The pandemic has taken a toll on two more major shows in a season that has vanished.
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair has decided to cancel its 2020 edition seven weeks out from its planned May 21-31 dates.
“This decision was made only after significant evaluation of the far-reaching operational and financial implications,” according to a statement from the show, one of the most important in the U.S.
“The organizers evaluated many options including postponement.”
Devon officials say the decision made “In fairness to the competitors, vendors, volunteers and all others involved…is the best for everyone under the circumstances.”
The only other time this iconic show has been cancelled was for three years during World War II.
Old Salem Farm on Tuesday canceled its Westchester County, N.Y., shows scheduled for May 5-10 and May 12-17.
A statement from the show said, “This decision was prompted to do our part to flatten the curve of the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Our No. 1 concern is for the safety and well-being of exhibitors, sponsors, spectators, vendors, staff and the community. We will continue to follow updated recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), New York State and local authorities as it relates to public events.”
Scott Hakim, Old Salem Farm president, commented “Being back at Old Salem Farm after being away for the past seven years, my team and I had been working hard to make this year’s show extra special. It was deeply disappointing for all of us to make the decision to cancel the first Old Salem Farm Spring Horse shows in over 40 years. However, I am confident that we made the right decision. The health of our community is our priority. We are already looking at additional dates to add to our schedule and will be back as soon as the time is right.”
The Kentucky spring horse shows in May also have cancelled, but as of now, their summer shows in July and August, which include the U.S. Pony Finals, are on.
Meanwhile, north of the border, Equestrian Canada has said it will suspend sanctioned competitions through June 1. Points earned in any events held during that time will not count, and the same applies to qualifications and rankings.