The Helsinki International Horse Show, and the Longines FEI World Cup Leg, moves to October 2021. The 36th edition of the biggest annual indoor sports event in Finland is hit by the Covid-19 crisis, and faces too many challenges with regard to the upcoming event in October 2020.

”It’s with great regret that we are forced to announce our difficult decision to cancel this year´s Horse Show”, says Tom Gordin, Event Director.

”Helsinki Horse Show is a ”must” for every horse lover in Finland. It has over the years grown into an attractive high-class top sport and entertainment event. We are especially sorry for the international riders, who eagerly are waiting for the restrictions to open, and to be back in top sport business again. Same goes for all the Horse Show fans, last year over 50 000 visitors, who have waited for the great autumn event as ”for Christmas”, says Gordin.

The event management has worked intensively over the last 10 weeks to combine facts with estimations and speculations on the effects of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. ”Having all facts currently available, and estimations based on discussion with numerous experts on health issues, as well as sports people, we face a scenario which has too many extremely high risk consequences”, continues Gordin. ”Late cancellation due to new restrictions, on travelling, border crossing and especially restrictions on visitor numbers allowed in same tight indoor venue, are only a part of the high-risk factors. Additionally sponsors and exhibitors withdrawing or decreasing input play a big role in the event budget. Less ticket sales, due to social distance challenges or lack of vaccine are essential risk factors too”, explains Gordin.

”We have discussed this delicate matter with both the Equestrian Federation of Finland and the FEI. Both organisations are in understanding of our painful decision. We are now focusing totally on 2021, with the new 3-year contract of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup TM starting. We are convinced that we are able to produce a high-class 36th Helsinki Horse Show on October 20-24, 2021”, ends Tom Gordin

For further information: Tom Gordin, tom.gordin@helsinkihorseshow, +358 500 302888

CSI5*-W Helsinki is the biggest yearly indoor event in Finland. Land Rover Grand Prix and the prestigious Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ are the highlights of Helsinki Horse Show. 500 000 euros of prize money and international ranking points gather worlds top riders to Helsinki each autumn. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the event will not be organized in 2020. The next Helsinki Horse Show will take place 20 – 24 October 2021.