Why did you decide to cancel Jumping Amsterdam 2021?

Due to the current corona related measures and the uncertainty that presently prevails in the Netherlands, it is considered irresponsible to proceed with the event, both in terms of the health of all parties involved as well as from a financial point of view. A huge number of people are involved in Jumping Amsterdam, think about the audience, the participants, our partners, volunteers and exhibitors and we do not want to take any risks whatsoever when it comes to people’s health. Everyone, from board members to visitors and from riders to stewards, we hold them all dear and we do not even want to think about one of them getting ill. It really hurts that we will miss the team spirit and the get-together, but we do not want to take any risks when it comes to people’s health.

Moreover, from a financial viewpoint, it is not justifiable to incur expenses while we have currently no idea what the situation in 2021 will be, because the corona related developments and the associated measures are continuously adjusted.

We definitely do not want to end up in a situation in which many costs were incurred to set up the Jumping Amsterdam 2021 edition and subsequently have no income because audience and exhibitors are not, or hardly welcome due to corona developments. Because that might threaten the very future of Jumping Amsterdam. In order to safeguard the continuity of Jumping Amsterdam in the long term, it makes more sense to miss one year and to focus on the 2022 edition.

What does this cancellation mean for Jumping Amsterdam in the short term?

In the short term, this means that, sadly, in 2021 Jumping Amsterdam will not take place. However, we will not twiddle our thumbs. We will use the time to optimize processes and where possible, refine our formula and set-up, which will allow us to make a strong comeback in 2022. In addition, we are seriously considering alternative activities to offer our audience this year as a substitute. We hope to reveal more about this shortly.

What does this cancellation mean for Jumping Amsterdam in the long term?

For the long term, this decision means that we choose safety when it comes to the health of all people involved and the health of the financial position of Jumping Amsterdam. Now, we will be able to optimize our processes and by doing so, create a stronger position for future shows. For the 2022 show, which is planned from 27 – 30 January 2022, the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup qualifier has already been programmed. So top sport will be guaranteed!

For the sake of sport, why did you not decide to organise Jumping Amsterdam without an audience?

Firstly, that is not how we picture Jumping Amsterdam. The audience is part of Jumping Amsterdam, the spectators create the special atmosphere of Jumping Amsterdam. Without an audience, the World Cup qualifiers would lose their charm. The riders would ride, the sport would continue but that is not how we want to experience it. For us, the audience is essential. It goes without saying that Jumping Amsterdam is about sport, but it is also about the atmosphere, the event, meeting friends and having a good time. Without an audience, there would be no atmosphere.

Secondly, without an audience, the event would financially not be viable. Organising an event such as Jumping Amsterdam costs a lot of money and without income, it cannot be realised. Without an audience, we lack income from tickets and without an audience, the show would be less interesting for exhibitors and sponsors. If we were to organise Jumping Amsterdam without an audience, the financial situation would change materially and it is questionable whether Jumping Amsterdam would be able to survive in the future. Therefore, for the sake of continuity of Jumping Amsterdam in the long term, it makes more sense to miss one year and to focus all our attention on the 2022 edition, complete with everyone there to enjoy the show.

Why can Jumping Amsterdam not be organised at another (smaller) location?

It is a longstanding tradition that Jumping Amsterdam takes place in the RAI Amsterdam and we have no desire to renounce this location. Jumping Amsterdam belongs to the capital, here in the RAI. Here we are able to create the mentality that is characteristic for Amsterdam and its inhabitants and the special atmosphere that is an inseparable part of this event. Moving Jumping Amsterdam to another location would spoil that all and Jumping Amsterdam would no longer be Jumping Amsterdam.

What does the cancellation of Jumping Amsterdam mean for the World Cup Qualifiers?

The FEI Dressage World Cup and the Longine FEI Jumping World Cup qualifiers that were supposed to take place in Amsterdam will be cancelled. They will not be held somewhere else. We hope everything will be back to normal in 2022 and then the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre will once again welcome these qualifiers. We received confirmation that the Longine FEI Jumping World Cup qualifier will be programmed in Amsterdam in 2022. We look very much forward to this!

What will the organisation of Jumping Amsterdam focus on during this year?

Due to the cancellation of the 2021 edition, the organisation of Jumping Amsterdam will have ample time to examine all processes and procedures and where possible improve these and enhance the efficiency. This means we will have time to optimise everything possible as a result of which the show will be better positioned in the years after 2021. We will definitely not forget all the people involved and all our fans and plan to organise alternative activities.

Will there be alternative activities?

Yes, definitely. We will not sit on our hands this year. We plan to keep the event alive by maintaining contact with all people involved and all the fans of Jumping Amsterdam throughout the year. That is why we will organise alternative activities. We are currently in the process of elaborating various options and hope to issue more information about this soon.

When do the ticket sales for the 2022 edition start?

The ticket sales for Jumping Amsterdam 2022 will start on 1 October 2021.