Shows held at Patchetts are to be reallocated following the shock news that the centre is to close on 3 August.
The popular Hertfordshire venue hosts British Showjumping (BS), British Dressage (BD) and showing events, and riders were disappointed to hear that the region would be losing the centre.
Patchetts hosted around 30 BD shows a year, and BD told H&H that the fixtures team is already looking into a replacement venue for the Team Quest regional.
Patchetts was also due to have para winter championship qualifying classes and alternatives for those are being investigated too.
“We are extremely saddened to lose Patchetts as a venue,” said BD’s Paul Graham.
“We cannot thank [dressage organiser] Antonia de Berne and team enough for her support for BD over the past 20-plus years. Patchetts held regular monthly competitions, winter regionals, Area Festivals and para classes, and was a key venue for us. It will be much missed and hard to replace in the region.”
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British Showjumping told H&H it was “in discussion” with the Patchetts team and would “review the situation shortly”.
“Naturally we are extremely sorry to be losing such an established show centre which has hosted our sport for so many years,” added a spokesman.
The news broke last week (24 June) when a statement was released which read: “The centre has not been economically viable for some considerable time and has been supported independently by the McTaggart family for several years, now as a loss making venture purely for the love of the sport. However the continued personal support in the present economic situation can no longer be sustained. After 32 years it has been a very hard decision to make.”
Dual gold medal-winning Paralympic rider Natasha Baker told H&H: “I’m so sad to hear about Patchetts. Not only was it our closest [venue] but it was one of our favourites due to the incredible friendly staff. It will be a huge loss.”
