Where traders and competitors can catch up after Covid.
There’s a late season flurry of shows as organisers put on new events and revive postponed ones following the pandemic.
The Science Supplements All England September Tour, on 1 - 5 and 8 -12 September, will see riders staying and competing at Hickstead over two weeks.
With a £70,000 prize fund – significantly boosted by title sponsor Science Supplements - it’s one of the UK’s most lucrative national show jumping championships.
Spectator admission is free. And with around 2,000 horses competing, plenty of connections will be on site.
“There will be opportunities for trade stands – these are limited to around a dozen or so exhibitors,” said Simon Gaskin, sponsorship and marketing manager, adding that he anticipates a footfall of 4 – 5,000 people over the event.
Business conference
A series of business conferences and educational sessions has been added to the schedule at Osberton International Horse Trials on 29 September 29 - 3 October 3.
Running under the Bedeveloped brand, organiser Bede Events has secured support from sports timing company Optimum Time and safety equipment specialist uvex.
Seminars are aimed at coaches, vets and British Eventing officials. On the Friday, Claire Lomas – who lost the use of her legs following an accident while competing at Osberton in 2007 – will speak at a business lunch.
New Welsh show
Wales and Scotland were subject to Covid restrictions for longer than England, but are now able host to big outdoor events.
The new Autumn Equine Show at the Royal Welsh showground, Builth Wells, is on 18/19 September.
More than 1,100 entries are expected across 200 classes. And the organisers are keen to encourage trade stands.
“We welcome applications from all types of business related to the equine industry. The spaces on offer will be located opposite the horse ring,” said Simon Gittoes, tradestand officer.
A Scottish welcome
The organisers of the Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials have been given permission to increase visitor numbers to the event on 26 – 29 August.
This will allow Blair to host up to 12,000 spectators on each of the two days.
Other events confirmed
This year’s Society of Master Saddlers’ National Saddlery Competition takes place on September 20 at Saddlers’ Hall in London.
The BETA International trade exhibition is at the NAEC, Stoneleigh, on 9 – 11 September.
Main photo by Aranxa Esteve
