The Burghley Horse Trials is one of the most prestigious events in the equestrian calendar and is held annually in the grounds of Burghley House in Stamford, Lincolnshire. The event attracts thousands of spectators each year and is a major event for equestrian enthusiasts from the UK and further afield. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the 2021 edition of the event has been cancelled. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the cancellation, the implications of the cancellation, and potential alternatives to the event.
Background
The Burghley Horse Trials were first held in 1961 and were established as an equestrian event for three-day eventing. It is one of the most prestigious international equestrian events and attracts riders from around the globe each year. The event consists of four phases, including dressage, show jumping, cross country, and a final horse inspection.
Impact of the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the equestrian industry, with events and competitions being cancelled or postponed in many countries. The Burghley Horse Trials is no exception, and organisers have announced that the 2021 event has been cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. The cancellation has been heavily criticised by many equestrian enthusiasts, who have voiced their disappointment at not being able to attend the event this year.
Understanding the Cancellation
It is understandable why the Burghley Horse Trials have been cancelled this year, as the event requires large numbers of people to gather together and travel to the venue. This would be a major risk in the current climate, with the risk of spreading the virus amongst competitors, officials, and spectators. In addition, the current restrictions on international travel have made it difficult for competitors from abroad to travel to the UK for the event.
Implications of the Cancellation
The cancellation of the Burghley Horse Trials will have far-reaching implications for all those involved in the event. Firstly, the cancellation will have a financial impact on all those associated with the event, from competitors and spectators to sponsors and organisers. The event is estimated to generate around £2 million each year, and the cancellation will have a significant impact on the local economy.
In addition, the cancellation of the event will have an emotional impact on those who were looking forward to competing or watching the event. Many competitors have invested time and money into preparing for the event and will now have to find an alternative competition to focus on. Similarly, spectators who were looking forward to watching the event will be disappointed at having to miss out.
Alternatives to the Burghley Horse Trials
While the cancellation of the Burghley Horse Trials is undoubtedly disappointing, there are still plenty of equestrian events to look forward to in 2021. In the UK, many events have been postponed until later in the year, so competitors and spectators can still enjoy the sport.
In addition, there are plenty of virtual equestrian events that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. These events range from dressage competitions to show jumping events, and are a great way to stay connected with the sport and to enjoy some friendly competition from the safety of your own home.
Conclusion
The 2021 edition of the Burghley Horse Trials has been cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. This decision has been met with disappointment from many equestrian enthusiasts, as the event is a major highlight of the equestrian calendar. However, the cancellation is understandable given the risk of spreading the virus. The cancellation will have a major financial and emotional impact on all those associated with the event, and organisers are hoping to be able to hold the event in 2022. In the meantime, there are still plenty of other equestrian events to enjoy, both in person and virtually.