The National Horse Show Association of America, Ltd., announced today that the 2005 edition of the Metropolitan National Horse Show has been cancelled. The association also announced that the ASPCA Maclay National Horsemanship Finals will be held at the Farm Show Arena Complex in Harrisburg, PA. Those finals will not be held in conjunction with the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, but instead will be held on the most suitable date that offers the least conflicts for exhibitors and for trainers.

Gene Mische, the Chairman of the Board of the National Horse Show Association of America, announced the cancellation. “I’m disappointed to have to make this announcement,” Mische said. “But the reality is that we were unable to handle and process enough spectators at Pier 94, and that made the situation economically unfeasible. Over the weekend at the Metropolitan this past year we were sold out, with many more people demanding tickets. And we just didn’t have tickets to sell,” he explained. “On the other hand, I’ve got to say that the management and staff at Pier 94 were wonderful, and they were some of the most cooperative people I’ve ever worked with. The stabling was some of the best on the entire fall tour.”

Regarding the ASPCA Maclay Finals, Mische said he was thrilled that the National Horse Show Association was able to secure the Farm Show Arena in Harrisburg, PA. “It’s a well-run, long-established equestrian facility that currently hosts the nation’s largest national equitation championship. We’re excited about the Maclay’s move there, and we’re now working to establish the best possible date,” Mische explained. “We want to make sure the date is suitable for all involved, and we want to make sure it offers minimal hassles for trainers, riders, officials and family, too.”

As far as the future of the Metropolitan National Horse Show, Mische had this to say, “We’d obviously like to keep equestrian sports center stage in New York City. There are only two facilities that come to mind immediately, and those are Madison Square Garden and the Jacob Javitz Center,” said Mische. “We’re looking into all options.”~~~