Sport & Results
Star Smokey and Florence Duncalf Win Working Hunter Pony Championship at HOYS 2026
After clinching victory in the 143cm class, Star Smokey and Florence Duncalf also claim the championship at the Horse of the Year Show 2026. Reserve Champion was Ami Conchie with A Kind Of Magic JVH Z.
Equidara editorial team · 11 October 2026 · 1 min read
Star Smokey and Florence Duncalf have won the Working Hunter Pony Championship at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2026 in Great Britain. The pair had previously secured the 143cm class. This was reported by the British specialist magazine Horse & Hound on October 10, 2026.
Four Seasons as a Team
Fifteen-year-old Florence has been riding the 16-year-old Connemara gelding for four seasons. Star Smokey, known as Colin, is owned by Laura Wheelwright. The pair navigated a challenging course that proved difficult for several other combinations.
With their HOYS success, the team adds to their previous wins in the British Show Pony Society's Desert Orchid Championship and at the Royal International Horse Show. Florence describes Colin as a forward-going competition pony who shows a gentle character at home. Even her eight-year-old brother, who has significant support needs, leads him to and from the field.
Further Results
Reserve Champion was Ami Conchie with her own A Kind Of Magic JVH Z. The 14-year-old gelding jumped a clear round in the show jumping phase. The pair is based near Dundee in Scotland.
In the 153cm class, Ballyvary Patsy and Indie McKeand took the win ahead of Dunmore Star with Izzy Hartswood-Collier. In the 133cm class, Nancy Lyons Teehan defended her 2025 victory. She rode Dartans Seoda Ban, her mother Louise Lyons' pony. Noble Peppermint and Connie Hutton placed second.
Sources
- ‘He’s my life’: Connemara springs to plaited workers title at HOYS 2026 (Horse & Hound) (10.10.2026)
Written by Equidara editorial team. Last checked: 11 October 2026.
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