EVENTING came together to talk about the future in a meeting at Thoresby following many withdrawals among the top-level classes.
England's dampest March in 40 years according to the Met Office has sliced through the eventing calendar.
At the Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby Park, organisers BEDE Events, headed by director and coursedesigner Stuart Buntine, made a mammoth effort to keep the show on the road. They moved arenas, scrapped most novice and intermediate classes and rejigged the timetable.
The idea was to prioritise the classes for those using Thoresby on their five-star pathway. Many withdrew, but for the ones who stayed, the courses rode well.
Mr Buntine told H&H on the Sunday he was not pointing fingers or blaming anyone for withdrawing, but called the meeting with owners on Saturday to discuss the future.
“I think it’s probably been the toughest week I’ve had organising events in 35 years – and tough because we’re working in unknown territory,” Mr Buntine told H&H, referencing the fact this is the third time Thoresby has run.
This story is from the April 13, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.
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 April 13, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.
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
