Mini champion Derw Dream Boy stood HOYS supreme pony last year. The HOYS 2025 supreme judges will be Lisha Leeman and British Showjumping CEO Iain Graham.
For many of us, competing at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) is the pinnacle of our equestrian careers. But a few of us will be fortunate enough not only to win, but stand champion and compete for one of the ultimate showing accolades: the horse or pony supreme championships at HOYS. Here, HOYS supreme judge Lisha Leeman gives an insight into her background in horses and what she will be looking for when judging these prestigious championships alongside British Showjumping chief executive Iain Graham.
Meet HOYS supreme judge Lisha Leeman
“My love of horses started at a very young age,” says Lisha of her early interest in equestrian sport. “I grew up around them and spent most of my childhood in the saddle. Horses have always been a huge part of my life and the bond you build with them is what makes the sport so special to me.”
Lisha took a break from horses when she met her husband Richard, who is also from a “horsey background”.
“We got married and raised our three children, but then once we moved and built our stables, I got back into the horses. It started with buying some show cobs, which introduced my daughter to the showing world, and that was it – we were hooked. I then began to breed my own show horses, and the rest is history. Breeding horses that have gone on to be champions has been incredibly rewarding.”
Lisha and her family breed under the Kellythorpes prefix, and show a range of their own homebred horses as well as horses they have purchased.
“I’ve been very lucky to enjoy many memorable moments over the years,” she says. “Highlights would include winning at some of the major county shows and competing successfully at HOYS and at Royal International.”
Lisha is modest. Over the years, her family and their breeding have not only competed successfully at HOYS, but have also won, from the show pony ranks through to the coloureds, the riding horses and the cobs. They’ve also stood champion, meaning she’ll know exactly how connections stood outside the ring are feeling when watching their horses and their family members compete from the sidelines.
Due to the family’s showing commitments, Lisha has not pursued assessment for judging panels.
“It’s always been very hard whilst competing horses,” she explains, adding, “although it’s definitely something I am considering in the near future”.
Nevertheless, she has enjoyed some impressive appointments.
“Judging the pony supreme at the 2011 Royal International Horse Show stands out as a judging highlight. Being trusted to assess some of the country’s best horses and riders is a privilege I never take lightly,” she says.
What will Lisha Leeman be looking for?
“I always look for a horse that has that ‘wow’ factor as soon as it enters the ring,” she says. “Conformation, movement, and type are all crucial, but so is presence — that show-ring sparkle. I like to see a horse that moves freely and correctly, is well produced, and clearly enjoying its job.”
And is she a stickler for anything?
‘I do pay close attention to movement and correctness,” she says, “particularly in limbs and feet, as these are fundamental to a horse’s soundness and way of going.
“I also dislike seeing horses behind the bridle or over-bitted, and I’m not a fan of heavy-handed riding. A harmonious partnership should always be the goal; the horse should look soft, willing, and happy in its work.”
Supreme championships are a challenge, as there are so many different types of animals of a high calibre. But she isn’t daunted at this prospect.
“It’s part of the fun,” she says. “I’ll always judge each horse against the standard of its type and look for the one that best represents what that class is about.”
What advice does she have for first-time exhibitors there?
“Firstly, enjoy every moment; qualifying is a huge achievement in itself. Try to stay calm and focused, and remember that the atmosphere is as exciting for your horse as it is for you.
“Preparation is key: make sure your turnout is immaculate and your horse is fit, well, and confident. And most importantly, smile and savour the experience — HOYS is a memory you’ll treasure forever.”
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.
