Nigel Hollings

Alex Robinson speaks to the outgoing BSHA chairman about his humble beginnings, his work with the societies and his thoughts on the future of showing

- Alex Robinson

AS the saying goes, it’s best to leave the party early, departing on good terms and leaving a lasting legacy in your wake. And the outgoing chairman of the British Show Horse Association (BSHA), Nigel Hollings, has done just this. After the roaring success of the 2021 BSHA national championship show, Nigel decided it was time to step down from the role he has held for two terms, spanning eight years. He officially retired from his position at the BSHA annual general meeting held on 7 November.

Today Nigel is best known for his influence on society councils, on judging panels, as a show organiser and as a showing steward, namely for the Royal Windsor Horse Show. But he came from a non-horsey background and worked his way to the top of the world of professional showing, as a rider and producer.

His involvement has given him a unique perspective – he champions a fair playing field for all, promotes opportunities for the amateur home-producer and acknowledges the importance of our next generation of officials, judges and sporting leaders.

“I’ve served my time, I’ve done my very best and I’m proud of my achievements,” says Nigel, who first stepped into the show ring in 1967 at the Ribble Valley Riding Club in Lancashire, for whom he is now a proud president.

Nigel’s first sport of choice was football, but he began his lifelong love affair with the show ring in riding pony ranks, following in the footsteps of his elder brother, Stuart. Nigel first reigned at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 1972 riding the 138cm campaigner Snailwell Charles, who won his class and took the overall riding pony championship.