Gill Thompson, who has proven ponies and horses on the highest stage and is a number one producer of ponies, appears to be like again on the BSPS championships and forward to HOYS
With the British Present Pony Society (BSPS) Summer season Championships behind us, and Horse of the Yr Present (HOYS) simply across the nook, it feels as if the season is sort of at an in depth for many of us.
I got here away from the BSPS championships with blended emotions and meals for thought. The brand new class for younger ponies, judged by Yogi Briesner, Jane Nixon and Richard Davison, was wonderful. It was an amazing concept that was nicely supported and nicely judged, as had been different new initiatives.
I used to be saddened to see some extra conventional lessons had been poorly supported. This was even the case in a few of the Blue Riband leagues, which was once the strongest sections, and in some 128cm present pony lessons, which have been sturdy qualifiers. Reflecting on this, I’m wondering if these conventional lessons want a rethink, too, and maybe the schedule wants a reshuffle altogether.
In Stuart Hollings’ most up-to-date column, he outlined a few of the advantages of utilizing a marks system, and questioned their continued absence at Hickstead.
Just a few rivals have since spoken to me about this, and I’m wondering really whether or not an extra reversal to a 60/40 break up in marks in favour of efficiency could be even higher?
This might undoubtedly guarantee combos had been higher rewarded for wonderful efficiency. We may see fewer outcomes the place conformationally wonderful ponies come to the fore even with a blip, which is one thing that appears to incense the lots and delay newcomers to the self-discipline.
“The ultimate throes of preparation”
As HOYS is a heartbeat away, we’re within the remaining throes of preparation, which doesn’t get any simpler! I attempt to remind myself that so long as the ponies look and go in addition to potential, I can do no extra.
It’s not possible to really replicate the environment there, however there are issues you are able to do. Should you’re competing at HOYS for the primary time, be sure you’ve practised indoors, and attempt to replicate the conformation section with a slender strip within the area.
It’s additionally essential to just be sure you don’t underestimate the size of time it takes to get from the lorry to the world. I at all times have a photograph of the world familiarisation and working-in timetable on my telephone – it’s simple to neglect these. And at all times have your bridle quantity with you – it’s wanted even if you’re within the exterior area working in, however it’s so simply forgotten and it may be a future again for it!
An uneven break up for present ponies
As predicted, the present pony lessons will probably be uneven this yr in gentle of the brand new blended qualifiers, all of which had been awarded to 148cm ponies, together with at The Exhibiting Register’s (TSR) amateur-only present.
There have been no 128cm ponies eligible for a TSR Beginner League ticket, both, so the smallest ponies could have the smallest numbers ahead, which is such a disgrace as they actually have been sturdy in qualifying rounds, and this gained’t be mirrored on the remaining. Whereas I admire that HOYS should make adjustments and take a look at new initiatives, I hope that they rethink this one subsequent yr.
I’ll even be keenly watching the ultimate of the brand new intermediate present horse remaining. I haven’t had an intermediate this yr, however I really feel the brand new format the place the winner fairly than champion qualifies is a step ahead. It is going to be fascinating to see the break up between small and huge varieties certified, and likewise whether or not the brand new peak guidelines could have inspired new horses into the fold.
Lastly, all of us work so laborious to get to HOYS, it’s generally simple to neglect that that is the top of the exhibiting calendar, and as nerve-racking because the preparation will be, the present itself can also be to be loved. So in case you are competing, attempt your greatest to benefit from the event, and the very best of luck.
● How would you allocate marks for those who may change the system? Tell us at hhletters@futurenet.com, together with your identify, nearest city and county, for the prospect on your letter to look in a forthcoming subject of the journal
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Credit score: Peter Nixon
H&H’s exhibiting editor Bethan Simons, pictured using Ballynacoy Prince within the M&M championship at Horse of the Yr Present, shares her inside data for first-timers.
Credit score: Peter Nixon
Credit score: Peter Nixon
Credit score: Future
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