We are looking for the pony who has, through their actions, earned respect and adoration, and so deserves to be heralded pony of the decade
The shortlist has been chosen and voting for this award is open for one week only, until 11.59pm on 5 November, in accordance with these terms and conditions.
Smurf
Shetland therapy pony, died in 2020 aged 31
Lisa Walker’s Smurf was a popular therapy pony who cheered up the lives of hundreds of people in care homes and schools. “Every toddler, elderly, special needs or disabled person who he comforted told me they felt blessed to meet him,” says Lisa Walker of her 28-inch high, blind miniature Shetland, who died earlier this year.
SL Lucci
18-year-old Danish-bred riding pony; Lukas x Bazar
SL Lucci broke every world record in FEI pony tests with Phoebe Peters, as they became record holders in the European team, individual and freestyle events. They finished their partnership ranked world number one, having won triple gold in 2015 and double gold in 2013.
Teddy the Shetland
Five-year-old miniature Shetland pony
The 28-inch high palomino social media sensation has broken free from his day job as Alice Goring’s “chief eventing mascot” to become a personality in his own right, with some 155,000 Instagram followers. He is just as at home wooing the crowds at Olympia as visiting the local children’s hospice.
Thistledown Van-Der-Vaart
12-year-old Welsh section A; Maestir Valient x Roseisle Pandytudyr
The 11.2hh, currently owned by the Richardson family, has won the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) mini mountain and moorland pony of the year title five years on the trot. Produced by Sharn Linney for the entirety of his career, “Charles” was also supreme at HOYS in 2017 with Olivia Brightmore.
Previous winners
The inaugural winner of Balanced Horse Feeds Pony of the Year award was Smurf, 30, an amazing eyeless therapy pony who taught children about disabilities and offered comfort to those with dementia. Sadly Smurf is no longer with us, but he has left behind an incredible legacy.
About the Horse & Hound Awards 2020
The H&H Awards, in partnership with NAF, are back – this year’s ceremony will be virtual, an exciting multi-media online bonanza. This innovation means equestrian fans around the world can be part of the celebration. We look forward to sharing the evening with you all.
This year’s awards will celebrate the heroes of the past decade (2011–2020) in elite equestrian sport, while honouring the unsung stars who have helped our industry, our horses and our spirits during this unusual year.
As previously, the H&H Award winners will be nominated and voted for by you. Anyone is welcome to nominate the person, group or horse they feel deserves recognition from Thursday 3 September.
Following the close of nominations at 5pm on 4 October, the H&H judging panel will decide on a shortlist of contenders. The panel will be influenced by the number of nominations and strength of the story of the nominee’s dedication and achievement.
On 29 October, we will announce the shortlisted candidates in the magazine and online, sharing their stories and inviting you to vote for your winners online, with voting closing on 5 November.
The winners will be revealed in our sparkling online virtual ceremony on 10 December, with guests joining us from around the world.
