Your complete list of HOYS 2026 qualifiers for all of your plaited ponies

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John Harvey leads Elmswood Spring Parade and Florence Rendall down the centre line at HOYS 2025 after they are crowned supreme pony champions.
John Harvey leads Elmswood Spring Parade and Florence Rendall at HOYS 2025.
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

I’ve collated your need-to-know information for all the HOYS 2026 plaited pony qualifiers all in one place because I know that working out where to go to attempt to secure Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifications for you or your child’s ponies is no mean feat.

While the HOYS qualifiers list has been announced for 2026, some fixtures are still confirming their judges. I’m frequently updating this page with all the new details as they are released so it can be your one-stop-shop for planning your qualification. This list covers show ponies, show hunter ponies, intermediates, minis and workers.

HOYS 2026 plaited pony qualifiers

HOYS qualifiers for plaited ponies 2026

Annabel’s Deliciously British Mini Show Pony of the Year

These qualifiers are applicable to both the lead-rein and first ridden British Mini Show Pony of the Year classes.

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Qualifier VenueDateJudgesEntries close
Midland Counties ShowArena UK, Lincolnshire30-31 MayMiss H Cook11 May; late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire FestivalSomerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire6-7 JuneMrs C Whitely (R)
Mrs C Collier (C)		19 May
Royal Three CountiesThree Counties Showground, Malvern12-14 JuneMr Nigel Hollings (R)
Mr Martin Jones (C)		8 May
The Royal Cheshire County ShowRoyal Cheshire Showground16-17 JuneMrs E Livesey
Mrs S Thomas		20 April
Lincolnshire ShowLincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire17-18 JuneMrs Suzanne Hatton (R)
Mrs Evelyn Tate (C)		27 April
Royal Highland ShowRoyal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh18-21 JuneMrs Joanne Griffin (R)
Mrs Ann Fowler (C)		15 April
North of England Summer ShowWarren Farm, Formby, Liverpool26-28 JuneMrs D Spears (R)
Mr R Marks (C)		15 June; entries re-open on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire FestivalPickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire4-5 JulyMrs L Windsor19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
BSPS Scotland Summer ShowChampfleurie Equestrian, Scotland12 JulyTBCTBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show JulyStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire18-19 JulyMrs Jackie Webb3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County ShowThe Showground, Hampshire28-30 JulyMrs M Coles (R)
Mrs S Donger (C)		22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer ChampionshipsThree Counties Showground, Malvern4-6 AugMiss J Ryde-Rogers (R–lr/C–fr)
Ms K Pollard (C–lr/R–fr)		TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show AugustStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire16-17 AugTBCTBC
BSPS Summer ChampionshipsArena UK, Lincolnshire25-29 AugTBCTBC
The Showing RegisterStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire5-6 SeptSharon Thomas (R)
Penny Hollings (C)		TBC

The BSPS Children’s Riding Pony of the Year

These qualifiers are applicable to the 128cm, 138cm and 148cm classes. Some qualifiers will be holding mixed classes for all heights together.

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Qualifier VenueDateJudgesEntries close
Royal Bath & West Show (mixed)Arena UK, Lincolnshire30-31 MayMrs J Ross (R)
Mrs J Mead (C)		28 April
Midland Counties ShowArena UK, Lincolnshire30-31 MayMiss H Cook (R)
Mr T Wiggett (C)		11 May; late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire FestivalSomerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire6-7 JuneMr K Morris (R)
Mrs J James (C)		19 May
Royal Three CountiesThree Counties Showground, Malvern12-14 JuneMr M Lawrence (R)
Mr S Hollings (C)		8 May
The Royal Cheshire County ShowRoyal Cheshire Showground16-17 JuneMrs Sharron Kivlochan (R)
Mr B Beardmore (C)		20 April
Lincolnshire ShowLincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire17-18 JuneMrs Suzanne Hatton (R)
Mrs Evelyn Tate (C)		27 April
Royal Highland ShowRoyal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh18-21 JuneMrs Joanne Griffin (R)
Mrs Ann Fowler (C)		15 April
The Royal Norfolk Show (mixed)Norfolk Showground, Norfolk24-25 JuneMrs Sandra Seward (R)
Mrs Heather Prescott (C)		6 May; late entries close 10 May
North of England Summer Show (mixed)Warren Farm, Formby, Liverpool26-28 JuneMiss D Spears (R)
Mr R Marks		15 June; entries re-open on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire FestivalPickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire4-5 JulyMiss R Adlam (R)
Mrs L Windsor (C)		19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
BSPS Scotland Summer Show (mixed)Champfleurie Equestrian, Scotland12 JulyTBCTBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show JulyStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire18-19 JulyMrs Hannah Turnock (R)
Mrs Jackie Webb (C)		3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
NPS Summer ChampionshipsThree Counties Showground, Malvern4-6 AugMr M Northam
Miss L Nott		TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show AugustStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire16-17 AugTBCTBC
BSPS Summer ChampionshipsArena UK, Lincolnshire25-29 AugTBCTBC
The Showing Register (mixed)Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire5-6 SeptPenny Hollings (R)
Richard Ramsay (C)		TBC
BSHA National Championships Show (mixed)Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire10-12 SeptTBCTBC

Lead Rein Pony of Hunter Type of the Year

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Qualifier VenueDateJudgesEntries close
Midland Counties ShowArena UK, Lincolnshire30-31 MayMrs S Hatton11 May; late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire FestivalSomerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire6-7 JuneMr S Howard19 May
Royal Three CountiesThree Counties Showground, Malvern12-14 JuneMr M Jones (R)
Mr N Hollings (C)		8 May
The Royal Cheshire County ShowRoyal Cheshire Showground16-17 JuneMark Northam (R)
G Oakes (C)		20 April
Lincolnshire ShowLincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire17-18 JuneMr Chris Hunnable (R)
Mrs Katie Jerram-Hunnable (C)		27 April
Royal Highland ShowRoyal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh18-21 JuneMrs Kathleen Scott (R)
Mr Matt Ainsworth (C)		15 April
North of England Summer ShowWarren Farm, Formby, Liverpool26-28 JuneMiss D Spears (R)
Mr R Marks (C)		15 June; entries re-open on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire FestivalPickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire4-5 JulyMrs R Ball19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
BSPS Scotland Summer ShowChampfleurie Equestrian, Scotland12 JulyTBCTBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show JulyStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire18-19 JulyBradley Beardmore3 July, late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County ShowThe Showground, Hampshire28-30 JulyMrs L Homer (R)
Mrs C Whiteley (C)		22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer ChampionshipsThree Counties Showground, Malvern4-6 AugMiss L NottTBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show AugustStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire16-17 AugTBCTBC
BSPS Summer ChampionshipsArena UK, Lincolnshire25-29 AugTBCTBC
The Showing RegisterStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire5-6 SeptPenny Hollings (R)
Sharon Thomas (C)		TBC

The de la Hey Family Partbred Pony of the Year Championship

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Qualifier VenueDateJudgesEntries close
Royal Bath & West ShowBath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet28-30 MayMr Adam Pike (R)
Mrs Lucy Killingbeck (C)		28 April
Midland Counties ShowArena UK, Lincolnshire30-31 MayMr S Somers (R)
Miss C Pearsall (C)		11 May; late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire FestivalSomerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire6-7 JuneMr S Howard (R)
Mrs C Collier (C)		19 May
Royal Three CountiesThree Counties Showground, Malvern12-14 JuneMrs J Webb (R)
Mr R Marks (C)		8 May
The Royal Cheshire County ShowRoyal Cheshire Showground16-17 JuneMr I Dickson (R)
Mrs G Kobbe (C)		20 April
Lincolnshire ShowLincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire17-18 JuneMrs Stephanie Smith (R)
Mrs Shirley Crane (C)		27 April
Royal Highland ShowRoyal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh18-21 JuneMiss Sarah Chapman (R)
Mrs Claire Oliver (C)		15 April
The Royal Norfolk ShowNorfolk Showground, Norfolk24-25 JuneMr Richard Miller (R)
Mr Martin Jones (C)		6 May; late entries close 10 May
NCPA Staffordshire FestivalPickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire4-5 JulyMrs D Christie (R)
Miss C Hyde (C)		19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
BSPS Scotland Summer ShowChampfleurie Equestrian, Scotland12 JulyTBCTBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show JulyStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire18-19 JulyBradley Beardmore (R)
Tony Georgakis (C)		3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County ShowThe Showground, Hampshire28-30 JulyMrs C Whiteley (R)
Mrs L Homer (C)		22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer ChampionshipsThree Counties Showground, Malvern4-6 AugMr J Grace
Miss J Ryde-Rogers		TBC
125th Anniversary Show of the WPCSRoyal Welsh Showground, Powys8 AugMr Kevin Walker (R)
Mrs Elizabeth French (C)		TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show AugustStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire16-17 AugTBCTBC
BSPS Summer ChampionshipsArena UK, Lincolnshire25-29 AugTBCTBC
The Showing RegisterStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire5-6 SeptJo Stiles (R)
Terry Chalmers (C)		TBC
BSHA National Championships ShowAddington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire10-12 SeptTBCTBC

The Honourable Stud Intermediate Show Horse of the Year Championship

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Qualifier VenueDateJudgesEntries close
Staffordshire County ShowThe County Showground, Stafford27-28 MayMs T Pesci-Griffiths (R)
Ms C Poole (C)		1 May; or 17 May at increased rate
Midland Counties ShowArena UK, Lincolnshire30-31 MayMrs D Christie (R)
Mr S Somers (C)		11 May; late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire FestivalSomerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire6-7 JuneMrs J Griffin (R)
Mr R Parker-Jones (C)		19 May
Lincolnshire ShowLincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire17-18 JuneMrs Stephanie Smith (R)
Mrs Shirley Crane (C)		27 April
Royal Highland ShowRoyal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh18-21 JuneMrs Joanne Griffin (R)
Mrs Ann Fowler (C)		15 April
The Royal Norfolk ShowNorfolk Showground, Norfolk24-25 JuneMr Martin Jones (R)
Mrs Heather Prescott (C)		6 May; late entries close 10 May
North of England Summer ShowWarren Farm, Formby, Liverpool27-28 JulyMrs P Bunting (P)
Mrs P Miller (C)		15 June; entries re-open on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire FestivalPickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire4-5 JulyTBC19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Scottish Horse ShowHighfield Equestrian, Howe11-12 JulyMrs Barbara McGrath (R)
Mr James Knight (C)		26 June; late entries 6 July. Entries taken on the day
Great YorkshireGreat Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire14-17 JulyMrs Penny Hollings (R)
Mrs Karen Thomas-McTiffin (C)		5 May
Stoneleigh Horse Show JulyStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire18-19 July Faye Ludlow (R)
Lucy Killingbeck (C)		3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
NPS Area 7 Summer ShowAddington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire15 AugustMelissa Richardson (R)
Stuart Stafford (C)		TBC
New Forest & Hampshire County ShowThe Showground, Hampshire28-30 JulyMrs C Whiteley (R)
Mrs L Homer (C)		22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer ChampionshipsThree Counties Showground, Malvern4-6 AugMrs Heather Banbury
Miss D Atkinson		TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show AugustStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire16-17 AugTBCTBC
BSPS Summer ChampionshipsArena UK, Lincolnshire25-29 AugTBCTBC
The Showing RegisterStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire5-6 SeptSharon Thomas (R)
Richard Ramsay (C)		TBC
BSHA National Championships ShowAddington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire10-12 SeptTBCTBC

Shine Source Footwear Ltd Show Hunter Pony of the Year

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Qualifier VenueDateJudgesEntries close
Royal Bath & West ShowBath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet28-30 MayMrs Jamie Mead (R)
Mrs Jayne Ross (C)		28 April
Midland Counties ShowArena UK, Lincolnshire30-31 MayMrs D Christie (R)
Mrs L Murfitt (C)		11 May; Late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire FestivalSomerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire6-7 JuneMr Parker Jones (R)
C Walker (C)		19 May
Royal Three CountiesThree Counties Showground, Malvern12-14 JuneMrs K Thomas (R)
Mr S Somers (C)		8 May
The Royal Cheshire County ShowRoyal Cheshire Showground16-17 JuneMr Mark Northam (R)
Mrs G Oakes (C)		20 April
Lincolnshire ShowLincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire17-18 JuneMr Chris Hunnable (R)
Mrs Katie Jerram-Hunnable (C)		27 April
Royal Highland ShowRoyal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh18-21 JuneMrs Kathleen Scott (R)
Mr Matt Ainsworth (C)		15 April
North of England Summer ShowWarren Farm, Formby, Liverpool26-28 JuneMr R Marks (R)
Miss D Spears (C)		15 June; entries re-open on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire FestivalPickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire4-5 JulyMiss C Hyde (R)
Mrs D Christie (C)		19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
BSPS Scotland Summer ShowChampfleurie Equestrian, Scotland12 JulyTBCTBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show JulyStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire18-19 JulyTony Georgakis (R)
Bradley Beardmore (C)		3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County ShowThe Showground, Hampshire28-30 JulyMrs C Whiteley (R)
Mrs L Homer (C)		22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer ChampionshipsThree Counties Showground, Malvern4-6 AugMs K Pollard
Mr Karl Morris		TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show AugustStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire16-17 AugTBCTBC
BSPS Summer ChampionshipsArena UK, Lincolnshire25-29 AugTBCTBC
The Showing RegisterStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire5-6 SeptTerry Chalmers (R)
Jo Stiles (C)		TBC
BSHA National Championships ShowAddington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire10-12 SeptTBCTBC

The Smith Family Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year

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Qualifier VenueDateJudgesEntries close
Staffordshire County ShowThe County Showground, Stafford27-28 MayMs T Pesci-Griffiths (R)
Ms C Poole (C)		1 May; or 17 May at increased rate
Midland Counties ShowArena UK, Lincolnshire30-31 MayMrs D Christie (R)
Mr S Somers (C)		11 May; late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire FestivalSomerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire6-7 JuneMrs J Griffin (R)
Mr R Parker-Jones (C)		19 May
Lincolnshire ShowLincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire17-18 JuneMrs Stephanie Smith (R)
Mrs Shirley Crane (C)		27 April
Royal Highland ShowRoyal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh18-21 JuneMrs Kathleen Scott (R)
Mr Matt Ainsworth (C)		15 April
NCPA Staffordshire FestivalPickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire4-5 JulyMr P Cook (R)
Miss R Adlam (C)		19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
Great YorkshireGreat Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire14-17 JulyMrs Penny Hollings (R)
Mr Robert Buckley (C)		5 May
Stoneleigh Horse Show JulyStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire18-19 JulyFaye Ludlow (R)
Lucy Killingbeck (C)		3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
New Forest & Hampshire County ShowThe Showground, Hampshire28-30 JulyMrs C Whiteley (R)
Mrs L Homer (C)		22 June; late entries close 19 July
NPS Summer ChampionshipsThree Counties Showground, Malvern4-6 AugMrs Heather Banbury
Miss D Atkinson		TBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show AugustStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire16-17 AugTBCTBC
BSPS Summer ChampionshipsArena UK, Lincolnshire25-29 AugTBCTBC
The Showing RegisterStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire5-6 SeptSharon Thomas (R)
Richard Ramsay (C)		TBC
BSHA National Championships ShowAddington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire10-12 SeptTBCTBC

NPS/Mole Valley Farmers Working Hunter Pony of the Year

These qualifiers are for all four sections of working hunter ponies.

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Qualifier VenueDateJudgesEntries close
Northern Ireland FestivalCavan Equestrian Centre, County Cavan1-3 MayMrs Tracey Brooks (R)
Mrs Joanne Dean (C)		5 April
Midland Counties ShowArena UK, Lincolnshire30-31 MayMiss C Pearsall (J – ints, 143cm/ C – 153cm, 133cm)
Mr S Somers (C – ints, 143cm/ J – 153cm, 133cm)		11 May; late entries close 25 May
Derbyshire FestivalSomerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire6-7 JuneMr C Whitely (R)
Mr K Walker (C)		19 May
Lincolnshire ShowLincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire17-18 JuneMrs Liz Murfitt (Jump)
Mrs Helen Taylor (C)		27 April
Royal Highland ShowRoyal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh18-21 JuneMr Kieran Ryan (R)
Mrs Mair Ead (C)		15 April
North of England Summer ShowWarren Farm, Formby, Liverpool27-28 JulyMs E Hector (J)
Miss N Taylor (C)		15 June; entries re-open on show day at a higher rate
NCPA Staffordshire FestivalPickering Grange Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire4-5 JulyMrs A Calver (R)
Mr P Cook (C)		19 June, reopening until 26 June at higher rate for HOYS qualifiers
BSPS Scotland Summer ShowChampfleurie Equestrian, Scotland12 JulyTBCTBC
Mid Herts Country ShowAddington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire12 JulyTBCTBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show JulyStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire18-19 JulyHeather Banbury
Jim McTiffin		3 July; late entries at a higher rate until 13 July
NPS Summer ChampionshipsThree Counties Showground, Malvern4-6 AugMiss D Atkinson (R)
Mr A Perkins (C)		TBC
Greenlands WHP ShowGreenlands Equestrian Centre, Wreay15 AugTBCTBC
Stoneleigh Horse Show AugustStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire16-17 AugTBCTBC
BSPS Summer ChampionshipsArena UK, Lincolnshire25-29 AugTBCTBC
Moreton ShowMoreton Showground, Gloucestershire5 SeptTBCTBC
The Showing RegisterStoneleigh Park, Warwickshire5-6 SeptLouise Windsor (R)
Tony Georgakis (C)		TBC
  • For all your need-to-know information for other 2026 HOYS qualifiers, plus more expert showing advice from top riders and updates on shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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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.