herself to be very lucky to be invited back. “I’m looking forward to it as Windsor is one of my favourite shows,” she says.
What will Adele be looking for in the ring?
To begin with, Adele will be looking for a “good overall picture and turnout, a horse with presence and of a good hack type.”
For Adele, the horse that catches her eye will be one with “a ride to match its type and that carries confidence.”
Competitors and spectators alike take note: Adele’s pet hates include seeing an “over-bridled horse in a heavy hand that restricts to the horse’s movement and causes them tension and stress.”
Adele’s advice for first-timers
“Get help and training from someone experienced who can help you, guide you and give you the confidence you need to reach your goals on the day, but most of all, enjoy it,” she says.
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
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.
