UK equestrian sponsorship round-up

Piggy French has been named as the latest member of team Animalife.

“I am very pleased,” Piggy said. “I really believe that by providing the correct support through targeted supplements my horses can perform to their optimum. I have used products from the range, including Vetrofen, for some time and see a noticeable difference in performance levels.”

KBIS British Equestrian Insurance will continue its long-standing support of eventing in 2015. The company will support the British Eventing (BE) Young Horse Championships, the regional U18 team championship and BE’s regional training and education programme.

KBIS managing director Guy Prest said: “We are pleased to continue our association with these two significant championship series within the sport. Additionally BE’s training and education programme provides fantastic opportunities, not just for our U18 riders, but those of all levels and abilities and is going from strength-to-strength.”

The organisers of Weston Park have revealed that that ArcEquine – Tissue Repair System is a new sponsor of one of the horse trial’s advanced sections.

Weston Park’s Janet Plant said: “I have been fortunate enough to work with Ian Thirkell from ArcEquine in the past and know the tremendous work that his company is doing both in human and equine treatment”.

Blair Castle has welcomed Pol Roger as its official champagne partner for the FEI European eventing championships 2015 (10-13 September).

“It is very exciting to be working with such a well-known brand, whose credentials are impeccable,” said Alec Lochore, Blair Castle event director. “This association fits perfectly with Blair Castle and brings a new dimension to the sponsorship portfolio.”

British Riding Club Area 22 has announced that Saddle Up International will be the title sponsor of the newly formed Area 22 Scottish Riding Club Championship (3-4 October).

Walking stick specialists Classic Canes has appointed Natasha Baker, double paralympic gold medal winner, as a brand ambassador.

Natasha suffers from transverse myelitis, a condition that has left her with permanent nerve damage and severe weakness in her legs since contracting a virus at 14 months old.

Natasha said: “I love using my sticks from Classic Canes. I can always find one to match whatever I am wearing and they give me the support I need too.”

Talolo Boots has named Bonnie Fishburn as its first sponsored rider.

“I’m delighted to have been approached by Talolo,” said Bonnie. “It’s exciting to be working with a company that produces such fun products which are so unique and great to wear at the same time.”

Italian saddlery brand Equipe has pledged its support to Laura Collett.

“I’m a huge fan of the Equipe saddles as they’re so comfortable to ride in and also look the part,” Laura said. “I’ve noticed not only a difference in my horses’ performance but my riding stance too. I’m enjoying working with Equipe.”

Equine surface manufacturer, Equestrian Direct, will be the title sponsor of the eventer challenge series at Aston-Le-Walls.

The series, where combinations take on a 21 obstacle course in the outdoor all-weather arena, has already proven to be popular with further dates being added to accommodate the huge number of entries.

Jocelyn Riley of Equestrian Direct Surfaces said: “Aston-Le-Walls is a fantastic venue with event riders from all over the region making the trip to use the fantastic facilities.

“The eventer challenge is already proving very popular and we are delighted to be sponsoring the competition.”