| Equus – A Great Success
for the Horse World |
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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
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