The lows and highs of showing: South of England and Chiltern Group

After a really disappointing day showing at the South of England on the 6th June, our two hour journey home on the busy M25 seemed longer and hotter than usual. The best result we could manage all day was a second place in the first class at eight o’clock with Snelsmore Quaffle; it was a promising start but we soon learnt it wasn’t to be our day . We couldn’t really be disappointed with our ponies, they looked well and all performed to their best. Showing is a matter of personal preference and on this occasion our miniature judge Mrs Elliott seemed to prefer the traditional black ponies instead.

A week later we put all our negative thoughts behind us and entered for the Chiltern group show.  I had a really badly bruised, possibly broken toe, and running was proving to be quite painful so we were unsure of how the day would go.  In the first class we had two real babies out for the experience. Snelsmore Querl and Snelsmore Q-Me were placed second and third behind a more mature winner and we couldn’t have been more pleased with them. It was a real boost and helped me push on through the pain in my toe.  Snelsmore Oceana made her second showing appearance in the two/three old class and she took second place. Another great result. She went on be Reserve Junior Champion later in the day which really put us on a high.

Keen to give Snelsmore Nevada an interest, we entered him in a mixed standard and miniature stallion class. He behaved really well considering how naughty he can be at times and was placed third. Finally the day ended with Snelsmore Lalique and myself winning the mare class. What a difference a show makes, showing is so up and down, you never really know what you’re going to get. I suppose that’s why we do it, for the thrill!

Roll on the Welsh Breed show!