National equine show Birmingham - thoughts?

[PinkRoses]

Hey,

I’m just wondering if anyone made it to the national equine show in Birmingham this weekend ? If so what did you think of it?

I couldn’t make it this year but if people thought it was good then I may make the trip next time

 

[SpotsandBays]

I’m bummed, had tickets to go but covid got me first

 

[WispyBegs]

I was there both days!
There was a really good range of different stalls - a lot of variety and not just the usual culprits.
It did feel strange that there were no actual horses or performances (apart from two miniatures that were there with an animal charity).
Really enjoyed the inspiration stage with Carl Hester, Piggy March and Harrison Ashton on the Saturday, too.
The Sunday definitely felt more relaxed but there was a lot less people there.

 

[Ceifer]

It was a bit mixed for me tbh. I went on the Sunday only.
I will hold my hands up and say I definitely didn’t read the literature properly before booking as I assumed there’d be horses there . And as @WispyBec said, there were no horses there apart from two miniatures.
The shopping was ok, there were different stalls but I wouldn’t call it the premier shopping experience as they were marketing it as.
Also, I got two VIP tickets that I realise weren’t great value for money. We did use the ‘VIP Lounge’ which was some comfy sofas in a roped off area and had the complimentary glass of bubbly but that was it and for £60 each it definitely wasn’t worth it.

That being said there were a lot of kids who seemed to be having fun meeting influencers (again not my bag) and using the simulators that were there. So a good day out for families.

I would go again but definitely not pay for the VIP.

 

[Floofball]

I went on Sunday, wasn’t sure what to expect but managed to get out without spending much enjoyed Piggy March & Verity Smith talks and there was interesting new products to look at. Don’t know if I’d travel down just for the show but was a great excuse for a night away/out with horsey friends so had a great weekend

 

[Bobthecob15]

We went on the Saturday, we paid for VIP tickets. I did think it would be a bit of a waste of money but it wasn't at all, the seating was very limited there but in the VIP section we had lovely comfy sofas etc which we went back to several times in the day..we also had our own meet and greet section which was ace. The shops were really good, lots of affordable options.

Next time I'd like to see more seating in general, more shops spaced out...it felt a bit packed in during the busy period of 11-2 and more food options. The staff running it were fab. Also the simulator things were ridiculous as the queues were so long and limited for kids.

For a first show we were really impressed!

 

[ElleSkywalkingintheair]

I went Sunday and enjoyed it. I like that there were a lot more smaller brands, only really huge rider wear one was le meuix, rest were smaller brands and spotted quite a few new things such as a genius haynet filler. Wasn't a lot of seating or food and was definitely squashed in. I didn't mind the lack of horses too much as I tend to go to YHL for shopping only so was happy to do same here but the talks looked good and interesting so that was good too.

Highlight of my day was seeing a little girl's face when Piggy casually walked past her, so sweet! I pointed out Piggy's stand where Tom was holding the fort and told her to go a long and say Hi but she said she needed a sit down first Bless her I really hope she went back

I didn't pay for ticket, and not sure if pay much for one as the parking is expensive but I'd definitely go again.