Ferry delays disrupt island horse show

Ferry schedules leave horse riders stranded

Organisers say inter-island ferry problems are preventing riders from competing in major Channel Island horse shows.

For the first time, British Showjumping Guernsey’s Horse of the Year Show, running this week at Chemin Le Roi, has no entries from Jersey. The group blames conflicting schedules between operators DFDS and Brittany Ferries, which they say make travel costly and impractical.

Sarah Mills of British Showjumping Guernsey said the absence of Jersey riders was “strange,” while Martin Mitchell from the Jersey branch described organisers as “caught in the aftermath of a battle” between ferry companies.

DFDS, which took over Jersey’s services in March, currently runs a weekly sailing to Guernsey on Mondays, while Brittany Ferries’ Guernsey-Jersey route operates on Wednesdays. A daily foot-passenger link exists, but does not cater for horses.

Earlier this year, Guernsey riders were also unable to attend Jersey’s Liberation Show, leaving both events financially worse off. DFDS has admitted its Monday service has so far been “loss-making” and said routes remain under review.