Coloured show dates clash

Confusion reigns in coloured horse showing circles after what appears to be a clash of dates for the championship shows of the leading coloured societies in 2004 — the Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS) and the British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA).

Lynda Lodge, chairman of BSPA, says: “We have traditionally held our championship show over the August Bank Holiday weekend, and try to stick to similar dates each year, taking into account when the holiday falls to help competitors plan their season. CHAPS has traditionally been a week later, but it seems that the shows will clash next year.

“This is disappointing for us as we have always had a good working relationship with CHAPS, but even more disappointing for the competitors who are members of both societies and will have to choose between the two shows.”

However, CHAPS denies that the dates for their show have been finalised.

Chairman Caroline Hamilton says: “Because of the change of dates for the Horse of the Year Show, we brought our championships forward a week this year, and then BSPA moved to the same date, with the result that CHAPS moved again to the final date of 24 August.

“Next year’s CHAPS date has yet to be confirmed, but we would like to stay with our end of August date. Until we have our committee meeting, we are still open to discussion. However, BSPA has announced that it is now moving to 30 August.”

The August Bank Holiday weekend in 2004 is 28-30 August.

Read the full story in today’s Horse & Hound (25 September).

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