The Lake Placid,N.Y., Horse Show, scheduled for June 23-July 5, has been cancelled for the first time in 51 years.
“We place the safety of our exhibitors, the Lake Placid community and everyone connected with the horse shows above all else and that made this the only decision possible,” said the show’s chairman, Philip Richter..
“This is incredibly disappointing and I assure everyone that this decision was not made lightly,” he said.
“We left no question unasked and no option unexplored. Our Board was unanimous that this was the only option. As tragic as this is, we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lake Placid in 2021 when we plan to once again host the ‘Best Two Weeks of a Horseman’s Summer.”
Also today, the Boekelo 4-star Long event in the Netherlands, set for October, was called off. The event, which was to mark its 50th anniversary. always attracts a great international field, including many riders from the U.S.
The event explored the idea of having a competition without an audience, but that wasn’t feasible.
“Without the public and the largely lack of financial support, this is impossible to achieve. Moreover, the organization and its partners believe that it is in line with their own responsibility to put the health of society first in these times,” said a statement from the organizers.. The anniversary edition will now take place from October 7-11, 2021.
“Getting society slowly started is now extremely important. That is why we are not going to muddle through, but are postponing it for one year. Then everyone knows where they stand,” the statement added.
Earlier this week, the Brandywine Horse Show slated for the Devon, Pa., showgrounds from June 24-July 5 was scrapped.
“It is clear that the country is still in its recovery phase and it will be too soon to ensure the safety of our staff, participants and the wider community, as well as obtain the proper permitting necessary to hold such an event,” the show’s executive committee stated today.
Any payments that were processed will be completely refunded. Any entries completed online with a credit card submitted for payment will incur no charges. Any checks mailed will be shredded. According to a statement from the show, if you would rather have your entry and check returned, please contact Cindy Bozan at brandywinehorseshows@gmail.com by May 20. Any decision regarding the USEF Junior Hunter National Championships East Coast and any possible new location will be made by U.S. Equestrian.