While Concours d’Elegance showing has been around for a long time, a new series of shows completely dedicated to the section classes has recently been launched in the UK.
The CES Concours Extravaganza Show UK is an organisation holding shows purely for Concours d’Elegance, welcoming all levels of competitors wishing to give them a go.
Organised by Sarah Wood, Saturday 1 September saw the first ever ‘Concours Extravaganza Show’ held in Carmarthen, Wales.
“I’ve wanted to compete myself but I could find no shows. I decided to get together with friends, family and those who had also wanted to have a go at concours classes and organise our own,” said Sarah. “As far as we know, these are the only shows which specialise in Concours d’Elegance classes, as opposed to usual shows with a concours class or two in the schedule. We had our second show on 3 November.”
Secretary Sadie Key said: “The show had such a relaxed atmosphere and classes were well attended with competitors coming from as far away as Cornwall! Everyone looked amazing, whether in a home made or professional outfit.”
The event had a black tie feel with Tom Key compeering classical background music courtesy of Brian Wood.
Check out these 14 dazzling combinations who stole the show:
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Photos by: Storm Equine Photography
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1. Half Irish and Rose Sinclair-James
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Rose Sinclair-James landed three side saddle classes and went onto be reserve supreme of show at the most recent Concours Extravaganza show with her horse Half Irish. Her 1880s inspired costume was custom made by a friend and is an exact replica of a dress on display in the British Museum.
2. Holly and Ella John
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Taking joint first in a huge open costume class was the adorable combination of nine-year-old Ella and her seven-year-old pony Holly, who is blind in one eye. Show organiser Sarah Wood: “ The pony was amazing as was little Ella. It brought a tear to your eye when you watched them working together.”
3. Taraco Azarenka and Shannon Foley
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Shannon Foley and her Welsh Cob mare Taraco Azarenka — who was attending her first ever ridden show — won the novice class and also took second place in both the Mountain and Moorland and cob classes. Her sire is past Royal Welsh winner Drogeda Stormy Tempest and she was bought from the Taraco stud as a foal.Red + Chestnut = winning combination.
4. Blade T and Sandra Baston
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Attending their first ever concours show was super-elegant Sandra Baston and her horse Blade T who won their traditional ridden class and also notched up a couple of second placings in strong company.
5. Sam Davies
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Sam Davies looked a picture with her stunning traditional stallion, who she showed in-hand.
6. Parrys Lad and Rachael Forkings
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This dazzling duo netted four four ridden wins, the ridden title followed by the overall supreme of show.
7. Red Marley and Natasha Davies
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Red Marley took his owner Natasha to win three classes as well as a supreme title.
8. Newoak Onyx and Casey Cohane
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Casey took the red rosette in the lead rein class on her black pony Newoak Onyx who she’s only had for a week. The pair were led out to victory by mother Kirsty.
9. SD Texas and Karen Faith
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Karen Faith and her traditional coloured SD Texas looked spellbinding in their matching blue attire.
10. Brynllwyn Ursula and Blake Goodman
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Four-year-old Blake — who was the youngest competitor at the shows — showed his lovely Welsh pony “Jazz” with his mum Jo leading to pick up numerous placings.
11. Donabi UK Eagles First Edition and Sara Al-ekely
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Sara attended her first concours show with her three-year-old American Miniature. “I have started sewing courses to make my ridden costumes for next year,” said Sara. “The shows are wonderful and there is such a friendly, encouraging group of people.”
12. Clyde and Harrison Lomax
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Amanda Lomax and her son Harrison enjoyed success with their horses Chocolate and Clyde. Harrison (pictured) picked up a first and a second.
13. Pumphill Pimpernel and Megan Bevan
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Megan, aged eight, landed the junior in-hand class with Dartmoor pony Pumphill Pimpernel.
14. Billy and Ashley Holt
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Another gentleman to take to the ring was Ashley Holt with his horse Billy, pictured here at the November show. The costume is from the late Elizabethan era.
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Former H&H showing editor and deputy features editor
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
