A LACK of support, the knock-on effects of foot and mouth and the absence of a permanent venue has spelled the end for the Isle of Sheppey Horse Show and Gymkhana.

The event is being abandoned after more than 50 years amid dwindling committee numbers and the pressures of complying with stringent health and safety regulations. The committee has sold off its assets and donated the money to charity.

Long-serving treasurer Cathie Lewis said: “I feel very sad about it. It is not how I would have wanted it to end, but there doesn’t seem to be any alternative.”

The move marks the end of one of the Island’s longest-standing and most popular traditions. The show, which took place in June and in its prime attracted up to 300 riders to Sheppey, had to be cancelled in 2001 because of foot and mouth restrictions.

Since then, the committee has been unable to hold another event because it does not have a permanent site where it can erect fixed show rings, as required by Health and Safety regulations.

The event has been staged at various venues over the years, most recently at Neats Court Marshes near Queenborough Corner. The final nail in the coffin was the lack of response to an appeal for new committee members.