Readers flock to HORSE 2001 roadshow to meet leading riders and trainers
More than 1,600 people left HORSE 2001, the annual reader event organised by HORSE magazine and held at Solihull EC, feeling that they had learned something new about horsecare and riding.
The packed day out of equestrian education and entertainment was a huge success. Richard Maxwell got the day off to a great start, explaining his “Ground to Saddle” training system to an enthralled audience.
He also helped reader Becky Sinclair, from Berkshire, improve her Highland pony’s performance on the lunge.
Max’s presentation, in the Baileys Main Arena, was followed by clinics hosted by leading riders and trainers Stephen Hadley, Rob Hoekstra and Jennie Loriston-Clarke.
Out on the Baileys Cross Country Course, Olympic silver-medallist Jeanette Brakewell put up with the occasional shower to help four more readers improve their cross country performance.
Other attractions included demonstrations throughout the day of the new sport Working Equitation, an entertaining presentation of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, trade stand shopping, horse care talks on a multitude of topics in the Blue Chip arena and a chance to try trailer reversing, courtesy of Land Rover.
An appeal for tack and equipment to benefit the horses at the British Horse Society’s Warwickshire-based rescue centre saw kind-hearted visitors bringing along saddles, bridles, rugs and headcollars. A collection also netted £260 for the charity.
“We were delighted at the response and everything people brought along will be really useful,” said centre manager Zara Lea.
“Despite all the challenges the equestrian world has faced this year as a result of foot and mouth disease, the turnout at HORSE 2001 exceeded expectations,” said Jaki Bell, editor of HORSE.
“I’m tremendously proud of this event as nothing quite like it takes place anywhere elsein the equestrian world. Readers had the opportunity to see demonstrations by and talk to top equestrian celebrities and experts from Olympic medallists to equine psychics!”
