The Rising And Varied Costs Of Putting On Our Competitions

Some competitors have complained about the price of show stabling — but venues make little profit from it.

- Rachael Turner

SHOW organisers have defended their charges for stabling following complaints from riders.

Some competitors have used social media to question the cost of keeping horses at an event when stabling can be as expensive as their entries and more than the prize money on offer.

But organisers say they are not overcharging for their services.

“People have no idea of the associated costs,” Hickstead’s Lizzie Bunn told H&H.

Ms Bunn calculates £293,000 is taken in stabling in total for the Hickstead Derby Meeting, the Royal International Horse Show and the All England Jumping Championships.

“But the profit is negligible,” she said. “Our associated costs are more than £283,000 and that does not include staff costs and maintenance all year round.

“We probably get through £3,000 of water at a show, plus electricity, not to do with hookups, but for stable lighting, and signage that we replace every year.