‘First and foremost and above all else, these ponies must safely carry a small child’: meet the RIHS plaited mini judge
In the first of our exclusive articles for H&H subscribers on what the judges will be looking for in specific classes at the Agria Royal International Horse Show, we speak to mini judge Mathew Lawrence about his background, and what he’ll be prioritising when assessing the conformation of the ponies in front of him at Hickstead
The plaited mini championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) plays host to some of the cutest and most charming combinations on show all week. Royal International mini judge Mathew Lawrence will be assessing the conformation phase in the lead-rein, first ridden and lead-rein pony of hunter type classes.
So who is he and what will he be looking for? Here’s your guide…
Mathew’s background in showing…
Bristol-based Mathew is a former producer of ridden ponies and horses, now focused on teaching and training.
Mathew was not born to horsey parents, but his aunt had a horse and a good friend at school’s mum ran a riding school, so Mathew worked on a Saturday for a free ride on a Sunday.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2025 with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
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.