‘We are delighted with how it went,’ said Christine Bassett, one of the organisers, ‘we had our challenges, and we learned a lot, but on the whole, it went very well.’

That’s a modest appraisal from Chris, who along with Joanne Dobson, Jenny Crane and Janet Goldsbrough were the dedicated new team who came together at a relatively late stage to organise the annual BDS show at Smith’s Lawn.  Supported by BDS Vice Chairs Rob Parry and Sam Searle, who is also the Young Driver Commissioner, plus Chairman Neil Wray and Judges’ Committee Chairman Nigel Fuller, it was a convivial day which proceeded at a brisk pace and crowned eight worthy champions.  The day ran alongside an afternoon of noisy, excitable polo, and in the run-up to the show, the Guards Polo Club team had been very helpful, as had the Crown Estate.

GENEROUS SPONSORS

Chris wished to pay tribute not only the small army of volunteers who contributed to the day, but to the many generous sponsors.  Having to set up an event on a ‘green field’ site where there is nothing already in place, other than a beautiful setting next to the Guards Polo Club, brings with it considerable overheads and a lot of work.  Structural items like the marquee, tables, chairs, loos and fencing have to be hired in, plus the sound systems, and that’s on top of the rosettes, sashes, awards, lunches etc etc.  Each of the 30 classes had its own sponsor, which was an impressive achievement, and those who donated to the cause were a combination of new names and some long-established businesses who have supported the show for many years.

In addition to the individual class sponsors, there was the headline sponsor, Iceline Yorkshire Ltd., who sponsored the overall show champion.  Iceline also sponsors the end of season BDS National Championships and qualifying series (formerly the T & S Championships).  In addition, three London Livery Companies had a presence at the show – the Farriers presented several ‘Best Shod Horse’ awards with judge Robin May in attendance again; the Coachmakers presented their annual award at lunchtime and the Wheelwrights sponsored the Vintage Vehicle class, judged this year by Rosemary Neale (who for most of the day was commentating in the Sanders Watney arena).

LOYAL COMPETITORS

Chris also paid tribute to the exhibitors and their horses, who committed to attending and turned out beautifully, despite the blistering heat. She really appreciated the time and effort they had put into travelling, for some many hundreds of miles, to participate in this prestigious event.  Although the Concours d’Elegance drive distance was shortened in response to the high temperatures, those who took part enjoyed the chance to see otherwise hidden parts of the park.  Thankfully there wasn’t too long a wait for the polo presentations to finish, unlike last year, so the parade past the Guards Polo Club Royal Box proceeded efficiently, as did the presentations made to the eight champions by former Crown Equerry and BDS President, Lt. Colonel Sir Toby Browne.  His wife, Lady Serena, had judged the Concours d’Elegance and awarded her prize to a delighted Chris van Reen, who also lined up alongside the champions.  Chris was driving a charming seven-year-old dun Connemara called Molly, with the proud owner sitting next to her.  Molly matched Chris’s well known varnished Fenix Dog Cart beautifully.

A DAY OF TALKING

My perspective of the show was as the Prince Philip ring commentator, and for the crew in this ring our day started with Joanne Hartland judging the novice pony class.  For the rest of the day, she judged on rotation with Deborah Holt-Atkinson, while Andrew Knight and Michael Cooper were in the Sanders Watney ring.  It was interesting observing the different judging styles and decision-making processes.  Both Joanne and Deborah were shadowed by probationary judges and Deborah in particular was superb in engaging with her trainees and asking what they observed, what might be right or wrong, and where they would place exhibitors if the choice was theirs. Joanne was very good at talking to the exhibitors, especially about their harness, and suggesting practical corrections if necessary.  One area that needed to be addressed was the use of fixed back bands with two-wheelers which impacts the balance and the smooth running of the carriage, as well as being potentially uncomfortable for the horse or pony.

FENIX TRUST YOUNG DRIVERS

We ran to time for most of the day, until the Young Driver class which was subdivided into 8-14 and 15-17-years categories.  Each category had three drivers forward and Joanne was generous with her time and judging, so we ended up running over.  Also, one family with two young drivers had misjudged the time, so we waited for them to arrive – not something that would be done for other classes, but we agreed a degree of flexibility was the only option for this cohort, and we didn’t want any disappointed youngsters.

The first and second placed drivers from each class then went into the championship to compete for the prestigious H. Langdown Dowsett trophy, one of the oldest associated with the show.  In a turnaround result, Joanne awarded a second placed driver the championship, and it was all the more special as the newly crowned champion, Gracie Collins, had only recently taken up driving and was using a friend’s horse.  Gracie’s mother was on the carriage with her, and they each had a set of reins, although it was clear that Gracie was doing the driving and had developed a great affinity with Hayke RM.  The gentle Friesian responded well to her aids and overall, they presented a supple, harmonious picture which improved the more time they spent in the ring.  In reserve place was previous winner Leah Redsell with her beloved chestnut Hackney horse, Harley.

There was more delay during the presentation, simply due to the sheer number of prizes and goodies being given out.  Mark Broadbent was in the ring as the sponsor, on behalf of the Fenix Training Trust, and said that he’d never been asked to present lollipops and bags of sweets before.  Sam Searle, with her sense of fun and inclusivity, had hotfooted it to the pick & mix stall and bought armfuls of sweet treats for all the young drivers.  Plus, there were trophies, chocolates, puzzles, sashes and rosettes – it was a bit like the armfuls of prizes given to children on the TV programme Crackerjack, which was popular in the 1980s!  It all helped to create a light-hearted and memorable experience.

COACHMAKER’S PRESENTATION

Next it was the Coachmakers’ presentation, which also involved Mark as he will soon be the 350^th Master.  Jimmy Jeffery was supposed to bring in the award winner, Matt Powers, but unfortunately, he had lorry trouble on the way so didn’t make it.  The decision was spontaneously made to ask Jack Harris with his pair of grey Hungarian coach horses to take Matt into the ring.  Jack and some friends had been waiting patiently in the shade of a tree for the multiples class.  Some fun banter followed which involved getting Matt, as the dignitary, onto the front of the carriage and Callum Feltum onto the back.

As the afternoon progressed, the individual classes in the Prince Philip ring rounded off with two impressive and colourful Light Trade classes.  A delighted Danny Brown with a Milk Float and his Welsh Cob stallion won the two-wheeled division ahead of John Henry White who is rarely beaten with the Eddie Price Milk Float and striking palomino Cob, Gold Top.  Then the four-wheeled class saw Cribbs and their Friesian pair up against several stunning Costermongers Trolleys and Cobs.  Although they are rarely beaten, Cribbs were second on this occasion to the on-form John Randall with his obliging bay mare, Anfield the Cheerleader, a turnout which is dominating this season.

Once the various championships had been judged, those who were eligible came forward to the championships.  It was a relatively sparce showing, partly because of the heat which meant several people had decided to take their horses home, and partly because some of the turnouts had won more than one eligible class.

In the final class of the day, Joanne chose as her champion Fred Vyse’s chipper bay Hackney pony, Stapleford Come What May and in reserve was Carol Armstrong with Leyeswick Dun ‘N’ Dusted, who went particularly well throughout the classes.  Fred had already qualified for the Horse of the Year Show at the Bucks Spectacular, so a delighted Carol took the golden ticket.

As the last few competitors loaded their horses and kit, and the show was being dismantled, there was relief all round that everyone had survived the heat and enjoyed a pleasant day.  Later Chris said that she felt bridges had been built, that the team had worked brilliantly together and that strengths were utilized to everyone’s advantage. The same team will be organising the BDS Championships at Addington in September and Chris said already they are discussing how they can create a member-friendly event with a similar atmosphere – starting with some welcome packs!

For more information about the class winners, the results will soon be on the BDS website.  The eight champions were –

1. Fenix Training Trust Young Driver Champion – Gracie Collins with Hayke RM
2. Alfie Hyatt Trade Champion – John Randall with Anfield The Cheerleader
3. Dyno Rod Welsh Champion – Carol Armstrong with Leyeswick Dun ‘N’ Dusted
4. Collins Family Novice Champion – Charlotte Adams-Lane with Lucky Lane Spitfire
5. Graham Henson Welsh Show Wagon Champion – George Mitchell with Thorneyside The Real Deal
6. Elizabeth Ashbridge Exercise Vehicle Champion – Ann Staniland with Huckleberry Finn
7. Superlative Hackney Champion – Billy Ward with Luddington My Way
8. Iceline Yorkshire Ltd. Show Champion – Fred Vyse with Stapleford Come What May