BAPSH diary 2008 show

BAPSH diary 2008

BAPSH is the British Association for the Purebred Spanish Horse.

I have corresponded with quite a few members and board members over the years, so when Emilio and I came across to the UK for the 2008 PRE National Breed Show, held at Hartpury, it was a great opportunity to meet in person.

From the cheerful volunteer staff manning - and womanning - the enquiries desk, to the Committee running things behind the scenes, they were enthusiastic, patient, helpful and altogether delightful.

As was our entire weekend, summarised below as my personal BAPSH diary for the 2008 PRE National Breed Show, UK.

BAPSH diary 2008
Bambu XX, PRE stallion in England

Emilio had been invited by Sarah, owner of Bambu XX, to ride in one of the dressage tests, and to present Bambu in the in-hand class. I was there to play fond granny.

Bambu XX is an upcoming breeding and performance stallion in the UK.
Photos and details of him on his website, bambu-xx.com.

The artwork in the header and links are
extracts from original works by Lisah Pakula.
More of her work on the arts page, together with a contact address.

FRIDAY

Arrive in England. It is raining.

Drive to Hartpury. Emilio is fascinated by how green everything is. Settle Bambu in. Walk around, look at other horses, recognise a few. Admire the facilities. Emilio learns the english words for arena, stables, good morning.

SATURDAY MORNING

Wake up. It is raining. Half an hour later the sun is shining. Go to breakfast.

Emilio and I compare adjectives for the restaurant coffee. He learns new english phrase - Bleeeagh. Head for the stables.

Bambu is plaited up and prepared for the dressage, and the sun comes out just before his tests.

One thing about Bambu is how when he enters the arena he gets an attitude of ’OK, I'm here to work’, and settles into a definite determined swing.

We wander around after the tests, looking at people and horses. Eat hamburgers till results are announced. First place in both classes.

SATURDAY EVENING

It is raining.

Bambu prepared. Sarah prepared.
Both look great (predjudiced - who me?). Watch the class prior to Sarah's parade class. This is Tack and Dress. Well judged, with a judge from Spain.

He takes time over each contestant, explaining to the audience what they were wearing, their good points, and if they had missed it in the traditional correctness. Class won by a lady riding side saddle - beautifully turned out.

Sarah's class comes in. About 30 competitors, plenty of colour, good turnouts, an impressive line up of Portuguese riders.

Same judge. First place.

SUNDAY MORNING

Bambu stressing out.

Sun is shining. Go to breakfast and find the strongest supposed-coffee available. Echo Emilio. Leave restaurant. It is raining.

First class this morning: In Hand class - morphology and movement, 5 and 6 year old stallions. Good quality of contestants. No results, as this class is completed by the Functionality later on.

Wander round, watch some classes. Eat hamburgers.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Bambu performs a good Functionality. As he exits the arena, Super-Groom Ami co-ordinates a swop over, and Sarah heads straight up to the top arena for a Riding Horse class for stallions of all ages.

Again, good level of competition. Two horses from the more advanced dressage classes, who show with extensions, collection etc. Sarah rides well and presents a neat mini-show appropriate for Bambu. Third place.

Wander round, watch horses. Remember I normally never eat hamburgers. Eat hamburgers. Back to the Main Arena, and results for the Breed class. 4th

It is raining.

Sue is teaching Emilio how to say Birmingham. Emiiio says the first syllable sounds like a sheep. Sue proceeds to give a sheep imitation, in the middle of a wet parking area.

Drive home, go out to dinner, laugh lots.