Concours d’Elegance - What is it really about?
We chat to Emma Richardson-Steele, the President of the Concours d'Elegance Society of GB
he direct translation of Concours d'Elegance is: A term of French origin that means a 'competition of elegance' and refers to an event where prestigious vehicles are displayed and judged. It dates back to 17th-cen- tury France, where aristocrats paraded horse-drawn carriages in the parks of Paris during summer weekends and holidays. An exhibition or parade in which prizes are awarded. Over the years, Concours d'Elegance has evolved into competitive classes held within horse shows, and they are becoming ever more popular. It is now a competition for the most elegant combination of horse and rider/handler. This could be traditional attire ie tail coat, breeches, boots or historical style with a fitted jacket and full skirt or apron. The emphasis should always be on elegance and suitability of the chosen costume for the horse. Think along the lines of Downton Abbey, Poldark or even Peaky Blinders! Concours d’Elegance is the opportunity to dress as a lady or gentleman on horseback and turn your childhood dream into a reality. It is a competition of elegance, based on fashion from any historical era ie Georgian through to Victorian and Edwardian times, which see the changes in styles of fashion a including traditional side saddle attire and traditional men's attire. Costumes can be entirely home made, or jackets and clothing can be purchased from charity shops and embellished or there are some amazingly talent costume makers who specialise in historical costumes.
T
Class description: The sole criterion for this class is the elegance of the picture presented by horse and rider. Attention may be paid to the rider’s personal appearance but detailed inspection of rider or tack is not required. Fancy dress is not permitted. Competitors are required to walk, trot and canter. No individual show is required, but the Judge may ask groups of 3 or 4 riders to give short displays. Competitors must wear a hat to current Safety Standard or above.
Concours d'Elegance classes are a representation of equestrian elegance from years past, dressing in the fashion of the era riding or leading a horse or pony. There should be a strong historical influence in the style and fabrics chosen, over-use of sparkle and bling is not required.
Having just returned from the Side Saddle Association’s National Show at Addington Manor and seeing the ladies riding in concours classes
to such a very high standard, it reminded me of just how much time, expertise and money goes into creating such an exquisite picture of elegance. With side saddles in short supply, both original and modern saddles can cost between two and three thousand pounds.
Modern day concours d'Elegance classes give riders the opportunity to create a similar, beautiful picture of elegance without the expense of buying a specialist side saddle and learning to ride in a totally different way. Not every horse or pony is suitable to carry a side saddle and many people simply can't afford specialist side saddle tuition.
An example of class/competition could be as follows: Class Title: Concours D'Elegance
38 THE WINTER SPECIAL 2019 For the latest news
visitwww.centralhorsenews.co.uk
Concours d'Elegance classes are usually judged at walk and trot only but may include canter either individually or in groups depending on the abilities of the riders taking part. They are open to both adults and children and suitable for riders of all abilities and disabilities. They are very suitable for horses and riders of mature years as horses are usually shown at walk and trot only.
Concours d'Elegance Society of GB was set up in 2018 to provide:
- A regulated set of rules and guidelines for judging - A list of approved judges
- An affiliation scheme to enable horse shows across the UK to include classes giving the opportunity for riders to qualify for the Championship Show which is held in Oxfordshire in September
- Help and guidance for members and show organisers - Newsletters are produced and sent out by email bi monthly
If you would like any further information, please visit the website
http://www.eqconcoursgb.com or see our social media grops on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92
