We wanted to update you on everything at Belsay following the sad abandonment of the horse trials last week. There is no denying that it has been incredibly tough but we are focussing on the positives and obviously eating cake (for those of you that saw the little video on facebook of the weekend).

More Rain Fell! Firstly, there is no doubt that we made the right call.  Although we have now had some super sunshine, the ground here is still incredibly wet and there is just no way that the event could have gone ahead.   It also rained heavily here on both Tuesday and Wednesday of last week just at the points when we would have been welcoming competitors and trade stands, which was almost a relief in many ways.

Sadly, we are not going to be able to create a replacement event this year.  Belsay Horse Trials has so many ‘moving parts’ with so many officials, judges, contractors, volunteers etc, that it’s almost impossible to rebook everyone, let alone get all our competitors, trade stands and sponsors back on a date that works for all.

Refunds and Insurance: We have already refunded all of our competitors 100% of their entry fee.  We are in also offering refunds to our trade stands and sponsors but many of them have been incredibly generous and are ‘rolling over’ to next year.

We are now in the hands of the insurers – a job that I suspect will keep us busy for the rest of the month!

The Northumberland Challenge: We have spoken to our sponsors (Hambro Sport Horses, N.I.S Group Limited, InXpress Tyne & Wear and Equestrian Eye) and McClarrons, the specialist insurance brokers that help to make the Prize Pot, and the good news is that the Northumberland Challenge will now ‘roll over’ with the final to be held at Belsay International 2025.

Eco Voltz Unsung Hero Award: Eco Voltz have been fantastic supporters of Belsay, especially focussing on supporting our volunteers.  The Unsung Hero Award (which can be for any groom or supporter behind the scenes) will now also ‘rollover’ and Eco Voltz will be offering £500 (instead of £250) to the winner in 2023 – how cool is that?!

A New Baby at Belsay: Amidst all the gloom of last week, we had some wonderful news on Friday morning. Our lovely mare Wexfo Flying Angel gave birth 12 days early to her first foal, a strapping colt by Lisbrogan Gemtwist (Murka’s Gem/Hand in Glove) who is a full maternal brother to Oliver Townend’s ride Tregilder.  Mother and baby are doing very well,  We are currently thinking of names – we feel that being born on what would have been the first day of Belsay XC should the event have run, has to be a good omen.  Any ideas greatly appreciated.

We will leave you on that good note.  Thank you all for your support and understanding – we have received so many lovely messages– it really is heart-warming.  Please, rest assured we will be back, bigger and better for 2025!