ON the evening when a national telephone alarm system sparked consternation about the impact of weeks of heatwaves, the organisers of next month's Orsett show delivered a stark and disappointing message of their own on a similar topic.

A statement from the Show's equestrian section this evening (Friday, 14 August) said: "Following careful consideration and ongoing inspections of the ground, we have made the extremely difficult decision to cancel the Dressage and Show Jumping classes at this year's Orsett Show.

"This decision has not been taken lightly, but the welfare of our horses and riders must always come first.

"The prolonged dry weather, extreme heat and drought conditions have left the ground exceptionally hard and despite extensive preparation earlier in the season, current water restrictions mean we are unable to improve it to a safe standard for these disciplines.

"Dressage and show jumping place repeated concussion and rotational forces through a horse's limbs, particularly with circles, transitions, landings and tight turns, making the risk of injury significantly greater on very firm ground.

"Our Showing, Heavy Horse and Driving classes will continue as planned. These disciplines place different demands on the horses and the ground, with less repetitive impact and no jumping.

"Showing is predominantly at walk and trot with only short canters, while Heavy Horse and Driving classes are worked in a more controlled manner at slower speeds.

"Judges have also been asked to take the ground conditions into consideration throughout the day.

advertisement

"This has been an incredibly difficult decision, but one we feel is the most responsible. We are not alone in taking this approach, with British Riding Clubs also cancelling their Grass Dressage and Show Jumping Championships on 5th & 6th September due to the exceptional ground conditions.

"We sincerely apologise for the disappointment this will cause, thank everyone for their understanding and continued support and look forward to welcoming competitors and spectators to the Showing, Heavy Horse and Driving sections of the 2026 Orsett Show."