VISIT TO ICELANDIC HORSE BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP, WASHBROOK FARM, WELSH ROAD, ASTON LE WALLS
As a member of the Icelandic Horse Society, HRH The Princess Royal was welcomed to the Icelandic Horse British Championships held at Washbrook Farm, Aston Le Walls on Saturday 24 June 2023 by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson Esq who is seen introducing Peter Heathcote (IHSGB Ambassador)
The IHSGB was founded in 1986 and exists to:
- Maintain the purity of the unique Icelandic horse.
- Promote interest in the breed,
- Protect the welfare of the breed,
Encourage Icelandic horse breeding and riding competitions
The IHSGB is a Passport Issuing Organisation, approved by Defra, providing passports for pure-bred Icelandic horses.
The IHSGB is small for a ‘Icelandic horse county’, with just 1058 registered Icelandic horses, and just over 300 members. Members are located all over Great Britain (including in Shetland). The small numbers and widespread can make competing, or even social events challenging. Most members would classify themselves as primarily leisure riders. Despite these challenges for sport, IHSGB will send a team to the World Championships (every other year).
Following this event, the British Team for the World Championships will be selected.
In previous World Championships, Team GB has won six medals in pace classes, including, Charlotte Cook winning Gold and Silver at Ooirschot (NL) in 2017. Aiden Cason won two silvers in Berlin in 2019 (on the GB bred horse Odin from Inchree). Charlotte also won two silvers in that event. Also, Mike Adams became the first GB rider to start in an Oval Track World final in 2017.
Last year the IHSGB succeed in qualifying six new Judges, under the guidance of our one International Judge, Fi Pugh. The training and exam are demanding. Several other members attended the training only. This is a significant step forward for the Society, increasing knowledge of what makes good sport riding, and expanding the number of judges available to support events.
HRH The Princess Royal presented Certificates to newly qualified Judges
Fulkrum Technical Resources