Light Horse 2026
Kindly Sponsored by
Something for every Horse/Pony and Rider
Building on her first year of organizing the Light Horse Section in 2024, Becci, the Secretary, ably assisted by Alison, has carefully thought through the 2026 Schedule to provide classes which she hopes will cater for every horse and rider's expectation, experience and enjoyment.
*New for 2026. TSR and Veteran Horse Society Qualifiers*
TSR Qualifiers - Classes 3, 9, 16, 30 - 34, 38 - 40, 53 & 54.
VHS Qualifiers - Classes 1 & 2
Click on the category that you wish to enter in the table below to view full details of the classes available, judges, prizes, etc.
| Showing | Veteran Classes | Coloured Horse & Pony | Cobs | Mountain and Moorland |
| Show Jumping | Working Hunter Classes | Children's Showing and Novelty Classes | Timetable of Classes |
Section Secretary
Becci Brown
Email : lighthorsehonleyshow@gmail.com
Assistant Light Horse Secretary
Alison Brown
Email : lighthorsehonleyshow@gmail.com
Important information for Entries 2025
To enter, please click on link https://www.myridinglife.com/eventdetails.aspx?id=555827
** Online entries closed at 7pm on Friday 19th June, 2026 **
There will be no postal entries.
Entries may be made on the day at the Secretary's discretion
Entry Fees: ALL classes – £12.00 Pre Entries, £15.00 on the day. Cash only
Entry tickets will be available from the Horse Secretary. 2 passes per horse/pony.
Please note without an entry ticket, there is no admission to the main Showfield.
On arrival, competitors are required to check in with the Secretary to be given numbers and tickets. Please remember to take horse passports with you to the Secretary
Prize Money: 1st – £15, 2nd – £10, 3rd – £5.00 Rosettes to 3rd place.
CHAMPIONSHIP - £100 Champion £50 Reserve
All prize money / vouchers will be paid by cash on the day, any not collected will be retained by the show.
Parking.
Parking for horse transport only is free and open from 8.00am.
ALL box drivers are obliged to co-operate with the parking stewards.
Only horseboxes and trailers are permitted to park in the Horsebox Parking Field.
Cars without a trailer are strictly prohibited and must use the main car park.
The Committee reserves the right to refuse entry to those who do not co-operate.
General Rules:
The Secretary reserves the right to amend the schedule and classes as she sees fit if the necessity arises.
The decision of the Section Secretary is final.
The timetable in the schedule is approximate and although the organisers will make every effort to maintain the timetable,
All Exhibitors in Horse Classes must have Public Liability Insurance, Valid Equine Passports and Equine Influenza vaccination Certificates which must accompany the horse at all times, and are liable to random inspection.
Correctly secured riding hats to the current standard must be worn at all times when mounted anywhere on the Showfield.
All stallions must be shown correctly bitted.
Children under 14 years old may not show colts (with the exception of foals) or stallions in In-Hand classes.
Children under 12 years old may not show Stallions in Ridden Classes.
ALL RIDERS/ HANDLERS MUST DISPLAY THEIR ANIMAL’S COMPETITOR NUMBER AT ALL TIMES WHEN EITHER RIDING OR LEADING THEIR ANIMAL ANYWHERE ON THE SHOWGROUND.
Whiskers/Sensory Hairs
All equines should present with no evidence of whiskers or sensory hairs having been trimmed or removed (other than for veterinary purposes, in which case you must provide written proof from your Vet; this proof must be available at the Show if requested by a Show Official). Sensory hairs are the hard hairs located on the horse’s muzzle and around the eyes, also known as ‘whiskers’ that are used for sensation. Any competitor in breach of this will be disqualified.
Important information re. EQUINE INFLUENZA
ALL EQUINES MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PASSPORT.
RANDOM CHECKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON THE SHOWGROUND DURING ENTRY.
Please make sure you have your passport ready.
Equine Flu Vaccinations– All equines attending Honley Agricultural Show must have been vaccinated for Equine Influenza within the past 12 months.
The requirement for the first 3 vaccinations is as follows:
First 2 vaccinations 21 – 60 days apart;
Third booster between 120-180 days;
Annual booster vaccination within 6 months or 12 months depending on governing body.
No horse/pony should enter competitions within 7 days of an EI vaccination
No equine should enter competitions within 7 days of an EI vaccination
Foals should commence vaccinations at 6 months old.
All owners are urged to adhere to strict biosecurity protocols at all times.
Vaccinations are subject to local risk assessments by the attending veterinarians.
PLEASE NOTE THAT NEITHER VACCINATION CERTIFICATES NOR PASSPORTS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SHOW PRIOR TO THE EVENT.
Showing Classes.
Ring 1.
Judge: Laura Kenyon-Brodie, Yorkshire
Racehorses & Sports Horses
Class 10. In Hand Racehorse
Class 11. In Hand Youngstock Sports Horse - 1-3 years old
Class 12. In Hand Sports Horse Age 4+
Class 13. Ridden Racehorse
Class 14. Ridden Sports Horse
Hunters
Class 15. Ridden Lightweight, Middleweight, Heavyweight Hunter Combined.
Class 16. The Showing Register - RIDDEN HUNTER AMATEUR OF THE YEAR
Open Ridden Hunter, mare or gelding, 4 years old and over. Exceeding 148cms. Riders must have attained their 15th birthday by the day of the Show. Spurs may be worn by adult riders. The two highest placed exhibit not already qualified will qualify for the relevant TSR Amateur of the Year final class to be held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 28th and 29th November.
Shetland, Side Saddle, Hack/Riding Horse
Ring 3
Judge: Sheila Dinsdale, Yorkshire
Class 35. Shetland Pony - In Hand
Class 36. Ladies Side Saddle
Class 37. Ridden Hack - exceeding 148cm but not exceeding 160cm.
Riding Horse Ridden - exceeding 148cm.
Class 38. TSR Riding Horse/Hack Ridden Amateur of the Year
Open to Hacks and Riding Horses. mare or gelding, 4 years old and over. Exceeding 148cms but Hacks not exceeding 160cms. Riders must have attained their 15th birthday by the day of the Show Spurs may be worn by adult riders. The two highest placed exhibit not already qualified will qualify for the relevant TSR Amateur of the Year final class to be held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 28th and 29th November.
Arabs
Ring 3
Judge: Sheila Dinsdale, Yorkshire
Class 41 - Pure Bred Arab Ridden - ridden or inhand
Class 42 - Anglo and Part Bred Arabs - ridden or inhand
Veteran Classes.
Veteran Horse Society – AREA QUALIFIER 2026
First round qualifier for the Veteran Horse Society Supreme Final:
VETERAN HORSE OF THE YEAR 2026
Kindly Sponsored by Allen & Page.
Open to members and non-members. All competitors and grooms must adhere to VHS Rules in all circumstances. Failure to do so may result in immediate disqualification.
VHS Regional Final qualification. All competitors placed 1st to 4th in each age category will qualify for the corresponding class at VHS Regional Finals. Members must carry their cards in the ring and have their showing card signed by the judge in the ring as proof of qualification. Non-members will receive a red qualification card which can be exchanged for signed showing card when applying for VHS membership. This MUST be done within 21 days of qualification. It is the competitors’ responsibility to present their Showing card to the judge. Those wishing to join or renew with the Society will need to apply for this before 1st May each year or a late penalty fee of £15 will be charged.
Regional Finals are open to members only.
All competitors are eligible to enter open classes at the National Veteran Championships, to be held at Arena UK, Lincolnshire 4th – 6th September 2026. No qualification or membership necessary. See VHS website for schedule which is available mid-season 2026. For further information please visit the VHS website www.veteran-horse-society.co.uk or telephone the VHS Show Office on 01239 881300 or 07789 514004.
Ring 1 – 9.00am Start
Judge – Laura Kenyon-Brodie (Yorkshire)
Class 1. VHS Veteran in Hand, COMBINED AGE CLASS (15 years and over).
To be run as one class but judged as separate age categories: Diamond Veteran (25 years and over), Veteran (20–24 years) & Pre-Veteran (15–19 years). Open to horses and ponies of any breed and height.
Class 2. VHS Veteran Ridden. Combined AGE CLASS (15 years and over).
To be run as one class but judged as separate age categories: Diamond Veteran (25 years and over), Veteran (20–24 years) & Pre-Veteran (15–19 years). Open to horses and ponies of any breed and height.
Class 3. TSR – Ridden Veteran Amateur of the Year
Open to horses and ponies of any breed, type and height, 15 years and over. Riders of any age, suitably mounted – animals will not be galloped. Spurs not to be worn. Blemishes are not taken into consideration. The two highest placed exhibit not already qualified will qualify for the relevant TSR Amateur of the Year final class to be held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 28th and 29th November
Coloured Horse & Pony
Ring 1
Judge: Laura Kenyon-Brodie
Class 4. Youngstock 1–3-year-old
Class 5. Non-Native In hand
Class 6. Native/ Cob/ Traditional in Hand
Class 7. Non-Native Ridden
Class 8. Native/ Cob/ Traditional Ridden
Class 9. The Showing Register- Coloured Horse/Pony Ridden Amateur of the Year
Ponies: Open Ridden Piebald/Skewbald, stallion, mare or gelding 4 years and over. Riders any age except for those on stallions who must have attained their 14th birthday by 1st January of the current year. Spurs must not be worn. Ponies under 153 CMS.
Horses: Open Ridden Piebald/Skewbald, stallion, mare or gelding 4 years and over. Riders any age except for those on stallions who must have attained their 14th birthday by 1st January of the current year Spurs may be worn by adult riders. Animals 153cms and over. The two highest placed exhibit not already qualified will qualify for the relevant TSR Amateur of the Year final class to be held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 28th and 29th November
Cobs - TGC and Show Cobs
Show Cobs
Ring 3
Judge: Sheila Dinsdale, Yorkshire
Class 39 - Ridden Cob. Combined weights
Class 40. TSR Cob Ridden Amateur of the Year
Open Ridden Cob, mare or gelding, 4 years old and over. Exceeding 148cms. To be shown hogged and trimmed. Riders must have attained their 15th birthday by the day of the Show Spurs may be worn by adult riders. The two highest placed exhibit not already qualified will qualify for the relevant TSR Amateur of the Year final class to be held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 28th and 29th November.
Traditional Gypsy Cobs
Ring 3
Judge: Sheila Dinsdale, Yorkshire
Class 43. Youngstock. Open to fillies, colts and geldings aged 1, 2 and 3 Years old.
Class 44. In Hand Senior - Small - Not to exceed 148cm. Open to mares, stallions and geldings aged 4 years and over.
Class 45. In Hand Senior Large - 148cm and above. Open to mares, stallions and geldings aged 4 years and over.
Class 46. Ridden Senior - Small - Not to exceed 148cm. Open to mares, stallions and geldings aged 4 years and over.
Class 47. Ridden senior - Large - 148cm and above. Open to mares, stallions and geldings aged 4 years and over.
Mountain & Moorland
Ring 3
Judge: Sheila Dinsdale , Yorkshire
Class 48. Youngstock. Open to fillies, colts and geldings aged 1, 2 and 3 Years old
Class 49. In Hand Small Breeds
Class 50. In Hand Large Breeds
Class 51. Ridden Small Breeds
Class 52. Ridden Large Breeds
Class 53. TSR Small Breeds Mountain and Moorland Ridden Amateur of the Year
Open to Mountain and Moorland ponies registered with their respective Pure-Bred Societies of Dartmoor, Exmoor, Shetland, Welsh A and Welsh B. Stallion, mare or gelding 4 years and over. Riders any age except for those on stallions who must have attained their 14th birthday by 1st January of the current year and suitably mounted. Spurs must not be worn. The two highest placed exhibit not already qualified will qualify for the relevant TSR Amateur of the Year final class to be held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 28th and 29th November.
Class 54. TSR Large Breeds Mountain and Moorland Ridden Amateur of the Year
Open to Mountain and Moorland ponies registered with their respective Pure-Bred Societies of Fells, Dales, Highlands, New Forests, Connemara, Welsh C and Welsh D. Stallion, mare or gelding 4 years and over. Riders any age except for those on stallions who must have attained their 14th birthday by 1st January of the current year. Spurs must not be worn. The two highest placed exhibit not already qualified will qualify for the relevant TSR Amateur of the Year final class to be held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 28th and 29th November.
Championship 1st /2nd in each class will be invited at the end of the day in rings 1,2 & 3.
Show Jumping
Ring 6 Commencing 9 am .
Course Builder: Mr Alan Downs
Judge/Timekeeper:
All Show Jumping classes will be run as a Two-phase competition
Class 55 – 30cm Clear Round - Lead Rein & Arena assistance will be allowed.
Class 56 – Senior / Junior - Max Height 40cm – Arena assistance will be allowed.
Class 57 – Senior / Junior - Max Height 50cm
Class 58 – Senior / Junior - Max Height 60cm
Not before 1pm
Class 59 – Senior / Junior - Max Height 70cm
Class 60 – Senior / Junior - Pairs Relay - Max Height 75cm
Class 61 – Senior / Junior - Max Height 80cm
Class 62 – Senior / Junior - Max Height 90cm
Working Hunter Classes
Regrettably due to lack of support for these classes in 2024, there will be no WH Classes this year.
Children's Showing and Novelty Classes
Ring 2 Judging to commence at 9am
Judge – Alison Marriott (Derbyshire)
Class 17. Riding Club Horse / Pony – Judged on versatility, manners, and suitability for riding club activities. Open to adults & juniors.
Class 18. Local Horse / Pony – Open to locally stabled or owned horses/ponies, judged on suitability and turnout. Open to adults 7 juniors.
Class 19. Family Horse / Pony – A safe, sensible mount suitable for all family members, judged on temperament and rideability. Open to adults & juniors.
Class 20. Best Turned-Out Horse / Pony – Judged on cleanliness, turnout, and overall presentation of horse/pony and rider/handler. Open to adults & juniors.
Class 21. Adult Fancy Dress – A fun class for riders in creative costumes, judged on originality and effort.
Junior Fun Classes
Class 22. Bonny Mare / Handsome Gelding (In Hand or Ridden) – A fun class judging the appeal and presence of the horse/pony, whether led or ridden.
Class 23. Best Figure of 8 (Ridden) – Riders perform a figure-of-eight pattern, judged on balance, accuracy, and smooth transitions.
Class 24. Junior Fancy Dress – For young riders/handlers in costume, showcasing creativity and presentation.
Junior Showing Classes
Class 25. Young Handler (In Hand) – For junior handlers showing their horse/pony in-hand, judged on turnout, control, and handling skills.
Class 26. Novice Rider – Rider 8 years and under – For young riders who are new to showing, judged on control, confidence, and position.
Class 27. Lead Rein – 12.2hh and under, Rider 10 years and under – A class for young riders led by an adult, focusing on balance, confidence, and pony manners.
Class 28. First Ridden – Rider 12 years and under – For young riders transitioning from lead rein, judged on independence, control, and overall way of going.
Class 29. Show Pony / Show Ridden Hunter – Judged on conformation, movement, and way of going, with an emphasis on show presence and suitability.
TSR AMATEUR OF THE YEAR QUALIFIERS
The two highest placed exhibit not already qualified will qualify for the relevant TSR Amateur of the Year final class to be held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 28th and 29th November
Class 30. TSR Lead Rein Mountain and Moorland Ridden Amateur of the Year
Open to Mountain and Moorland ponies registered with their Pure-Bred Societies of Dartmoor, Exmoor, New Forest, Shetland, Welsh A or B. Mares or geldings 4 years old and over, not exceeding 128cms. Riders must have attained their 3rd birthday but not have attained their 9th birthday before 1st January in the current year. Led by an attendant and shown in a snaffle bridle, the lead rein to be attached to the noseband only.
Class 31. TSR First Ridden Mountain and Moorland Amateur of the Year
Open to Mountain and Moorland ponies registered with their Pure-Bred Societies of Dartmoor, Exmoor, New Forest, Shetland, Welsh A or B. Mares or geldings 4 years old and over not exceeding 128cms. Riders must have attained their 3rd birthdays but not attained their 12th birthday before 1st January in the current year. To be shown in any suitable bridle.
Class 32. TSR Plaited Pony Ridden Amateur of the Year
Open plaited pony, mare or gelding, 4 years old and over, not exceeding 153cms. Any suitably mounted rider. Spurs must not be worn
Class 33. TSR Lead Rein Plaited Ridden Amateur of the Year
Lead Rein Pony mare or gelding 4 years old and over not exceeding 128cms. Riders to have attained their 3rd birthday but not their 9th birthday before 1st January in the current year. To be led by an attendant and shown in a snaffle bridle. Lead rein to be attached to the noseband only.
Class 34. TSR First Ridden Plaited Amateur of the Year
First Ridden Pony, mare or gelding 4 years old and over not exceeding 128cms. Riders to have attained their 3rd birthday but not their 10th birthday before 1st January in the current year. To be shown in any suitable bridle.
Championship 1st /2nd in each class will be invited at the end of the day in rings 1,2 & 3.
Timetable of Classes
The timetable in the schedule is approximate and although the organisers will make every effort to maintain the timetable, the Committee reserves the right to make any alterations as it sees fit.
Ring 1 – Hunters, Sports Horses, Veterans, Coloured & Retrained Racehorses
Judge – Laura Kenyon-Brodie (Yorkshire)
Championship
Open to 1st & 2nd placed riders in classes 1 - 16
Ring 2 – Children's Showing / Novelty Classes
Judge – Alison Marriott (Derbyshire)
Championship
Open to 1st & 2nd placed riders in classes 17 -34
Ring 3 – M&M, Cobs, Arabs, Shetlands, Hacks, Riding Horse & Side Saddle
Judge – Sheila Dinsdale (Yorkshire)
Championship
Open to 1st & 2nd placed riders in classes 35 - 54
Ring 4 – Warm Up (Showing)
Ring 5 – Warm Up (Jumping)
Ring 6 – Show Jumping 20/30cm – 90cm
Judge – Alan Downs (Yorkshire)
Honley Show raises vital funds for the Society.