Off to jump the RIHS workers at Hickstead? Here’s one expert’s insight into the course and how to train for success
The working hunter tracks for horses and ponies at the Agria Royal International are widely recognised as being among the most challenging on the outdoor circuit. In this article exclusive to H&H subscribers, we ask a leading working hunter rider why that is and how best to prepare for Hickstead’s unique championship courses
The working hunter classes at Hickstead’s Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) present some of the most challenging tracks that horses and ponies will see all season.
Amy Tough is one of our leading working hunter riders with an impressive seven Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) wins and crucially, several RIHS successes. Most recently, she won the horse workers at Hickstead on Kalani K in 2024. She also won the mountain and moorland working hunter pony exceeding 143cm class astride King Rover in 2022.
Here, Amy gives her insight on the courses and shares her advice on how to train for success in the working hunter classes at the Royal International Horse Show.
The best thing about the working hunter classes at the Royal International
“It’s the most fun ring to jump in all year,” says Amy. “The atmosphere is super and there’s always a strong crowd, which adds to it. It’s also a really testing track, which means it’s a level playing field and every horse has a good chance of success if they jump well.”
Why is the workers at the RIHS such a challenge?
The ring at Hickstead is, according to Amy, the “closest course on the circuit to the hunting field” and not just because it’s on a slope.
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Learning to jump bullfinches is an essential skill for a working hunter to learn.
Credit: John Cannon
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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.
