AS the saying goes, it’s best to leave the party early, departing on good terms and leaving a lasting legacy in your wake. And the outgoing chairman of the British Show Horse Association (BSHA), Nigel Hollings, has done just this. After the roaring success of the 2021 BSHA national championship show, Nigel decided it was time to step down from the role he has held for two terms, spanning eight years. He officially retired from his position at the BSHA annual general meeting held on 7 November.
Today Nigel is best known for his influence on society councils, on judging panels, as a show organiser and as a showing steward, namely for the Royal Windsor Horse Show. But he came from a non-horsey background and worked his way to the top of the world of professional showing, as a rider and producer.
His involvement has given him a unique perspective – he champions a fair playing field for all, promotes opportunities for the amateur home-producer and acknowledges the importance of our next generation of officials, judges and sporting leaders.
“I’ve served my time, I’ve done my very best and I’m proud of my achievements,” says Nigel, who first stepped into the show ring in 1967 at the Ribble Valley Riding Club in Lancashire, for whom he is now a proud president.
Nigel’s first sport of choice was football, but he began his lifelong love affair with the show ring in riding pony ranks, following in the footsteps of his elder brother, Stuart. Nigel first reigned at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 1972 riding the 138cm campaigner Snailwell Charles, who won his class and took the overall riding pony championship.
Denne historien er fra November 11, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra November 11, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
