New heights for working classes
The British Show Hack, Cob and Riding Horse Association has substantially reduced the height of the fences in its working cob and working riding horse classes to try to increase the numbers forward in these classes.
Cobs were previously required to jump a course of fences not exceeding 3ft in height with a 3ft3in spread in novice classes, while open courses could be up to 3in higher and wider.
Under new rules, the height and width of fences in novice working cob and riding horse classes has been reduced to 2ft6in, with open horses jumping a course of a maximum 2ft9in height with a 3ft spread.
The decision to reduce the height of the fences was in response to feedback from members, according to BSHCRHA secretary Tracy Monaghan.
“Our rules are constantly under review and we listen to our members’ views,” says Ms Monaghan. “Numbers in these classes have declined in recent years and we hope that this change will increase the number of amateur and professional riders contesting these classes.”
The association also hopes that as class numbers increase, more shows will include working riding horse classes in their schedules.
“The working riding horse class has been running for the past four or five years, but not that many shows have taken it up. We hope that as the numbers of competitors increase, more shows will provide classes for working riding horses.”
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For more information about the BSHCRHA visit: www.showhackandcob.org.uk
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.