Having been to five society championships this summer season, I have to say the BSHA certainly knows how to put on a show. Massive congratulations to all involved. You made us feel so welcome.
The venue at Addington is a huge asset and although I know it would not be big enough to cater for other society shows, the atmosphere really was wonderful. The venue looked immaculate and I had a most pleasurable time watching the best horses in the country. To dredge up an old subject I do have to say the top hats were out in force and how lovely they were to see.
The first hunter day was a successful start to being hosted by BSHA. However the choice of judges may not have been quite as meticulous as for the other classes. This is possibly why we didn’t see a high standard of horse quite so far down the line as on the other days. I personally had a very disappointing day with a horse in the middle of a very good winning streak.
I understand the HOYS hunter registrations will be staying with the BSHA for 2015, so I hope this first hunter day will now be built on to see the same choice of classes available as in other sections. The young rider hack and riding horse classes were exceptionally well supported and a range of hunter classes for 2015 would be great. The knock on effect of HOYS registrations staying with BSHA will remain to be seen. It will depend on whether the Royal International Horse Show keep their hunter registrations Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHB of GB) or also join BSHA.
The adverts for horses and ponies for sale with HOYS tickets are hotting up. Selling for the past few seasons has not been easy so it will be interesting to hear how the market is going.
It is amazing to think clients were giving the same money for top show hunters 20 years ago and this would be a large price tag today. As I write I am on my way to Gorsebridge Sales with enthusiasm to find a nice horse, but in trepidation as to whether I can sell it.
Loraine
