24th May 2022
Unfortunately, we have had to make the tough decision to cancel the Bloomfields Horseboxes CDI 3* International Dressage event, which was due to take place at Bolesworth from the 24th to the 26th of June 2022.
Our plan for this year was to replicate our successful show jumping shows for dressage, but sadly, with the rising costs of staging world class events, current circumstances have resulted in reduced numbers that affect the commercial viability of the show and, consequently, we have little choice but to cancel. While we did have plenty of interest and support from dressage riders who were keen to compete at Bolesworth, at both national and international level, our model for equestrian events is heavily reliant on public ticket sales and hospitality, not just entries, and the challenges of the current economic climate have inevitably affected both of these areas.
However, we are working closely with British Dressage and British Equestrian to see if there is a way of incorporating a condensed version of the CDI 3* Big Tour classes at the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show in order to retain this valuable opportunity for international riders. We are in consultation with the FEI and will be contacting those riders affected directly in due course.
We thank BD, the Federation, our many supporters and sponsors for working with us, and we are disappointed that we won’t be able to deliver the event this year as planned. A member of the Bolesworth team will contact all the people who have entered the event or booked tickets, hospitality, or trade stands to arrange full refunds.
Unfortunately, the cancellation of the dressage has also forced the cancellation of the Elite Dressage Auction due to take place on Saturday 25th June.
Nina Barbour, managing director at Bolesworth said: “We apologise for those of you who have the Bolesworth Dressage event in your calendar and were looking forward to attending, especially those riders entered, who we know make plans well in advance, and really do understand the disappointment that this decision will cause. The Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show (29 June – 3 July), and the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships (10 – 14 August), are firmly fixed on the calendar. We look forward to welcoming riders, visitors, our sponsors, trade stands and supporters to both events.”
Jason Brautigam, British Dressage CEO, comments: “We are of course incredibly disappointed that Bolesworth has had to take the unenviable decision to cancel this year’s International Dressage event, but completely understand that we are all operating in a difficult economic environment. These commercial challenges are currently being faced by event organisers across the sport, leisure and entertainment sector, so it’s certainly not specific to dressage, but unfortunately, we are not immune to those wider market forces beyond our control.
“In partnership with Bolesworth, we will work with the BEF and FEI to determine whether we can reschedule the Big Tour classes, as we know these CDI opportunities are vitally important for our international riders competing for selection and thank Nina and her team for their support.”