Keysoe Spring International Cancelled

• Keysoe Spring International competition cancelled as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact equestrian activity and competition.

British Dressage (BD) and the team at Keysoe were disappointed to announce the cancellation of the Bedfordshire venue’s upcoming CDI, scheduled for 19 – 21 March 2021. Despite the enormous amount of effort that has gone into trying to ensure the show could run, the lockdown restrictions and ongoing uncertainty has made it extremely difficult to plan an event so soon in the calendar.

The complexity and expense of running this CDI3*/U25/Y/J/Ch-A/P competition under COVID restrictions and elite sport protocols, have meant it is not possible to go ahead under the current circumstances.

Sarah Stoute commented;

Since we took ownership of Keysoe in late 2020, we’ve worked hard on improving the site and we will be making significant investments to make it the ultimate competition and training venue.  However, with lockdown restrictions in place since the end of December, we haven’t been able to run any activity so far this year. The extensive planning required for this event and our commitment to delivering a high end competition experience just make the show unviable. Cancelling was not a decision that we’ve made lightly, but ultimately we know that it’s in everyone’s best interests at this time.

Making Keysoe into the UK’s premier venue is our primary focus and we look forward to our existing and new clients joining us on that journey.  There’s still plenty to come in the future and we look forward to sharing our plans with you all soon.”

As part of the ongoing contingency planning for the resumption of sporting activity, BD is working with venues and our colleagues in World Class to ensure there are sufficient dates in the spring calendar to provide alternative competition and qualification opportunities, particularly for those aiming at the Olympic/Paralympic Games and respective European Championships.

BD CEO Jason Brautigam said;

We know that riders and their connections will be hugely disappointed by this news. Sarah and the team at Keysoe have been very flexible, adaptable and pragmatic in their approach in order to keep the CDI in the calendar and we are grateful for their support.  However, time has beaten us on this occasion and it’s not going to be possible in the limited window we have, in order to run the event safely within COVID restrictions and elite sport protocols.  Sarah has ambitious and exciting development plans for Keysoe, so we will continue to work with them closely and look forward to collaborating on future fixtures later in the calendar year.

In the meantime, everything possible is being done to secure alternative options for those members affected by this cancellation.  We recognise that it’s a vitally important year for many riders and we’ll work hard with their best interests in mind to ensure they still have the opportunity to shine on the international stage.”

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