ONLY IN HORSE & HOUND - ‘Ask, prepare and train in advance'

BSPS national chair Pat Pattinson discusses her role and lessons she’s learnt

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AS I write, I’ve just about recovered from our British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Heritage championship show held at Arena UK (17–18 October). There was a fabulous atmosphere, and even though there were no Olympia qualifiers, people wanted to be there.

It’s been a difficult and challenging year. The latter word has been used a lot but rightly so. During lockdown no one could have predicted that showing could have carried on this season.

I must mention one individual, Joanne Pybus, who has been instrumental in formulating a blueprint alongside the Showing Council and the other disciplines.

The BSPS has flown the flag. We were brave enough to put our necks on the line. This is no disrespect to anyone; but someone had to lead the way. People had a choice if they wanted to take part or stay at home.

As chair of the society, I was fortunate to lead a great team. I like to enable people to bring their best to the table and, while it has been hard work, seeing both the summer and Heritage championships come to life was worth the effort.