Scots At The British Equine Event 2002

This year's British Equine Event, 2-3 November 2002 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, is set to break new records! With Christmas looming, organisers are anticipating repeat of last year's increase in attendence - and Scottish equine societies and retailers are going to be on hand to profit!

For the Eriskay Pony society, the annual event is a important date in the calendar Eriskay enthusiasts from across the British Isles can get together to tell the horse world about Britain's most endangered native pony. This year the society is aiming to surpass last year's success when the Scottish society was awarded 'Best Breed Society Stand', out of 33 other hopefuls.

Other organisations from north of the border attending this year's Event include Equine Grass Sickness Fund, the Highland Pony society, the Icelandic Horse society of Great Britain and the Shetland Pony stud-book society.

With well over 300 trade stands covering every conceivable aspect of horse care and management, visitors will be able to browse and buy at their leisure. Those coming from north of the border can expect not only to see some of their own local specialist producers, but also those from as far away as Cornwall and Eire. Visitors can truly shop 'til they drop with everything from horse mirrors to bridles and specialist horsey socks!

Amongst the Scottish retailers attending this year's event, Stonehaven based Eyecatchers will be back with their Boett reflectors stand. This BETA award-winning, fluorescent safety wear is suitable all-year round protection for horses, riders and even dogs. Also back this year will be Raddery Equine Limited, one of Europe's leading suppliers of endurance riding equipment.

As well as shopping, visitors can spend time watching stars such as dressage impresario Conrad Schumacher, or husband and wife team eventers Vere and Clea Phillipps, giving lecture-demos in the event's purpose-built main arena.

Jam-packed with seminars, the event offers a wide array of topics, with audiences gaining an insight into current issues as well as practical advice and tips on keeping a happy and healthy horse. The weekend also includes a number of business forums where visitors can also learn about anything from avoiding the legal pitfalls of buying a horse though to implementing breeding strategies and the future of equestrian shopping!

The British Equine Event is open from 9am - 5pm on both days and tickets are £8.50 for adults and £7.50 for under 16s. Under 5s free. Family tickets are also available, priced at £27 for two adults and two children. For tickets (tel: 02476 858291) or visit www.equineevent.org.uk. . Dogs are not permitted.

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