The second International Arabian Horse Show, Merrist Wood 20th-21st July 2002, the only European Conference of Arab Horse Organisations (ECAHO) ‘B’ show in the UK, was an outstanding success. Hosted by leading London-based corporate financier Amjed Al-Jaffery, the show is now firmly established as an international highlight in the Arab horse show calendar.

The prime location and first class facilities at Merrist Wood provided easy access for both national and international competitors, while the total of £21,000 in prize money provided a generous incentive. All classes were well filled with high numbers of top quality competitors.

Entries were received from as far a field as Argentina, Australia, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands, while a prestigious list of international judges included HRH Teresa de Bourbon of Spain, Isabella Pawelec-Zawadska President of the Arab Horse Society of Poland, Willi Poth from Germany and Ferdinand Huemer from Austria, the current President of ECAHO.

Shirley Watts, wife of rock legend Charlie Watts, was delighted with her double victory for Britain. Her Brazilian import Shadra NA took the senior female championship with her nine-year-old Eprvwetka standing reserve.

The highly respected International Judge Peter Upton said: “A show of such good quality, organisation and turnout certainly merits its ‘B’ status. The phenomenal numbers of exhibitors and the enthusiasm of the spectators reflect the growing popularity of the Arab horse and the atmosphere was such that all parties are already anticipating the excitement of next year’s show, which promises to be even bigger and better.

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