Here is a short diary about our 2026 show experience at the GBPRE Show at Hartpury 2026.
Well, we have been to this show for a few years now, and have our routine for settling in. The knack is to load the lorry in the right order for arrival, so wheel barrow, bedding and hay are the last on, and first off. I have become quick at setting uo my ‘lorry camp’, with camp bed in the horse compartment, and sundowner at the ready once all is set up!
Thursday is settling in day for both me and Perdido after the journey.
Friday
Today was dressage day, with three classes. Being familiar with the arenas, and the stables really helped us to be calm and really enjoy the classes. The process of and warm-up amongst other riders can be daunting, but we mostly focus on relaxation, walking on a long rein, saving our energy for the actual test. This prevents us getting too tired, running out of steam in the test. (this is more for my benefit, as Perdido loves showing off, and announces his presence in the ring by neighing to anyone who will listen!
My husband, Dougald arrived in the afternoon, and we shared a lovely evening with friends at the show, sharing our experiences through the day. My last class was at 9pm, so I was pretty hungry afterwards.
I was so pleased that our results were better than last year. I get a sense of satisfaction from improving, and Perdido showing a better level of training, despite our scores not being sufficient to be in the prizes.
Saturday
Today was ANCCE showing day, with judges from Spain assessing registered horses in the classes. Perdido was in the 7+ years old stallions, ably handled by Rosie. I had to admit defeat with the running up, and settled for leading Perdido around the arena. Rosie did the technical bits of standing him properly for inspection, and running with him.
In the evening, we did our Alta Esquela test, classical riding in Spanish costume, which is my favourite. Over the last 3 years, we have been the only one in the class, but our scores have improved significantly this year. We have now won 3 medals, one each year, qualifying us for the SICAB show in Spain, thought I think we have a way to go to be of the standard to hike over to Seville!
The Grand Parade is the final class, which Perdido loves. Much neighing with showing off is his cup of tea, or rather sangria! I managed to down the cup of sherry offered to riders this time without spilling dowm my front.
Sunday
Sunday morning was the functionality dressage test, the second part of the ANCCE class. I felt a bit tired, so kept the warm-up short, mainly walking. Perdido was on form, again much neighing in the test! I think he was still on a high from yesterday’s parade classs, so i hae to keep the showing off under wrap to keep him caml through the test. Again, I was pleased with our improvement from last year, though we were placed last in the classs.
So, why do we compete? Well, for me it is a way to judge our progress at home in other venues, at different shows, a test of how far Perdido and I have come both in technique, and in confidence in each other. I’d say it is about having a succesful outing, from travelling, packing and unpacking the lorry, managing the logistics of carting everything around, and meeting up with lovely people, old friends, and new lorry park buddies!
