Riding into the Spotlight: BHS and Their Role at the Shows
For many equestrian enthusiasts, the British Horse Society (BHS) is more than just an organisation — it’s a symbol of advocacy, education, and community within the horse world. Every year, the BHS team (across the UK and Ireland) take to “being out and about” — showing their presence at major equestrian, agricultural and countryside events.
These BHS “show stands” serve multiple purposes:
Engagement & outreach — giving attendees a chance to learn about BHS’s work in welfare, access, and training.
Resources & merchandise — distributing publications, maps, guidelines, and selling books, kits, or branded gear.
Networking & partnerships — connecting with local riding schools, volunteers, sponsors, and regional committees.
Visibility — reinforcing their presence in the equestrian world and showing support for grassroots riders.
In Ireland — and particularly in Northern Ireland — BHS maintains an active footprint. Their participation in large events like the Balmoral Show gives them a stage to engage the local equestrian community.
The Balmoral Show 2025 — A Key Northern Ireland Highlight
One of the major events on the calendar in Northern Ireland is the Balmoral Show. It’s the region’s largest agri-food event, blending livestock, farming, entertainment, and equestrian displays.
In 2025, the show ran from 14–17 May at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn. BHS Ireland even offered discounted tickets to its members — a nice way to encourage their base to attend.
Equestrian Highlights & Moments to Remember
The main arena hosted several equestrian classes, drawing crowds who sat attentively as horses and riders navigated their rounds.
Among the competitors were standout combinations such as Contiki with Charlotte Hardy, and Lapegale Midnight Express with Maria Byrne.
The equestrian programme ran alongside agricultural showcases, delivering a varied event that attracted both dedicated horse lovers and the general public.
From competitive jumping to displays and demonstrations, Balmoral 2025 once again proved why it is such an important date in the Northern Ireland equestrian calendar.
Why BHS’s Presence Matters
BHS’s involvement in the Balmoral Show carries significance beyond just showing up:
Local engagement — strengthening its identity as a UK & Ireland-wide organisation.
Visibility for campaigns — promoting riding access, welfare, safety, and advocacy.
Member value — discounted tickets and direct engagement with the community.
Community building — giving riders, trainers, and enthusiasts a place to connect.
Looking Ahead: More BHS Events
While Balmoral is a marquee event, BHS in Northern Ireland doesn’t stop there. For example:
Horse Health Days in September 2025 across Carrickfergus, Enniskillen, and Derry — with clinics, worm counts, and trailer safety talks.
The Equine Welfare Symposium in Antrim on 8 October 2025, a key event for equine professionals.
Regular participation in UK-wide shows such as Royal Windsor and Horse of the Year.
This mix of large-scale events and targeted educational sessions shows a strategy of consistent, meaningful presence.
Our Own Experience at the September BHS Shows
As well as following along with Balmoral, we were delighted to attend the BHS shows in September. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet so many of you in person, to hear your experiences first-hand, and to share in the enthusiasm that surrounds these events.
Our live demonstrations of the ESR Bar were particularly well received — with riders, owners, and industry professionals taking a real interest in how the system can make trailer safety simpler and safer. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, and it’s always encouraging to see such strong engagement.
We also shared highlights via our social pages:
On Facebook, visit equinesafetyrelease for updates, photos, and posts from the shows.
On Instagram, follow @equinesafetyrelease to see more images, reels, and behind-the-scenes moments from the events.
We’re already looking forward to attending many more BHS shows in the future, building on the connections we’ve made and continuing to showcase how innovative safety equipment like the ESR Bar can support the wider equestrian community.
