A pony who was rescued as a frightened and unhandled youngster is blooming in her new life in the show ring.

Tasha Webb from Fife rehomed World Horse Welfare Alicia from the charity’s Belwade Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in October 2018.

“I saw this little hairy cob in the field, with tonnes of feather and tonnes of hair and thought she would do well in the show ring,” said Tasha, adding she was looking for a project to bring on and instantly saw Alicia’s potential.

“We clicked pretty quickly. She was a bit nervous when she first arrived and it was only really me that could catch her. She’s just come on super well and loves everyone on the yard and everyone loves her. She’s got a lovely temperament. She’s definitely cheeky but she’s well into work.”

Tasha took the pony on as a “companion with potential” and she was backed last autumn, and turned away for the winter.

“I brought her back into work a couple of months ago and she’s been out showing in hand, we went to a dressage competition and her first ever showing class under saddle two weeks ago and came back with lovely comments from the judges,” she added.

The pair have qualified for the 2020 Traditional of the Year show, in two classes, and the Caledonian Showing Championships and are also aiming for Equifest next year.

“Whatever she wants to do, we’ll do. If she just wants to be a hacking pony then that’s all we’ll do, but it will be really nice to get her out to show off what rescue ponies can do,” she said.

October is World Horse Welfare’s “rehome a horse month” and the charity is encouraging the public to consider rehoming a horse, instead of buying or breeding.

Tasha described her experience rehoming through World Horse Welfare as “lovely and supportive” and says it’s great to know that if her circumstances change Alicia can always return to the charity, which will make sure she is looked after for the rest of her life.

For more information on rehoming, visit: worldhorsewelfare.org/rehoming

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

The best native ponies in the country flocked to Arena UK for the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Heritage championship show (12-13 October), in a final attempt to pick up a ticket to the Mountain and Moorland final at the Olympia International Horse Show held in December.

While the weather certain tested the native spirit of the ponies, star quality was high and several bright combinations shone through.

But which lucky few took home a qualification, and who else stole the other championship titles on offer at this popular end of season show?

1. Okedene Justin

Hayley Reynolds and the nine-year-old HOYS winning New Forest booked their Olympia ticket after winning their breed class

2. Brynithon Paragon

The eight-year-old Welsh section D bagged his first Olympia ticket after standing third in his semi-final with producer Sarah Parker at the helm who was riding for owner Keeley Orchard

3. Skellorn Royal Anniversary

The Welsh section B and Tori Oakes secured their place on the Olympia bus

4. Lotuspoint Cassius

The 12-year-old Shetland and Olivia Brightmore picked up a clutch of titles, including the open and restricted championships and an Olympia qualification before netting the supreme of show honours

5. Lunesdale Dixie

The Fell stallion made his owner Christina Gough’s dreams come true for the fourth year as he secured yet another Olympia place

6. Firle Giorgio

The stunning chestnut Shetland clinched an Olympia ticket

7. Murrayhall Diezel

The home produced Welsh section D and Sophie Howard galloped to victory in the novice working hunter championship

8. Walstead Guinness

Vanessa Clark’s own gelding booked his Olympia ticket after placing third in the New Forest and Connemara semi-final

9. Gems Malt Whiskey

April Gilmartin rode her own Welsh section C stallion to an Olympia ticket as well as the overall novice ridden accolade

10. Drogeda Valentino

Producer Aimee Devane took three tickets over the duration of the weekend, including in Welsh section D ranks with Rachel Cooper’s big-moving 11-year-old gelding

11. Cree Marvin

The eight-year-old Connemara topped a strong Olympia semi-final with his owner Katherine Bowling-Hartenfeld in the saddle

12. Linksbury Shazz

Harriet Hanger and the eight-year-old roan Welsh section B were champions of the mini working hunter ponies

13. Brynrodyn Danielle

Jessica Summers piloted the pretty palomino mare to stand mini restricted champion with producer Sharn Linney leading

14. Rekclif Mr Montagu

The four-year-old Dartmoor stallion topped his Olympia breed class with Jennifer Cowan

15. Briar Snowman

The ultra-consistent Shetland was crowned mini supreme with Lily Richardson

16. Drummersdale Black Diamond

Prue Relland’s Fell gelding headed a strong young riders large breeds class before securing the overall championship under the evening performance spotlight with Charlotte Tuck

17. Hywi The Enforcer

Iysha Pitman landed an Olympia ticket after winning the Welsh section C qualifying class with her own stallion.

18. Highland Chief Of Talisker

The 2019 Royal International Horse Show reserve supreme pony and his owner/rider Amber Thorpe took the overall young rider supreme championship

19. Greenholme Warbler

Claire Wigley’s 15-year-old stallion and producer Katy Marriott-Payne took the Fell breed qualifier

20. Boyne Girl

The classy Connemara mare and William Chatley were foot perfect en-route to an Olympia ticket for owner Jane Andrews

21. Stowbrook Red Kite

After a standing reserve at Westmorland county a few weeks ago, Davinia Johnson and her own Exmoor ensured they were bound for the December final at Olympia

22. Lledrith Nemesis

Sam Roberts and Aimee Stunt’s stallion picked up an Olympia ticket and a 2020 RIHS qualification before scooping reserve in the overall supreme championship

23. Dunedin Mcsporran

Chris Grant and his own Highland gelding battled through rain to earn their place at Olympia

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

The HOYS showing judges for 2020 have been announced by organisers Grandstand Media.

The championship show will take place from Wednesday 7 until Sunday 11 October 2020 and will once again be held at the NEC in Birmingham. The first qualifier will take place next spring.

The Mountain and Moorland Ridden Pony of the Year judges will be released later this autumn while changes to the class format are discussed.

A list of qualifying shows/venues will be released in due course and tickets will go on sale in the new year.

HOYS showing judges 2020

Cob of the Year: Moggy Hennessey (C) & Kathleen Barley (R)
Coloured Horse and Pony of the Year: Philippa Kirby & Emma Boardman
Hack of the Year: Anne Varley & Lucinda Haines
Harness Champion of the Year: Vanessa Neal & Allen King
Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year: Jack Cochrane & Hannah Buchanan
Intermediate Show Riding Type of the Year: Nigel Oliver & Katie Davis
Junior M&M Ridden Pony of the Year: Vivien Hampton & Adrienne Dale
Ladies’ Side Saddle Horse of the Year: John Maynard & Jo Hales
Lead Rein Pony of Hunter Type of the Year: Hannah Buchanan
M&M Mini Pony of the Year: Nigel Oliver
M&M Working Hunter Pony of the Year: Lorayne Ahmet & Anna Stevens
Maxi Cob of the Year: John Poole & Kathleen Barley
Mini Show Pony of the Year: Anne Leaver
Miniature Horse of the Year: John Maynard
Racehorse to Riding Horse of the Year: TBC
Ridden Partbred Pony of the Year: Anne Leaver & Sarah Coulter
Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year: Annette Dixon & Jordan Cook
Riding Horse of the Year: TBC & John Poole
Shire Horse of the Year: Richard Green
Show Hunter of the Year: Mary Low & Louise Daly
Show Hunter Pony of the Year: Phillip Williams & Clare Frost
Small Show Hunter of the Year: Angus McDonald & Margaret Hopkins
Supreme Horse & Pony of the Year: TBC
Supreme In-Hand Championship: Charles Gordon-Watson & Rosemary Rennocks
Working Hunter of the Year: Angus McDonald & Margaret Hopkins
Working Hunter Pony of the Year: Sarah Coulter & Peter Molloy
British Ridden Heavy Horse: W E Massey & Jack Cochrane
Children’s Riding Pony of the Year: Penny Clifford & Stephanie Smith

A top showing judge and respected equestrian commentator has forayed into the world of storytelling, and is set to release her first book.

Jo Jefferson, a former PE teacher, experienced horsewoman and former side-saddle rider of the year, has written the fictional A Horse’s Tale, which is due to be published at the end of October.

Jo is a leading judge who has officiated at both the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) on numerous occasions and also commentates on equestrian events up and down the country.

“It’s been in the pipeline for years,” said Jo. “I’ve met such interesting people through my life with horses that I thought they deserved a book.”

The novel is about Humphrey, a handsome, well-bred lightweight hunter owned by Major B and cared for by Jade, his groom. H, as he is affectionately known, with his bright face with a crooked white stripe, has a good life.

But, after a reckless ride by the Major’s thoughtless nephew, H is sadly injured and has to be sold. And so begins a series of events and unwitting adventures across two countries with a variety of characters.

Confronting happiness, theft, heroics, accidents and downright cruelty, will Humphrey’s resilience and patient temperament help him survive these trials and tribulations?

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“I would say it’s a little like Black Beauty, which was one of my favourite books when I was younger,” explains Jo. “Some of the characters are like those from the Jilly Cooper novels, but less racy, as it’s aimed at all ages.

“Humphrey has been inspired by several horses I’ve met over the years and some of the things that happen to him are written from personal experience. This has been on the back burner for a while so I’m very excited for its release.”

The paperback of A Horse’s Tale is to be published by Olympia Publishers on 31 October.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday.

Now that the dust has settled after the 2019 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), I have noticed some derogatory comments on social media about how professionals win everything. I really didn’t see this as the case this year. Yes, we saw some record-breaking results, but we also saw a lot of home-produced triumphs — I counted 14 — which is fantastic. However, we must not take away from the record breakers.

The show pony Rotherwood Rainmaker recorded his sixth win, admirably retiring at the top, as did Michelle Cuerden’s dual HOYS winner and 2019 coloured champion Del Boy, who was ridden by Vikki Smith.

Vikki’s sister Amy and her pony Laburnum Richard also recorded their third HOYS win. Lead-rein pony Thistledown Van-Der-Vaart won his fifth mini mountain and moorland title, 153cm worker Cashel Bay JJ made it a sixth win and the riding horse Casino III gained a fourth small section victory.

It is not a fluke for an animal to win HOYS this many times. We are talking about animals making history here and this should be celebrated. We’ve been lucky enough to produce animals that have won twice, three, four and six times. I look back and think just how lucky we were to have them — they are few and far between.

HOYS does, however, often spring up surprises and there are always classes that don’t follow form. These are some of the most spectacular wins for those involved. Jasean Spraggett winning the lightweight hunters proved you should always go in to win, despite qualifying on a fifth placing. How wonderful.

Silent heroes

Jayne Ross recorded her seventh supreme win after tallying four championships in the week, but it’s often the unsung heroes behind the scenes that are forgotten.

Groom Jo Powell from Team Ross walked 80 miles according to her Fitbit from Tuesday to Sunday. The amount of work and pressure is immense and this often goes unnoticed by the spectator. Therefore, when derogatory comments are posted, it can be disheartening for the teams that work so hard, not just that week, but throughout the whole season, trawling the country for their clients. Producing is not as easy and glamorous as people think.

‘Change is progress’

As wonderful as HOYS is, I wish they would alter the gate opening times. We seem to say it every year. With the new restricted exercise times, it is near on impossible to get through vet check before 5am, collect passes, bridle numbers and complete a 5am to 5.20am exercise slot, especially with more than one animal. A lot of people were not in favour of the new exercise restrictions, and I think this needs altering.

A great suggestion was to see the pony ring run from 9am until 9pm with evening performances. It was sad that some competitors were forced to buy £85 competitor wristbands for their families to spectate, as general admission is not open for the first classes. I’m sure HOYS will welcome these suggestions as change is progress.

Ref Horse & Hound; 24 October 2019

The British Show Horse Association (BSHA) Hunter Championship and National Championship shows, which are held over three consecutive days, have become one of my favourite shows of the season. Not only are they fantastically run shows at a great venue, but they are also a great place to catch up with friends as almost everyone goes to compete or spectate over the three days.

Another treat over the three days is the amount of evening performances there are. With the classic supreme championship evening performance for most horse ‘types’ and a selection of classes like pairs, it makes for a great evening to sit and watch with a prosecco or two. It was even more fun this year as I made it into the large riding horse classic supreme evening performance on Saucy (Broadshard Simplicity) and finished in sixth place (pictured above). Saucy loves showing off and as we came off of the corner to extend, he really went for it. Like a true gentleman, he pulled up beautifully at the end. Below is the video of the moment that I posted on my Instagram page — the commentary from my friends is quite entertaining too!

We spent the full three days there and had great fun in all our classes. Thursday saw Shelley, my friend and yard manager, and I go head-to-head in the Horse Of the Year Show (HOYS) small hunter class. Shelly was piloting my own Chriskells Otis while I rode my friend, Hayley Macdonald’s, Spotlight (Darcy). Both horses went beautifully for us and the ride judge. This was Spotlight’s second time in the show ring, so we were delighted with how well he took everything in his stride.

A quick swap of horses and we headed back with a lorry load ready for the next two days. My parents’ youngster, ASF About Reward, had the day to chill on Friday but Saucy and Archie both had classes. They were both superstars in the large riding horse classic supreme, and in a huge class of horses we were thrilled to have one of them through to the final in the evening performance.

Myself and Shelley with Archie (Agher Vectra Clover)

Time ran away with me in the day and I had little time to re-plait Saucy before his class in the evening. I was outside my stable watching Louise Bell’s YouTube tutorial on how to tie a stock, a skill I have never mastered but have always managed to do by following Louise’s instructions from the video. Thankfully, someone saw that I was in a total flap and running out of time and kindly came and tied it for me. Finishing sixth was a great excuse to open the bubbles!

Archie was eligible for the novice class on Friday too and Shelley did a fantastic job with him in a ring that was nose to tail. His owners, Sally and Greg Williams always turn him out to perfection — it’s honestly incredible how well they can turn a horse out. Greg always does Saucy’s quarter marks for me if he is at a show and they look like they have been airbrushed onto him. Sally kindly gave me a lesson in how to replicate the style of plaits she has opted for this year and I always ask for her approval once I have finished plaiting now as hers are incredible.

Saturday was another busy one with the arrival of The Baroness II (Darcie). Having a Darcy and now a Darcie on the team does get a bit confusing, even for us! There were a few more rosettes for the team on Saturday — The Baroness II Picked up fourth in the cob mares class with her owner Ailsa Duff taking the reins, and Agher Vectra Clover (Archie) collected fifth in the restricted large riding horse class.

Shelley on board my own Chriskells Otis in the HOYS small riding horse class

Saturday was supposed to be the babies’ turn, but as I am an idiot and can injure myself making a cup of tea (that’s a joke in itself — the only drink I make myself is a G&T), I found myself in A&E so was unable to run him. He has so far proven to be a little star, bringing home a first place rosette and reserve champion at his first ever show, and hasn’t come home without a prize since. I am really excited about his future, but he has some big shoes to fill as he will be taking over from Saucy after his novice season next year.

One of the best parts of the entire show for me was seeing everyone qualifying for HOYS. This is the last chance of the season to qualify and is the only show where the qualification passes all the way down the line to the highest placed unqualified horse. It normally goes down to third if the first and second placed horses have already qualified, but stops there meaning that at some shows, no one qualifies. It’s always very exciting to see how far down the line the ticket goes. I qualified in sixth place at this show a few years back, which was my first time qualifying for HOYS and was a day I won’t forget.

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I have said for years that it must be strange if you qualify here but aren’t in the placings, as you’d go home with the knowledge that you were going to HOYS but nothing to remember it with in terms of rosettes other than photos you might choose to buy. This year, I contacted the BSHA and offered to sponsor a ‘golden ticket’ rosette. The BSHA thought it was a great idea, so a gold rosette was awarded to the person who qualified in every HOYS qualifying class at the show. It is something I will continue to sponsor going forward as it was great for spectators to be able to see who had qualified in every class as well as being something very special to be able to take home.

The golden ticket rosette

As much as I would have liked to win a couple of classes for my own owners, it would have been very strange to have to accept my own rosette and I am sure I would have had a few heckles of ‘it’s a fix’ from my friends who would have found it very funny.

In my next blog, I will be covering my time at Bucks County which was a great show for our Marwyn Equestrian Show Team.

Dan

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

Legendary show pony and part-bred campaigner Rotherwood Rainmaker (Rupert) celebrated his official retirement from showing in style at an extra-special party on Sunday (27 October), at the Rotherwood Stud where he was born.

The 12-year-old, by Rotherwood Peter Pan out of the Strinesdale Matador/Solway North Wind mare Rotherwood Spring Flower, is now owned by the Till family and is the most prolific winner and consistent campaigner in pony history.

To celebrate Rupert’s career, his breeder Liz Mansfield-Parnell laid on drinks and food including a special cake, and invited past and present connections to toast him, in glorious sunshine, with Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS) gold performance certificates proudly displayed.

Rupert was sold to George and Dianne Brereton as a foal. Producer Katy Carter bought him as a three-year-old and backed him for her daughter, Poppy.

His first appearance in the ring came the following year, when Poppy was just eight, and launched a remarkable nine consecutive seasons in top-level showing.

His potential was evident from the off, standing supreme pony in his debut season at the Royal International (RIHS) and winning at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

HOYS has proved a happy hunting ground for Rupert, as he has qualified every year since then, going on to win a record seven times in all — including in the 128cm show pony class there last month — scoring in both show pony and part-bred ranks with Poppy and latterly, India Till, 12, who took on the ride three years ago. He was also HOYS reserve champion show pony three times with Poppy.

Hickstead continued to be a successful venue for him too, and he was champion show pony and supreme again there for Poppy, in addition to lifting the part-bred Arab title.

Rupert also made his mark in North of England £1,000 supremes — landing a record seven in total in both show pony and part-bred Arab finals — earning £5,000 with Poppy and £2,000 with India.

Three championships at Royal Windsor head a long list of major victories on the county circuit — including standing supreme show pony twice at the British Show Pony Society summer championships — all combining to take his total winnings to well over £15,000, another record in pony showing. His part-Welsh breeding also qualified him for a WPCS gold performance award.

“He’s never left my yard in nine years but now he’s going back to Cheltenham to have a great life with the Tills’ children,” said Katy. “No pony could deserve it more, but he will leave a huge gap.

“He’s a little pony with the biggest heart — I’ve never had one like him and never will again. He’s never had a sour moment; he just loved his job and is an out-and-out showman.”

“Rupert and I had such a bond, and I will never experience another feeling quite like it,” said Poppy. “He taught me the ups and downs of showing, as well as giving me the greatest highs.

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“Then to have the opportunity to watch his journey with India is something I wouldn’t have missed for the world — she is like my little sister and he’s part of my family.”

The Tills are eagerly awaiting the new chapter. “Rupert really has been a pony of a lifetime for us,” said India’s mother, Henrietta. “India got him when she was eight and he has given us all so many incredible memories which we will treasure for ever.”

“He taught me so much and gave me the confidence to compete in the open classes at HOYS,” added India. “I just wish I hadn’t grown too tall to ride him, as I could have had another year with him, but I’m looking forward to hacking out and helping my brother, Tarquin, learn the ropes from this living legend.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Here are 12 hairy superstars we wanted to steal and take back to our own yards this show season…

1. Pillheath Prince Charming

Brook Kehoe and her own Welsh section B stallion secured their first ticket to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at the Royal Highland Show in July.

2. Ballagh En Vogue

The Hall family’s Welsh section D yearling was crowned M&M in-hand supreme and overall NPS silver medal champion at Lincolnshire County show.

3. Thistledown Snowstorm

As well as standing junior Heritage champions, Talia Aristodou and the nine-year-old Welsh section A stallion trotted to the overall reserve supreme M&M title at the 2019 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

4. Greenholme Warbler

Claire Wigley’s 15-year-old stallion came out of retirement this season to win his HOYS classes at both Lincolnshire county and The Great Yorkshire with Katy Marriott-Payne in the saddle.

5. Crusheen Shadow

The six-year-old Connemara and Abby Macey stood top of the RIHS junior ridden championship at Ponies UK spring classic.

6. Wells Reliance

The 11-year-old Shetland, owned by Harry Sleigh, clinched several titles during the season, including taking the Sanderson Trophy at the Royal Highland Show.

7. Southerton Jasper

Helen Jeans’ Dales took home a HOYS qualification and the section reserve at Derbyshire Festival with producer Jess Talbot.

8. Betws Onid

The three-year-old Welsh section A colt landed his first Cuddy ticket this season as well his section title at the National Welsh championships.

9. Stuffynwood Daffodil

The overall supreme at NPS Area 4 was clinched by Everett Hayes and Sarah Nobles big-moving Dales mare

10. Dunmere Glayvar

The Dartmoor stallion took his RIHS open ridden qualification at South Suffolk show.

11. Gloves Blakehill William

Ella Kivlochan rode her own Connemara gelding to clinch his Olympia place at the BSPS summer championships

12. Wagtail Echo

Karen Shield led the stunning youngster to land the foal championship at the NPS Area 4 summer show.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

The elephant in the room this season was the call for the remeasuring of two prominent 148cm show ponies just before the Royal International (RIHS) in July.

The 2018 RIHS show pony champion, Moluccas Bengal Beauty, measured out nine days before the Hickstead final.Small-Land Dream Maker’s absence was also noted. However, Dream Maker did measure in the following week and went on to stand supreme show pony at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) summer championships.

This scenario conjures up more questions than answers. Were the objections made by an exhibitor, a judge, a society or a Joint Measurement Board (JMB) steward? It seems unlikely this information will be released, and so the objector will remain anonymous.

I believe there must be a rule to allow objections to take place during the showing season, in extreme circumstances.

On the other hand, should there also be an immunity period, similar to the football transfer window, before RIHS and the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) to stop a possible tactical move to derail the opposition by a rival competitor?

It would also be healthier to return to the old days when the objector was out in the open. This would eradicate the false accusations and malicious finger pointing which have created a bad atmosphere in the second half of 2019.

Weight watchers

The debate on rider weight in pony ranks continued to make headlines this term. The Great Yorkshire Show has been unkindly dubbed “Weight Watchers week” since introducing a regulation in 2016 that anyone of an inappropriate size for their equine would be asked to dismount.

This season Royal Windsor Horse Show pioneered its own rule that only children under 16 years of age could ride-in mini ponies 122cm or under, which was considered easier to monitor. Perhaps a height alternative should be thrown into the mix after I recently read a sign outside an all-day buffet eatery that stated children (5ft 4in and under) were only charged half the full price!

On a lighter note, it always amuses me to see horse competitors at HOYS wearing their full regalia at silly o’clock, resembling a Hollywood film set. That said, was I the only person to instantly recognise Oli Hood, sporting top hat and tails, in last winter’s BBC costume drama Vanity Fair?

And although an official of this year’s National Pony Society (NPS) Area 4 show assured me this had not been done intentionally, the Olympia judging duo of Mesdames Ann Bigley and Claire Smalley caused some merriment at the ring side, when guessing which type they would prefer!

A bright future?

The future of pony showing bodes well based on two of my 2019 judging experiences alone. At Royal Windsor, Lizzie Briant’s son Freddie, Robert Walker’s daughter Izzy and Simon Charlesworth’s son Jac all fared well in the leading-rein show hunter class.

And the legendary Holly Of Spring’s great-granddaughter Rowden Holly Go Lightly was novice champion at the BSPS Championships, trumping her stablemate Stretcholt New Dimension, who went on to claim the riding pony championship at HOYS.

Ref Horse & Hound; 31 October 2019

There is certainly more to a show pony than a blingy brow band and a big trot, as displayed by these nine gorgeous steeds who each reigned in the ring this show season.

But which one of these riding pony champions would you like to have in your yard?

1. Barkway Chit Chat

The heavenly 138cm campaigner stood show pony champion at Royal Cheshire County with Olivia Bennett.

2. Blakestones Moonlight Serenade

The novice tri-colours at the BSPS winter championships went to the Harker family’s home-produced 148cm contender ridden by Victoria Harker.

3. Drakemyre Puttin On The Ritz

India Till clinched the supreme pony accolade at the 2019 Royal International Horse Show with the impeccable six-year-old gelding, who had landed both riding pony and part-bred titles during the week.

4. Wilderness Early Bird

At Lincolnshire County the Team Ahern-produced 148cm trotted to the show pony championship with Mia Donaldson.

5. Meadowmarsh Cinderella

Claudia Groves and  her 128cm ride have had an exceptional season in the show ring and are pictured here qualifying for HOYS at New Forest and Hampshire county show.

6. Basford Black Prince

The striking black gelding and Poppy Carter were crowned RIHS open show pony champions at BSPS Area 2B back in May.

7. Whiteleaze Secret Charm

Eva Herring rode the late Ghita Jago’s 128cm mount to land the open honours at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

8. Jackets Destiny

The Parkhouse family’s home-produced gelding was on form to win at Kent county show.

9. Stretcholt New Dimension

Despite being a first season novice, the young 138cm was crowned riding pony of the year at HOYS in October with Louise Caulfield at the helm.

10. Small-land Dream Maker

Ellis Taverner-Burns piloted the extravagant grey to the top of the supreme show pony field at the BSPS summer championships.

Showing producer Lynn Russell has lost her long-term sponsor Baileys Horse Feeds after posting a short video of a young cob wearing an elasticated training aid on her facebook page earlier this week.

The seven-second clip showed the young horse taking a few hesitant walk steps before standing still with an overbent head carriage.

The clip quickly prompted numerous negative comments raising concerns about Lynn’s training methods before she removed it from her facebook page.

Stills taken from the video clip continued to circulate on social media over the following days, with concerned individuals contacting both Lynn, who told H&H she had received death threats, and her sponsors.

Baileys issued the following statement on Friday, confirming they would no longer be supporting the producer and rider, with whom they have worked for some 40 years.

“Further to the release of a video on social media by Baileys-sponsored showing producer, Lynn Russell, we would like to assure our customers, and the wider horse world, that we in no way condone abusive training or handling of any horse or pony,” said the statement.

“Baileys Horse Feeds’ sponsorship of Lynn has been withdrawn, with immediate effect.”

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Lynn told H&H she was very upset by the way the short video clip had been misinterpreted, stating the young horse was not wearing tight side reins in the video as numerous social media commenters had claimed.

Lynn said: “I am distressed and disappointed by the misinterpretation of a seven-second video clip. The horse was equipped with an elastic bungee with considerable give, not side reins, and at no time has he – or any of the many other horses I have produced over 40 years – been subject to mistreatment.

“I am devastated by Baileys Horse Feeds’ statement. Despite vitriolic attacks on social media, I’ve been heartened by many personal messages of support from those in and outside the showing world who actually know me, know the way I work and appreciate that I care about my horses.”

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Danielle Heath (pictured) is one of the most successful riders and producers in the country. A regular finalist and winner at the Royal International and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), she stood hunter champion at HOYS in 2011 with Sally Iggulden’s Oathill Take The Biscuit, becoming the first woman to lift the title in 10 years.

Training the stars

Whittaker’s Prince, riding horse champion at HOYS in 2012, was always inclined to be spooky. I had him from the age of four and trained him to be able to deal with unfamiliar problems by encouraging him to go past, rather than bullying him, then rewarding him with praise.

Horses are programmed to run away from anything unfamiliar and potentially threatening. Spooking in a busy ring is common because the horse is accustomed to working in a particular environment: either at home or at a trainer’s yard.

I find this problem is often compounded by the rider, who may be nervous and so becomes more tense, which will in turn transfer to the horse.

It is equally important to prepare the rider, and I work with my pupils to teach them how to stay relaxed and to keep the same feeling through the hand and leg all the time. At a show, if a horse reacts to something it is important that the rider is ready with the leg, hand and voice to carry the horse through the problem. A lot of the time, it’s the rider who spots the banner before the horse does, and tenses accordingly.

It is a vital part of a horse’s preparation to take it to at least two shows where it isn’t competing to be ridden round to soak up the atmosphere.

Sometimes, it’s a positive if a horse is very alert as it gives them presence in the ring. If you can learn to channel it in the right way, this energy can give an animal the edge over your competitors.

Tackling the issue

1. A useful arena exercise is the basic leg-yield. If you can control a horse between your hand and leg from walk through to canter, you should be able to control a situation when a horse becomes nervous when going past something spooky by giving it security and confidence.

I begin by the fence on the long side of the arena and ask my horse to move away with my outside leg. Once he is doing this comfortably in walk, I progress through to trot and gradually to canter. Don’t overdo the exercise, as the horse will start to anticipate.

2. Turn the horse’s eye away from the problem rather than going at it head on — if you know there’s a part of the ring where the horse will get nervous, turning his head slightly away by using inside bend will give him the idea he’s not heading towards the problem.

3. Work on your own confidence. If you are feeling nervous it will transfer to your horse. Try to maintain the same hand and leg pressure all the time unless you need to react to something your horse does.

Article continues below…

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Consider this…

• Some riders try to avoid the issue by cutting out part of the ring. Don’t be tempted to do this — it looks unprofessional to judges.
• Riders are understandably nervous competing at bigger competitions so leave yourself plenty of time. Hack the horse around the show ground before your class and stand quietly by the ring to allow him to soak up the atmosphere without any stress.
• There are plenty of calmers on the market, which can be used on an anxious horse. I have found some to be very useful.
• Turning a horse out in the field the night or day before can help reduce any excess energy at the show, as can lungeing if your horse is particularly energetic.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

Who doesn’t love a cob? Low maintenance, versatile and certainly pleasing on the eye. And one major bonus, no plaiting up required.

But which of these 11 scrumptious hogged horses would you consider having on your 2020 show team? Note, it’s not an easy choice…

1. Copenhagen

Simon Reynolds led the cob championship at Lincolnshire County aboard the lightweight contender who stood second at the Royal International (RIHS) later in the season.

2. Miramax

The 15-year-old chestnut gelding topped the maxi cob class at the RIHS with owner Nina Armstrong Finlay in the saddle.

3. Our Cashel Blue

The ‘Carlsberg cob’ and his producer Allister Hood were crowned supreme at the RIHS for owner Caroline Tyrrell.

4. Randalstown Rolex

Another Hickstead winner was Nicola McConville and her own prolific 10-year-old who secured the overall amateur cob sash at the July championship fixture.

5. Skywalker

Heather McCloy topped the supreme at Hambleton with her own home-produced Irish Draught, who went through the card after heading the maxi cobs.

6. Jambalaya II

Leon King was aboard Sarah Field’s lovely heavyweight to qualify for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at Royal Norfolk.

7. Cob In Hood

This classy gelding secured the section tri-colours at Midland Counties.

8. Lord Alexander

Stephen Norris topped the maxi cobs at HOYS on Elizabeth Bury’s consistent 10-year-old chestnut Irish Draught.

9. Cobert De Niro

The first season ride, who contends both ridden coloured and cob classes, added the Three Counties HOYS coloured title to his enviable tally.

10. The Forger

Libby Robertson galloped to victory in maxi cob ranks at the Great Yorkshire showground for owner Petra Jensen.

11. Red Rock III

Tracey Veale’s lightweight, who won HOYS as a ridden coloured, was crowned cob champion at the Great Yorkshire Show with his producer Vicky Hesford.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

A showing producer has been suspended for three months and ordered to pay a £500 fine and £2,000 in costs after a horse in his care tested positive for potassium bromide.

Light hunter Forever Faberge, produced by Peter Hodgkinson, was randomly selected for testing by a British Show Horse Association (BSHA) steward at Wales and West in August 2018. His blood sample indicated a “high level” of the controlled drug, an anti-convulsant which also has a sedative effect.

Potassium bromide was only added to the FEI equine prohibited substance list, on which BHSA bases its anti-doping rules, in January 2018 — making the case one of the first positives for the substance.

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Every December, Olympia in west London, undergoes a horsey transformation in time to host the magical Olympia Horse Show (16-22 December). Whether you are horse-mad, want to shop ’til you drop, or just want to enjoy a spectacular performance, it has something for everyone and now is the time to get your Olympia Horse Show tickets.

A variety of tickets are available prior to the show, details of which can be found below.

The London International Horse Show, Olympia is the only UK show to host all three FEI World Cup qualifiers in dressage, showjumping and driving. Each performance includes an equestrian competition along with a variety of displays from around the world including the Shetland Grand National, dog agility and much more. There are also hundreds of shops located in the retail village and plenty of food and drink outlets to keep you fuelled throughout the day.

Prices of Olympia Horse Show tickets

Ticket prices depend on the day you wish to attend and whereabouts you would like to sit. Top price seats, which are padded with the best view and include a gallery badge, command approximately £15-30 more in cost than fourth priced and limited view tickets (the latter being £29 throughout the show) where seats are in slightly less desirable locations. Discounts are also available for group bookings and concessions (children under 16 years and senior citizens and carers).

The show gets underway on the evening of Monday 16 December, with the World Cup dressage. Top price seats cost £43.80 and fourth priced tickets cost £28.20. Second and third priced tickets cost £39 and £34.20 respectively. Tickets are the same price for the Wednesday afternoon performance.

The tickets for the remainder of the show’s afternoon and evening performances range between £73-77 for top priced tickets and £47-49 for fourth priced tickets. Second and third priced tickets for these performances range between £57 and £69.

If you would like to spend more than one day at Olympia, it is probably worth looking into season tickets. Purchasing a season ticket also takes away the hassle of purchasing tickets for individual performances, plus your purchase guarantees you the best located seats every performance. A season ticket costs £590.

Olympia Horse Show tickets for the morning are also available. These gain you access to the shopping village and the morning performances (Wednesday-Sunday) and cost £20.

If all you want to do is shop, Olympia have tickets available for access solely to the retail village and these cost £12 each.

If you want to watch your favourite horses and riders in warming up, warm-up arena tickets cost £16 and get you close to all the backstage action. These tickets do not gain you access to any other area.

If you really fancy splashing out on your Olympia trip, why not look at booking some hospitality? You will get to watch the show from the luxury of a private box, with excellent views onto the main arena, and enjoy fine dining. Prices start from £1,740 + VAT for a box for 12 – that’s £145 per person — ranging up to £3,540 + VAT. For more information visit the Olympia hospitality page

Book tickets here

View Olympia timetable

You can keep up to date with all the latest news from the show on the Horse & Hound website and by following @horseandhound on Twitter and Facebook

When you were growing up as a showing mad child, what did your dream pony look like?

Perhaps a perfectly plaited show pony with an eye-catching trot, or a chunky little Welsh with a gorgeous dished head? Well these 12 lucky riders have certainly hit the jackpot with their selection of beautiful ponies.

Which one of these 12 combinations who reigned in mini ranks this term would be your overall champion?

1. Manorlea Maverick

The typey five-year-old Welsh section A was crowned mini mountain and moorland (M&M) champion at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) with Jessica McIntosh in the saddle and producer Kevin Cousins at the bridle.

2. Coppinshill Commemoration

The lovely Dartmoor gelding and his jockey Mia Rainford started their debut first ridden season by standing novice mini M&M champion at the BSPS winter championships. They went on to qualify for both the RIHS and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

3. Annandale Line Of Fire

Landing the four-, five- and six-year-old ridden supreme at the Ponies (UK) spring classic was this four-year-old lead-rein of hunter type, ridden by George Levett and handled by Katie White.

4. Barkway Sweet William

Lilly Ahern-Lee scored the mini show pony tri-colours at the BSPS mid-summer show in July on her prolific nine-year-old gelding.

5. Broekland Allesandro

The mini M&M championship at Lincolnshire County was awarded to Demi Appleton and this 12-year-old Welsh section A, who has previously contested in open ridden ranks.

6. Lochar Love In The Mist

Kim Wilson’s first ridden campaigner and his rider Charlotte Wilson were given the nod in the mini show pony championship at the Royal Highland Show.

7. Newoak Pageboy

Hayley Came-Boyce led out daughter Amelia Brook to land three championship titles at NCPA Lancashire spring show.

8. Pontadawe Tinkerbell

Amelia Evans was crowned mini pony of the year at the CHAPS championships in September with the Team Holder-produced coloured pony.

9. Rowfantina Hideaway Harry

The mannerly Welsh section A trotted to the HOYS mini M&M title at Three Counties.

10. Whitchhill Candy Cotton

Ilayda Aydin, aged four, won the Brynseion lead rein final on her pretty Welsh section A, who is also just four years old.

11. Cayberry Hot Shot

At Monmouthshire, the 14-year-old Dartmoor and Daisy-May Allen were on form to claim the HOYS mini M&M honours.

12. Ravara Mr Todd

Milly Gilbert and the first ridden contender bagged a HOYS ticket, the mini championship and reserve mini supreme at NCPA Derbyshire back in June.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

The list of judges for next year’s Royal International Horse Show at the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead has been revealed by the organisers. Next year’s show will run from Tuesday 21 to Sunday 26 July.

The judges are as follows (correct as of November 2019):

Tuesday 21 July

Coloured Horses (ride) – Mr Nathan Arnold
Coloured Horses (conf) & Coloureds Supreme – Mrs Georgina Andrews
Coloured Ponies (show) – Mr Philip Cooper
Coloured Ponies (conf) & Coloureds Supreme – Mr Wynn Morris

Wednesday 22 July

Working Hunter Ponies (jumping) – Mr Anthony Evans
Working Hunter Ponies (conf) – Miss Z L Micallef
Show Hunter Ponies (show) – Mr Chris Hunnable
Show Hunter Ponies (conf) – Mrs Jo Jefferson
Pure Bred Arabs (ride and conf) – Miss Stephanie Turner
Hackneys – Mr Craig Purver
P(UK) Young Riders M&M Ridden classes (conf) – Miss Jayne Brace
P(UK) Young Riders M&M Ridden classes (perf) – Mrs Rosemary Young

Thursday 23 July

Ladies Hunter (ride) and Amateur Riding Horses (ride) – Mrs Anna Levy
Ladies Hunter (conf) and Amateur Riding Horses (conf) – Mr Simon Reynolds
Hunters – Lightweights (ride) – Miss Lesley-Anne Webb
Hunters – Middleweights (ride) – Ms Bumble Thomas
Hunters – Heavyweights (ride) – Mr Ian Smeeth
Hunters (conf) – Mr Michael Maryan
Shoeing Prize – TBC
BSPS Heritage M & M Open Classes (show) – Mrs Mary Rose Cole
BSPS Heritage M & M Open Classes (conf) – Mr Paul Brightwell
BSPS Heritage M & M LR and FR (show) – Miss Vanessa De Quincey
BSPS Heritage M & M LR and FR (conf) – Mrs Jill Godden

Friday 24 July

Amateur Hunter (ride and conf) – Mr Nick Collins
Amateur Hunter (ride and conf) – Mrs Jenny Banks
Working Hunter (ride) – Miss Michelle Underwood
Working Hunter (conf) – Mrs Victoria Cobham
Riding Horses (ride) – Miss Lesley-Anne Webb
Riding Horses (conf) – Miss Moggy Hennessy
M & M WHP (jumping) – Mrs Barbara McGrath
M & M WHP (conf) – Mr R Hunt

Saturday 25 July

Small Hunter (Ride) – Mrs L Daly
Small Hunter (Conf) – The Hon Mrs Hopper Cavendish
Hacks (ride) – Mr Ian Smeeth
Hacks (conf) – Mrs Vivienne Appell
Intermediate Show Riding Types (show) and Intermediate Show Hunter (conf) – Miss Vanessa De Quincey
Intermediate Show Riding Types (conf) and Intermediate Show Hunter (show) – Mr Chris Yates
Pretty Polly Ponies – Heritage LR and FR (show) – Mrs Nicky Turner
Pretty Polly Ponies – Heritage LR and FR (conf) – Mrs Emma Livesey
Miniatures – Mrs Vera Huddlestone
Part Bred Arabs (ride) – Miss Stephanie Turner
Part Bred Arabs (conf) – Mrs Jill Godden
Maxi Cobs (ride) – Miss Michelle Underwood
Maxi Cobs (conf) – Mr Michael Maryan

Continues below…

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Sunday 26 July

Lead Rein, First Ridden and LR of SHT (show) – Mrs Julia Ryde-Rogers
Lead Rein, First Ridden and LR of SHT (conf) – Mrs Mary Rose Cole
Show Ponies (show) – Mrs Evelyn Tate
Show Ponies (conf) – Mrs Amanda Jones
Nursery Stakes (conf) and Intermediate W Hunter (jumping) – Mr Simon Somers
Nursery Stakes (jumping) and Intermediate W Hunter (conf) – Mrs Vivienne Appell
Pretty Polly Ponies – SP and Int (conf) SHP and M&M (show) – Mrs Nicky Turner
Pretty Polly Ponies – SP and Int (show) SHP and M&M (conf) – Mrs Emma Livesey
Cobs (ride) – Mrs Sarah Kate Coward
Cobs (conf) – Mr Stuart Ashton
Working Show Horses (ride) – Miss Jane Owen
Working Show Horses (conf) – Mr Tim Wiggett
Amateur Cobs (ride) – Miss Michaela Bowling
Amateur Cobs (conf) – Miss Susan Holliday
Amateur Hacks (ride) and Amateur Maxi Cob (ride) – Miss Jane Owen
Amateur Hacks (conf) and Amateur Maxi Cob (conf) – Mr Tim Wiggett
Trade Driving Classes – Mrs Clare Wigmore
Grooms Prize – TBC
Supreme Ridden Horse & Pony Championships – TBC

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Julie Templeton is a leading producer of children’s show ponies; her team has had wins at both the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). She has been involved in training horses all her life and is
based in Shropshire with her co-producer, Fiona Wallace.

Training the stars

Colbeach Salaman (Ralph) and I spent a lot of time on the long-reins together. He was only 12.2hh, but had the personality of a lion and a stride that was difficult for a jockey to sit to.

Long-reining proved to be the schooling method that suited him. It allowed me to keep my staff and children safe while educating him, until I knew I could contain and control him in a way his rider could emulate. He went on to be a big winner and part of his show preparation was to get him back on the long-reins.

It could be said that long-reining is the most essential part of the backing process. It establishes pace and direction, and allows your horse to find balance in all gaits before a rider is introduced.

It also establishes the concept of going forward into a contact, which is important in the early stages. If you don’t have long-reining experience, practise with an older, experienced horse first — it’s not ideal to have two novices learning together.

Long-reining can be a tool to introduce lateral work, and is especially helpful for reschooling when your horse needs to return to work without a rider. It’s also great for schooling your horse without endangering the rider. Napping is a great example; you can drive the horse forward if he is established in his napping.

Tackling the issue

1. I use a bridle with a bit, plus either a saddle or a roller, with two lunge-lines clipped on to the bit and passed through the D-rings or stirrups. I attach the stirrups to the girth with a Velcro strap for more stability and a consistent contact.

2. First, I long-rein around the yard in long, straight lines until my horse is confident. Then I’ll build in turning and corners. Once brakes and direction are in place, we can move into the arena.

3. Have someone lead your horse for the first few times. Use your voice and gently flick his sides with the reins to encourage him to go forward. Hold the reins as you would do if you were riding; you need to keep the contact subtle and elastic.

4. Make sure your horse is going straight and forward, as you would when riding him. Once the walk is established, you can proceed to faster paces on a circle, ensuring you work equally in both directions.

Article continues below…

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Consider this…

• Always wear gloves to protect your hands when long-reining.
• Avoid getting left behind — your horse should not be steaming ahead as this can make you pull on the reins, preventing you from driving him forward.
• Ensure the bit is in the correct place — once an animal learns to get his tongue over, this is a difficult habit to correct.
• Use an appropriate bit, as too strong a bit will encourage your horse to overbend rather than take the contact forward.
• You need to be fit to keep up with your horse’s pace. You also need enough stamina to be able to persevere with solving a problem, or it will be even more difficult the next time you attempt it.

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Are you lucky enough to own a Welsh pony or cob? If so, you should be able to relate to these six things that only the associates of wonderful Welshies can understand…

1. Other riders may underestimate your horse power

When your new horsey friend from the office invites you to join her on a cross-country schooling day, she might look a little underwhelmed when your 14hh ‘mini cob’ steps off the lorry. But don’t be fooled by the hairy legs, long mane and abundance of feather — appearances can be deceiving. These chunky little pocket rockets can certainly use their power and strength to their advantage and will have the stamina and jump to keep up with a full-sized horse. There’s more to a Welsh than white socks, and wait until you see him move…

2. Only a select few will be able to pronounce your pony’s name correctly

The Welsh language, as beautiful as it is, has provided our beloved ponies with some obscure names that take some serious tongue twisting to get right. Double ‘L’s and double ‘F’s are just the half of it, and you will come to realise that most Welsh-born words are definitely not pronounced as they are spelt. We feel for the poor show commentators when it’s time to read out the results of an all-Welsh class!

3. Your dream is to win at the Royal Welsh Show

Like Horse of the Year Show, but for the Welsh pony lovers. Even if you don’t own a Welshie, you will have certainly heard of the wonderful week of showing in July held at Builth Wells. To achieve a top results at the Royal Welsh is a dream for many owner and riders, so you’ll need an extra special Welsh wonder to stand a chance. Better get practising…

4. You will understand why the flag has a dragon on it

As hardy, versatile and low maintenance a Welsh pony can be, most will have a trigger which can unleash the ‘Welsh Dragon’ within. Whether that’s a water tray at the bottom of a jump, a grandstand full of spectators or a plastic bag on the side of the road, your own Welsh will have his or her ‘thing’ which will send them temporarily crazy. As with all natives, they can usually be bribed to cooperate with food…

Article continues below…

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of Great Britain at the BHS Royal International Horse Show held at the Hickstead Show ground near Haywards Heath in West Sussex, in the UK between 25-29th July 2018" width="" height="" data-srcset=" "/>

The Welsh section B: the athletic and multi-talented Welsh pony

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5. You will get offended if someone calls your pony the wrong section

Only fellow Welsh owners will understand how the intended compliment of “I love your section C” can be taken as highly insulting when directed at your Welsh cob (good things come in small packages). You know it shouldn’t, but it drives you mad when someone has to ask if your pony is a section A or a small section B. A little tip, if you’re not sure what it is, don’t guess.

6. You will never be able to have anything else

Once you’ve gone Welsh, there’s no going back…

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A hugely successful Welsh section C has been put to sleep age age 19 after a prolific ridden career which included two wins at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) as an open ridden pony.

Rhyd-Ddu Glyndwr, or Riddy as he was known at home, was owned by Sara Dowdeswell and ridden by her daughter Sophie (now Famelton).

Riddy was bought by the Dowdeswells from the Peasedown stud in 2006 through show producer Mathew Lawrence.

“I just fell in love with him as soon as I saw his big ginger bum in the stable,” said Sophie. “He was my pony of a lifetime not just because of his results but he was also such a character. He knew exactly where the grandstand was and loved to perform.” 

Alongside many victories on the county circuit — including at the prestigious Great Yorkshire Show — he was also an Olympia finalist. His two HOYS victories came in 2008 and 2010.

Before he was shown as a gelding, Riddy was also used as a stud stallion.

Continues below…

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"His temperament was second to none and lives on through his numerous progeny"

Cake, Polos and prosecco — everything an Olympic stallion needs at his retirement party

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In tribute, Sophie wrote: “Riddy came to us at a difficult time but taught me how to smile again. He was a total superstar winning up and down the country and making all my dreams come true winning HOYS twice. But more than that he was such a character.

“He loved a grandstand and champagne bar and if there wasn’t enough entertainment he would create his own. He even spent a whole season refusing to let mum put his bridle on in the lorry meaning she had to accost strangers at the bottom of the ramp to help her. Following an accident a few years ago he has been unable to be ridden but lived out his days very happily with his best mates at home.”

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