The British Show Pony Society announced its 2026 award winners at its judges’ conference and AGM on 6 February. President Pat Pattinson and chairman Paul Cook presented trophies to eight individuals for outstanding achievements in showing. The recipients included young riders, ponies, and long-serving contributors to the equestrian community.
The 2026 BSPS awards recognised excellence in pony showing, from young talents to veteran contributors. The ceremony took place on 6 February during the society’s judges’ conference and annual general meeting.
Anya Dewey Clark, a 10-year-old from Lincolnshire, received the Outstanding Achievement award. In 2024, she qualified for nine championships at the Royal International Horse Show across working hunter pony and showjumping classes, and three ponies for Horse of the Year Show in showjumping. She secured four National Showjumping Championship titles. In 2025, Anya defended those titles, winning the 128cm showjumping championship at the Royal International and becoming the only rider to win both the 138cm showjumping and 143cm working hunter pony finals at Horse of the Year Show. She also won at the London International Horse Show. Anya dreams of representing Team GB at the Olympics.
Florence Rendall earned another Outstanding Achievement award. Starting to ride at 18 months on pony Tia, she qualified Elmswood Spring Parade for lead-rein and Somersham Playboy for first ridden at both Royal International and Horse of the Year Show in 2025. She won both classes at Horse of the Year Show, securing the championship with Elmswood Spring Parade, led by John Harvey, and the overall supreme pony championship.
Woodview Ianthe, known as Ellie and owned by the Binks family, was named Outstanding Pony. With nine first ridden riders, she qualified for Horse of the Year Show every year campaigned, carrying three to the mini show pony championship and winning at Hickstead. In 2025, after retirement, she qualified for Horse of the Year Show and Royal International, supporting her young jockey confidently.
Warren Fentiman received the ‘Sports Writer’ Award. Starting showing at age three, he turned to pony racing at 14 and became an apprentice jockey to Richard Fahey in 2024, riding over 50 winners. Highlights included the Epsom Dash on Derby Day, a win at Glorious Goodwood, and riding for HM The King at Royal Ascot on Purple Rainbow. His sister Ruby accepted the award on his behalf due to racing commitments.
Sharon Tesloff Smith was honoured with the Long Service Award for 26 years with BSPS, becoming integral to the office team across all sections.
John Harvey won the Outstanding Equestrian award. In 2025, he qualified three ponies for the Price Family Supreme in-hand final at Horse of the Year Show, with Elmswood Star Struck placing second, and led Elmswood Spring Parade and Florence Rendall to the overall supreme championship.
Nigel Hollings received the Outstanding Contribution award for 40 years of service. The first boy to win the show pony championship at Horse of the Year Show in 1972, he has 27 Horse of the Year Show winners, over 35 Hickstead wins, and five Best of Breed at M&M Finals at Olympia and London International. He is BSPS’s longest-serving council member, former BSHA chairman for nine years, a judge since 1983 on 15 panels, Chief Showing Steward at Royal Windsor and London International, and president of Ribble Valley Riding Club.
David Ingle was given the Chairman’s Award. After working as a makeup artist for Estée Lauder, he focused on horses, including showjumpers, eventers, and racehorses. Friend Dick Saunders encouraged his hunter judging, and he collaborates with Roger Stack at Hickstead, serving as Director of Showing at Royal International to preserve traditions.
