The rise of the show coloured

Coloureds are one of the most hotly contested sections within showing, but this hasn’t always been the case. Alex Robinson looks at what’s led to this influx of fans and how you can impress in these classes

- Alex Robinson

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”.