Thistledown Stud is proud to announce the launch of the Thistledown Elite Pony Auction, taking place on Saturday 29th November 2025 during the inaugural Amateur of the Year Show (29–30 November 2025). This prestigious new sale will present an exclusive collection of elite ownership opportunities from one of Britain’s most respected and prolific pony breeding programmes.

Celebrating 35 Years of Breeding Excellence

Celebrating 35 years of breeding excellence, the Thistledown Elite Pony Auction marks a bold new chapter for the world-renowned stud. Over the years, Thistledown has produced generations of ponies celebrated for their elegance, temperament, and success in the show ring.

The stud’s remarkable track record speaks volumes about their breeding programme’s quality. From 2001 to 2025, Thistledown ponies have earned a remarkable 185 Horse of the Year Show tickets, 8 HOYS Championships and 1 HOYS Supreme Championship, underlining the consistent quality and competitive success of the stud’s breeding programme.

Outstanding Competition Success

This success extends well beyond HOYS, with recent highlights including:

• Royal Welsh Section B Youngstock Champion
• Reserve Section B and WPCS Gold Medal Winner 2025
• Royal Welsh Winter Fair 1st and Reserve Section B Champion 2023

These accolades further showcase the exceptional calibre and versatility of Thistledown ponies in the most competitive arenas.

Exclusive Collection on Offer

From elite ridden ponies to future stars of the ring, the Thistledown Elite Pony Auction collection includes:

• Proven and potential HOYS-quality ponies
• Riding Ponies
• Welsh Section A, B, and C ponies
• Hunter Ponies
• A standout entry with international bloodlines from Australia

A Legacy of Excellence

This landmark sale reflects the stud’s ongoing commitment to excellence and honours its legacy. The very first pony registered by Thistledown was the much-loved Thistledown Northern Star, and it wasn’t long before the stud’s name became synonymous with success. Early standout Thistledown Bumblebee helped set the standard, qualifying for HOYS and establishing a reputation that endures to this day.

Sandy Anderson’s Vision

“Launching the Thistledown Elite Pony Auction is a truly special moment for us. After 35 years of breeding ponies with passion and purpose, it feels like the right time to share a carefully curated collection that reflects everything we’ve worked towards. From proven ridden stars to exciting young prospects, we’re proud to offer something for every level of rider—and to do so as part of Amateur of the Year makes it even more meaningful,” said Sandy Anderson, Thistledown Stud.

More Than Just a Sale

The Thistledown Elite Pony Auction is more than just a sale—it’s a celebration of heritage, achievement, and the bright future of showing. Taking place during the inaugural Amateur of the Year Show, this unmissable weekend will showcase not just exceptional ponies, but the dedication and talent that define the amateur sport.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
• Location: Amateur of the Year Show (29–30 November 2025)
• What’s on offer: Elite ownership opportunities from Thistledown Stud’s breeding programme

The announcement has already generated significant excitement across social media platforms, with major equestrian organisations including Horse of the Year Show sharing the news with their followers.

This inaugural auction represents a unique opportunity for riders and enthusiasts to acquire ponies from one of Britain’s most successful breeding programmes, combining proven competition success with the promise of future champions.