ARMATHWAITE HALL HORSE TRIALS THE LATEST VICTIM OF FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE

The Armathwaite Hall Strongid-P Horse Trials & Country Fair has become the latest victim of foot and mouth disease with news that DEFRA (formerly MAFF) has withdrawn the approval to go ahead with the event given just over a week ago.

Current veterinary risk assessments recommend that no equestrian event should be held on agricultural land in an infected area and DEFRA officials, after further specific consideration of the Armathwaite Hall fixture, contacted the organisers to withdraw permission on Monday, confirming that the event could not be made an exception.

Event joint organiser Charles Graves said, "In order to contain foot and mouth disease, DEFRA has felt it necessary to ensure that movements in this area remain restricted and confirmed to us yesterday that this year’s event should be cancelled.

"I can only describe my reaction as one of deep sorrow - not only for all the hard work put in by so many people, but also for the trade stand holders who now face another major cancellation. However at the end of the day, the control of the foot and mouth outbreak remains a prime concern and with nothing but support from everyone concerned, we are already looking forward to next year’s event, which will bring the sport of top level eventing back to the Cumbria and the Lake District.