Dressage at Hickstead put International on hold

Dressage at Hickstead put International on hold

Dressage at Hickstead Director and founder Dane Rawlins has today announced the disappointing decision to cancel this year’s CDIO3*/CDI2* (28 – 31 July) due to a lack of funding to make the fixture viable.  Hickstead has been working with British Dressage to explore ways to secure additional sources of revenue for the show but, despite best endeavours by all, the fixture will not run at the West Sussex venue this year.

“I’ve explored every avenue possible to try and find financial support to allow us to run, but time is now against us and we have reluctantly had to make the decision to cancel for 2016,” explained Dane.  “This is devastating news to the team at Hickstead as this is our showcase event.”

He continued; “Not all is lost though, we’re working with British Dressage to ensure we still run a show on that weekend and our legendary gala ball will definitely go ahead on Saturday 30 July.  I want to stress that it’s only a year off and the intention is that the international will return in 2017.  Thanks to all our supporters for being there and we’re sorry not to put on our CDI this year, but Hickstead always has a way of bouncing back, better than ever!”

Jason Brautigam, Chief Executive at British Dressage, added; “British Dressage was made aware of the situation around the commercial support required for the International and Nations Cup at Hickstead at the end of last month and have been working with Dane and the team to explore ways in which we could address the funding shortfall.

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“This is obviously disappointing for all concerned, including the riders, owners and supporters of Dressage at Hickstead.  We will be continuing our discussions to hopefully ensure that the International can return to the venue in 2017 and beyond – and BD remains committed to developing the sport, along with our organisers, to continue hosting high profile dressage events in the UK.”

All of the other fixtures in Hickstead’s packed programme will go ahead as planned as they are unaffected by the decision and Dane and his team look forward to seeing everyone over the summer for plenty of dressage competition at Hickstead.

Details of the Hickstead Gala Ball, supporting Chestnut Tree House and Dreamflight, including how to book tickets, can be found on the website.