ONCE arguably the underdog of the show ring, a quality coloured – horse or pony, hairy or not – is a force to be reckoned with. Today, if you strive to win with your own patchy partner, you need to be on the money in both performance and turnout, and also ensure that the animal you’re sitting on ticks all the necessary type and conformation boxes.
It was back in 1988 when a group of 11 friends got together around a kitchen table and founded the British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA) – one of the two main showing societies dedicated to coloureds – as a reaction to the growing number of enthusiasts.
“We felt there was a need for an umbrella to promote the interests of the coloured horse,” explains BSPA chair Lynda Lodge, who has been with the association since day one. The BSPA was initially run by a general council and a series of volunteers, known as regional team leaders, who put on shows in their areas at both local and county level.
“There was so much enthusiasm that we were soon able to put classes on at the higher levels,” Lynda continues. “Gradually, people realised that coloureds could be showstoppers just like any other animal.”
The other society, the Coloured Horse and Pony Society UK (CHAPS UK), was founded in 1983. Their aim from day dot has been to “promote the coloured horse and pony in all equestrian spheres”.
Denne historien er fra April 08, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra April 08, 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.
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'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
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'Use it or lose it'
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A new way forward
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