Toby Johnstone and Pumphill Fandango Triumph at Royal Windsor Horse Show

Toby Johnstone made a successful return to the Royal Windsor Horse Show, winning the Senior Showing and Dressage League (SSADL) ridden championship with his Dartmoor pony, Pumphill Fandango. This victory has qualified them for the final at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

Toby, age 14, and Fandango, now 17, previously achieved double Mountain and Moorland (M&M) mini championships in 2016 and 2017, and were reserve in 2018 under the guidance of his mother, Zara Johnstone-Evans. Fandango has a history of competing in various sections at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and RIHS, winning the open M&M final in 2017 at RIHS with Zara and taking first ridden honors at HOYS in 2018 with rider Maisie Chester. Zara expressed pride in their achievement, noting that Fandango, rescued by the RSPCA, has taken Toby through various competition stages. In another notable performance, Neave Chandler rode her aunt’s 20-year-old piebald gelding, What A Chance, to win their class and take section reserve.

Known as Stinky, this traditional gelding has been with Theresa Fryer since he was a foal and has been partnered with Neave for a decade. Neave highlighted the horse's versatility, stating he can confidently navigate a 1.20m course or lead a child safely. Laura Dixon Edmonds secured victory in the senior-plus ridden class riding her 24-year-old piebald cob gelding, Willobee, who made a remarkable recovery from colic surgery two years ago.