A TITLE reallocated, questions on some qualifications and a judge dismissed after 37 years: the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) Rising Star series has sparked debate.
The lightweight cob title awarded at the London International (LIHS) has been reallocated. H&H has heard concerns over the amateur status of some others at the final, but the BSHA said all concerns about the Rising Star classes have "now been investigated thoroughly".
H&H reported in 2022 that the new series focused on, the BSHA said, "encouraging more to join in and have a go".
But Alan Mickleburgh, the BSHA judge dismissed, thinks it will have the opposite effect.
"All this misrepresentation is going to put them off," he told H&H.
Mr Mickleburgh said he was to judge his first series qualifiers last spring, and that despite his experience, he never went to a show without a rulebook. He said he asked BSHA general manager Lucy Savill for a rulebook, then and at the semi-final, and was told none had been printed.
Mr Mickleburgh judged the hack semi-final qualifier, in which there were two riders. He thought Finn Williamson's ride Port Lou Lou was very nice, but not a hack.
"Ian Smeeth, who's on the BSHA board and chair of judges, was at the side of the ring and I commented to him that it was a shame; the horse is more a riding horse - and he agreed. I asked if there was provision in the rules for him to move to the small riding horse final and he said, 'Yes'.
"The competitor thought having come second, he wouldn't qualify but I told him he'd qualified for the small riding horse final. I didn't think there was anything wrong with it as no rules were available on the day, and I'd had permission from a board member."
At London, Mr Smeeth judged the small riding horse final, which Port Lou Lou won.
This story is from the February 08, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 08, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
New competition and classification to mean dressage will be for all
The new partnerships with British Dressage will provide opportunities for riders with intellectual disabilities
Pressure grows on the FEI to tackle concerns in dressage
A leading judge has made some recommendations he believes will help support the sport's future
Aidan Coleman
Just a week after he announced his enforced retirement with a career-ending injury, Aidan Coleman talks through his raw emotions with Kate Johnson as he ponders life outside the weighing room
Badminton groundsman
Phil Cole on flawless going for cross-country, perfecting his craft on polo pitches and being at the mercy of the weather
Pulling power
Carriage-driving horses have a very specific job, and with that can come specific injury risks. Rosie Mould MRCVS explains
'Plenty to get your teeth into'
This year's Badminton track is testing, but fair, says Nicola Wilson, the 2021 European champion who finished in the top 10 at this five-star four times
Townend leads British domination
The world number one spearheads a British clean sweep of the podium as he contests his 100th five-star
Birch is back in the big time
A former Olympic reserve rider scores her first international win in four years, while Kelsall specialists make their mark again
Comeback queens reign
Rehab work pays off for Anna Ross as she makes a winning return, while a pair of young riders' birthday wishes come true
Pender keeps it in the family
Ireland's Mikey Pender begins a remarkable grand prix winning double and it all comes together in the ring for a \"special character\"