Air jackets now dominate the eventing market and to keep up with the demand Rodney Powell has added a design to its range.

The new jacket uses Point Two’s technology and has an inflation rate of around 1/10th of a second.

The vest has been made to complement Rodney Powell’s BETA Level 3 body protectors.

“We introduced the air vest as we realise that our customers often want the added assurance of an air jacket,” said a spokesman from the company.

The airbag component has a lifetime warranty, provided that it is registered and receives an annual service with a nominated specialist.

The jacket comes in black, sizes S-XL and costs £398.

Amlin Plus is the new sponsor of Andrea Atzeni. The equine insurance company has signed a 1-year sponsorship deal with the Italian jockey.

“Andrea is a very talented young jockey whose career has really taken off over the last 12 months and we are delighted to be adding him to the high profile portfolio of jockeys we sponsor,” said David Ashby, managing director of Amlin Plus. “We wish him the very best of luck for the coming flat season and look forward to working with him.”

Moët & Chandon has become the title sponsor of the July Festival at Newmarket.

“We are thrilled to welcome Moët & Chandon as the new title sponsor for our wonderful July Festival,” said Amy Starkey, regional director of Jockey Club Racecourses. “Their involvement will enhance the attraction of the highlight of the year on the July course at Newmarket Racecourses — and we are delighted with the close historical link between the maison and The Jockey Club. We are looking forward immensely to working with one of the top brands in the world to develop further our fantastic summer festival of horse racing.”

Pharmaceutical company Vétoquinol has a new 3-year partnership with William Fox-Pitt.

“The well-being of my horses is my first priority. With the constant need for better performance combined with the strict regulations of the international authorities, riders really need to find the top products, both in terms of quality ingredients and high manufacturing standards,” said William. “The EQUISTRO® range offers specific individualised and trusted solutions for sport and competitive horses which meets both of these requirements. I want my horses to be at the top of their game for the coming World Equestrian Games, the Olympics Games and all of the big competitions: working with EQUISTRO® to help to improve my training program is definitely a great step forward!”

Equine insurance company, Amlin Plus has put up a £7,000 prize money pool for the CIC2* class at Brightling Park Horse Trials.

“It is brilliant news that Amlin Plus has got involved in the sport to put up decent money for the CIC2* class,” said eventer Mark Todd. “It is hard to get sponsorship at the moment so great effort from Brightling Park to secure this support and I am sure riders will support the class.”

Celebrity make-up and hair stylist, Michael Ashton has secured sponsorship from Gatehouse, Rodney Powell and the Mark Todd Collection. The funding is to support his bid to qualify for British Eventing’s Grassroots Championships 2015.

“Michael spent his entire childhood on and around horses, rising up through the New Zealand Pony Club ranks and achieving great success on a string of horses,” said a spokesman from the company. “Aged 17, he finished third in the National Pony Club Eventing Championships before deciding to concentrate on his career in make-up and hair styling. Riding and horses remained a key interest and in 2012, Michael’s competitive spirit was re-ignited after spending time at Bedgebury Park in Kent. Now well established in his professional career, he decided it was time for another personal challenge and set his sights on BE’s Grassroots.”

Craig’s Motorcycles is sponsoring 17-year old carriage driver Tara Wilkinson.

“I am aiming to go to Poland this August to represent Team GB juniors,” said Tara. “I am the first carriage driver to be sponsored by a motor bike shop.”

Fenwick Equestrian is the first official sponsor of Team British Racing.

“Fenwick Equestrian is proud to be associated with Team British Racing and through the use of our high performance rugs, Fenwick will help maintain the wellbeing of its competitors around the world in all climates,” said Willhelmina McEwan from Fenwick Equestrian.

Event rider Bonnie Fishburn is being sponsored by Mirrors for Training.

“I feel incredibly lucky to have won the event rider sponsorship package from Mirrors for Training,” said Bonnie. “I had a school built in July 2013. Before that I had always trained my horses on grass, so to then go on and win some amazing mirrors was a dream come true! The majority of the time I ride alone at home and don’t have a great deal of help on the floor, so to be able to watch myself ride is so beneficial. I can look out for straightness, square halts, sitting up tall — the list just goes on.”

TopSpec is sponsoring this year’s Young Rider Dressage Championships at the Sheepgate under-25 Championships.

“TopSpec is proud to be supporting the Young Rider Championship. We have a growing loyal customer base with dressage clients and this is a great way to support young riders in the dressage world,” said Katy Mickle from TopSpec. “It is lovely to put some support back into the sport and we are looking forward to meeting existing and new clients at the championships.”

Leslie Sutcliffe has extended its sponsorship of dressage rider Daniel Watson.

“I am thrilled to receive the sponsorship of Farnam products, they will help keep my horses in top condition during the show season,” said Daniel.

Askham Bryan is sponsoring the British Eventing Young Rider Team and Programme. The agricultural college will support qualifying competitions and will also be the title sponsor of the 2014 National Under 21 Championships.

“I am delighted to welcome Askham Bryan to Houghton International as title sponsor of the 2014 U21 Championships,” said event organiser Alex Lochore. “For a college to sponsor the Young Riders Team and Programme is a perfect fit, and I hope that both the college and its students benefit from, and enjoy, the experience.”

Petplan Equine is the official sponsor of ring 2 at Hickstead this year.

“We know that horse owners are always seeking the latest information on how best to care for their horses and that the condition for which we receive the most claims, lameness, is of particular interest,” said Charlotte Collyer, senior marketing executive at Petplan Equine. “We are therefore extremely excited about being involved with Hickstead to share this knowledge with the venue’s large horse-owning audiences.”

A new body protector has been added to the Rodney Powell range.

The Superflex Contour is wipe clean, has a front zip fastening and can be adjusted at the shoulder and waist.

“The Superflex Contour offers superior levels of flexibility and perfect contouring of the torso, allowing body heat to quickly penetrate the foam panels for maximum comfort, which is further enhanced by the absorbent lining and breathable properties,” said a spokesman for the company.

The body protector is approved to BETA 2009 Level 3 and EN13158 and costs £108.99 for child sizes or £129.99 for adults.

For more information visit www.wefi.co.uk.

Suregrow Fertiliser has announced its sponsorship of Olympic silver medallist Nicola Wilson.

Nicola said: “I am looking forward to using Suregrow Fertiliser as it will help to ensure our grass is very nutritious and in the best possible condition. The quality of our grazing is important to me as the horses definitely look forward to their time in the paddock each day”.

 Charles Owen & Co will return as sponsor of the learning centre at the the horse demonstration arena and seminar arena at BETA International, next February.

Roy Burek from Charles Owen said: “We are delighted to sponsor the learning centre, which offers a unique opportunity to learn more about new and existing products so that you can increase your sales.”

2013 Badminton winner Jock Paget is the latest addition to the “Supreme Team”.

“We love Supreme Products and have used them for turn out for many seasons,” said Jock who won the British Open on Clifton Lush at Gatcombe earlier this month. “I was very keen to work with them as their products are fantastic and produce amazing results in terms of our horses presentation.”

Alzheimer’s Research UK has announced a sponsorship deal to name a horse race after the charity. The Alzheimer’s Research UK Handicap Stakes will be staged annually at Newmarket’s July Course until 2015.

The 3-year deal has been financed by Newmarket businessman and charity supporter Simon Gibson.

Mother and daughter duo Mary and Emily King have added Rodney Powell body protectors to their list of sponsors. The pair have been kitted out with new Elite X2ESP body protectors customised in their respective team colours.

“Body armour is obviously important in such a high-risk sport,” said Mary. “But it’s also important to be comfortable as you don’t want to be distracted when you’re riding. Once on, you forget that you’re wearing it which leaves us free to get on and focus on the job in hand.”

Equi-Scuto, UK manufacturer of fully water resistant leather boots, has announced its sponsorship of event rider Hazel Towers.

British Horse Feeds has announced that endurance rider Lauren Mills is the latest addition to its Speedi-Beet Team.

Tina Cook is in Ireland this weekend, trying to secure an Olympic qualification for her 2009 European champion Miners Frolic.

Miners Frolic, who collected team and individual bronze medals at the last Olympics in Hong Kong in 2008, did not secure his qualification for London last year because of illness.

The son of Miners Lamp was withdrawn from Badminton last year due to a swelling which came up on his withers on the morning he should have done his dressage test.

In June, he then developed enterocolitis and associated endotoxaemia, a disturbance of the digestive system – possibly as a reaction to the long-term antibiotics used to treat the swelling – and ended up fighting for his life in Arundel Equine Hospital.

To be considered for Olympic selection, Tina needs to record either a CCI*** or CCI**** qualifying result before 17 June, but she has decided to try to get this in the bag as early as possible, hence the trip to Ballindenisk.

Four other British combinations compete in the CCI*** at this week’s Goresbridge Go For Gold International Horse Trials: Oliver Townend on Arctic Mouse, Rodney Powell on Zinzan II and Ian Stark on Looks Similar. Performance manager Yogi Breisner flew to Ireland yesterday, too.

Unsurprisingly, most of the rest of the competitors in both the CCI*** and CIC*** are Irish – the event was put on by organisers the Fell family specifically to help Irish riders top up their points and rise up the FEI Olympic Riders Ranking before the cut-off date.

Watch CIC*** video course walk

On 1 March, the FEI (horsesport’s international governing body) will announce which nations have secured the final qualifying spots for the Olympics.

Nations can secure up to five spaces for individuals by virtue of their riders being high up the rankings – riders secure a spot for their nation, not themselves – and any nation with three to five spaces can field a team at the London Olympics.

Ireland and Australia are the leading eventing nations hoping to qualify teams by this method, but there are challenges from elsewhere too.

For example, many Italian riders are competing in the CCI*** at Montelibretti in Italy this weekend. At present, Karin Donckers (from already-qualified Belgium) leads, with the home side’s Stefano Brecciaroli and Susanna Bordone in second and third.

Britain has a team qualification as host nation. Apart from Miners Frolic, the other leading contestant for selection who is still unqualified is Pippa Funnell’s ride Redesigned. Pippa felt the chestnut was unlikely to give his best so early in the season at Ballindenisk, so will aim to qualify at Badminton or Saumur.

Redesigned was withdrawn from Badminton lame last year and was found to have tweaked a small ligament in his foot. He had two to three weeks off and has been in work ever since, but Pippa decided to give him as much time as possible to recover so did not push him to compete in the autumn last year.

Full entries for Ballindenisk

Nations with an eventing team qualification for the 2012 Olympics and where they qualified (before announcement of composite teams on 1 March 2012):

• Britain (host)
• Canada (World Equestrian Games 2010)
• New Zealand (World Equestrian Games 2010)
• USA (World Equestrian Games 2010)
• Germany (World Equestrian Games 2010)
• Belgium (World Equestrian Games 2010)
• France (European Championships 2011)
• Sweden (European Championships 2011)
• Brazil (Pan American Championship 2011)
• Argentina (Pan American Championship 2011)
• Japan (Asia Pacific Championship 2011)

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Georgie Spence’s ride Birthday Night and Rodney Powell’s ride Zinzan II were both eliminated at the first horse inspection at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials this afternoon.

Both horses were sent to the holding box and ruled out when they were re-presented.

Georgie (pictured) — the youngest rider at this year’s Burghley at 20 years old — still has Running Brook II in the competition.

Two other horses, Gros Bonnet (ridden by France’s Sidney Dufresne) and Manny (ridden by Canada’s Diana Burnett), went to the holding box, but passed on re-inspection.

Eighty-two horses were presented to the ground jury of David Lee, Roeli Bril and Sue Baxter, so 80 will start the competition tomorrow.

The dressage guinea pig is Sharon Hunt on Tankers Town, who has been withdrawn from the competition because the horse missed some work after suffering a boot rub.

The weather during the trot-up was quite blustery, but the rain held off. It is raining again now (5.45pm) though, following some showers earlier in the day.

Dressage times

Cross-country course pictures

Follow the competition live with H&H online’s up-to-the-minute written commentary, starting tomorrow morning at approximately 9am. Visit www.horseandhound.co.uk/burghleylive to set an email reminder and join in.

Keep up with all H&H’s online Burghley coverage at www.horseandhound.co.uk/burghley2009 and don’t forget to buy H&H next week (10 September) for our 10-page Burghley special report.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Rodney Powell carried off the €12,500 first prize at Boekelo CCI*** in Holland (11-14 October) on Zinzan II. The combination added just one time-penalty to their dressage score to finish on a mark of 41.4.

German rider Frank Ostholt jumped a super clear round on the final day to take second place with Mr Medicott on 44.1.

Tina Cook finished third on Miners Frolic. Just one rail down in the final phase moved Tina up a place from fourth after cross-country.

Germany’s Kai Rüder finished fourth with the 10-year-old Selle Francais Jeans. And Oliver Townend had victory within his grasp, lying second to Rodney overnight, but two rails down dropped Jackson D’Allez to fifth.

Sweden’s Linda Algotsson dropped from third to sixth with two fences down on her 17-year-old old Stand By Me, and New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson finished seventh with Silbury Hill.

Zara Phillips was eighth with the New Zealand-bred Glenbuck, who used to be competed by Sherelle Duke.

There was sad news when Oliver Smith’s Monarch’s Aristocrat, ridden by William Fox-Pitt, shattered his pastern irreparably while galloping in the woods between fences 21 and 22.

Read H&H’s full report from Boekelo, including fantastic photographs, in tomorrow’s magazine (18 October, ’07)

• For details of how to join the Event Horse Owners Association visit: www.ehoa.orgThe EHOA will be holding it’s annual dinner and awards night at the Inner Temple central London on Thursday 1 November. The guest speaker this year is Richard Waygood. For tickets contact Monika Hunt (tel: 07802 498786) or email: monika@monikahunt.co.uk

Download your free 12-page sample of Eventing magazine (September issue)

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Date of birth: 31/03/1963

Championship experience

Rodney was on the gold medal-winning team at the 1989 Burghley European Championships with The Irishman II, who went on to win Badminton in 1991. The pair were also in the silver medal-winning team at the Stockholm World Equestrian Games in 1990.

In 1999 Rodney was an individual at the Luhmühlen Europeans but he and Flintstone had a fall when lying in the silver medal position. His bad luck continued at the 2000 Olympics, where he broke his ankle while riding back to the stables out in Sydney, and so missed the competition.

Recent form

The horse who has put Rodney back in with a shout of championship success is the part Welsh Cob Langarth Darcy. Rodney took on the ride at the end of last year and has had a run of great results this year, finishing second in the advanced at Belton, the World Cup qualifier at Burnham Market, at Saumur and finally, in the CIC*** at Barbury Castle.

This consistency landed them the first reserve slot for this year’s European Championships at Pratoni del Vivaro (13-16 September). The pair were called up in the middle of August when Sharon Hunt’s Tankers Town had to be withdrawn from the squad.

Rodney and Langarth Darcy were third in the advanced intermediate at Highclere shortly before leaving for Pratoni, adding just 1.6 time-penalties to their dressage score of 28.8.

European Championship performance 2007

Langarth Darcy showed his inexperience in the dressage at Pratoni, but still scored 45.5 for 19th at this stage. But Rodney’s dreams fell apart when Langarth Darcy ran out at an arrowhead out of the third water, and then had two more stops. He finished 40th after two show jumps down.

Background

Rodney is an experienced competitor who has been at the top of the sport for more than two decades. Along with his head girl Alex Franklin, he is a popular trainer — his former pupils include Irish team rider Sasha Stewart (née Harrison) — and is based in Wiltshire.

Click here to see pictures of Rodney Powell

Frenchman Nicolas Touzaint lead from start to finish at Saumur International Horse Trials on the Anglo Arab Tatchou. But the Brits proved a match for the home team, fielding half the top-10 finishers.

Rodney Powell and Langarth Darcy emerged as the greatest threat to the Frenchman in the final phase with a snappy double clear to finish runner-up.

Two Frenchmen, Cdric Lyard and Eric Vigeanel, finished third and fourth, ahead of Brits Lucy Wiegersma (Shaabrak, fifth and Zebedee, ninth), Emily Baldwin (Drivetime, sixth) and Francis Whittington (Sir Percival III, seventh).

Zara Phillips was well placed after dressage with Red Baron but suffered two refusals at La Banquette (23) and La Table (25) to eventually finished 30th.

Pierre-Marie Dubois headed the CIC** on Jachou Bel. The French took the top seven places, with the best of the four Brits, Louisa Lockwood, securing 10th with a double clear.

The other Brits Joanna Killin, Nick Turner and Robert Stevens all performed with credit without being placed, each with a clear cross-country and one rail down.

Read this report in full in this Thursday’s Horse & Hound (31 May, ’07)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now