The FEI European Championships in showjumping, dressage and para dressage could come to Britain in 2019 – and the search is on for a suitable venue.
‘Significant benefits’
British Showjumping and British Dressage are calling for potential cities and sites to come forward to host the event, which they believe will “bring significant benefits”.
The championships run for a total of 10 days, with up to 270 horses in attendance, over 40 nations and thousands of spectators. In addition, they will be watched on TV by around 48 million, in 25 countries around the world.
“There are significant direct and indirect economic impacts for the host nation totalling up to 27 million euros across the three disciplines, from areas including international and domestic tourism, trade stands, clinics and retail parks,” a spokesperson from British Dressage said.
Boost to sport
It is expected that hosting the European Championships would also create a boost in participation in equestrian sport – just as the 2012 Olympics did.
This won’t be the first time championships have been held in Britain, as Windsor hosted the showjumping and dressage in 2009, and the dressage championships were also held at Hickstead in 2003.
Blair Castle in Scotland is to host the Eventing Europeans next year.
Express yourself
Venues interested in hosting the event should email Anna Garside with ‘Expression of Interest’ in the subject line of their email.
The expression of interest letter and venue shortlisting response form must be received before 12pm on Friday 21 November.