MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT - No Events in 2025

"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning" Winston Churchill

Event companies in 2024 faced a perfect storm of pressures, forcing hundreds to cancel, downsize, or take a hiatus. The industry, still struggling from the long-term effects of COVID, faced further challenges including escalating production costs, economic uncertainty and declining consumer spending, ticket sales were extremely unstable in a variety of genres. While many top-tier events continued to thrive, even some of the world's biggest music stars postponed shows. Many small and medium events failed, and industry leaders called for a 5% VAT rate for 3 years to support the future of live events.

Today, with many tears and a broken heart, after 11 years, I have to announce that we join the growing list of events not going ahead in 2025. In Devon the Teignmouth Airshow, Tunes on the Sands, the West Country Music Festival and Barn on the Farm are among those already announced. Further afield many more including hugely successful events with very long track records are also not proceeding the world famous Womad being one of the biggest.

In our third year at Westpoint, as a very small family firm, staging an enormous equestrian production, we faced a number of challenges and setbacks throughout the year, including significant losses at the event itself. The decision to proceed in 2024 was not taken lightly. With a large personal investment only made possible through an inheritance, I prioritised delivering an unforgettable experience for our guests, and honouring our performers and partners rather than canceling and leaving thousands of ticket holders and businesses out of pocket. A strategic vision for the future also shaped this decision. It was a deeply personal choice and risk, and for me, it was the right choice to honour our commitments and face the consequences. “The Show Must Go On” has long been one of our much loved songs, in 2020 as one of the only UK event companies to deliver an event, we ran an innovative socially distanced show and gala night “En la Ronda” with horses traversing around the audience enjoying tapas in their family groups, this epic anthem closed the show and is always played when the crowds leave.

Once the decision was made, we faced the music and continued to push against the tide of unpredictable attendance figures and took every step possible in the final weeks including doubling the marketing budget, hand-delivering leaflets to local villages, and introducing special offers for the hard pushed families of Exeter. Many events rely on last minute ticket sales, a knife edge that always has to be walked and we tried to keep spirits high for a major ticket turnaround.

Despite immense pressure and uncertainty, I am incredibly proud that against all odds, a truly spectacular show was delivered with outstanding production values. Once again the magnificent horses of Spain and Portugal were showcased in breathtaking fashion. Thousands of delighted guests experienced something exceptional, we received rave reviews (see website), and for many, dreams came true. Independently hailed as the region’s biggest production in 2023, I remained unwavering in the commitment to delivering that same excellence in 2024 and did not compromise the delivery despite the huge loss we were facing, a promise is a promise. It was a mammoth operation featuring world-class sound and lights worthy of the biggest rock bands, a full-size sand arena, two grandstands, theatre draping to all walls, the beautifully decorated Plaza, the Lisbon Lounge, epic art installations and more. While Saturday night was at full capacity for the third year, and Friday saw strong attendance, Thursday, and Sunday had many empty seats. With razor-thin margins, every seat counts, and the impact was devastating. In London, 7 weeks later, another major equestrian production suffered the very same fate, and even with all tickets half price in the final month, there too, many seats were unsold. With the benefit of technicolour hindsight, had the show gone North in 2024, the outcome may have been different. Some touring event companies now visit the South West region only once every three years - a telling and worrying shift in the landscape of live productions in the region.

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The call for us to go North has been loud throughout our run in the South West. For 18 months, we have held a date in a large Northern arena to answer that call. I hoped that the personal investment made in 2024 would protect this event, had we canceled, both North and South would have fallen. However, the combination of some very difficult and ongoing circumstances beyond our control, and with insufficient external investment despite our best efforts, the 2025 Northern Espectáculo cannot be delivered. Without the success of the Northern show, a fourth year in the South is unviable. I know many people will be deeply disappointed, and I am so sorry beyond measure. I have fought tirelessly for three years at Westpoint but for now at least, the next step is beyond reach.

The aim is to return stronger in 2026, with a streamlined vision that focuses solely on delivering a world-class equestrian production without the additional financial and logistical burden of competitive daytime events (although parades and masterclasses could still feature). There are others far better than us at that aspect - see below. With a strategic pause to regroup, perhaps the proverbial phoenix can rise again and as such we currently have the last weekend of May 2026 pencilled in the North. Investment and headline sponsorship opportunities remain in active exploration, and whilst they haven’t materialised in time for 2025, some promising and exciting discussions are underway. I remain optimistic that a phenomenal track record of a a tiny organisation successfully delivering three epic arena shows, against all odds means that in a brand new, far larger catchment, with higher household incomes than the South West, we can be sure of success and the right people will help us go forward.

There are four organisations that do an outstanding job promoting the Iberian horse through sport and competition, and we encourage those interested in the breeds to support them through membership and attending events.

The Lusitano Breed Society of Great Britain for the horses of Portugal with the 2025 National show taking place at Addington 7th - 8th June.

GB PRE - The Official Organisation for ANCCE competitions in the UK for the Spanish Horse with their National show taking place - 25th - 27th July at Hartpury.

The Iberian Performance Show are exceptional at providing a fun and authentic competitive environment for both breeds combined, their main show takes place 8th - 10th August at Parwood in Surrey and their Spring event Sunday 13th April, also at Parwood.

And finally MCI GB run a dressage league for the Iberian horse with their national finals taking place 6th 7th Sept also at Addington.

On the local front, The Grange Equestrian, our local home for 8 years before we set flight for Westpoint on a wing and a prayer, are running MCI qualifiers this year and potentially also Association for British Working Equitation official regionals.

Please also support the classes at Royal Cornwall Show. On the back of the success of the South West Show, we campaigned for the inclusion of Iberian classes at this prestigious county show and they go from strength to strength, again this year a parade class is included

As part of an ever continuing and evolving mission to celebrate the Iberian horse and the art and culture of the peninsula, I will continue active promotion of the horses we love so much through various creative mediums. A fine art book Plaza de Los Sueños (The Arena of Dreams) will be launched later this year Aga Karmol Art, Ashvisuals - Event & Portrait Photographer Danny Berta, Lawrence Hyne and Fleur Churchill, the book will commemorate the three unforgettable years at Westpoint. Media projects with video by Weathered Oak Studios may make for a potential DVD release, providing a way to relive the magic of the shows, and enable those who never made it to us to see it for themselves. Some fine art prints are already available online, more to follow including some special celebratory items we have in mind. If you have any suggestions on other future products and content you would like to see, please let us know. Please never ever buy products from Facebook, messenger etc, only our official site.

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Over 22,000 people witnessed the magnificent horses of Spain and Portugal under the bright lights of Westpoint, with several thousand more experiencing the magic at our smaller gala shows at The Grange. I know these memories will be cherished by many for years to come. As just a "girl with a dream," navigating relentless pressure, I certainly made many mistakes. But above all, I am incredibly proud to have led such a dynamic, exciting, and world-class event for the South West - the culmination of 33 years as a music and equine events promoter and organiser.

We firstly extend our deepest gratitude to our loyal guests for their enthusiasm and unwavering support and passion for this event. Also your understanding in year 1 especially when I didn't get things quite right was greatly appreciated.

Hundreds upon hundreds of people have been involved over the years, and each and every one has played a vital role because true synergy only comes from the sum of ALL parts. In 2013, a happy little Cornish gang - nmyself, Poppy Joshi, Cassy Gadsby, Penny Paddle, and Beverley Thompson went from the Lusitano Breed Show to creating the first South West Iberian Show at Tall Trees Arena just six weeks later. Our goal was simple: to promote the Iberian horse while having a whole lot of fun. And that, we most certainly did!

It took a war horse army of volunteers, riders, contractors, designers, dancers, musicians, singers, photographers, artists, commentators, judges, writers, chefs, hosts, trainers, traders, sponsors, cleaners, security, drivers, grooms, medics, farriers, farmers carpenters and more, so it would be truly impossible to mention everyone, and I would fear omissions, but for the public record here as there may not be a better time or opportunity, I would like to thank specifically three groups - the volunteers, the competitors and the stars of the show.

THE VOLUNTEERS - these beautiful people are the lifeblood. Many with the event since day one, returning year after year for 11 incredible seasons. Without their dedication, none of this would have been possible. I often placed volunteers under pressures that were hard to imagine, especially at Westpoint, but each and every one rose to the challenge, delivering at the highest level. I am honoured to have made lifelong friends with some truly incredible people. I hope they can all forgive my mistakes along the way as we climbed mountains together and learned what it truly takes to bring an arena show to life. "Without a doubt THE friendliest and most accommodating organisers of any event I have ever been to". Their dedication was rightfully acknowledged when the team became finalists in the Exeter Chamber of Commerce Team Awards - a well-earned honour and a fantastic night out. I know we will all hold onto countless wonderful memories, including some of the very best after-show parties! My love and gratitude are immeasurable - thank you all.

THE COMPETITORS - we will be looking back at this side through social channels, and have some incredible footage of our final four champions coming very soon. We salute everyone who came and competed their horses over the 11 years - this element was always so important. I'm proud we created an environment that was open to all and also pushed on some boundaries - English, Western, Gaucho, barefoot, bitless, bridleless, EVERYONE was welcome. A special tribute to all those who braved Westpoint - it takes guts to go through the drapes into Westpoint Arena! A big congratulations especially to the Parade riders, and those who competed in the Working Equitation in the evening Espectaculos - you did the breeds and sport proud. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all competitors for their patience and understanding at Westpoint. Building full-size arenas for just a weekend was a tall order for us, managing without a warm-up, and navigating various logistical challenges was no small feat for you. Your kindness, support and sportsmanship made it all possible.

THE STARS - I am humbled to have even met, let alone work with some of the finest equestrians in the World. To stage them here in the South West was a huge honour.

Magali Delgado & Frédéric Pignon: their trust and inspiration in year one was something that changed me forever and they returned in 2023. Connecting so deeply with every single person through their magical delivery, their artistry is nothing short of extraordinary. My first choice for year 1 at Westpoint due to my passion for Natural Horsemanship, Frédéric and Magali delivered more than I could ever have dreamed. The kindest most beautiful people, with the biggest hearts taught us all the value of putting love first in everything we do with horses

Córdoba Ecuestre were inspirational in their work ethic, professionalism and outstanding performances. People of such a high calibre that in 2023, due to cancelled flights, they had to urgently drive all the way across Spain, to take an overnight ferry with no cabins. This incredible journey did not defeat the people of Andalusia who gave their full hearts and souls to four outstanding nights of performances to four sold out audiences. Their return in 2024 with more horses, more dancers and off the scale performances will go down in history for the Iberian horse in the UK. If you’re lucky enough to be in the ancient city of Córdoba, be sure to go and visit them at the Royal Stables, their daily shows in this incredible setting are breathtaking. A special thank you to the Cordoba Director Javier Gomez, a true inspiration, his passion, integrity and diligence amazing

Clémence Faivre Official What a woman! Portuguese horses, Spanish style, French panache. Artistry. alchemy, passion and more. An accomplished stuntwoman, film actress and Lusitano Stud Farm owner, Clémence has performed on the Worlds biggest stages, to royalty, in haute couture fashion shows and in films, and we were greatly honoured to bring this exceptional talent to the UK. Clémence delivered an extraordinary performance level and Fuego and Gotan took everyone’s breath away doing the Lusitano proud

Silke Vallentin (see Hippocampus Vallentin) - this lady changed my life in my own horsemanship journey, someone who made me believe anything is possible when you set your heart on it. To bring Silke and son Janek to Westpoint was a sheer joy and they delivered a showcase of connection and harmony that reached into everyone souls and left an indelible mark. We are proud to be stocking Silke’s phenomenal book from Horsemanship to Haute Ecole at the website, a must have for anyone interested in natural horsemanship, classical dressage and liberty

Jose Rodriguez Civico - a dear friend who judged in 2019 and rode Abanico owned by Star Andalusians PRE Stud in 2022, Pepe was desperate to bring his horse, and finally in 2024, the twice Spanish national champion in Working Equitation literally took the roof off in a performance with a lone guitarist. Something so exquisite, words do it no justice. Pepe also rode in the Working Equitation competition.

Rebeca Ortega is one of Spains most exceptional Flamenco dancers, the power, passion and precision of the work is extraordinary. Having seen Rebeca perform on tour in 2023, I had to put this dancer centre stage, to see her in an arena setting was remarkable. Rebeca is touring the UK this year, and if Flamenco moves your soul, this lady is unmissable.

Ramon Ruiz Flamenco this guitarist often tours with Rebeca, the enchanting sound of his work so powerful and far reaching. Seeing the lone guitarist walk the length of the arena, to sit quietly in a chair counterbalanced with the outstanding performance of Pepe was simple and unforgettable in 2024.

Claudia Aurora- finally, we brought live Fado to the show in tribute to Portugal, this beautiful singer opened the Thursday and Friday night shows giving us that enchanting and haunting sound that resonates so deeply. Claudia is also touring the UK this year with guitarist Javier Moreno. Seeing Fado in an intimate setting is something everyone should do at least once in their life.

The LED Lusitanos performed in 2022 when Lynne Macleod Holly Barber and Tamsin Devonport moved everyone to tears with their lit up garrochas moving elegantly through the olive trees in the dark - pure magic! And in 2023, in a world first, Lynne Macleod rode a full Working Equitation course in the dark each obstacle lighting up as she arrived. Both years an outstanding showcase for The Association for British Working Equitation

Paulo Santos Equestrian Academy this Portuguese national rider did his country proud in 2023 riding a demonstration Working Equitation round with Lusitano Lexus QQ.

Freddy Steelehorse galloped for glory in our first show in 2022, and took the roof off with his fast and furious delivery of dare devil stunt riding.

Our local professional Flamenco dancers brought the heart, passion and colour of Spain to Westpoint with their many students, these beautiful ladies all teach locally if you want to learn - Karina Gracia Dance (Exeter) Mercedes Romero Flamenco, Salsa & More (Plymouth), Claudia Caolin Dance & Entertainment (Cornwall).

And finally, a shout out to our official flag bearer Michael Smith and Lusitano Eclipse da Broa. They led our champions and stars, galloped and full passed fearlessly, and carried the flags in our demos at Royal Cornwall, Devon County and Launceston, so most definitely also stars of the show!

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So, while the curtain may be down for now, my dream remains alive so I sincerely hope it's a pause not a farewell. With the right support, I believe we can return. Whatever happens, the love and passion for these magnificent horses will always guide the journey forward, please continue to support us on social as we navigate the path ahead. For sponsorship and investment enquiries, please get in touch. and if you ever have questions about the horses, or if there is anything we can help you with, please get in touch!

Thank you, gracias, obrigado to one and all. For the horses, for Spain, for Portugal for love always!  Fleur XX

Featured photo by myself - the view from backstage in 2024.

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