The BSHA Board hopes that you and your family are safe and well in these very uncertain times. I am writing this letter on what would have been the last day of the Royal Windsor Horse Show and it makes me sad having to witness the daily cancellation of shows on social media. 

I read with interest the Showing column in last week’s Horse and Hound headlined "Societies have value beyond shows". As you all know the BSHA is funded by memberships as well as registrations and these have fallen by 50% during the current crisis. While there are reserves in place, we are mindful that this is the Members’ money and that we must make the correct financial decisions to guarantee the future well being of the Association.

The Board have furloughed staff as appropriate. However the Office is presently operating on a part time basis in line with government guidelines and the phone is being manned on Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am to 12pm every week. Emails are also answered on a daily basis. If you wish to speak to a specific Board Member directly this can also be arranged – so please do not hesitate to ask. 

We have increased our Board Meetings by video conferencing to allow us to keep up to speed with developments as they happen regarding social distancing and sporting gatherings etc. 

The Board is still working towards giving our members a great National Championship Show, in whichever form the Covid-19 guidelines dictate. We are looking at ways to enable the classes to run as smoothly as possible whilst ensuring everyone is safe. I must stress that the health and safety of all volunteers, stewards, judges and our competitors will be paramount when organising the Association’s Show.

Over the coming weeks we will be making more use of our social media pages and website. Our Board Members will be introducing themselves to you and explaining their roles for this year and some will be giving insight into how they are coping with keeping their horses on "tick over" in readiness for competition. There will be many other videos to keep us all entertained and engaged during these coming months.

While income is tight for the Association we welcome the support of our Members. However if you have the need for financial assistance in relation to your paid membership or registrations then please get in touch by emailing the office directly in total confidence at admin@britishshowhorse.org

Warm regards to each and every one of you together with sincere thanks from the Board for  your tremendous loyalty.

Nigel Hollings

British Show Horse Association Chairman