Lonsdale show is the latest casualty in the ongoing debate about the new RIHS showing levy
The organising committee of the Lonsdale Show has decided to cancel this year’s event inprotest at the new £5 per competitor RIHS showing levy.
In addition to providing an early qualification opportunity for RIHS, Lonsdale has also made significant donations to local charities in its 20-year history.
Organisers John and Vicky Keen said: “We have a small band of helpers who give their time voluntarily and without them we cannot run the show. They do not wish to act as ‘tax collectors’ for Hickstead, which they feel should generate its own funds.
“They also feel the levy should have been properly discussed before it was introduced and, would rather cancel the show than run it as a second-grade event without qualifiers. We are very sad that this has been necessary.”
The Keens’ second show, at Fulmer, will go ahead on 11 August.
See this week’s Horse & Hound for expert advice on riding the perfect individual show as well as profiles on top show pony stud, Coveham Stud, and top Arab breeder’s, the Stimpson family.
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