Equus – A Great Success for the Horse World

Kate Hoey, Minster for Sport, opened Equus 2001-The Horse Event at 10.00 a.m. on Thursday 19th April. Equus 2001 is the first event of its kind for the horse industry and attracted an enthusiastic crowd of 18,461 visitors over the four days to London’s newest international indoor venue, ExCeL, in the Royal Docks.

Exhibitors, who reflected the entire horse world, were delighted with the response from visitors and reported brisk business, particularly welcome when so many other events have had to be cancelled.

Visitors thronged to watch the high calibre demonstrations in the arena, which featured:

Tanya Larrigan, gave some very popular displays sponsored by NFU Mutual. On Thursday and Friday the best selling author brought to life a section of her book ‘New Sensations for Horse and Rider’ with a demonstration of ‘Voice Training’ with her amazing Andalusian horse Jacque ably assisted by the mighty Warrior from her famous Mini Marvels® team.

On Saturday and Sunday Tanya brought along ‘The Mini Marvels® long reining team of miniature horses, with their interpretation of Riverdance! Believed to be the only team of miniature horses in the world doing this work.

Lucinda Green, one of the most famous and respected equestriennes, six times Badminton winner, world and twice European champion inspired riders with her Cross Country Clinic – ‘Learning the Safe Way’. To encourage safer Cross Country Riding she demonstrated how to teach your horse to listen to the rider but at the same time think for itself. After each of her daily demonstrations, Lucinda was mobbed by young autograph hunters and kindly spent much time answering their questions.

Celebrities such as John Whitaker and Richard Davison performed in the Equus Main Arena, alongside personalities including Specialist Horse Trainer Michael Peace and John Lassetter and his Dressage Display Team all of which gave daily demonstrations.

The King’s Troop RHA put in an appearance on the Sunday with their spectacular Gun Team Display. The many equestrian disciplines were demonstrated to enlighten the audience on new sports available such as Polo, Horse Ball, Vaulting, and Driving. There were lots of exciting features, discounts and exclusive offers and many prizes were won.

Everything from the horse world was represented: equipment and clothing for horses and riders, riding holidays, bookshops, colleges, saddlers, internet companies, insurance, veterinary products, innovative new products, feed and supplements as well as the main associations and equine charities.

Despite common preconceptions the visitors found ExCeL in the Royal Docks, Docklands, London very easy to get to, just 20 minutes via Dual Carriageway from the M25 and easily accessible via the Jubilee Line to Canning Town and DLR to Custom House For ExCeL.

The response from exhibitors and visitors is such that plans are already being made for an expanded show next year: dates planned are 4-7 April 2002.

www.equusevent.co.uk