Heralding those fabulous ponies who have given their all for their owners and riders over a number of years, and instilled a lifelong love of equestrianism in all who have met, cared for and ridden them.
Four fabulous ponies who have given their all for numerous riders and instilled a lifelong love of equestrianism in their connections, but who will you vote for in the annual Horse & Hound Awards?
SPILLERS Horse Feeds Pony of the Year 2025 shortlist
Bunbury Conquest
24yo gelding, by Bunbury Figaro x Bunbury Mahogany
Described as a “grand prix horse in a pony body”, “Questie” is a legendary 128cm showjumper, who was still flying round Hickstead this year in his mid-20s.
The superstar pony is currently leased by the Widdowson family, with Kathleen hailing him as “the best pony in the whole wide world”. In 2023, her daughter – eight-year-old Annabel – became the youngest-ever rider to win the 128cm final at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) and won at both Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and London International Horse Show last year.
“He’s a complete freak and a legend in showjumping – never stopping producing the best children who have gone on to represent their country,” says his owner Alison Irvine.
Castra
9yo mare, by Strinesdale Matador x Sir Oldenburg
Castra was the first foal bred by owner Stephanie Fitt, out of her RIHS champion, Fairfax C. The 14.2hh tobiano mare has carried riders including Rhianon Loader, Grace Lockyer, and Elliee Stunt to supreme titles.
“Her achievements are beyond my wildest dreams – in dressage, showjumping and showing,” says Stephanie of “Cassie,” the first coloured to stand part-bred supreme champion at both the RIHS and Cherif Championships.
In 2025, Cassie’s HOYS, Cherif and Great Yorkshire coloured titles were special, but even more delightful was watching her carry 13-year-old Grace Lockyer, who had never been to a show on her, to win her showing to music section at the BSPS Summer Championships and then lift the overall BSPS/NPS Mare of the Year title at the same show.
“The joy we have had as a team from Castra is indescribable. We love her so much,” said Stephanie.
Mighty Max II
27yo gelding, by Haw Merlin Brich x Broomells Desert Song
The Lickley family gifted Max to Lauren Williamson for her daughter Jemima four years ago – “the best gift we’ve ever received”. Max, a registered spotted pony without a single spot, has launched many young riders’ careers, including those of Izzy Lickley, Maddy Frewin and Lara Kuropatwa, all of whom went on to the 2016 European pony dressage team.
In his prime, the 12hh pony took on horses, winning inter-regionals with scores over 90%. Now 27, Max remains a Pony Club and grassroots star.
“We’re careful how much we ask of him, though he still looks 12,” says Lauren. “He won his area qualifier for the Pony Club championships and reached the My Quest semi-final. He’s truly one of a kind – the hindleg of a top horse and the best behaved. One morning, I opened the curtains to see Jemima riding him bareback in the front garden while he grazed.”
Woodview Ianthe
19yo mare, by Woodview Filidori x Orielton Aristocrat
Woodview Ianthe, who is known as Ellie, came out of retirement this year and immediately qualified for HOYS and the RIHS with her new jockey, Finlay Clay.
“She walked straight back into the ring like she had never been away, looked after her little jockey and didn’t look out of place among the younger ponies,” said her owner Amy Binks.
The 12hh mare has had nine different first ridden jockeys and has qualified and been placed at HOYS every year she has competed – including with three of Amy’s daughters.
“She’s given three different jockeys the champion mini show pony title at HOYS, but her greatest achievement has to be winning overall supreme of show at the BSPS Summer Championships in 2018 with my middle daughter, Maisie, who was in her debut season,” Amy adds. “She knows her job and safely takes all her little jockeys just off the lead around the ring with such elegance – this is simply priceless!”
Voting closes at 5pm on Thursday 30 October and the winners will be revealed at a star-studded ceremony on 26 November, and featured online, on social media and in the following week’s magazine (4 December). Read the H&H Awards 2025 terms and conditions
Previous Pony of the Year winners
Previous winners of this award include:
- Forester, an Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) stalwart who served for more than two decades at South Bucks RDA and started the careers of top riders including British medal-winners Natasha Baker and Ricky Balshaw
- Miniature Shetland superstar fundraiser Teddy topped the charts as your Pony of the Decade (2011-2020)
- Redwings Phoenix, a piebald foal who suffered extensive burns in an apparent arson attack when he was just five weeks old. Sadly, following months of intensive care, Redwings announced that after a skin graft operation, Phoenix did not recover from the general anaesthetic
- Smurf, 30, an amazing eyeless therapy pony who taught children about disabilities and offered comfort to those with dementia. Sadly Smurf is no longer with us, but he has left behind an incredible legacy
About the Horse & Hound Awards 2025
The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 10th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.
As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We will recognise both the big names who have made 2025 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.
The ceremony will take place at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire, where some 300 people, including stars of this summer’s European Championships, will enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, Oscar-style speeches and dancing on Wednesday 26 November.
