Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Welcome to the British Show Horse Association Annual General Meeting and thank you for making the effort to drive to the magnificent surroundings of Badminton, I do hope you enjoy the Stable tour a little later. Thank you to the staff at Badminton for all their help and especially Lucy Killingbeck and Philippa for organising the AGM in these hallowed halls. 

When I was asked, persuaded and cajoled into becoming Chairman, I didn’t realise it would be such a difficult start to the year, rather an understatement really but with the enormous help of the whole Board, the Association has made great steps forward to become more balanced, stable and more member focused, this has been no mean feat and my sincere thanks must go to the whole Board and you the members for all your help and support. 

I would like to welcome Sarah Chapman as a new board member and welcome back the returning Board Members Simon Reynolds, Ian Smeeth and Kath Atkin-Bowdler. Whilst on the subject of the election, please could I encourage all members to use their votes in the future. 

Moving on to the calendar of events this year, the Spring Show was successful but the jewel in the crown was the National Championship Show, it had such a wonderful atmosphere, and it was so nice to see everyone enjoying their horses and above all, supporting each other with sportsmanship and a smile, long may that continue. 

Thanks must go to everyone that made the National Championships a success, especially to Sarah Carey and her sub committee, the marvellous sponsors without whom we could not operate to the level to which we have all become accustomed. 

Congratulations to all the members that qualified for the Royal International Horse Show, sadly I couldn’t be there due to work commitments. 

Horse of the Year Show this year was greeted with much speculation and excitement and very well done to everyone that qualified to get there. The Overseas Judges along with their British counterparts did a superb job and, on the whole, the response was favourable for the changes for the 75th Anniversary of the Horse of the Year Show. 

The London International Horse Show series continues to grow, and we are in the final preparations for the show at the Excel Arena. The entries are very good, and I am looking forward to seeing members in London. The London International Horse Show series has been a marvellous stepping stone for the competitors into affiliated classes, with several qualifying and being placed at Horse of the Year Show, a really great achievement. 

This leads me on to the use of Social Media, a great medium for everyone to communicate if used correctly but a nightmare if used incorrectly. Please can I urge everyone to be mindful of what they post and how it may be perceived, judges I remind you all that comments about your judging appointments, horses and results are strictly against the rules. 

Special thanks must go to a long-standing Board Member, Sue Phillips, who is retiring. Sue was the leading voice in getting the Maxi Cobs to the Horse of the Year Show and worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the classes at Horse of the Year Show, we all owe Sue a huge debt of thanks for making this happen. I would also like to mention her husband Grahame, who has over the years, given so much support and help to the Association in so many ways, for example, each year bringing a lorry load of greenery to 

dress the Working Hunter fences. I wish them both well on their retirement and I look forward to seeing them enjoying their horses at shows in the future. 

Again, my most sincere thanks to the whole Board, Philippa and Tracey for all their unstinting support, help and hard work this year, it has been a real team effort. 

Lastly, please be upstanding for a minute’s silence to remember Allister Hood, Brian Williams, Anne Blaker, Edna Hunnable and all the other members we have sadly lost this year. 

Simon Somers