Meet the Veteran Horse of the Year Show Finalists
Littlebyron Limited Edition & Kjerstin Chissel
QUALIFIER
Qualified Northern Ireland Festival May 2026
Kjerstin and Littlebyrom Limited Edition, affectionately known as Kye, have already shared two trips to Horse of the Year Show, but this year was extra special as they secured the very first Veteran HOYS ticket for the VHS class.
Kye has been a pony of a lifetime for Kjerstin, following in the footsteps of her lead rein pony who took them to fourth at HOYS in 2021. A true character away from the ring, Kye is known as the “Turbo Slug” for his love of a gallop and is equally famous for his stable antics, food obsession and demand for bum scratches. Beneath his cheeky, diva-like personality is a kind and genuine pony who adores Kjerstin.
For their family, this milestone is about so much more than a rosette, it’s another special memory to treasure together.
Image Courtesy of Equinational Photography
Brook Farm Heaven Scent & Willow Airey
QUALIFIER
Qualified Hambleton District Show May 2026
Willow and her 24-year-old mare, Brookfarm Heaven Scent, affectionately known as Perfect Poppy, have been an inseparable team for the past nine years.
A true family favourite with a big personality, Poppy has enjoyed a successful showing career, winning at the Royal International in 2024 alongside numerous championships, and now spends her days enjoying veteran classes, beach rides and plenty of pampering.
Qualifying for Horse of the Year Show is a dream come true for Willow, who says riding her best friend in the “Arena of Dreams” is the perfect way to celebrate an incredible partnership.
Shemika Snip & Kelsey Bishop
QUALIFIER
Qualified Royal Bath & West Show May 2026
Kelsey and her 26 year old mare, Snip, have been an inseparable team for 17 years. Originally bought to go jumping, Snip had other ideas, and together they discovered a love of showing despite starting with no experience.
Last year, after recovering from a life threatening illness and a serious check ligament injury, Kelsey thought retirement was the kindest option. Instead, Snip made an incredible comeback, qualifying for Horse of the Year Show at their first attempt. A true diva with a mischievous streak and a love of rolling in the mud, Snip continues to prove that patience, perseverance and belief can make dreams come true.
Jinx in Clover & Deirdre Conroy
QUALIFIER
Qualified Royal Three Counties Show June 2026
When Deirdre bought Jinx in 2020, she wasn’t the horse she’d been searching for. The 16.1hh mare ticked none of the boxes on paper, but something about her just felt right.
A former showjumper, Deirdre introduced Jinx to the showing world, where the pair quickly discovered a shared passion. Since then, she’s become so much more than a competition horse, carrying Deirdre safely through pregnancy, becoming a gentle friend to her young daughter and always seeming to know exactly what her rider needs.
Whether making her laugh on difficult days or offering quiet comfort when it matters most, Jinx has been a constant source of strength. After years of coming agonisingly close, qualifying for Horse of the Year Show was an emotional dream come true.
For Deirdre, the greatest achievement isn’t the qualification itself, but the extraordinary partnership she shares with the mare she never knew she needed.
Image Courtesy of 1st Class Images
Inverin Paddy & Lucy Heygate
QUALIFIER
Qualified Royal Norfolk Show June 2026
Lucy and 15 year old Inverin Paddy, affectionately known as Joey, have shared six years together and are now looking forward to the biggest stage of their partnership.
Joey came into Lucy’s life at a poignant time, spotted by her dad at a show just before she lost her beloved pony of 20 years, making Joey feel like a true “fate pony”.
Easy going both at home and at shows, Joey has a mischievous side too, from throwing his feed bin over the stable door to escaping when his bottom bolt isn’t shut! A pony who loves his treats, cuddles and countryside hacks, Joey has helped Lucy achieve more than she ever imagined. Now, competing at Horse of the Year Show is a dream come true for this very special partnership.
Image courtesy of www.topshots.org.uk
We’ll add the finalists as they are confirmed by HOYS, so keep checking back to see who has qualified at the Northern Counties Ponies Association (NCPA) Staffs, Scottish Horse Show, Stoneleigh Horse Show, Denbigh & Flint Show (Wales), and finally at the National Veteran Championships on 5 September.
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