However many are hoping they will be able to turn their attention to rural shows as the pandemic eases over spring.
The Royal Melbourne Show was scheduled to be held over 11 days from September 23 to October 3.
Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria president Matt Coleman said the RASV board was disappointed to make the decision to cancel the 2021 Royal Melbourne Show, but felt it important for all those planning to be involved in the event — including exhibitors, competitors, judges, stewards, sponsors and volunteers — to have certainty so they could make informed decisions in relation to their own arrangements.
The Royal Melbourne Show attracts 450,000 visitors over 11 days each year and contributes more than $244 million to Victoria’s economy annually.
Planning is continuing for regional shows at Shepparton (October 8 and 9), Seymour (October 1 and 2), Yarrawonga (October 1 and 2), Nathalia (October 2) and Numurkah (October 20).
The show societies have been busy preparing COVID-safe plans and looking at how to meet distancing regulations.
Maisy Saunders from Benalla is only six years old but was looking forward to riding her pony at Royal Melbourne Show in the mini-turn outs and her riding class.
Her mum Genevieve said since April they had been planning to take three ponies, and had forwarded their nominations in early June.
She was feeling let down by the news but understood the situation.
Maisy competed in the last Melbourne show in 2019 at only four years of age.
“It's difficult because at that age, they do move up through the age classes fairly quickly, so you only get a couple of years to have a go,” Ms Saunders said, who also started riding when she was four.
Clydesdale exhibitor Andrew Marriott, from Benalla, was disappointed when he heard the news about the show, but relieved that it was not left until the last minute, sparing him and his family and helpers a huge job.
The Marriotts were planning to take 10 horses to the show this year in what would have been the 75th year the family had shown Clydesdales.
“We were taking four horse teams down and about half-a-dozen led stallions, mares and fillies as well,” Mr Marriott said.
“In lots of ways we were partly glad they called it when they did, because it's a lot of work. We were just about to ramp up preparations.”
The Marriotts run a beef farm with the Clydesdales as a side-line, but they have been consistent exhibitors at Royal Melbourne and at other equestrian events.
Andrew's great-grandfather started the hobby and there are now new generations taking up the passion.
Without the Royal Melbourne Show they are likely to look to other shows in the region this spring.
Two British bulldogs called Dimples and Crumpet will be sitting out this year's Melbourne show.
They belong to Dhurringile registered breeder Julia Powell, who got the news about the cancellation last week.
At seven months of age, the two bulldogs are just growing out of puppy-hood and would have been in their first show.
“They are very cute,” Ms Powell remarked.
“It's disappointing for a number of reasons; for example, I was planning to meet up with two other breeders. One lady was planning to come down from Queensland to meet at the show.”
33°C