Show reports

Merrist Wood, Surrey, 18 November 2023 Warm-up, arena and spectating opportunities all within a few metres encourage a good social vibe at Merrist and enabled supporters to show their appreciation of some notable performances....

Sparsholt, Hampshire, 28 October 2023 Out and About watched the indoor classes on Saturday at Sparsholt's three-day Autumn Celebration of Dressage where many riders were introducing new horses and horses to new levels in the freestyles. A bonus was that the PSG and Inter I tests came in out of the rain to round off the day....

Pachesham and Belmoredean, 29 and 19 October 2023 Not even the thought of travelling and riding in heavy rain deterred riders from attending the last show of Linda York's 28-year tenure of the Pachesham. Out and About reports on successful riders at both Pachesham and at Belmoredean, also renowned for its relaxed competition atmosphere....

Speedgate and Felbridge, 11 and 17 October 2023 New rides and young horses starting out on the competition circuit brought excitement to the local competition scene, while other combinations were stepping up a level after the summer season's big shows. As ever, it was  interesting to learn when and where experienced riders and owners turn for help with problems....

Show report: Parwood, Surrey, 28 September 2023 As at all shows, riders' experiences provided valuable insights into the art of training and horse management. This report includes how two riders met the challenge of training short-coupled horses, how another benefited from the skills of a Healer — as well as glimpses of the sheer courage and determination that it takes to become a winning combination. The joy of hard-won success lifts the spirits!...

The lower-level classes produced the highest scores at Sparsholt Summer Area Festival. It enabled stars of the past to show how they are progressing up the levels and introduced some exciting new ones. Part 2, of Out & About's two-part show report....

Sparsholt College, Hampshire, 25-27 August 2023 Competitors in the higher level classes, covered in part 1 of Out & About's 2023 Sparsholt Summer Area Festival show report, revealed how much training, how much effort and equine empathy go into producing best performances in their few minutes before the judges....

Merrist Wood Arena, Surrey, 6 August 2023.  A long arena show in the Merrist Wood arena is always fully booked and sure to attract quality horses and riders. It did not disappoint this time....

Speedgate Petplan Summer Area Festival, Kent, 4-7 August 2023 This Area Festival lived up to the ideal of an amateur league show and a stepping stone for those making the journey up the BD levels for the first time....

Parwood Southern Regional Championships, Surrey, 15-17 July 2023 Blustery wind and short sharp showers ratcheted up the tension for horses and riders. There was no lack of quality but conditions tipped the balance in favour of cool heads and calm temperaments....