New Showing Committee confirmed

A new Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) Showing Committee has been announced, ahead of next year’s show.

Following the departure of Hickstead’s former Showing Director David Ingle, the decision has been made to form a committee comprising three experts from the showing community, to oversee the running of all showing classes at the event.

New committee member Paul Cook, Chairman of the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), brings with him more than 40 years of experience in equestrian judging and a lifelong passion for the showing world.

“With more than four decades of experience on all the major judging panels, Paul has judged at the RIHS on numerous occasions. His extensive knowledge of the showing world, combined with his experience of leadership and committee work, will be a valuable addition to the new RIHS Showing Committee,” said Hickstead Director Lizzie Bunn.

Commenting on his appointment, Paul said: “It’s a great honour to have been asked to join this new committee. The RIHS goes from strength to strength, with new classes and championships. I hope to play a small part in the ongoing success of this premier championship show, that is enjoyed by the whole showing community.”

With more than 30 years of experience in the showing world, Sarah Chapman brings an exceptional depth of knowledge and expertise across competing, judging, training and show organisation.

Sarah successfully founded and managed The Showing Register (TSR) for 14 years, leading the organisation until 2023. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to promoting transparency, fairness and opportunities for riders to develop and progress at every stage of their showing journey.

“Combining decades of practical experience with a commitment to integrity and the continued development of the sport, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every aspect of showing,” Lizzie added.

Danny Murphy’s long-standing contribution to showing at Hickstead has been recognised with his appointment to the RIHS Showing Committee, marking another significant milestone in a career that began more than 25 years ago.

Born in Hampshire, Danny was introduced to the world of showing and hunting by Hopper Cavendish, spending many hours as a teenager watching her judge from the ringside. He subsequently worked for Roger Stack for two and a half years, an experience that would lead to an unexpected opportunity.

Danny's association with Hickstead began in 2001, when he joined the showing team as an apprentice, following Roger Stack's appointment as Showing Director after the death of Dick Saunders.

What began as an apprenticeship, under the guidance of Brian Williams and Dennis Fisher, has since developed into a hugely important and enduring role within Hickstead's showing department. Danny has been Chief Steward since 2013 and has become an integral member of the Hickstead team, as well as a familiar and respected face to generations of competitors, exhibitors and officials.

“Highly regarded throughout the showing world, Danny leads one of the country's finest stewarding teams. His experience, dedication and commitment, combined with his approachable manner and extensive knowledge of the sport, have played a vital role in the continued success of showing at Hickstead,” Lizzie commented.