Great news for the horse world!

Equus – One of the few events still happening!

There is a fantastic new exhibition for horse lovers, owners and riders – Equus 2001. Kate Hoey, Minster for Sport, will be opening Equus 2001-The Horse Event, one of the few events still happening. This is a first event of its kind for the horse industry and is to be held at London’s newest international indoor venue, ExCeL, the Royal Docks.

In light of the current Foot & Mouth Disease, the organisers of Equus will be following MAFF advice and procedures. There will be disinfectant matting for vehicles, horses and visitors. Despite the timetable changing as some horses are within exclusion zones there are still lots of exciting displays and demonstrations in the Main Arena.

Tanya Larrigan has set her Mini Marvels® in motion earlier in the season than normal to replace The Pony Club Celebrity Mounted Games. NFU Mutual have kindly continued their sponsorship and will be supporting Tanya. On Thursday and Friday the best selling author brings 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 brings 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 will be inspiring riders with her Cross Country Clinic – ‘Learning the Safe Way’. To encourage safer Cross Country Riding she will be demonstrating how to teach your horse to listen to the rider but at the same time think for itself.

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

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

Everything from the horse world will be represented; equipment and clothing for horses and riders, riding holidays, bookshops, colleges, saddlers, internet companies, insurance, veterinary products, innovative new products, feed and supplements.

In addition, information can be obtained from the main associations and equine charities. Journalists and representatives from equestrian magazines will be present and copies of favourite equestrian titles can be picked up at the event.

Equus will be held 19-22 April 2001 at Royal Docks, London. 20% discount for advanced tickets at £8 adult, £4 child and £20 family tickets. Tickets can be booked on hotline 0870 739 6500 or at www.equusevent.co.uk

Despite common preconceptions ExCeL in the Royal Docks, Docklands, London is 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.