John Cutts joins Adele Hanson this year to judge the hack championship at Royal Windsor, in which the champion will receive the coveted Count Robert Orssich Challenge Cup.
John will be assessing the conformation section, while Adele is assessing the ride each exhibits give, before finally, both will cast their eyes over an individual show performed by each combination. We’ve already caught up with Adele Hanson to find out what she’s looking for in this championship, but what about John?
John Cutts’ background in horses and showing
John came from a non-equestrian family, but his passion for horses started from a very early age.
“I spent as much time as possible helping out at local stables, learning the day-to-day care and management of horses alongside learning to ride,” says John. “I saved all of my birthday and Christmas money to buy my first pony — although I told my parents I was only looking after it for a friend.”
That first pony was a Welsh section D, and that is really where his passion for showing began.
“I started competing at local agricultural and riding club shows, and at my very first show I came home with two first rosettes from two large classes. From that moment, I was determined to keep improving and become better.”
John also spent time helping friends at shows who were competing “on a much bigger scale” than he was at the time, and learned “a great deal about turnout, presentation, and what judges were looking for in the ring”.
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From there, John’s involvement with horses continued to grow and eventually led him into producing horses for the show ring and breeding horses that have gone on to enjoy success at major level, including competing at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) under saddle and in the prestigious in-hand championship, something he considers a highlight.
“One of my biggest privileges has been taking championships at some of the major shows over the years, but, my personal highlights would have to be standing third in the Price Family supreme in-hand final at Horse of the Year Show 2024 and being crowned CHAPS UK [Coloured Horse and Pony Society UK] supreme in-hand champion for five consecutive years.”
John Cutts’ judging experience
“Along the way I’ve made many lifelong friendships within the sport,” he says, adding that as he got older he “wanted to give something back to the sport that I love and helped shape the person I am today”, which inspired him to become a judge.
“I have had the privilege to judge at some of the country’s finest shows. My biggest judging highlight is seeing the reactions from competitors when they achieve a goal or lifelong dream. Being part of those special moments – whether it’s a first major placing or a championship win – is incredibly rewarding and something I never take for granted.”
This won’t be John’s first time in the centre of the ring at Windsor. He judged the ridden coloureds in 2016 and the cobs more recently in 2023.
Nevertheless, he is looking forward to the appointment.
“Windsor is my favourite show,” he says. “The setting really does have that classic British atmosphere – the castle nearby, the parks, the traditions, and the mix of countryside and ceremony all make it feel very distinctive. The carriage driving and military displays especially give it that unmistakably British character. And because it’s held in the grounds of Windsor Castle, it feels more personal and historic than many larger commercial shows.”
What will John be looking for as he judges?
Just like his co-judge Adele, type and manners are important to John.
“I will be looking for horses of trueness to type and way of going, exceptional manners, good horsemanship, composure, and how well the rider works with their horse.”
“My main pet hates would be over-bitted horses and seeing horses being over-ridden, as good horsemanship should always come first. I also dislike seeing horses stood up incorrectly, or having to repeatedly ask competitors to move their horse so it can be judged properly.
“Presentation is important, but I’m not a fan of excessive make-up or an overly artificial look in the ring.
“Most importantly, I strongly dislike seeing fat or obese horses; fitness and condition should never be confused with excessive weight, and the horse’s welfare must always come first.”
John’s tips for Windsor first-timers
“The atmosphere can feel overwhelming at first – the crowds, the setting, the pressure – but once you enter the ring, it’s still just you and your horse doing the job you already know how to do.
“Horses pick up tension very quickly, so try to remain calm and enjoy your moment to allow the best of your horse. Take a moment to enjoy it. Competing at Windsor is very magical and a lot of competitors that you may be competing against have been showing and competing for many years at such shows, so even if things aren’t perfect, have an enjoyable time.”
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.
