BAPSH diary 2008 National Show

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 BAPSH 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 show diary 2008 with 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.

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 a new english phrase - Bleeeagh. We leave the coffee and 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, the good points, and if anyone had missed it in the traditional correctness. The class is won by a lady riding side saddle who is beautifully and correctly turned out.

Sarah’s class comes in with about 30 competitors. Pplenty of colour, good turnouts, and an impressive line up of Portuguese riders. With the same judge, Bambu takes first place.

SUNDAY MORNING

Bambu stressing out.

The sun is shining. We go to breakfast and find the strongest supposed-coffee available. Echo Emilio. Leave restaurant. It is raining.

Bambu’s first class this morning is the In Hand class - morphology and movement for the 5 and 6 year old stallions. Good quality of contestants. No immediate results, as this class is completed by the Functionality later on.

We wander round, watch some classes and 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, there is a good level of competition, including 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 are in. 4th place for Bambu.

It is raining.

Drive home, go out to dinner, laugh lots.

MONDAY MORNING

Emilio and I are up at 0530, and off to the airport. It is raining. I see Emilio off to Malaga, then catch my flight and sleep all the way to Budapest where I am to evaluate a film script.

Call Emilio to make sure he’s home OK. He tells me the first thing he did when he landed in Spain was drink two coffees - one for him, one for me.

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