- Dressage riders Maria and Michael Eilberg have secured sponsorship from Equissage – makers of horse massage products.The company’s new Equissage Red system delivers powerful cycloidal (three-way) vibrations to the whole body, which have been scientifically proven to improve local blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, relaxation and joint mobility.Maria said: “We have been using Equissage on the horses for years, it is an invaluable part of their daily routine, helping to keep them loose, supple and relaxed.”
- Two riders – Emma Louise Coverdale and Stacey Nicholls – have been added to bedding manufacturer Equibright’s supported rider scheme following a national search.The scheme was been introduced to support and promote the hard work and dedication of riders in all disciplines at all levels.Twenty-three-year-old Emma works as a support worker to enable her to compete her home produced 6-year-old gelding Harleyquinn XI at Grassroots level in British Eventing.And Stacey Nichols, aged 22, runs a showjumping yard in Cambridgeshire, with seven horses competing from novice to 1.40m.
- Jockey Barry Geraghty has agreed an exclusive deal to represent At The Races as a brand ambassador in the UK and Ireland.Geraghty will carry the At The Races brand with immediate effect for all rides in Ireland and from October 2012 for all rides in the UK when his deal with current sponsor Novae expires.
- HorseWorld resident Shetland pony Nazia now has her own sponsorship deal.Footwear store Brantano is sponsoring the 11hh pony at the Bristol charity, because she wears unusual padded boots on her front feet.Staff at Brantano have agreed to raise funds for her boots, which need to be replaced every six to nine months, and cost around £120 a pair.HorseWorld groom Lin Horwood explained: “Nazia’s tender front hooves make movement quite painful. She first had some unusual and special boots fitted three years ago to protect her feet and stop them becoming so sore when she walks.”
- Topspec is again supporting the Supreme Ridden Championship at the Great Yorkshire Show (10-12 July).The overall champion in the TopSpec Supreme Ridden Championship will take home a £1,500 prize and the reserve will receive £250.
- Addington Manor Equestrian Centre will sponsor the inaugural talent seekers championship, incorporating the national seven-year-old horse championship at Horse of the Year Show.Around 300 horses are expected to contest the seven qualifiers, which will be held at venues around the country over the summer.Open to horses registered in grades B and C and all seven-year-old horses, the top four placed horses will gain access to the final.One of these horses must be a seven-year-old and qualification will pass down the line to the highest-placed horse of this age if one is not placed in the top four of any qualifier.
The highest placed seven-year-old will also become the new national seven-year-old champion, for which there is a bonus prize of £1,000.
- Baileys Horse Feeds is now sponsoring eventing legend, Mary King.Mary was introduced to Baileys feeds towards the end of last season and is seeing an improvement in horses’ muscle-tone and top line this spring.”I like to keep things simple,” she said, “but Baileys have helped show how we can make sure none of the horses miss out on essential nutrients, even if we have to play about with calorie intake.”
- Investec has agreed to sponsor the Derby Festival at Epsom Downs racecourse until 2021.The extension, agreed in the fourth year of the original five year contract, will see the Investec Derby reinstated as the richest race in the UK offering a prize fund of £1,325,000 in 2012.This year’s Investec Derby Festival takes place from 1-2 June.
- Rebecca Hughes is now sponsored by the Hot Horse Shower brand.Rebecca is a professional rider and trainer, co-owner of Classic Dressage in Chesham, Buckinghamshire and wife of international Grand Prix rider Gareth Hughes.Diane Kilshaw, director of Hot Horse Products Ltd, said “We’re very proud to be associated with Rebecca Hughes and the wonderful horses at Classic Dressage.”I know how important the health, well being and comfort of Rebecca’s horses are for her.”
Rebecca said: “I’m very excited about having instant hot water to shower the horses. Our wash bay has no electricity so previous water heaters were out of the question.
“But as the Hot Horse Shower Mobile runs off propane gas it’s perfect for us and it gives a powerful flow of hot water. The horses love it!”
- Griffin NuuMed will embark on its fifth year of sponsorship at Pontispool Horse Trials which runs from 25-27 May.The Somerset-based company has been the headline sponsor since 2008.Griffin NuuMed, which manufactures all its products at its Somerset factory near Street, has been the official supplier of saddlepads for the British eventing, show jumping, dressage and paradressage teams for three years.
- Cambridgeshire based equine supplement company Maxavita will be the title sponsor of Little Downham Horse Trials for 2012.The three-day event takes place twice a year, 18-20 May and 29 September-1 October, at Ely Eventing Centre.Maxavita representatives will be present at both events to offer advice and answer questions on their product range.
- Veterinary Thermal Imaging (VTI) is delighted to announce its sponsorship of Equine Management and Training (EMT).VTI first started working with Fred and Rowena Cook at EMT two years ago, and they have regularly worked together since.”When Rowena made contact, her thoughts on ex-racehorses really struck a chord with me, as my first horse was an ex-racehorse” says Helen Morrell of VTI.”Our relationship has developed from these early days, with Equine Management and Training providing a training base for VTI’s thermographers.”
- Online supplement retailer www.esup.co.uk will sponsor the showjumping Derby on 19th August at Quendon Hall Stables, in conjunction with the hugely popular Braintree Riding Club.The event will follow a Hickstead style format, with ditches, show jumps and a Derby bank.Classes start from 2ft and the event will be open to members and non-members.
- British Horse Feeds is delighted to announce sponsorship of ten lucky entrants in the company’s search for Speedi-Beet team members.The competition was open to all, regardless of level, ability or discipline.Liz Hesketh of British Horse Feeds said: “We have truly enjoyed reading every single entry in this competition; it has been inspiring to hear from so many dedicated and determined riders and owners.”The Speedi-Beet Team members are Charlotte Bird and Woody, Paige Staff and Magic, Mel Davison and CS Khan, Sarah Barnes and Costa, Jennie Daniels and Lady Jane, Lucy Barclay and Golly, Vicki Casey and Mr Chips, Ellie Rowlands and Silver, Eleanor Rycroft and Tyler and Kirsty Loveday and Owen.
Find out more about the team at www.britishhorsefeeds.com and the British Horse Feeds Facebook page.
- Pommery Champagne will sponsor the historic Archie David Cup at Guards Polo Club.This leading eight-goal competition has been played at the Club for more than 50 years.Sarah Hicks, of Pommery, said: “Pommery is proud of its long association with Guards Polo Club, but has been looking for a more sporting role within the club.”The opportunity to sponsor such a strong tournament not only enhances our relationship with Guards Polo Club, but also highlights Pommery’s continued commitment to polo in the UK.”
The Pommery Archie David Cup attracts more than 30 teams each year and so qualifiers will also be held at Coworth Park and Cowdray Park.
The leading eight teams will then play their remaining games at Guards, culminating in a magnificent final on Sunday 1 July.
Sponsorship news in the UK horse industry
