Harlow and Panda win at HOYS on day one

Equestrian influencer Harlow White – known and loved by fans across the equestrian world – has won her first HOYS title on just her second visit to the Show.

Harlow and her mum, Chelsea White’s, nine-year-old gelding King Bunowen Castle Ali was crowned National Pony Society/ Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland Ridden Connemara Pony of the Year among a very large class of 24 quality ponies.

Panda, as he is known at home, has been with Harlow for just a year but they have already made their mark on the showing circuit with a collection of major wins. This was the gelding’s first time competing on the flat at HOYS, having contested the Workers last year.

A delighted Harlow said: “I’m absolutely ecstatic, I’ve never felt like this in my entire life. I’m shaking, I’m buzzing, I’m crying – every single emotion in one.”

Harlow’s true passion for ponies has captured the hearts of a growing online audience as they follow her behind-the-scenes look at equestrian life, and her wonderful relationship with Panda is clear.

“We’ve done showing, a bit of dressage, eventing, summer camp – he’s my absolute best friend, he’s the dream.”

Harlow and Panda will now go forward to the National Pony Society/ Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland Ridden Connemara Pony of the Year on Thursday evening where they will go head to head with the other breed section winners, this time under the spotlights of the Andrews Bowen International Arena.

Asked if she had any thoughts about the evening performance, Harlow said: “A good gallop!  I just want to absolutely go for it and have the best time ever. It will be my first time in the main ring so I want to enjoy it, have a great time and send it.”

Reflecting on their first year together, mum Chelsea said: They’ve just blown us away. [Panda’s] been phenomenal and Harlow does everything entirely herself.

“She broke her ankle in April and we’ve had him at home ever since. She’s the most dedicated person I’ve ever met. She does absolutely everything with him; no one sits on this pony other than her, she does three hours worth of bathing – she’s so passionate and she really deserves it.

“Her biggest dream was to win HOYS and she’s done it. They’ve had the most unbelievable first year you could ever imagine and we’re so proud.” 

Harlow competes with Panda again on Friday in the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd Junior Mountain & Moorland Ridden Large Breeds Pony of the Year and will be making a special sold-out guest appearance for fans on Sunday.

ENDS

For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2025, please contact Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd. Tel: 02476 858205. Email: press@hoys.co.uk 

Image: Harlow White and Panda

Image credit: 1st Class Images