Caspians shine at Buckham Fair
Caspian Horse Society at Buckham Fair, Sunday 21 August
The CHS was thrilled to receive an invitation from Martin Clunes (who had provided the commentary for the film promoting the Fiftieth Anniversary Caspian Calendar) to have a stand at the renowned Buckham Fair, held on the actor’s farm in Dorset. Not only that – we were also asked to provide a display of Caspians in the Display Ring. This sounded like a wonderful chance to showcase the Caspian at this popular show, which is held for the enjoyment of local people of the area, with a nominated charity each year: this year the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.
The weather was not too kind to us as we set up the stand the evening before. Strong winds threatened to blow the tent away, but we hung on, between heavy showers, weighted it down with containers of water and were relieved to see it still standing when we arrived the next morning!
The CHS was thrilled to receive an invitation from Martin Clunes (who had provided the commentary for the film promoting the Fiftieth Anniversary Caspian Calendar) to have a stand at the renowned Buckham Fair, held on the actor’s farm in Dorset. Not only that – we were also asked to provide a display of Caspians in the Display Ring. This sounded like a wonderful chance to showcase the Caspian at this popular show, which is held for the enjoyment of local people of the area, with a nominated charity each year: this year the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.
The weather was not too kind to us as we set up the stand the evening before. Strong winds threatened to blow the tent away, but we hung on, between heavy showers, weighted it down with containers of water and were relieved to see it still standing when we arrived the next morning!
Star of the stand was undoubtedly Penny Walster’s stallion Bytham Justin Time. Penny had brought him all the way from Newark: he clearly loved the attention of the crowds and behaved so well that many admirers could not believe he was a stallion! The stand was opposite the Display Ring and next to the Heavy Horse horsebox park – so the contrast between the sizes of the Caspian and the Clydesdale (the particular favourites of Martin Clunes) could be clearly seen.
Crowds started arriving as soon as the show opened at 9.00 am – and we have never seen so many dogs! As well as the Display Ring there were four horse rings and four dog rings, with both fun and serious classes for all sorts of dogs and horses and all abilities – something for everyone!
Three CHS members provided Caspians for the display – besides Penny and Justin, Janet Dedicoat made the journey from Birmingham with two of her Henden stallions, Nasri and Shakir, and Rebecca Mann and family, more local, from Cheddar, brought the home bred Edcombe Aladdin, driven, Edcombe Cassima, ridden, and Edcombe Amethyst, an in-hand mare. Liz Webster’s husband, Professor John Webster, ably provided the commentary, giving the history of the Caspian and introducing all the horses. We don’t think we have ever had such a large audience for Caspians!
We gave out many leaflets. Among celebrities showing an interest were Kelly Marks of Intelligent Horsemanship and well known war-correspondent Kate Adie! We also met BHS Breeds Committee colleagues and some CHS members in person for the first time! The well-drained site provided spectacular views over the Dorset countryside.
Thanks go to Martin Clunes (a very busy man, who managed to watch one of the Caspian displays) and his organisers for their invitation and help, Liz Webster and Farokh Khorooshi for the CHS organisation, John Webster for the commentary, Colin Barker for photos – and most of all of course, to the three dedicated Caspian owners who braved long journeys on a holiday weekend to show off the Caspians.
www.buckhamfair.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/buckhamfair/ www.weld-hospice.org.uk
Crowds started arriving as soon as the show opened at 9.00 am – and we have never seen so many dogs! As well as the Display Ring there were four horse rings and four dog rings, with both fun and serious classes for all sorts of dogs and horses and all abilities – something for everyone!
Three CHS members provided Caspians for the display – besides Penny and Justin, Janet Dedicoat made the journey from Birmingham with two of her Henden stallions, Nasri and Shakir, and Rebecca Mann and family, more local, from Cheddar, brought the home bred Edcombe Aladdin, driven, Edcombe Cassima, ridden, and Edcombe Amethyst, an in-hand mare. Liz Webster’s husband, Professor John Webster, ably provided the commentary, giving the history of the Caspian and introducing all the horses. We don’t think we have ever had such a large audience for Caspians!
We gave out many leaflets. Among celebrities showing an interest were Kelly Marks of Intelligent Horsemanship and well known war-correspondent Kate Adie! We also met BHS Breeds Committee colleagues and some CHS members in person for the first time! The well-drained site provided spectacular views over the Dorset countryside.
Thanks go to Martin Clunes (a very busy man, who managed to watch one of the Caspian displays) and his organisers for their invitation and help, Liz Webster and Farokh Khorooshi for the CHS organisation, John Webster for the commentary, Colin Barker for photos – and most of all of course, to the three dedicated Caspian owners who braved long journeys on a holiday weekend to show off the Caspians.
www.buckhamfair.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/buckhamfair/ www.weld-hospice.org.uk