The BSHA Rising Star Supreme Finals at London International Horse Show give new competitors into showing and existing BSHA amateur members, another major Championship route to follow during the showing season.
ABOUT THE SERIES
With the move of The London International Horse Show (LIHS) to a new venue at ExCeL London in 2021, the opportunity arose to run the ‘London Arena’ at this larger venue. HPower, organisers of LIHS, alongside its showing partners, the BSHA (British Show Horse Association), the BSPS (British Show Pony Society), and the ASAO (Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations), formed the ‘London Committee’ to oversee and legislate the new showing series’ which were launched in the London Arena in 2023.
With these new series’ and in support of County and Agricultural Shows, equine competitors are offered the opportunity to compete at their local County show and it is also hoped this opportunity will encourage new participants to engage with showing. The BSHA Rising Star Supreme Finals give both new competitors and existing BSHA amateur members another major Championship route to follow during the showing season.
These Rising Star classes were set up as ‘type’ sections, to give amateurs new to showing and unsure of ‘type’, a helping hand to guide them into the correct section for their horse. The main aim of the series is to support and to offer help and guidance to all competitors.
The 2023 and 2024 finals at the London International Horse Show were a huge success, with a large percentage of the amateur entrants being new to the sport.
The BSHA appointed volunteers from within the industry who were able to provide training clinics and to be present during the Finals, for all competitors, to offer reassurance and assistance. Such support will continue to be offered.
The Rising Star series now has its own rulebook, separate to the BSHA main rulebook. We ask that all competitors take time to read the rules and guidance within the Rising Star Rulebook before competing in this series.
For more information, please contact the BSHA at risingstar@britishshowhorse.org
USEFUL LINKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No, there will be no ride judges for any qualifiers, if a judge asks to ride your horse at a show, speak to the steward and remind them there is no ride judge permitted.
There is no set show for the ‘type’ classes (including at the Finals). You will be expected to show walk, trot, canter on both reins and an extension of canter/gallop (but not hacks). The judge will be looking for a well executed show, smooth transitions and a good style of riding. The Judge may ask you to strip the saddle from your horse and run up the horse in hand for them to assess (conformation).
All three Style & Performance Series classes will be marked, and judged as follows:
Exhibitors will ride together as a class, which will be considered as part of the collective marks.
Exhibitors will then be asked to perform a freestyle show/ display, which will be marked (max 2.5 mins), to include, (but not restricted to), in any order:
Turning your horse out to ‘type’ is usual in showing. All show cob classes must have hogged animals with pulled tails for instance. You are not expected to have show tack, simple is usually better, and you can show your horse in a snaffle if you wish. Looking at professional pictures online from County shows will also give a great insight into how your horse should be presented.
Yes, of course you can ask for feedback at any show you attend. Sometimes there is time constraints so do not be offended if the steward is unable to facilitate this for you. We encourage Judges to do this as part of the process of these classes.
All over the country several BSHA Judges will provide preparatory clinics for London International Horse Show.
2024 RISING STAR WINNERS at LIHS
Photos Credit: Real Time Imaging
Images courtesy of Real Time Imaging