'Current amateur rulings are frustrating'

Rebecca Penny on why showing societies need to come together and unite

AS the summer show season draws to a close, this is the perfect time to reflect on the year’s events. This season, we have witnessed several significant changes. Some have been incredibly exciting – for example, the developments in the world of amateur classes.

Many showing societies have stepped up by offering a multitude of qualifying spots for prestigious events like Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the London International Horse Show. While these initiatives have been largely well received and supported, they have not been without their fair share of eligibility hiccups.

To pave the way for a smoother and more efficient future, it would be beneficial for all showing societies to come together during the winter months to establish a unified set of criteria for both home-produced and amateur classes.

The current situation, where different rules apply to different societies and competitions, only serves to create unnecessary complexity and can lead to frustration for both exhibitors and show organisers alike.