The first British international show of pure-bred Spanish horses has been declared a success by breeders.
The PRE Show (Pura Raza Espa ±ola/pure-bred Spanish horse) took place at The College Equestrian Centre, Keysoe in Bedfordshire last Saturday and Sunday (1-2 October).
It was a qualifying competition for the final of the Spanish National Championships for PRE Horses – SICAB 2011 in Spain (22-27 November). It was the first time a qualifier has been held in the UK.
Around 60 horses took part in the show.
“It was a wonderful weekend,” said breeder Naomi Vance-Webb. “The weather was perfect – anyone could have been forgiven for thinking they were actually in Spain, with sun, Spanish music and Spanish horses, presented by traditionally dressed people.
“It was a great start to this International PRE Show and hopefully a permanent place on the showing calendar for PRE horses in the UK and Europe.”
And it was a successful weekend for Naomi, whose stallion Habanero XLI, ridden by Andrew Gould claimed the functionality championship and won reserve champion stallion.
Her other stallion Jocoso LVII, who is also in training with Andrew, claimed the stallion champion title.
Naomi’s homebred two-year-old colt Saetillano NVW won junior movement champion.
Michelle Van Meurs won the adult movement championship with her stallion, Isleno XXXIX and winners of the best exhibitor at the show (based on points averaging) were Mark Pitman – trainer and son of Jenny Pitman – and his partner Karen Bourdon with their four-year-old stallions – Deseado CCV, Resuelto XX and Marques XC.
Dorest breeders Margaret and Charlotte Westlake, won the mare champion title with their homebred four-year-old Lago Dramatica, while Grays PRE Stud in Kent won the champion colt title with its homebred Grays Frederico.
The Al Kingston Stud in Hampshire won the filly champion title with homebred three-year-old Al Setari and reserve champion filly went to the Sky PRE Stud in Hertfordshire’s Hermosa.
For more information visit: www.bapsh.co.uk
