‘This is as good as showing gets'

Bethan Simons on showmanship, amateur classes and marks

- By Bethan Simons

WE were treated to a glorious week of showing at the Royal International (RIHS). The supremes were particularly thrilling, with masterclass performances all-round and a thoroughly entertaining ride-off between Craig Kiddier and Robert Walker. Both horses looked stunning and Craig's hedge-leaping party trick really got the crowd going.

In the pony supremes, there was no denying that eventual supreme and reserve Isabella Walker and Alice Homer – both of showing dynasties – had showmanship written into their DNA. Both proved competitive chips off the old block, pulling out all the stops in their shows.

DNA aside, experience counts for so much in the ring. With such prowess in these age-restricted ranks, it's little wonder we needed the inaugural Young Dragonara class. It is aimed at children who have not ridden at RIHS, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) or in the Heritage supreme at London International (LIHS) in the last two years except on the lead rein.

It was a resounding success. Twenty-four combinations came forward for judging. Of course there was a range in quality, but the top of the line looked no less produced than the open lineups.