New showcase for British stallions planned
A showcase for sport horse breeders hopes to succeed where a similar venture failed.
The Stallion Showcase GB is to be held at Addington Manor, Bucks, on 5-6 February.
Organiser Shirley Light told H&H the idea had been in the pipeline for a couple of years.
“There is a British Equestrian Federation [BEF] stallion parade at Hartpury and there are a couple of regional events, but nothing like this, so we are giving it a try,” she said.
Eventers and showjumpers will be displayed on Saturday and dressage stallions on Sunday.
In February, the UK Stallion Expo was held at The College, Keysoe, Beds for the first time.
It received a mixed reaction ranging from “commendable effort” to “a disgrace” and “very disappointing” — reportedly due to low attendance and commentary problems.
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Mrs Light is hoping for around 40-50 stallions a day and said she’s “flabbergasted” by the positive response so far.
The Funnells (pictured), who will be bringing a couple of their stallions including Billy Congo, support the event and will be doing a demo.
“It’s a great idea. We have some really good stallions in the UK and it’s important to see them in the flesh,” said William.
H&H sport horse columnist Carol Mortimer believes there is a place for this event.
“Stallion shows on the Continent are a big thing — there’s a great atmosphere. I’d love to see that happen.”
But she added that it was a shame that the disciplines were on different days and that there would be no native stallions.
Mrs Light confirmed there are plans to include natives in 2012 and she hopes to incorporate an auction in the future.
A spokesman for the BEF said: “There’s room for more than one stallion parade, providing standards are maintained.”
Tickets are £10 a day. Stallion entry is £200. Visit www.stallionshowcasegb.co.uk.
This article was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound, 16 December 2010
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