The Midlands Equine Fair, which took place at the Three Counties Showground for the second year on 8 and 9 March, has been a resounding success with more than twice as many people visiting the Fair as came to it last year.

Well over 4,300 people came along to experience a wide range of horse-related entertainment, advice - and shopping. Highlights of the Fair included international three-day eventer Blyth Tait and four in hand carriage driving champion, Dick Lane.

Horse welfare was high on the Fair's agenda, and presentations by the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre (which brought along former racehorses Jolly Jester and Rebel), the International League for the Protection of Horses (the ILPH) and the Brackenhill Stud (which specialises in the natural rearing of horses) all helped to bring this message home.

International four in hand carriage driving champion Dick Lane thrills the crowds at the Midlands Equine Fair.

Charities did well at the Fair. John Channon from the ILPH commented: "This was a good Fair, and when taken as part of Contour Exhibitions' other Equine Fairs in the South West, the North and Scotland is very successful for us, both in terms of awareness and fundraising." The Shelter for Horses and Donkeys in the Holy Land (SHADHL) also found the Fair to be useful. This was the first equestrian event the charity has used for promotional purposes, and the pre-Fair publicity combined with the numbers of visitors who made a donation have helped the charity to carry on for another period and resulted in still more patrons adopting donkeys.

Prizes are always given for the best trade stands at the Fair. The first prize went to Abigail Lloyd-Williams at Sporthorse International, a business that specialises in premium quality saddlery and riding wear for leisure and competition. The runner-up prize went to Badminton Horse Feeds.

Sandra Turner, managing director of Contour Exhibitions, commented: "The second year in an exhibition's life is vital to its future success. We are delighted that more than twice as many people visited the Midlands Equine Fair this year as compared with last, and we would like to thank all those visitors for their support. Thanks must also go to the many equine professionals, breed societies, charities and trade stand exhibitors whose help allowed us to make this Fair such a success."

Other equestrian events from the Contour 'stable' include: Equestrian Business Midlands, The International Centre, Telford, 12 and 13 October 2003; the Southern Equine Fair, the Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, 25 and 26 October; the Devon and Cornwall Equine Fair at Westpoint, Exeter, 22 and 23 November; the North of England Equine Fair, the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, 29 and 30 November; and the Scottish Christmas Equine Fair, Royal Highland Exhibition Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, 6 and 7 December.

The Midlands Equine Fair returns to the Three Counties Showground on 13 and 14 March 2004.

Details, advance booking and trade stand information for all these Fairs are available by calling 01884 841644 or visiting www.contour.uk.net.

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