The judge shares her advice for competitors in this exclusive article for H&H subscribers
Gina Kobbe is one of two show pony judges at Royal Windsor this year. The show pony section at Royal Windsor Horse Show is a real treat for pony lovers. Some of the country’s top ponies will make a bid for the crown, played out in the show’s iconic Castle Arena.
This year, deciding who will take home the championship are Gina Kobbe and Pam Prickett. Gina will be in charge of assessing each hopeful’s performance, and Pam will be casting a keen eye over their conformation.
Here, Gina Kobbe gives us insight into her background and tells us what she is looking for as she put each entry through their paces.
Gina Kobbe’s background in horses
“My introduction to horses was, I would say, different,” says Gina. “My dad was a miner in the north east and he would take me to sit on the pit ponies in their stalls. That first smell of a horse along with a blackened face from nuzzling into a neck covered in coal dust is something I have never forgotten. My love of ponies started with my first visit in June 1959.
“Later, I befriended a girl who lived on a farm. She had a cheeky 14hh chunk named Hayboy. He could sniff out a novice and I was off in seconds. I went back to try over and over, but sadly had the same result. I also had the odd ride at the beach on a donkey over the years.”
When Gina married, she was able to really develop her love of horses.
“When I moved to our home with land and stables, it would have been rude not to get some lessons and buy horse for me and a pony to keep her company.”
Gina would walk miles to local shows with her daughters and “Thunder” who was, she explains, “not ideal” for a three-year-old child as he jogged everywhere.
“We did novelty classes and later started Pony Club — Iona jogging on the pony and baby Yasmin in the pram.
“We were very lucky that with my husband’s hard work as a surgeon, very few holidays and never new cars, the girls could have a wonderful time with ponies at home. They had lessons — side-saddle for Yasmin and astride for both — with the late lovely Linda Cadman, who encouraged further training clinics.”
“Iona and Jemoon Star Catcher were also second in the small hunters at HOYS and to this day she can’t believe this happened! However the most momentous and memorable occasions were in 2007. Yasmin and Basil — Double Dutch III — were supreme champions Intermediate at Hickstead and supreme champion at the BSPS Summer Championship show, the first ever Intermediate to take this title.”
Both Gina and husband Eugene have enjoyed giving back to the societies, either stewarding or, in Eugene’s case, by taking up the role of medical officer.
“I feel stewarding is a vital part to becoming a judge; we never stop learning. I was fortunate to work alongside many hugely respected senior judges. I learned so much and will always be grateful for their knowledge. I don’t think anyone should be considered for any judging panel unless they have done at least a couple of years stewarding at all levels.”
Gina has been fortunate to officiate at several leading shows involving the BSPS championships and the RIHS, and has previously judged the intermediates and mini show ponies at Royal Windsor.
“Co-judging the show pony section at Windsor is a huge honour. The occasion, the atmosphere, and the surroundings are like no other show anywhere.”
What will Gina be looking for in the ring?
“I feel you can see a confident, well schooled and relaxed combination. The way they enter the ring and the initial walk says so much, so I want this to make me feel excited. I keep my fingers crossed for those combinations who catch the eye to perform well throughout.
“A well thought out show with my favourite element – walk on a long rein – included anywhere in the individual show is a big tick,” says Gina.
Competitors should mind their conduct in the ring, as well as their ponies’.
“Manners are of utmost importance and I like to see this from jockeys – not just to the officials but most of all to fellow competitors,” says Gina.
“Any show is always important but in this day and age it’s getting more and more expensive to attend the prestigious shows, so being kind and respectful to each other both in and out of the ring is something I look for.
“Royal Windsor is a local show to many competitors, but I doubt anyone hacks there as we did to our local shows, but who knows! Every single exhibit will be judged fairly. A good ridden show, no matter the pony’s conformation, should be rewarded.”
With daughters who have progressed through the ranks, Gina understands that things don’t always go to plan.
“I don’t give negativity to the children,” she says. “They know when things haven’t gone too well on a go-round so I will definitely give a smile and some positive words.
Ultimately, it’s an honour to judge at any show as exhibitors pay for an opinion and are out to enjoy the day.”
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.
