A 25-year-old retired working hunter pony named Pied Piper has claimed the Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd 2026 Royal Windsor senior in-hand championship. Ridden by Pippa Kirby, the grey gelding won on his first attempt at the event.
Pippa Kirby and Pied Piper first won the senior plus class for horses and ponies aged 24 and over. They then defeated three-time champion Gabriella Cox with Wolfgang Golden Symphony to secure the sash and qualification for the Royal International Horse Show. The pony was bought by the Kirby family as an 18-year-old for working hunter classes with her daughters Indiana and Isabella. He was retired from Horse of the Year Show at age 22 after a successful career that included winning the Burghley sports pony final at 23. Despite his age, Piper continues to enjoy jumping at home, where he is described as the king of the yard. His condition is attributed to feeding with TopSpec and the care of farrier Toby Pedley. Last year's champion Wolfgang Golden Symphony, now 22, stood reserve after winning the senior class for horses and ponies aged 20 to 23. Owner Gabriella Cox, a firefighter who has competed with him in Pony Club and Interforces events, noted that Windsor is his favourite show. In the pre-senior class for 15 to 19-year-olds, Abigail Lane and 18-year-old Blackbourn Roger took the win.
