Meet the Judge: Morean Hamilton, Show Hunter Pony Conformation Judge

Although from a “non horsey” family, Morean has ridden since she was six years old, spending her younger years showing show ponies throughout Scotland. More recently, Morean successfully competed her own riding horses, fitting showing around a busy management career with M&S. She currently has nine horses in show production with Kirstine Douglas and they remain a huge part of her life.

Most recently, Morean and Kirstine have gained tremendous success with former racehorse and former Jockey Club RoR Championships Supreme, Rich Man Poor Man, who is not proving to be a formidable opponent in classes for former racehorses, but also more than holds his own in middleweight hunter classes, with wins at the Great Yorkshire and a recent hunter championship at the Royal Highland to his name. Considering their success in the hunters, it’s no wonder that Morean will be looking for a pony of true ‘type’ when searching for her winner in the Show Hunter Pony of the Year’s section classes, especially as she will be assessing conformation whilst her co-judge Julia Ryde Rogers will be assessing the performance aspect.

Morean explained: “This will be my first judging appointment at HOYS and I am really looking forward to it. Type will be important to me on the day; I will be looking for a pony that you could enlarge to be a middle weight hunter, with quality limb and clean joints. Good feet and a four- square base are also things I like to see in a show hunter pony, and an attractive head and outlook are also important. It goes without saying that straight movement is key –  and overall – that elusive ‘star quality’. Good Luck to all competing – enjoy the day, it takes huge effort and a lot of money to get there so make the most of it.”