EQUINE NEWS

29th September 2005

Veteran Horse Soceity Regional Finals

Sue Ellis was over the moon when she collected first prize at the Veteran Horse Society Championships in the in-hand class for equines over 25 years old with her 33 year old chestnut horse Calypso held at Bicton Arena, Devon . Sue told Guardian Sport that she bought Calypso when she was only five months old. Sue and Calypso have had a great times together, they have hunted with the Cury and the Four Burrow hunt, jumped at BSJA level, competed in showing classes at local level and in 2001 when Calypso was 29 years old they joined the Veteran Horse Society and started showing in the veteran in-hand class. Calypso did so well that she was known locally as the 'Veteran Queen' because she was virtually unbeaten.

In 2003 they travelled to Dorset where the VHS Regional finals were held and was delighted when Calypso won her class. However, in 2004 Sue decided not to travel her very long distances due to her age and didn't compete at the Regional final although she had qualified. When she saw that in 2005 the Regional were to be held at Bicton Arena and didn't think they would ever get any closer Sue decided to take Calypso along.

There are three different age groups within the VHS society 15-19 years old, 20-24 years and 25 years and over and classes for each group in-hand and ridden. Local shows held in the region stage qualifying classes where the first two members qualify. At the Regional finals only competitors that have qualified can compete. The winners of each section go forward to a championship and compete for the chance to compete at Olympia where the final is held. In each class marks are awarded for each pace, condition of the animal, personality, and tack and turnout of horse and rider/handler.

All the Horses and Ponies at the Regional were a credit to their owners and were of the highest quality. In the championship Calypso was called forward into the Reserve Championship spot. Not quite good enough to earn her a place at Olympia , but Sue was absolutely delighted. The Judge commented; "for her age and condition she is outstanding". Sue collected a lovely red, white and blue rosette, a rugby shirt, T Shirt, saddle cloth and three £10 vouchers from Blue Chip who sponsored the event.