As from 1/12/2007 all communications should be sent to BSPA Secretary  Stanley House  Silt Drove Tipps End Welney Wisbech Cambridgeshire PE14 9SL (please do not send any item to the old PO Box number as this is being phased out).
 

Stallion And Mare Grading 14th October 2007 Click Here
Photographer's details for the Grading
www.horsepower-photography.com
 

BSPA Membership Renewal for 2008 available - Click here

Judges Assessment 25th November send for details to bspashows@aol.com or  Stanley House Silt Drove Tipps End Welney Wisbech Cambs PE14 9SL

STALLION AND MARE GRADING
14TH OCTOBER 2007 MANOR FARM EC HUNTINGDON CAMBS

Photographer's details for the Grading www.horsepower-photography.com

A bumper entry of 26 stallions and mares attended the Autumn Grading the weather was warm and sunny, the facilities at Manor Farm where excellent and we would like to thank Eddie McGuire and his family for making us so welcome and for helping to make the day run smoothly.
The Mares where in one group, and the Stallions where split into type groups:
1.Mares of all types.
2. World Breed Stallions ( American Saddlebred, American Paint, and Minature Horse Fallabella)
3. Traditional Cob Stallions
4. Plaited Pony Stallions (153cm and under)
5. Sports/Utility horse Stallions (over 153cm)

Graders where:
Mr John Conifey
Miss Angela Grummitt
Miss Jillian Grummitt
Mr John Mastin

Approved Mares

Angel - Traditional Cob - Wulfstan Stud Cambs
Jigsaw - Hunter - Sherlocks Stud Oxon
Loobie Loo - Native - Sherlocks Stud Oxon
Presentation Little Florrie - Small Native - Sherlocks Stud Oxon
Nijinski Derma - Riding Pony - Miss C Gillett Cambs
Something Kinda Ooh - Traditional Cob - Miss A Bunting - Norfolk (Mare Champion)
Shakira - WH Pony - Inkwell Stud Cambs

Approved Stallions

Storm Dancer - Utility - Mr S Hughes - Staffs
The Scoundrel - Traditional Cob - Miss L Wright - Hants
Lammerside Jigalo Jack - Traditional Cob - Mrs G Chippendale - Cumbria
Pretty Boy Floyd - Traditional Cob - Mr J Brady - Berks
Weggs Kameeko - Sports Pony - Mrs D Mitchell - Essex (Stallion Champion)
Mr Mojo Rising - Driving Cob - Miss G Summers - Middx
Sam Miguel - Traditional Cob - Mrs R Francis - Norfolk
Even Worse - American Saddlebred - Mrs L Herd - Cumbria
Ferryhill Sandpiper - WH Pony - Mrs S Brimelow- Jones - Cheshire
Leavers Lace - Sportshorse - Mrs J Mason - Notts
Highedge Diddicoy - Minature Shetland - Miss A Hinch - Leics
Tiny Tom of Mallards - Minature Horse - Sir Timothy & Lady King - Cheshire
Bar Mount Boogie - American Paint - Mrs C Herridge - North Wales


DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

2008

JUDGES SEMINAR - 20TH JANUARY - HOLIDAY INN RUGBY

WEST COUNTRY GRADING - 16TH MARCH CHOLWELL EC OKEHAMPTON DEVON

NORTHERN GRADING/ STAR SHOW - DATE TO BE CONFIRMED

WINTER CHAMPIONSHIPS 22/23 MARCH - KEYSOE BEDS

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - 13TH APRIL

SW STAR SHOW 27TH APRIL- THE GRANGE OKEHAMPTON DEVON

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS OF COLOUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW
23/25 AUGUST KEYSOE BEDS


KEEP LOOKING DETAILS OF WINTER/SPRING BSPA STAR SHOWS COMING SOON


CHANGES TO WINTER CHAMPIONSHIPS 22/23 MARCH 2008 KEYSOE EC BEDS

A recent decision has been made by the BSPA Council to make the 2008 Winter Championships an Open Show this means you do not have to qualify to attend.
The decision was made it was felt in the best interests of BSPA members and any other interested coloured horse and pony owners, with the uncertain economic climate the rising costs of fodder and hard feed for horses and ponies this combined with a very early Easter it was felt that everyone would benefit from this change.
BSPA will be running our own Star Shows and there will be open shows as well these all will qualify you for the 2008 WCC.

Amateur Rosettes

NEW for 2008 there will be a highest Home Amateur Rosette awarded in all RIHS Qualifiers
you need to be in possession of an Amateur Card these are free with your 2008 membership renewals. Plese read the information on the renewal form to see if you are eligible.

 

BSPA has been recommended by the UK Paint Horse Association (UKPHA) and approved by the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) to the Paint Alternative Competition, or 'PAC' scheme.


What is the Paint Alternative Competition (PAC) program?
APHA approves more than 1,200 horse shows and races, hosts trail rides, and produces a World Championship Show each year in the USA. But even with this diverse menu of activities, the association doesn't always have an approved or sponsored event in your hometown. In the UK there are three APHA approved shows this year, but many Paint enthusiasts also show with the BSPA.


BSPA has agreed to have all its' Approved shows included in this scheme.
In a nutshell this means that any APHA registered horse taking part in BSPA Approved Shows, can obtain recognition on it's performance record for placing at the shows.

For more information about the UK Paint Horse Association, and the scheme, please visit their website www.ukpha.co.uk. Or contact Sue Painter, President UK PHA - 07850 801649
 

If you have qualified for the RIHS please download a schedule from www.hickstead.co.uk or write with a A3 sae £1 to

The All England Jumping Course
Hickstead
West Sussex
RH17 5NU

Tel O871 919 3583

Entries close 15th June 2007

Please remember that entry to the showground on Skewbald & Piebald Day Tuesday 22nd July is Free classes start at 8am Ring 5

Royal International Horse Show     RIHS class winners Click Here

World Championships of Colour Results- Click Here

Stallion and Mare Grading 8th Oct   Milton Keynes Eventing Centre  Results- Click Here

Showing World
BSPA Judges Seminar
May 2006

Last year the BSPA (British Piebald and Skewbald Association) ran a super judges seminar as a way of encouraging existing judges from other panels, such as Ponies (UK), BSPS, British Show Hack and Cob to join the one being expanded by the BSPA. The rise in the number of and the professionalism in which coloured horses and ponies are being shown has lead to the need for an increase in the numbers required of knowledgeable judges to judge classes.

The BSPA is sensible enough to know that they require ‘good’ judges on their panel, ones able to help promote the best of the horses and ponies presented to them. The judge has or potentially has, an enormous influence in the type of ponies and horses bred and also the prices they command. A responsibility not to be taken lightly! So as the forward thinking association that the BSPA are, they organised another one this year.

The 2006 Judges Conference of the BSPA was held at the Holiday Inn, Rugby in Warwickshire. Much of similar ground as the 2005 conference was covered but this time in more depth. With Lynda Lodge in the chair, about 60 delegates listened to the five excellent speakers.

The topics covered were, James Van Praagh and the judging of the ridden Piebald and Skewbald horse and pony. Followed by Gillian Sebright who spoke at the 2005 conference, covering the topic of child welfare in relation to showing. Pat Campbell who is the chair of the BHS Breeds Council then spoke on horse and pony welfare in the showing world. To conclude the morning session, Caroline Lockhard who is the British Saddleseat Team Coach gave us all an introduction to the American Saddlebred. This was all followed by a finger buffet and time to discuss amongst the delegates the mornings proceedings.

Mrs Sue Painter, President of the American Paint Horse Association UK, started the afternoon session with an illustrated talk about showing paint horses in the UK. This followed very similar lines to the presentation she made at the 2005 conference. The afternoon was concluded after Lynda, the speakers and Sandra Lawrence and Anne Sizmer answered questions from the floor. The delegates seemed to comprise mainly of judges and those interested in becoming judges at some future date.

For those of you who show coloured horses and ponies I will outline the main essence of each speaker’s presentation.

James Van Praagh – Ride Judge BSPA and Ponies )UK).
James ran through the differing procedures for judging each of the types of ridden classes. He emphasised the need for judges to check rules before the start of the class as each association has a slightly differing set of rules for these classes. He also suggested that judges keep a rule book close to hand!
As judges he felt we must assess each of the horses and ponies forward as ‘their’ type and within the criteria of the class. When both horses and ponies are in the same ridden class he felt that it was not necessary for the judge to ride the larger exhibits and that an individual show was the way to assess the class. He likes to use a set show so that he is able to judge on a like to like basis and that all paces warrant equal merit. The responsibilities of the ride judge are to assess the ride of each horse forward and so the ‘ride’ judge must be fit enough to do the job well. He likes all the horses to be obedient, have manners, have the ability to extend in both the canter and the trot – but here the judge must also remember the breed type.

Lynda Lodge then went on to answer questions from the floor about colour and markings. She said that these were the last consideration as all the horses and ponies entered in BSPA classes would already be accepted for the register. Conformation and ride are what matter in the ridden classes.

The mark system for ridden classes was fully discussed from the floor with many different opinions being aired. Some judges like them and some do not! It seems that at the present time marks are the best way when more than one judge is presiding over the class. The real hang ups amongst the judges are the differences between societies and also the loss of influence of the go round.

Gillian Sebright - Principle Officer Organised and Instiutional Abuse, Child Protection Service, West Midlands Regional Authority.
Gillian has thirty years experience in child protection services. She believes that child abuse comes in many forms and can be witnessed on the showground. She used the example of the child who receives a telling off after not performing well. Judges, stewards, officials, other competitors and parents all have a duty to protect all children on the showground in the same way that they have a duty to protect the animals. All abusive behaviour should be reported to a ring steward or show official so that it can be monitored or action taken.

Now that PC has gone mad it doesn’t mean that you cannot offer comfort to a child that has fallen off, but make sure that you do it in public (to protect yourself!) Today’s children are aware of good and bad touches from adults. Rather than assume that the child is unable to put its own rosette on, offer your hand for the child to shake and pass the rosette to the child. If they then need help, ask before you help and respect the child’s personal space. Questions from the floor continued, as all present were aware of the implications that could follow from misinterpretations of their actions. Judges know that many competitors find them intimidating and do not want their natural friendliness and efforts to reassure competitors to be misconstrued.

Mrs Pat Campbell – Chair BHS Breed Council talked about the continuing problems with obese horses and ponies in the showring and how this can lead to laminitis. She also addressed her concerns regarding excessive travelling times with no rest periods, especially for mares and foals. It is required now that all journey times are recorded. Another situation highlighted is the frequent practice of leaving horses overnight on a lorry or in a trailer. When this is noticed, you have a responsibility to those unfortunate animals to report the situation to the stable manager. This practice is on the increase with the high cost of overnight stabling on some showgrounds.

Now that many shows have evening performances, competitors must be sensible as to the number and frequency of classes entered.

Pat then went onto the subject of native ponies and their foals. These should not be born earlier than May and no two year olds or three year olds with foal at foot should be accepted at studs.

Many other topics were covered; ragwort, dope, winter circuit, and the use of gadgets as well as the quality of the rider’s basic instruction were discussed. The questions from the floor covered all these subjects.

Caroline Lockhart – British Saddleseat Team Coach, United Saddlebred Association UK Ltd. Caroline explained much about the breed, their work, why they were developed and also about the style of the saddleseat. She also had a saddle to show the delegates as well as a saddleseat jacket and trousers. Many of the saddlebred horses are coloured and that is why she was asked to speak during the conference. Caroline illustrated her presentation with a slideshow of the saddlebred in the showring.

Mrs Sue Painter – President, American Paint Horse Association UK, presented a similar talk to that of 2005. The inclusion of both the Saddlebred and the Paint horse presentations added an enormous dimension to the day. Sue talked about the history, the work and the development of the Paint horse, the very attractive colour patterns seen in this breed and also the hock shape that is acceptable.

When the open forum took place after all the speakers had finished their presentations, Lynda and her panel answered questions on all kinds of topics associated with the presentation and showing of all types of coloured horses and ponies. The audience of mainly judges were unanimous in their praise of the speakers, their knowledge and the quality of the presentations. I know that I, as a judge would like to attend more days of this quality presented by the associations. This is certainly the way forward to educate and inform this and the next generation of judges.

Many thanks to Frances Sheffield from Showing World Magazine for this report.

The 2005 Performance Awards were celebrated at this years AGM, and presentations made to members by the Chairman.
One of this years successful members was Emma Liddle who sent these pictures to us, showing herself and other members with their awards.

Footnote:
The performance award runs annually and is available to all members, Juniors and seniors, and their Registered horses and ponies. The co-ordinator of the scheme Sarah Walker, is happy to advise members.
Performance Award Application forms are in the 'Coloured Horse Enthusiast' Magazine or can be downloaded from our website.

BSPA Graded Stallions 2006 now available

Press release - Press release - Press release

Skewbald and Piebald horses and ponies get their own day at the RIHS

British Skewbald and Piebald Association members have a treat in store at this year’s Longines Royal International Horse Show – a complete day to themselves for their showing classes. Champions and reserves will then go on to Hickstead’s famous International Arena  to find the Supreme Champion.

Showing Director Roger Stack said: “The classes for coloured horses and ponies have been so popular that in three years the quality and numbers forward have reached the point where we could do nothing but give them their own day.”

Six classes and the judging for the Champion horse and Champion pony will be held on Tuesday, July 26. The Champions and reserves will then stay at Hickstead overnight and go forward to the International Arena on Wednesday to find the Supreme Champion.

BSPA chairman, Lynda Lodge, welcomed the decision with enthusiasm. “It is a fantastic opportunity, and we are so lucky to be invited to stay over for the Supreme judging on Wednesday,” she said.

“Our members have not had the chance to compete in the International Arena before. It will be like a dream come true for them.”

ENDS

Royal International Horse Show Hickstead 2006
Great News
We are so lucky to have now been given a whole day for our classes
Tuesday 25th July
Also there are now six classes!
There will be separate judges for the pony
and the horse classes
1. Ponies small mixed types under 143cm
2. Ponies plaited exceeding 143cm not exceeding 153cm
3. Ponies native hogged cobs traditional exceeding 143cm not exceeding 153cm
4. Lightweight horse exceeding 153cm
5. Middleweight horse exceeding 153cm
6. Heavyweight native vanner traditional and hogged cobs exceeding 153cm
Plus Championship
Classes will commence at 8.30am and entry onto the showground is free on this day.
Book your time off now and come and support these wonderful horses and ponies
 

Performance awards 2004/5

One of this years big winners was Julia Catling and Oscar. Here is their story:- 

Oscar and I won the Supreme Horse, second overall, the Eastern Region award and dressage award within the region, the Coldblood award and highest senior rider rosette. (I think that’s it!) in all we got 8 beautiful rosettes and 4 lovely trophies. What a great way to remember 2004 as a successful year competitively for us. 

It means a lot to me because Oscar is not your typical dressage horse, he is 9 this year, 16hh heavy Irish cob with 10.5 inches of bone (probably a true Vanner), when I got him at 3 years old he was underweight, very riggy - we had him tested as he mounted mares, was stallion like to handle and still to this day has no social graces with other horses, uncoordinated – he moved like a pantomime horse, crossing all 4 legs in the halt! and couldn’t even canter free in the field, legs everywhere, he managed to break the ménage post and rail fence once when he couldn’t make the turn at the end he just ran straight into it, another day he decided not to go round the arena but jumped a 4ft 6 gate out from trot while loose schooling so he had ability, even so I always thought he had athleticism for his size and there was something about him. I did only buy him to hack and a bit of cob showing, but, he grew a whole hand and almost doubled his weight and size between 3 and 7 so now is only eligible for maxi-cob.

With the help of a very good trainer, Douglas Hibbert who has been with us from day one, and 5 years perseverance always seeing a chink of light at the end of the tunnel he has finally come into his own and really is good at dressage, we have affiliated and qualified for the BD winter championships, he currently has approximately 70 points and is competing elementary, we will get to medium I believe but this is so much farther than I would ever have hoped and every time I proudly compete him if we get a rosette it’s a real bonus. I like to think we show those warmbloods a thing or two when we go out and also feel we have to try a lot harder because of his type and breed. So often I have received scornful looks from the dressage brigade on their boring bay warmbloods in the car parks only to beat them in the ring….so satisfying.

Also he has done very well at the coloured showing qualifying always for the WCC and never coming away empty handed, we are trying for RIHS and so far have missed the ticket by one place 3 times! Maybe we will get there one day!

We are also going to do freestyle to music at Elementary level this year and currently a tape is in production, because of his type we have had such fun choosing the music and I am really looking forward to our debut.

 Also as I now have the dressage bug I have bred a coloured WBXTB out of a coloured mare we own, she has Dallas breeding and the sire was Broadstone Chicago, he will take over from Oscar I hope in the years to come so hopefully we will be competing in the performance awards for many years yet!

 Photographs of Oscar and his awards.

Thank you BSPA and a special thanks to Sarah Walker for doing a fantastic job, very efficient, very friendly and the rosettes are the best I’ve ever won in 15 years of competing! Also it was great to win such lovely trophies, we are very inspired to try hard this year to retain them!

 Kind regards

Julia Catling

TOP MARKS FOR JUDGES’ CONFERENCE   - click on any image to enlarge

"Brilliant..A fantastic, fascinating day...Even the most knowledgeble coloured horse enthusiast would have learned something."

These were just some of the comments on the BSPA’s first ever judges’ conference, held at ILPH Hall Farm, Snetterton, Norfolk on January 14th. More than 55 delegates from all over the UK enjoyed the superb facilities of the ILPH and a wealth of distinguished speakers.

The day started with a tour of ILPH Hall Farm; as most members will know, the BSPA strongly supports the work of this charity and provides free passports for all its coloured horses and ponies. Phoebe Gale, Hall Farm events assistant, showed delegates round the yard and facilities and provided two equine models for delegates’ discussion.

ILPH Bob the Cob is a celebrity in his own right - and, said BSPA chairman Lynda Lodge, is also a superb example of a vanner. Assessing the seven-year-old, who stands 16.1hh, enabled her to clear up confusion over the question of traditionals.

"His conformation is unmistakable. He is a vanner, a horse which would have done light work on the farm but is not heavy enough to plough," she explained.

"He is also a coldblood because his parentage, though unknown, contains no TB, Arab or warmblood."

Lynda said that with his full mane, tail and feathers, Bob would be shown as a traditional - but that "traditional" was a type of presentation rather than a type in itself. Where judges go wrong, said Lynda, was in not recognising "baby vanners."

She also emphasised that a vanner could give a good ride. "You would not expect him to lower, because he doesn’t have that type of conformation," she said.

"But you would expect him to be able to lengthen his stride and, with correct schooling, to give a light, balanced ride. You’d also hope that you wouldn’t get left behind if you followed hounds!"

ILPH Bluey, a five-year-old who would often be described as "blue and white," demonstrated two useful points. "He is first and foremost a skewbald," said Lynda.

"A piebald is black and white and a skewbald is any colour other than black and white. He will also end up as what we call a historical: by the time he is eight he will probably be white grey, but because he retains his genetic colour will always be able to be shown under our rules as a coloured horse."

Both Bob and Bluey were victims of neglect who were rescued and rehabilitated by the ILPH. Also on the yard was a relatively new arrival, ILPH Cherokee, one of two smart ponies who had been abandoned by their owner.

As more than one delegate remarked: who on earth in their right minds would neglect or throw away animals like these? Fortunately for them, the ILPH’s remedial work - including, in Cherokee’s case, remedial work by farrier John Blake - means they should have the great futures they deserve.

Speakers at the conference were Davina Whiteman, chairman of Ponies Association (UK); John Conify, a ride judge on the BSPA and other panels; Gillian Sebright, one of the country’s leading child protection experts and Sue Painter, president of the American Paint Horse Association UK.

A full report will appear in the next BSPA newsletter, The Coloured Horse Enthusiast.