CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW COMMITTEE REPORT – NOVEMBER 2015
I would like to start by thanking Alan Larner who stepped in and literally saved the day when the
Driving Committee Chairman resigned for personal reasons with less than 2 months to go to show
day. The Show Committee Chairman had previously resigned, also for personal reasons, part way
through the year so organising the show was ‘a little challenging’ to say the least. I would like to
thank both Peter Hill and David Capps for their time on the Committee.
In summary, I think it is fair to say that the show was a great success in some ways and not far short
of a disaster in others.
The show returned to closer to its previous format with fun classes back for In hand on Sunday
morning, but sadly no Sunday driving. Those who attended had fun, with lots of spectators round
the driving ring, lots of laughter, the return of the Fancy Dress and a lively quiz and social on
Saturday night. These were the plus points.
On the negative side, numbers of entries fell even further than those in 2014 and the show has
made a significant financial loss.
I and the committee have made strenuous efforts to find out what people want, like and dislike.
Whilst there are some outlying views, the general consensus is that we need a good variety of
classes to make it a worthwhile journey, need the fun and social atmosphere and a geographical
location that means sufficient numbers will travel there to compete. Lots of comments and feedback
and I can assure you that all were read and considered at our recent meeting.
As a result of lots of hard thinking, we now aim to do the following for future shows:
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Lots of classes – if we have a trophy for it, we will offer it, with a standard schedule that
offers all classes every year – with the proviso that the class will not run if there are no
entries
No amalgamation of classes – if you enter a yearling gelding you will not suddenly find your
class amalgamated so you are up against the three year olds
The return of the Sunday driving fun classes
Keep the gymkhana classes
Give in hand pre-qualifiers the option of coming forward in the morning class – however the
final qualification place will still be awarded to the highest placed non-qualifier
Obtain sponsorship, with the income going to benefit the exhibitors directly rather than
central show funds (though you can still donate to these!)
A new venue (or return to a previous one) to encourage more exhibitors to enter (whilst
Derby is excellent in many ways, the numbers of stables available to hire mean that we can
never cater for the numbers of entries necessary to make the show viable)
A publicity and communication campaign to tell ALL donkey owners that their donkey can
come, no need to pre-qualify, not a ‘posh’, staid show but a great fun weekend for all
We also plan to include some mule (or other equine hybrid) classes, not to compete for our awards
but to join in (and help support the show) in other ways. Initial discussions have already been had
with some mule owning groups.
These changes will not happen overnight but we will do the best we can as circumstances permit.
To return to the 2015 show, I must, of course, congratulate all of our exhibitors and especially our
top champions,
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Supreme In Hand Champion - Titouan de Rabeyrie, owned by Dr Yvonne Canavan and
beautifully shown by Stephen Cherry.
Supreme Driving Champion – Harvey Moon driven by his ‘mum’, a delighted Pam Moon
Champion Young Handler – the very capable Imogen Jones- Percival
Champion Young Rider – Aimee Teale, ably assisted by very proud Grandma Diana Dunstan
I must thank all of our helpers , judges, stewards, washer-uppers and all. Without you the show
could not function.
Special thanks to John & Rosemary Porter who are standing down after many years of sterling
service including Rosemary catering for all our officials, and John wearing the official mantle of Show
Director whilst also lugging ring dividers and poo picking. We are delighted to announce that
Rosemary Clarke was unanimously voted in as our new Show Director, though I am not sure if she
has a bowler amongst her other hats!
To finish - my 3 abiding personal memories of the show sum up, to me, why donkey exhibitors are so
special and why our shows are such fun :
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The roar of delight from all in the arena when a ‘different’ donkey won the Supreme In Hand
– cheered by those in the ring competing against him!
The camaraderie during the In Hand Championships as last minute handling plans had to be
changed on the fly, and people stepped in, literally at the last minute, to take in someone
else’s donkey and do their best to win
The somewhat riotous good natured quiz – expertly managed by Rob Sims – on the Saturday
night as we all let our hair down
I can assure you that I am passionate about improving the show, making it accessible to all and
ensuring it is financially viable for the Society. The committee fully supports this and we will work
extremely hard to make this happen - if you share these views, why not join us?
Please get in touch with any ideas and – even better – offers of help
Carole Travell
Championship Show Committee Chairman