The history of the Cherif Championship

The idea of a ridden qualifying competition for registered Anglo and Part-bred Arabs was born in 1989. Until this time there was nothing for this breed to aspire to. It was a phone call from Tina to Sue late one night after she had judged our Part-bred stallion to discuss the abysmal way our Anglo and Part-breds were perceived in the outside showing world. Not many exhibitors would admit that their horses carried Arab blood outside the confines of the AHS. As breeders and exhibitors, we were continually frustrated when selling our animals that we had to hide the fact that they carried a percentage of Arab blood.

Before the conception of the Cherif Championship, it had been considered taboo to admit that many of the top show animals carried Arab blood. The Cherif Championship has categorically changed this attitude, and the name of this championship is synonymous with top class quality horses and ponies.

The seed having been planted, the three of us decided to go ahead with the idea to hold the first competition in 1990. We split the country into regions and with the help of Jan Carter who also had similar thoughts, we all hit the phones to the major shows to inquire if they would consider holding qualifying classes. To our surprise most accepted. Other than finding a sponsor, our major concern was finding a venue for the final. Very kindly Ursula Roberts offered us a ring and use of the indoor school for the supreme at Towerlands.

The basic format for the Cherif has hardly changed over the years. We started off using the marks system, and having two judges, and this remains to this day. At the first show, we had two classes split at 15h.h., and had 58 entries which delighted us. The following two years we were at Stoneleigh, and then found Addington, which had two indoor schools and fabulous facilities.

To date we now have five final classes, dressage classes and Concours D’Elegance classes. We were thrilled to be asked to put together a Cherif Part-bred Arab team for the NPS/Fodder Solutions International Dressage finals. We have a great team of ten going forward to the finals in April 2012

2010 was the 21st show, and we thought that the time was right to include a complete section for in-hand exhibits. This proved to be exceedingly popular, with over seventy exhibits. This has become a wonderful shop window. We were honoured that Ursula Roberts was able to attend our 21st Birthday celebrations, the first time that she had seen the show since 1990.

The show has continued to grow in popularity and standard, and the three of us will continue to run it for as long as it is wanted.

2011 has, yet again been a wonderful year for the Part-bred Arabs:

Comberton Clancy PBA Supreme ridden horse at HOYS and RIHS

Broadgrove Showman PBA Champion Show Pony HOYS

Valantinos Royal Touch PBA Reserve Champion ISRT

Mettlewood Mr Fahrenheit PBA Reserve Champion Search for a Star HOYS

Crafton Touch of Gold PBA Winner of 148cms Show Pony HOYS (2nd year running)

Previous HOYS Championship winners include:

Kavanaghs Dream : Jackets Maybe : Coveham Sensation : Jackets Maydream : Roseberry Highland Fling : Rhos Emblem : Chidock Spot On : Chiddock Over the Limit.

Paschal High Flyer : Wilderness Carmen : Longnewton Nutcraker : Original Scin : Agar Heir Apparent : Mystic Minstrel : Harver Relativity.