‘Key venue’ to shut down after 32 years

Patchetts Equestrian Centre in Watford is to close down after 32 years, siting financial reasons.

‘Difficult decision’

The centre runs regular affiliated and unaffiliated dressage and showjumping competitions, including qualifiers for Horse of the Year Show, British Dressage Winter Championships and the British Showjumping Scope Festival.

It fabulous facilities include two indoorarenas – with gallery seating overlooking the international arena – and three all-weather outdoor arenas.

A message on Patchetts Facebook page said it was a “very difficult” decision.

“The centre has not been economically viable for some considerable time and has been supported independently by the McTaggart family for several years as a non profitable venture purely for the love of the sport. However, the continued personal support in the present economicsituation can no longer be sustained.”

Happy memories

Shows will be held up until 3 August 2015, after which time the showground will close down.

Patchetts thanked its customers for their loyalty: “We hope you had many happy experiences and memories over the years that you have visited us.”

British Dressage (BD) said the the closure of Patchetts EC will leave a large gap in the dressage community.

Key venue

“We are extremely saddened to lose Patchetts as a British Dressage venue,” said BD sports manager Paul Graham. “We cannot thank Antonia de Berne and team enough for her support for BD over the last 20 plus years.

“Patchetts was a key venue for us. Plus, it was such a favourite venue with so many riders with great facilities and welcoming attitude. They will be much missed and hard to replace in the region.”