The National Performance Show: Sebastian gets his first taste of the limelight

Time seems to have flown by. It’s the 11th of July and we’re off to the Three Counties Show Ground again, this time for the National Performance Show. I Couldn’t help remembering the last time we made this same journey we had our little wrens chicks aboard.  The little stowaway chicks have now safety flown the nest and decided not to join us this time round. This time we had our own baby aboard; Snelsmore Sebastian making his first show appearance.

An early start in uncertain weather made for a difficult journey but we arrived with time to relax, perfect for our little foal. First in the ring was Snelsmore Rembrandt who made a good impression on our judge Mrs J Jones, and was awarded first place. Luckily for us there was a class between our next appearance in the ring, so Snelsmore Jacqueline and Sebastian wandered towards the ring in typical Jacqueline fashion, slowly. As the rain fell and the long coats and umbrellas appeared, Jacqueline performed gaining a second place in a strong mare class. Next was the turn of Sebastian having had a rest and not as bothered by the rain, he took to it like a duck to water, giving an almost perfect show. If they could have found the rosette, he would have been awarded it but never mind. It was a fantastic experience for the little fella who gained a lot of admirers.

Snelsmore Nevada and Rembrandt showed Sebastian how it should be done. Nevada and Cliff won the stallion class, Miniature Champion while Rembandt and myself achieved Reserve Junior Champion. Finally came the Supreme with some lovely ponies put forward under a different judge. You could say some very consistent judging as it turned out to the same results as last year’s Performance Show. The lovely grey stallion Briar Piccollo took Supreme Champion and Nevada Reserve Supreme Champion. Fingers crossed for next year.