David Bennett, the 2025 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) judge for Arabian horses and part-bred ponies, balances his career as a paramedic with producing show horses and ponies. His passion for horses began after a childhood injury, leading him through showjumping and working with show horses, eventually establishing his production enterprise at Carrhouse Stud. David has notable achievements including wins at HOYS, Royal Windsor, and the Royal International, and has judged at major UK and international events. He also serves on judging panels for various horse societies.

For the 2025 HOYS, David will focus on the confirmation and movement of part-bred ponies, looking for ponies that appear flat and steady, with plenty of quality bone. He values horses and ponies that show presence, good movement, and correct going forwards, emphasizing the importance of riders presenting their horses confidently and correctly in the ring. David encourages competitors to look relaxed and natural, as this positively influences the horse’s performance and the overall impression on the judges.