One of the most hectic periods I have ever experienced professionally is coming to an end. In three weeks we have completed two major horse fairs, Eurohorse in Gothenburg and Hest & Rytter in Herning.
Packing, driving, unpacking, mounting, socializing, eating, sleeping, dismounting, packing, driving and then repacking to do it all again. Absolutely crazy and fantastic fun.
Eurohorse and Gothenburg Horse Show are and have always been a highlight for me. I started going here when I was young and sat longingly in the stands. Sometimes, to my sadness, I was only there for one day, but sometimes I was completely happy and I was able to spend an entire weekend in this paradise.
This year I was there for the first time with my own brand. Imagine coming here again, over 40 years later, and still feeling that excitement in the air. Admittedly a different kind of excitement but still the same happy anticipation, and what days it was. I don't think I've ever talked to so many people, laughed so much and felt such immense gratitude for everything I get to experience and do. All the fantastic people who came to our booth give me energy and inspiration both professionally and privately.
As a bonus, I also got to talk about really old horse memories. Popcorn and Magaluf, from the seventies Jutagården, reappeared after all these years.
In Herning it was a premiere. I have never been here before which made it all a little extra exciting.
The day before the fair opening was very calm, our Danish colleagues showed no stress but were well organised and accommodating.
The first day of the fair, Thursday, was also very calm. Quite a lot of people but no stress. In Herning there are three active arenas and a number of exhibition halls and we experienced that the audience wandered between these in a steady flow and without rush.
Then came Friday and Saturday and these days can really be compared to a ketchup bottle that loses its lid and spills out onto a plate. What commerce and what a pace.
We were completely exhausted, not only from the constant flow of people but also from worrying about the Danish numbers. Despite all our valiant attempts, we could not learn sizes, thicknesses and prices in Danish. When I thought I had finally learned something, it was blown away. In the end, with the help of English and sign language, we were able to solve most of it.
Herning was an experience that left you wanting more. Both in terms of sales but also as an experience. There was a friendly feeling where you could choose between everything from young horses, Grand Prix, stallion shows, shopping lectures and miniature horses according to your wishes and needs. You could easily go out and take a break in the spring sun and then go into one of the many exhibition halls that really had everything in the way of horses and more.
In Herning there was something for everyone and we will definitely go back here next year.
