The British Show Horse Association 

 Welcome to the British Show Horse Association website. This Association is dedicated to promoting the breeding and showing of Hacks, Cobs and Riding Horses.

Shows throughout the country, at all levels, hold our classes, and with both amateur and open sections there is usually something for every competitor. We actively encourage young people to join our Association with the “Rising Stars” final at our National Championships Show as well as every open class awarding a Young Rider special rosette. We have a very active Board which runs a series of shows including our very popular and successful National Championships, member’s lunches and a Probationary Judges scheme.  

 Please have a look around the site, you will find current news articles, a calendar with the up and coming shows for the season, some fun features, details of our National Championships & the current Rule Book which includes our judges panel. In About Us you will find details of the current Board Members all of whom are happy to discuss members questions. Any queries please do not hesitate to contact the office they are always pleased to assist current and potential members. 

Members can upload their own photos onto the gallery – please share your showing pics with us! - Photos from  Hickstead Derby Meeting now on Gallery. Any news - please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your story and photo.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW - SCHEDULE, ENTRY FORM AND STABLE BOOKING FORMS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE - GO TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW PAGE FOR ALL THE DETAILS AND GET PLANNING NOW FOR THE PARTY OF THE SEASON!

Notification of Planned Dope Testing  - RIHS

The Board of the BSHA give prior notice to members that plans are being drawn up with regard to Dope Testing of horses entered in the BSHA classes at the RIHS. 

 The Association takes a very serious view of doping, whether intentional or unintentional and draws members attention to Rule 6 in your Rule Book (the updated version of which is available on line).  Rule 6  gives a very comprehensive list of banned substances and the dope testing procedures which may include taking samples of ‘all or any body fluid, tissue, excreta, hair or skin scrapings.’  and makes clear that any infringement will not be tolerated.

Please make yourselves familiar with this ruling particularly with regard to banned substances as certain proprietary feeds and even food such as chocolates can contain banned substances.

Please be aware that Dope Testing is also planned for other major shows this season.  The Board.

The Social Event of the Year - The BSHA Ball

Catch up with your friends at the Royal International Horse Show and plan your evening NOW!!   

I know it's only JULY but December is round the corner and Oxford Street shops already have Christmas decorations for sale so don't miss out on the end of season event of the year.

For more information and offers of raffle prizes please contact:  LUCY on 07811 391320 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or SUE on 07854475533 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it     

Please click here for a ball booking form   Hotel Room Rates are available at Concessionary Rates  click here to book your room, quote GBSAH when booking 

New Classes at the Championships

New classes this year include, my favorite,  and a balancing act to our great Rising Stars Classes – The inaugural ‘Mature Riders’ class sponsored by Liz Williams and Ian Jacob, who are wonderful stalwart supporters of the British Show Horse Association and are great believers in the Grass Roots Movement!  This Class is open to all categories of BSHA horses BUT all riders have to be Amateurs and over 55 years of age!  I’m thinking of getting Chanel (in association with Botox International to give a supporting lift to the occasion! – I know I will probably need their services by the end of the show...)

 Go on all you more mature guys and girls, have a go (come out of retirement)  and of course there are the other new classes -  Novice Maxi Cob and Classic Supreme Maxi Cob Classes

you asked for them and your Board responded accordingly!!

Sue Kenny

Young Guns – Kate Hounsom

I first saw Classictop Totty – aka Dotty when she was a three year old. She was advertised on the internet and my parents and I thought she was absolutely beautiful.  Dotty had been shown in hand and had done very well.  We went to see her the following day and having watched her trot across the school we bought her straightaway!

We decided to send her to Helen Baker to break, as Helen being so quiet and kind is the ideal producer and has a small yard. Dotty broke really well and had a wonderful novice season with Helen as a four year old, including winning at Royal Windsor, Area 8 and Bath and West novice and open.

Photo: Former BSHA Chairman Brian Williams presenting Kate with the trophy for winning the large hack class at South of England this year.

We have taken our time and produced her slowly and I am now enjoying sharing the ride with Helen this season.  Helen has qualified Dotty for the Royal International at Windsor Horse Show and I have qualified her for the Horse of the Year Show with a win and reserve Championship at South of England – a real thrill and something of which I have dreamt of often - ever since I bought her!      Kate Hounsom

Derbyshire Festival Show

Derbyshire Festival put on another great show this year, the organisers are always adding new classes and deserve all the support that BSHA members can give, and they were rewarded with very good entries in all of our classes.  The quality too of the exhibits forward was very pleasing, those making the journey being rewarded with good sized rings and excellent going.

The cobs entered in large numbers to be assessed by Laura Szutowicz and Emma Coates, 19 light weights and 17 heavy weights. The best of cobs are always those with huge personalities, cocky forward going chaps who thoroughly enjoy life and give their riders enormous pleasure. A great example took the light weight class here when we saw the exceptionally consistent, quality Tommy Tucker take his 7^th open win, qualifying for HOYS and then took an incredible 7^th Championship win this year – 7 classes, 7 wins, 7 championships – is this a record? Carol Bardo’s Darcy Bustle took second with John Tanners Blue Moon VII 3^rd – a quality class in numbers and depth.  A new cob from Carol Bardo – P J Tip took the heavy division, qualified and stood reserve champion with Carbon Copy II and Equator 2^nd and 3^rd respectively.

Photo: J Platt's Tommy Tucker ridden by Charles Le Moignan

STOP PRESS: CHESHIRE COUNTY , TOMMY TUCKER MAKES IT 8 WINS 8 CHAMPIONSHIPS!

IF YOU HAVE A SIMILAR STORY OR OTHER NEWS  PLEASE LET US KNOW.