March 9 2001 - The foot and mouth outbreak has caused the cancellation of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, due on 3rd-6th May.

The land at Badminton used for the Horse Trials is grazed by 500 deer, 1000 sheep and a herd of Jersey cows. All access to the Park has been barred for the past 2 weeks and the land will continue to be closed for the forseeable future. In addition, the Park is surrounded by many other livestock farms.

It is therefore impossible to make the final preparations for the Event - erection of tents and grandstands, finishing the cross country course etc - which in a normal year would already be starting on the site.

Hugh Thomas, the Event Director, said "This is a very sad day. We feel for the riders, the spectators and indeed the Trade Stands who were so much looking forward to coming here, but we completely understand and support the view that any risk of spreading this awful disease is unacceptable"

The FEI will give more information on the cancellation and possible re-scheduling of the Open Eventing Forum due to take place in conjunction with Badminton CCI****. The other open Forums to discuss the Working statement on the future of Eventing should take place:
- in Lexington (USA) 28 April
- in Belo Horizone (BRA) between 12-15 July
- in Adelaide (AUS) between 4-7 October
- in Pau (EU-Championship) on 11 October

Related Links
More Information on Hoof and Mouth disease