The future of a popular horse trials hangs in the balance because the current organisers plan to step down.
Chris and Janet Badger, Ascott-under-Wychwood hosts, are retiring at the end of the year.
“Chris and Janet Badger are retiring from farming at the end of this year and as yet plans for the event are not known,” a British Eventingspokesman told H&H.
“Chris and Janet have produced a fantastic horse trials at Crown Farm and we are all so grateful for the huge effort they have put in over the past 10 years.
“BE wishes them the very best of luck for the future.”
Competition will continue as usual this weekend (4-5 June).
Fans of the event have shared their memories on social media.
“Many happy memories of eventing at Ascott,” said Diane Pigott. “Our favourite event for youngsters. So well run and so friendly. Thank you. Have a long and happy retirement.”
Jan Humphires added: “So beautiful here in the sunshine. Going to really miss this event.”
Earlier this year, Ascott-under-Wychwood (1) was cancelled due to heavy rain.
The event was due to run on 16 and 17 April, but was one of a number that were lost due to the inclement weather conditions.
Crown Farm history
The Badgers came to Crown Farm in 1934. The family originally built a UK Chasers course on the land, but soon replaced this with a cross-country training field.
Years later, Mike Etherington Smith designed the cross-country course and new fences were built.
Ascott-under-Wychwood joined the BE calendar in 2003.
Chris and Janet have also managed a livery yard at the farm for 11 years.
Originally this housed 12 stables, but this has expanded over the years to include 35 stables with outdoor, indoor, and lunging arenas.
