New affiliated showing classes for solid coloured traditional gypsy cobs begin this season.
The classes, held by the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association (TGCA), are a chance for solid-coloured animals — which make up approximately half of TGCA-registered horses — to be shown for the first time.
“There’s been a void where solid-coloured traditionals are concerned as they’re not eligible for Coloured Horse and Pony Society [CHAPS] or British Skewbald and Piebald Association qualifiers,” said Katie Rush of the TGCA.
CHAPS chairman Caroline Hamilton has welcomed the move.
She said: “Classes for coloured cobs are well represented but the plain-coloured horses of the same type have nowhere to go, so this is a great opportunity.”
Gypsy cob breeder Amy Coates owns a pure black traditional stallion, Oliver.
“As soon as people see the ‘solids’ out in the showring they’ll realise they’re acceptable and get involved,” she said.
The TGCA hopes the new ridden and in-hand sections will allow traditionals to be judged in their own right.
The TGCA championship will be held at Addington Manor EC on 29 October.
Visit: www.traditionalcobsociety.co.uk
This article was first published in Horse & Hound (20 May, ’10)
