🎨 The 2025 Pony Club Thelwell Art Competition – Results 🎨

Hold onto your Saddles – The Results are In!

After an incredible display of talent, imagination, and 155 entries, judging for the 2025 Pony Club Thelwell Art Competition has now concluded, and we’re beyond excited to announce this year’s finalists and winners!

This year’s theme, 🍁🍂🍃“Pony Club Through the Seasons,”🍃🍂🍁 brought in an inspiring collection of artwork. Pony Club members of all ages captured everything from springtime pony care to wintery rides, summer rallies and autumnal hacking.

The creativity, detail, and emotion in each submission made the judges’ job incredibly tough—but also incredibly rewarding.

This year, we were fortunate to have a large panel of passionate and creative judges alongside Penny Jones and David Thelwell. Each judge bought their unique perspective, artistic eye, and deep appreciation for the imagination and effort behind every entry. Their thoughtful insight and dedication was vital in helping us celebrate the incredible talent within our Pony Club community. Below, you’ll find a selection of our fantastic judges who kindly gave their time and expertise to support the competition, along with some of their own creative pieces and top tips for budding young artists.

As our proud sponsors, Thelwell once again brought their iconic charm and artistic heritage to the competition. We were especially honoured to welcome back Penny Jones and David Thelwell, children of the legendary Norman Thelwell. Their involvement continues to keep his legacy alive and adds a very special connection to the heart of this competition.

What the Judges Had to Say

Judge Emma Read shared: “I’ve just had the most fantastic time judging the Art Competition. You have many talented members who have put in so much time, energy and focus. The overwhelming feeling I’ve been left with is how much the members love their ponies and the Pony Club.”

Fellow judge Jennifer Bell, a full member from the Society of Equine Artists added: “In my choices I have weighed skill, charm and creativity, a cohesive picture and maybe some reference to the theme, but above all where I sensed there was great enjoyment in the doing of it. There are definitely some future equestrian artists to watch in there.” 

The judges truly enjoyed their time overseeing the competition, with Bonny Snowdon expressing her gratitude: “Thank you again for including me in the judging process. It’s been a real pleasure to be involved!” It was clear from their feedback that they found the experience rewarding and appreciated the opportunity to contribute to such a wonderful event.

Congratulations to Our 2025 Winners & Finalists!

Even if your entry didn’t make the final shortlist, please don’t be discouraged – we were truly impressed by the wide array of fantastic pieces we received. The judges had the difficult task of narrowing down the 155 (🤩) entries, but many submissions still stood out for their creativity, effort, and unique flair. In fact, a number of entries were marked as Highly Commended, meaning they really caught the judges’ attention and deserved a special mention. These pieces really showed talent and dedication, and we want to give them the recognition they deserve. A huge round of applause for all the wonderful efforts! 👏✨

17 Years and Over

🥇 Winner: Ellie Hancox (South Nottinghamshire)

🥈 Runner Up: Rosie Philbin (Glossop & District)

Finalists: Niamh Hooton (South Nottinghamshire), Katie Bainbridge (Tiverton Hunt) and Georgiana Maas (Scholland Equestrian at Kilconquhar)

12-16 Years

🥇 Winner: Millie Jones (Anglesey)

🥈 Runner Up: Caitlin Coles (Bryerley Springs Equestrian Centre)

Finalists: Evie Crabtree (Badsworth Hunt), Matilda Hill (Quantock Hunt) and Taylor Stuart (Burrows Lane Farm Riding School)

Highly Commended: Ava Clubb , Emilia Seddon, Tallulah Belcher-Love, Ella Crabtree, Abi Leeds-Harrison, Phoebe James, Mary Carrick, Alana Bliss, Izzy Harper and Clara Partington.

11 Years & Under

🥇 Winner: Sienna Black (Hayfield Equestrian Centre)

🥈 Runner Up: Avery Greenaway (East Essex)

Finalists: Camilla Morris-Lowe (Cambridgeshire Hunt), Eliza Whitmore (Fernie Hunt) and Phoebe Crutchlow (Atherstone)

Highly Commended: Mary Shuttleworth, Isabella Weldhen, Aaliyah Fletcher, Evie Barker, Beatrice Finlan, Edmund Finalan, Eva Ward, Islay Gordon, Evangeline Thomson, Megan Barry, Jemima French, Thea Enderby, Emma Park, Hope Angus, Fern Allen, Maia Calderwood, Tabitha Morley, Mollie Gleghorn, Nancy Hall, Orlagh Braisby, Jessica Headon, Isabel Eggerton, Daisy Philippa Dowsett and Emily Birnie.

Teams

🥇 Winner: Tynedale – (William Dixon, Emily Thompson, Isobel Dixon)

🥈 Runner Up: Atherstone – (Phoebe Crutchlow, Isabel Greenall, Lil Sullivan, Florrie Moreton, Harriet Boyd, EllaMae Lightowler, Gracie Lightowler, Poppy Lightowler, Ayla Lightowler)

Finalists: Scholland Equestrian at Kilconquhar, Young Green Park East Essex and Mill House

Highly Commended: East Devon Hunt, Crawley and Horsham and East Devon Hunt.

If you haven’t already downloaded your participation certificate, you can do so using the link below. If you were a winner, runner-up, or received a highly commended mention, a separate certificate will be sent to you shortly.

🌟 Prize Giving at The JCB Pony Club National Championships

We’re excited to announce that prizes will be awarded live at the Pony Club JCB Championships on Saturday 16th August 2025 —right in the heart of the action, with fellow members, friends, and supporters there to celebrate. It’s a brilliant opportunity to recognise our talented young artists and enjoy their work on display.

Whether you’re receiving a prize or simply admiring the creativity on show, it promises to be a fantastic celebration of imagination and artistic flair.

❤️ A Big Thank You for Your Artwork

We’re excited to have seen so many talented Pony Club members share their creative work with us. Your artwork has added a unique and colourful touch to our community, showcasing the spirit of imagination that makes Pony Club special. Each piece reflects the effort, creativity, and fun that everyone brings to the club.

We’re looking forward to seeing more of your creativity in the future! Take a wild guess—what do you think next year’s theme will be? 🎉 Got any fun predictions?

If you haven’t already downloaded your participation certificate, you can do so using the link below.
If you were a winner, runner-up, or received a highly commended mention, a separate certificate will be sent to you shortly.