The British Horse Society Diamond Jubilee 1947 - 2007
Back in the lean years immediately following World War Two, the Institute of the Horse (which included the Pony Club) and the National Horse Association took a decision which, in the light of developments in later decades, was both historic and rather ironic. They decided that the best interests of the sport would be served by the two organisations coming together to form The British Horse Society.

In the succeeding sixty years the BHS has achieved many notable successes, gaining a worldwide reputation on the way, in such fields as training and education, horse welfare and access. It also demonstrated a spectacular turn on the haunches when, in 1997 - exactly half a century after its original decision - it decided that the best interests of the sport would be served by its own dismemberment which saw Eventing, Dressage and The Pony Club leave to form organisations in their own right.

But now, as it approaches its sixtieth anniversary, the BHS has reached a position where it is respected both for its work and its expertise on the one hand and, on the other, for its genuine willingness to assist and cooperate with other organisations for the good of all horses, riders and carriage drivers. That is something worth celebrating, and we want all our members - and those who wish the Society well - to join with us in a year of special events. Some of these will be organised on a nationwide basis but more will be organised at local level.

National BHS Diamond Jubilee Initiatives We are planning a Gala Reception in central London. Details are still to be finalised, but this is expected to be THE social occasion of 2007. Renowned equestrian artist Nikki Moore (pictures right) has already embarked on a major painting project to capture 60 of our most eminent horses and ponies, from current and past generations, in a triptych (a set of three paintings). Only 60 sets will be produced, some of which will be sold as complete triptychs, others will be sold individually. Other mementoes of our first 60 years will be available, most of them limited to runs of 60. Pictured right: Nikki Moore (left) and Jennie Lorriston Clarke at Burghley Horse Trials 2006

BHS Dorset – Festival of the Horse, Sunday 22 July 2007 at Motcombe Turnpike, Dorset (site of Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show). A day of demonstrations and displays of all Equine Activities. For trade stand information contact Mrs F Britten 01458 273734

BHS Gloucestershire - Pleasure Ride in Gatcombe Park and Ashton Farm, Sunday 20th May 2007 by kind permission of HRH The Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips. For further details please see Training and Diary Dates page.

BHS Somerset – Pageant 60 Years of the Horse and the BHS. Royal Bath & West Show (provisional). If anyone has historical costumes, saddlery or would like to get involved with this demonstration, please contact Sally Whittaker 01749 880264 e-mail sally.whittaker@ukonline.co.uk

BHS Wiltshire – BHS Wiltshire Diamond Jubilee Dressage Series with Championships. Five qualifying rounds throughout the summer culminating in a Championship Final in September, kindly sponsored by www.dressagediagrams.com.
Sun 3 Jun at Pewsey Vale Riding Riding Centre,.Church Farm, Stanton St Bernard, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 4LJ;
Sun 17 Jun at Wiltshire College Equestrian Centre, Lackham College, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2NY
Sun 15 Jul at Warminster Saddle Club, Oxendene, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 0DZ
Sun 5 Aug at Rabson Manor,Winterbourne Bassett, Swindon, Wiltshire SN4 9QF
Sun 12 Aug at Wickstead Farm Equestrian Centre, Highworth, Swindon, Wiltshire SN6 7PP
Championship Final: Sun 2 Sep at Warminster Saddle Club
For further details please see Training and Diary Dates page.

If you have your own ideas and would like to organise an event for the BHS Diamond Jubilee, please contact the South West Regional Development Officer, Julie Garbutt on 01278 641758 or e-mail J.Garbutt@bhs.org.uk