New in-hand supreme championship for 2027

The National Pony Society and the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead are due to launch a new In-Hand Championship Series, culminating in a final at the Agria Royal International Horse Show in 2027.

The Cases Ltd NPS Pendley Supreme In Hand Championship is an exciting new series that will provide exhibitors with a prestigious pathway to compete at one of the country's most renowned equestrian events. The new series has been developed to celebrate and promote excellence in horse and pony breeding, providing a national platform for breeders and owners to showcase the next generation of horses and ponies, while also introducing in-hand competition to a new audience through the Championship Final in the iconic International Arena at Hickstead.

The qualifying classes will include Hunter Breeding, Hack & Riding Horse Breeding, British Riding & Show Hunter Pony Breeding and all registered Mountain & Moorland ponies. The qualifiers will take place at selected NPS & SHB(GB) affiliated competitions throughout the season, with successful combinations earning their place at the Agria Royal International Horse Show in July 2027.

The Champion will be presented with the prestigious Pendley Cup, awarded in memory of Jennifer Williams in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the showing world. Jennifer was the former President of the National Pony Society, as well as being a renowned British Riding Pony breeder and Vice President of the Royal International Horse Show.

Jackie Webb, Chairman of the National Pony Society, said: "We are extremely grateful to Suzanne and Ian Burns from Cases Sheet Metal Fabrications for supporting the launch of this new and highly prestigious in hand final. The brainchild of 2025 NPS President Mrs Sara Hird, the competition aims to identify and celebrate the leading light horse or pony in hand champion of the year, while also recognising and rewarding breeding excellence, reflecting the charitable objectives of the NPS.”

Lizzie Bunn, Show Director of the Agria Royal International Horse Show, commented: “This is an exciting new addition to the 2027 schedule. I am extremely grateful to former NPS President Sara Hird, NPS Manager Sacha Shaw, our Showing Director David Ingle and Garry Merton for their invaluable work in bringing this championship to fruition, and to Suzanne and Ian Burns for their generous sponsorship."

Championship Sponsor Suzanne Burns said: "Ian and I are delighted to support this new championship and are passionate about investing in the future of pony breeding and showing. We believe this competition has enormous potential to promote our native and riding pony breeds while supporting breeders during these challenging times. In-hand classes are where many successful ponies begin their careers, and it is vital that breeders and exhibitors have opportunities to showcase quality stock at prestigious events, with judging that places the emphasis on correct type, quality and conformation. We are thrilled that the National Pony Society is driving this exciting new initiative forward and look forward to seeing the finalists compete at the 2027 Agria Royal International Horse Show."

Former NPS President & NPS Area 20 Chair Sara Hird adds: "While attending the Royal International Horse Show in my capacity as NPS President, I recognised a gap in the schedule for a prestigious in-hand championship that would encourage and support our breeders in producing the ridden ponies and horses of the future. Through hard work, dedication and the support of those involved, the Pendley Cup has now become a reality, and I am incredibly excited to see it grow into something truly special."

Further details regarding qualification criteria, qualifying venues and championship conditions will be announced shortly. The first qualifier took place at the 119th National Pony Society Summer Championships, held at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, from 4–6th August 2026.  Qualifying for the Hunter section will commence in 2027.

For more information, please visit the National Pony Society website.