Golden oldies take centre stage

The finals at London International are among the most regarded championships on the senior showing circuit. Alex Robinson investigates the finals and what's contributed to their popularity

- Alex Robinson

LATER this month, a batch of top-class older horses and ponies will grace the arena ☐ (LIHS) to compete for the at London International country's most coveted senior in-hand and ridden titles in showing.

The Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd (SSADL) grand finals have been staged in London, formerly at Olympia and now at the ExCeL, since 2014, although senior animals have had a presence at the Christmas show since 2007.

"The series has gone from strength to strength and it's now very sought after by both competitors with senior animals and by shows who host qualifiers," says SSADL director Clare Frost.

The SSADL has also hosted mid-season finals at the Royal International (RIHS) since 2021, which are equally coveted.

Qualifiers are held up and down the country, including at grassroots, riding club and Pony Club shows, at agricultural and county shows and also at some of the high-profile events such as Royal Windsor.

The series is solely for home-produced animals aged 15 or over. The qualifying classes are divided into three age categories: pre-senior for 15- to 18-year-olds, senior for 19- to 23-year-olds and senior plus for 24 years old and over. At most qualifiers, only the overall champion of both the in-hand and ridden sections gains their ticket, although at some larger events, a qualification is awarded to separate in-hand and ridden champions.

"The ethos from the very beginning was to provide a series for all types and breeds of animal from all walks of the equestrian world," Clare explains, "offering a level playing field with animals competing against others of a similar age."

The 2024 season has been a particularly busy one for the SSADL, with the society receiving an increased membership take-up as well as strong entry numbers in qualifiers across the board.