Horseytalk.net Special Interview
Betsy Branyan
Equifest. The story of this great five-day equestrian feast.
Billed as the Festival for Horse Lovers, Equifest is an equestrian extravaganza like no other.
Fancy Dress
With classes for all abilities, young and old, in-hand and ridden, over jumps or on the flat - Equifest provides an opportunity to enjoy a large championship atmosphere and is a firm favourite with both competitors and visitors alike.
Now in its eighth year Equifest has grown significantly from its humble beginnings in 2008 to establish itself as one of the largest events on the equestrian calendar.
Equifest takes place from August 12 to 16 and is organised and run by The East of England Agricultural Society, regularly attracting an astonishing 10,000 riders and visitors each year.
Held on The East of England Showground, the events aim is to offer equestrian enthusiasts the chance to experience a mix of entertainment with top class competition across the five day spectacular.
Said Betsy Branyan of Equifest: "Each year the event continues to surprise and amaze.
"It is wonderful talking to first-timers at the show, a little nervous when entering the ring, but beaming with confidence when they win a rosette or their horse or pony simply goes well.
"Everyone in the team at Equifest is very proud of the event and how it comes together and for 2015 we have a number of exciting and new demonstrations booked which are set to both entertain and be educational."
Fancy Dress
This family orientated show is held in August every year and is ideally situated giving ease of access from all corners of the country.
Equifest has an avid and loyal following with many returning year after year to enjoy the fun and spirit of this annual show.
More than 1,500 horses will be stabled on site, producing over 12,500 entries into a variety of disciplines, including showing, show jumping, dressage and carriage driving, all combining to make Equifest a unique and diverse event for everyone in the equestrian community.
Equifest also prides itself on valuing all who come through the gates, whether they are competitors or just spectators, they want everyone to go away having enjoyed a memorable experience.
In order to make this happen the Equifest schedule is packed full with fun activities to entertain, demonstrations by experts in their field to encourage learning and shopping galore to ensure no one goes home empty handed.
Equifest has gone to great length to understand their visitors, this allows the organisers to continuously develop and improve the event and is one of the main reasons it has continued to grow and exceed all initial expectations.
An amazing 82% of visitors actually own a horse themselves, and 38% own four horses or more, making the Equifest audience highly knowledgeable and fully able to appreciate the quality of competition on show.
This also provides exhibitors with unrivalled selling potential for their products and services, with trade stand space being snapped up quickly by some of the biggest names in equestrian retail.
78% of visitors return to Equifest every year, which is why Equifest understands the importance of re-inventing itself and continuing to evolve, helping to maintain interest.
For further information contact (01733) 363500 or visit www.equifest.org.uk