British Dressage (BD) was naturally disappointed to receive the news from the organising team at the London Spring International (ExCel, April 12 – 17) of their decision to cancel this year’s event. The ExCel Executive Board, show organiser Daniel Watson and their teams have put in a tremendous amount of work to get their venture this far, for which BD is very grateful.
Daniel Watson, Show Organiser of the event, announced this morning: “Unfortunately due to financial restraints the ExCel Executive Board made the decision yesterday [26 January 2017] to at least postpone the show until 2018 in order to allow more time to deal with the financial aspects of the concept”. He also stated, “Unfortunately the risk is too high for us to continue at this stage, but I thank everyone for your valued time and effort that you have put into the show.”
BD Chief Executive Jason Brautigam said; “It is always challenging for any venue to put on a show of this magnitude, particularly in the current climate and what remains a very competitive market. The vision to bring dressage to a wider audience in the East End of London was innovative and ambitious, and we will continue to work with the organising committee to see if there is any way that this could become a viable proposition in the future.”
He added: “We are of course saddened by the loss of this new show, and appreciate that riders and supporters will share our disappointment, but we still have a busy calendar of CDI events to look forward to this year, including the return of Windsor and Hickstead, as well as the exciting addition of the Bolesworth International in June.”
“The British Dressage Winter Championships also take place at Hartpury during the same week, from 12 to 16 April, so we would be delighted to welcome any visitors who still want to watch dressage competition over the Easter Weekend, including two gala evening performances on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 April.”
