The equine community proved it was a match for the worst of the British weather as crowds flocked to the enlarged British Equine Event at Stoneleigh.
The equestrian celebrities enjoyed the enlarged arena which offered increased scope for demonstrations.
Andrew Nicholson demonstrated suitable training programmes for four-year-old and a scopier older novice.
Graham and Tina Fletcher went on to discuss exercises to improve young horses’ show jumping.
Kyra Kyrklund’s theme was dressage as the basis of all training, showing how the half-halt can be helpful both in the basic paces and for more advanced movements, including piaffe.
Saturday featured the British Hackney Horse and Pony Championships, while Sunday’s highlight was adisplay of western riding by Bob and Christine Mayhew and David Lloyd. A guide to the classes available to aspiring western competitors was also given, with Bob’s Quarter Horse Stallions showcasing the new FEI discipline of reining.
Also benefiting from the show’s expansion was the breed arena, which included working displays of different breeds and types of horses and ponies. It also hosted demonstrations on topics such as preparing for travel, conformation and groundwork techniques.
Shopping remains a major highlight of the event for many visitors, with more than 300 trade stands offering everything from headcollars to horse boxes.
Best stand awards were presented by the British Equestrian Trade Association to Hilton Herbs and Boett Eye Catchers who won the best small stand
See Horse & Hound issue dated 9 November for full report.
