Posted: 4th May 2022 | Back to news feed
After months of work it is with regret that Thea Roberts and Heidi Hunter-Cope, founders of HorseFest announce that the event which was to bring equine experts, elite riders and everyday riders together to celebrate all things horse over the second weekend in July has been cancelled.
Said Thea: “It is with a heavy heart that we have taken the difficult decision to cancel this year’s HorseFest. Challenges, including the ongoing impact of Covid, the cost of living increases that are affecting our horse communities, along with unprecedented infrastructure cost increases and shortages have all factored in our decision-making process.
“So much work has gone into getting HorseFest off the ground, this is not a decision that we have taken lightly. Our amazing sponsors, suppliers, experts, elite riders and volunteers who all bought into our vision have been totally wonderful and completely supportive of HorseFest; we can’t thank them enough for this support.
Said Heidi: “We’re sorry to let down all our ticket holders. We’ve spoken to our HorseTribe community and understand and appreciate the very particular challenges horse owners are facing at this time of increased living costs.
“We just don’t feel it’s the right time to put on our event when so many are facing a very real struggle. Our objectives have always been about creating an inclusive event where horse lovers and everyday riders can explore, learn and meet experts, elite riders and each other.
“All our ticket competition winners will receive a year’s membership for two to HorseTribe as we very much value their support and are sorry we cannot fulfil the festival prizes we offered in the run up to this year’s HorseFest.”
Said HorseTribe member Anna Harling: “I was so excited about going to HorseFest and I’m absolutely gutted to hear it’s not going ahead, but I love being part of the HorseTribe and can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Adds Heidi: “We’re continuing our exciting HorseTribe journey. Our membership continues to grow and, until things settle down, we’ll be focusing on building our ever growing online community to make sure every horse owner out there feels supported during these tricky times.
The HorseFest team would like to thank all those who have given their time and energy to this event including our friends at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre and our valued sponsors, in particular our presenting partner John Oates Horseboxes and sponsor Synovium.
All ticket holders will notified by email and refunded by the 6th May.
All staff, performers, collaborators and volunteers have been notified of the cancellation prior to this being shared publicly.
The Equestrian Index newsfeed is compiled from articles submitted by advertising members and expresses the opinions of those members. Watsons Directories Ltd shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies or mis-statements therein.