The National Equine Show’s first event was held at the NEC last weekend (4th-5th March) and there are already plans for an even bigger show next year, due to demand.
The event welcomed just under 10,000 visitors over the two days who enjoyed the 174 tradestands, amazing talks on the Inspiration Stage sponsored by LeMieux and Equine Skills Theatre, Rider Wellness Zone (sponsored by E Equine), The PolyJumps Eventer Experience and Equipe Dressage Experience featuring riding simulators, The Nail Bus, The Neurocentric Rider Injury Clinic sponsored by PB Movement, and Yard Supplement Connect sponsored by The Equestrian Index. This allowed visitors to learn new things and immerse themselves in everything equestrian for two days, to start the season the right way.
The two stages were a particular highlight. On the Inspiration Stage sponsored by LeMieux, host Rosie Tapner was joined by a raft of well-known equestrians including Sir Lee Pearson, Piggy March, Ashleigh Wicheard, Harrison Ashton, Carl Hester MBE, Esme Higgs, and Ben and Georgie Atkinson alongside panels debating the changing face of the equine industry, what it’s like to be an equestrian influencer and more. On the Skills Theatre, hosted by Sam Gerrard May, visitors learnt about safety, worming, boots, being a brand ambassador, mindset, nutrition, careers, saddlery and more besides.
The Show’s Meet & Greet zone, sponsored by Charles Owen, My Cavago and Redpost Equestrian saw thousands of equestrians come face-to-face with famous faces including Esme Higgs, Megan Elphick, Piggy March, Carl Hester MBE and Sir Lee Pearson.
The show was created for equestrians, to provide an opportunity to learn, try new things, network, meet friends, ask questions, see idols and everything in between. The response from visitors confirmed that it exceeded its objectives.
“The whole team were completely blown away by the response to the show,” said Liz Ormesher, Event Director. “The event was a joy and I want to thank everyone who came, our ambassadors, our supporters, and of course our sponsors Charles Owen, E Equine, Equilibrium Products, Equipe Saddles, LeMieux, My Cavago, The Nail Bus, PB Movement, PolyJumps and Sacha & George.”
Plans are already pushing ahead for the 2024 event with a bigger space needed to accommodate the stands that have already booked. Some celebrity bookings have also been confirmed.
“Next year, we’re moving to a 10,000sq m hall to accommodate demand, and we already have Charlotte Dujardin, Harlow Luna White and Natasha Baker confirmed for the event. The National Equine Show 2024 will take place at the NEC between 2-3rd March, make sure it’s in the diary now as you won’t want to miss it,” said Liz.
Tickets will go on sale for the 2024 event on 1 September 2023. For more information on the National Equine Show, see www.nationalequineshow.co.uk. To join the mailing list to hear about all the promotions and more, visit https://nationalequineshow.com/subscribe
Prepared by:
Rhea Freeman PR