04/09/2025
It's kind of sad seeing an event I enjoy so much being piled on because they tried something different with their marketing and the content really didn't land as intended - I think it missed the mark with many people
I can absolutely see why people are so upset, but I can also see and understand the reasoning, timing, and the point the event was trying to convey there.
From a trade perspective ( I can't comment on the competition side)
I've always had a great time at the show and our site has always been well supported from organisers and customers alike, even though we are just a tiny wee shop compared to others.
For the site we have I don't have any misgivings about the cost. It's comparable to other events and it's a week-long event. It's just an expense we carefully plan for each year.
I think the opportunity for clubs to get some support whilst also supporting an event we love is a good thing :) I have signed Equine Eats n' Treats up for it. Not so much for the trade partner side (we're way to small to win that) but in the hopes we can team with a club and help them gain support.
I think the organisers have heard everyone loud and clear.
Generally speaking, unfortunately, so many shows are struggling. We are in a strange time. The economy kind of sucks.
If you're genuinely upset about grassroots not being supported:
-Sponsor local shows/classes
-Volunteer your time. I always see shows needing stewards - stewarding isn't hard, if I can do it, so can you. Go help set up dressage arenas, pick up poles (no one will assume you came in the PD van I promise)
- Support grassroots events by entering
- If you also want hoy to go back to its glory days Buy the hoy merch or donate and nominate a club catered to grassroots riders
- I also recommend checking out the piece Vivant Equi wrote recently about shows
Sorry if this has poor grammar, punctuation, and structure. I would usually filter my word vomit through ChatGPT, but that is apparently a huge No No too
