IT’S easy to take things for granted. It was easy to assume, and assumption is always dangerous, that the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe, initially set up by the Princess Royal and I, would continue for another 40 years, with the next generation in charge. That this is not so is beyond sad.
Gatcombe, in order to put on the Festival experience, was not driven financially by entry fees, but by sponsorship and ticket prices. It had good sponsorship, but Gatcombe is a small venue and therefore limited in the number of spectators and tradestands it could accommodate. With insurance costs tripling, the venue was unable to raise the revenue needed to make the event viable.
Every venue is different, but I don’t foresee Gatcombe being alone among greenfield sites struggling for revenue in the next year or two. I am truly concerned about how this will change the face of the calendar.
I know a number of events this year are running without abandonment insurance. British Eventing (BE) have set up their abandonment fund for entry fees to help members, but this does little to aid organisers exposed to significant overhead costs.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
