Horse show facing its biggest hurdle

A POPULAR horse event will fail to jump the recession hurdle unless organisers can "stirrup" extra sponsorship.

Oldcotes Charity Horse Show has raised more than £100,000 for good causes in the area since being restarted 20 years ago.

It attracts top riders from across the region, but the dwindling number of willing helping hands has also made staging the show difficult.

Committee member Liz Attwood said: "The Oldcotes Charity Horse Show has possibly held its last event in 2010.

"Sadly, the impact of the recession, together with a continuing difficulty in attracting committed event helpers, has led the committee to take a difficult decision.

"This is one last plea for help otherwise, unfortunately, we simply cant continue to stage the show."

The two-day showjumping fest was revived in 1981 and became a favourite fixture in the Oldcotes calendar.

It was later moved to Firbeck and, more recently, has taken place on the Osberton Estate near Worksop.

Liz, who has been involved for six years, said: "Part of the problem is the venue. Sometimes were talking about up to 1,600 people attending.

"When we were at the show field in Oldcotes we had a bar every year too and easy access from the main road.

"In Firbeck it was a nice setting too, but Osberton is not so easy for people to travel to and find.

"It's also quite a way away for us to be carting all the equipment we need."

She added: "We need a new venue, preferably within about an eight-mile radius of the Firbeck and Oldcotes area."

The May bank holiday event - which raises about £7,000 a year - earned a reputation for regularly attracting a high calibre of participants at the top of their sport.

Liz said: "Over the years weve helped all kinds of charities and raised about £110,000, which is a fantastic achievement."

Anyone who can help should contact Liz on 07870 974175.