Devastating news as Burghley Horse Trials cancelled for second year

Photo credit: Peter Nixon/Burghley Horse Trials

Due to uncontrollable variables and uncertainties, it’s with immense sadness that the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2021 has been cancelled

Despite the continued easing of lockdown measures, the nationwide vaccination programme and the hope within the Government Roadmap for unlocking the country, there’ve been and remain too many variables and uncertainties due to the Covid-19 pandemic to deliver this much-loved international event.

A press release from Burghley states as follows: “We have, throughout the last six months, striven to find an event scenario that would allow our competitors, followers, exhibitors and contractors to enjoy this annual sporting highlight. However, the event runs on a greenfield site – the lead time and strategic infrastructure planning all require significant investment and expenditure year on year. Staging the competition element is ongoing 365 days a year, from one year’s event to the next and the contractual cancellation procedures mean that even though restrictions are easing across the country, we have to make difficult decisions many months ahead of the event. The severe financial implications of a potential cancellation of an event of this scale and magnitude at a late stage, without available pandemic insurance, are too great to risk for all involved.”

The statement describes the situation as “desperately sad for the sport of eventing” and that thanked its title sponsor, Land Rover, and other supporters for their understanding. It’s hoped that next year’s event will take place from Thursday 1 September–Sunday 4 September. Tickets will be on sale from April 2022

Miranda Rock, President of Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, commented: “It is with a very heavy heart that we have come to the extremely difficult decision to cancel The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials this year. The Horse Trials is an incredibly important part of what we do here at Burghley and is the highlight of the year for all those who live and work here. I am deeply sorry for everyone whose hopes have been dashed – from the equestrian world internationally to the pony clubs nationally, for the people of Stamford and our neighbouring communities, as well as our wonderful suppliers, supporters, retailers, staff and visitors who will not be able to enjoy this glorious event in September. Next year marks our 60^th Anniversary and, despite the challenges ahead, we will be focusing all our efforts on delivering a spectacular event in 2022.”