The judge and leading producer shares her thoughts and tips in this exclusive article for H&H subscribers
If you’ve spotted that Justine Armstrong-Small is down to judge your pony in working hunter pony classes, then you’re in luck. I caught up with her to find out what she’ll be looking for on the day.
About Justine Armstrong-Small
Justine Armstrong-Small is a showing judge and leading show horse producer who has won accolades at all major shows. She’s won the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) several times, and she’s reigned at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) before, too, which includes lifting the supreme horse of the year accolade in 2003. She has ridden many top working hunters, including the legendary Zin Zan, and more recently, the prolific middleweight Carlingfords King.
Justine is on the judging panel for the following showing societies:
What does Justine Armstrong-Small look for when she’s judging?
Open working hunter pony classes
“By the time it gets to the summer season, I would hope that each combination entering the ring for an open class is established and will be attacking the course head on,” says Justine. “This is especially the case at Hickstead as it’s a course like no other and it requires forward, positive riding.
“I will be looking for a round to be ridden in a nice, forward rhythm with confidence. I like to see a pony going forward but in a mannerly fashion – not pulling the jockey’s arms out of their sockets with its head in the air.”
Justine hopes combinations for open classes will “attack the course head on”.
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“Some county shows and finals, such as the RIHS, have big, awesome-looking fences. These occasions can certainly provoke nerves and it can make some riders a bit hysterical,” notes Justine.
“My advice is to not panic so you don’t rush your pony out of its rhythm. Plenty of practice at home will go someway in subsiding nerves. Some jumps, especially at the RIHS, such as ditches, the open water and bullfinches, can catch riders out. Putting in the work in at home will mean you can ride confidently on the day.
“Take note if the ring is on a slope, too, as you’ll need to ride the hills in balance with control.”
Novice working hunter pony classes
“In a novice round, I’m looking for a pony to be willing as it takes on a course,” says Justine. “It doesn’t necessarily need to have its hocks right under it and it shouldn’t be over bridled, it just needs to be happy in its job and looking to the future.
“In a novice class I want to see a positive rider that’s supporting the pony and its balance, and not rushing it out of its stride. I see lot of people gallop at jumps and then a pony stops and they end up losing confidence.
“I know we ideally want to see a pony canter around, but at this stage I would rather see a pony take its time and the rider wait for it and trot into a fence than chase to it,” she advises. “When you chase them, they end up putting the breaks on.”
Cradle or nursery stakes
“In a cradle or nursery stakes class, I like to see a pony that doesn’t over jump. The pony should stay in a nice rhythm and not be tanking round the course,” says Justine.
“A nursery and cradle stakes pony should be in a lower gear than an open pony – think more 25mph to an open pony’s 40mph – and looking after their little rider.”
A good cradle or nursery stakes pony will look after its rider according to Justine.
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What does Justine look for in a champion working hunter pony?
Justine says her champion will have a bit of presence and look-at-me factor.
“Quite often at the workers – especially where the jumping phase is imposing – you don’t always get the best show animals through to the championship as they haven’t fared as well over the course as the jumping ponies, so it can be a bit of a lottery.
“The championship is still a showing class though, so I will be looking for something that is well put together and moves well. A champion should also cope with going round in a group with the others as they wouldn’t usually do that and some can get giddy at that point.”
Justine Armstrong-Small’s show ring pet hates
Justine shares one thing she really doesn’t want to see in the ring.
“I hate it when a rider slaps their pony on the neck with their stick. It’s a sign the animal isn’t going forward off the leg.
“I would usually deduct a mark every time the pony is smacked on the neck,” she warns.
“If the pony isn’t going, use your stick once as an aid correctly behind the saddle. Slapping them on the neck isn’t effective and if you do it going over a jump the pony is likely to drop a leg anyway.”
Advice for Hickstead first-timers
“The RIHS is an amazing track and the show is such an occasion. The fences are sturdy and are well-dressed so they’re an eye-full for both pony and rider,” says Justine.
“There are lots of natural features thrown in so you need to do your homework. Hiring a local cross-country schooling venue ahead of the show is a great idea – you can practice solid fences as well as riding into the water so you’re not caught out on the day.”
Any advice for HOYS for the first-timers
Justine recommends: “Before jumping at HOYS, you need to get some indoor practice as the ring is smaller and you have to use your corners and all your arena. The fences feel bigger in there, too, as it’s a smaller space, so be prepared for that.
“It’s very bright in the arena at HOYS, so try to go jumping in an indoor arena with the lights on as it’s very different to jumping outdoors or even in a normal indoor.”
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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.
