Unluckily for the first time in a number of years, there was nothing but rain for the SEAHG summer show. Thankfully, the rain didn’t keep many competitors away, and classes were, under the circumstances, well supported.

The first class for the purebreds in ring A was the HOYS Geldings judges by Mr Martin Davies, this class was split into juniors and seniors, with some very nice horses in both. The winner of the junior section was Silven Magnus, ridden and owned by Celina Singh. Having won the Novice Championship at the spring show, this was a good move up, second place went to Majestic Cavalier ridden by Wendy Gibson and exhibited by Ms Hyde Andrews.

The purebred stallion class enjoyed a rain free time. The convincing winner was Adres, ridden by Frances Atkinson and owned jointly with her husband and mother. Standing at 16hh, he definitely filled the eye and demanded attention. Second place went to last year’s winner Al Galero, this year partnered by Darren Crowe. The HOYS ticket went to the class winner. This was an emotional win for Frances as she nearly lost Adres to colic a year or so ago. In the championship – as the heavens opened again, called in as Champion was Dancin Dream, with Adres in reserve and Al Galero as second reserve.

The Novice Ridden classes were judged by Fiona Grant Chivers. A good sized class of novice purebred mares was put in order efficiently and resulted in a win for Crystal Ora Sheen, ridden and exhibited by Louise Maryon, with second going to Artizana Prada ridden by Veronica Rodgers. The Purebred Stallion and Gelding classes had only five entries forward. Taking the top slot was Eastworth Harri, ridden by Stephanie Zeberdee and exhibited by Ms Coombes, piped at the post was Aja Vespasian ridden and exhibited by Joanne Woodward.  

Judged by Susan Holliday, the Open Anglo and Part bred classes were a little better supported than the Novice, with three forward for the Anglo exceeding 148cm.
The eventual class winner was Highlander, owned and ridden by Della Theobald. Highlander was the novice champion last year so is continuing in his winning ways. Second place went to Nateek, owned and ridden by Victoria Ayling, with Mayway Momento ridden by Julie Marshall and owned by Mrs Johansson Massey in third.
With four forward for the Part Bred Ridden over 153cm, the initial placings were moved round a little. La Prima Vera took first place and the Cherif ticket, much to the delight of her owner Heather Black, second place went to Night Shadow, ridden by Alice Heaver and owned by Tracey Heaver. As this class finished, the heavens opened again! Already soaked through judge was happy to go on, with only one forward for the Part Breds exceeding 148cm, Chloe Heaver managed really well in the rain  with Alpha Centauri, and gave a polished performance.
With no ponies forward for the under 148cm section and all eligible horses waiting for the championship, The judging went straight on and the sun came out briefly for the champion, which went to Alpha Centauri, with La Prima Vera in reserve and Highlander in second reserve.

Fiona Grant Chivers took over the judging for the Balanced Horse Championship  Riding Horse class. This was won by Charlie Chaplin, ridden by Joanne Smith and exhibited by Ms Daniell, with Highlander in second.
It was back into the rain for Susan Holliday and the Ridden Veteran class, with some lovely veterans forward. The class was won by Charlie Chaplin with second place going to Rushkar, ridden by Hannah Weeks and exhibited by Mandy Burr. The last ridden class of the day was Midland Group Qualifier for Intermediate Young Riders, and for the second year running was a 1-2 for sisters Chloe and Alice Heaver.