THE LUSITANO CLASSES AT  SUFFOLK SHOW – JUNE 1ST  2006

The in hand and ridden classes at this year’s Suffolk Show were well attended by riders and spectators alike, despite the poor weather conditions. The youngstock classes began at 8.00am – a sobering time of the morning for even the most hardened of competitors!  The judge was João Lynce, breeder and rider/trainer; who travelled from Portugal specifically to oversee these classes.

Winner of the Youngstock Class was Xerife, bred and owned by Pine Lodge School of Equitation. Xerife is a 2 year old filly sired by Justiciero II. The Purebred Class 4 yrs & over was won by Numerario, the 12 year old stallion (by Embaixador) bred and owned by Coudelaria Romão Tavares, and exhibited by Sussex Lusitanos. Numerario also won the In Hand Lusitano Championship, which qualified him for the overall In Hand Show Championship which took place later that day in the Presidents Ring. In the ridden classes, the English Dress Class was won by Urano, owned by Jenny Clarke and ridden by Monique Aplin. Urano (by Quito) was bred by Pedro Ferraz de Costa and was also awarded the Smith Perpetual Challenge Cup. The Parade Horse Class was won by the bay stallion Infinito, owned by Pine Lodge School of Equitation and ridden by Jo Evans.  Both Infinito and the second-placed Quota were bred by Coudelaria Romão Tavares.

The Lusitano horse was also represented at this year’s Show by the veteran bay stallion Caju. Owned by Sussex Lusitanos and ridden by Leila Rahmatallah, Caju, now 22 years old, joined in the Side Saddle Association’s display in the Presidents’ Ring. The organisation of the Suffolk Show is always excellent, and this year was no exception. Despite the cold drizzle that made the grass surfaces somewhat slippery, competitors remained in good spirit all day. Everyone, from the car park attendants to the ring stewards, is so friendly and welcoming. Grateful thanks go to Light Horse Senior Steward Colin Willcox, who has backed these classes since their inception and is now due to retire, and Catherine Smith for her tireless enthusiasm and support .

Results: Youngstock Class : 1. Xerife (Pine Lodge School of Classical Equitation) 2. Alagoa (Mrs & Mrs Cornes & Mrs James) 3. Songhurst Zecora  (Pine Lodge School of Classical Equitation) In Hand Purebred 4 yrs & over: 1. Numerario (Coudelaria Romão Tavares) 2. Urano (Jenny Clarke) 3. Infinito (Pine Lodge School of Classical Equitation) Ridden Partbred: 1 Leo (Claire Bridges) 2. Galan (Holly Barber) 3. Henry (Charlotte Sayles) Ridden Purebred: 1. Urano (Monique Aplin) 2. Regulo (Louise Eklof) 3. Infinito (Jo Evans) Parade Horse Class: 1. Infinito (J Evans) 2. Quota (Sherene Rahmatallah) 3. Regulo (L Eklof)