The UK equestrian sponsorship round-up
British Showjumping (BS) has announced that South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB) is the new title sponsor of its Winter Novice Championship.
Nicolina MacKenzie from SEIB, said: “SEIB is delighted to be involved with the Winter Novice Championships as it has given us an opportunity to continue to support grass roots riders alongside forging a new and enhanced relationship with BS.”
BS has also confirmed that Fairfax Saddles will be extending its sponsorship of the British Showjumping Winter JA Classic Championship for 2014.
QIPCO Holding has entered into a 5-year partnership with Ascot racecourse including sponsorship of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
As an official partner of Ascot, QIPCO Holding will also have annual branding rights across the site — including at the Royal Meeting.
Sheikh Fahad bin Abdullah Al Thani, director of QIPCO Holding, said:
“My brothers and I are delighted to extend our relationship with Ascot through QIPCO’s sponsorship of the King George. The race is the defining mid-summer middle distance contest in Europe and, in recent years, it has become a truly international event.”
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Bit specialist Neue Schule will be the main sponsor at BETA International 2015.
“Our decision to return as main sponsor — even before the 2014 show has arrived — highlights just how delighted we are with the entire experience,” said Neue Schule chief executive officer Sarfraz Mian.
“BETA International continues to be a vitally important date on the UK equestrian trade’s calendar.”
Irish event rider Elizabeth Hayden has 4 new sponsors. Ryanair has confirmed a 3-year deal and Panda Waste Management, Zara’s Planet Riding Holidays and Cooney Carey Accountants have all signed up for an initial 1 year term.
Elizabeth said: “It’s been a lot of pitching and donning suits to get there which is not my favourite thing to do but I’m really excited to have such good sponsors in place who all are clear on the ups and downs of horse sport”.
H&H bloggerSophie Wellshas joined clothing company Toggi as a brand ambassador.
“I am absolutely thrilled to become a Toggi sponsored rider. I have grown up wearing this iconic British brand and more recently enjoyed wearing the Team GBR clothing, which is also made by Toggi. The clothing is perfect for riding and competing — it’s hardwearing, stylish and fits brilliantly, I love it!”
The Badminton Dressage Championships (July 15-16) has 2 new sponsors for its 25th anniversary.
Albion has agreed to sponsor the Young Dressage Horse of the Future Championship for the next 3 years. Albion will be providing a generous £3,500 to the champion and prizes down to 10th place.
Wadswick Country Store will be sponsoring the 3 amateur Grass Roots, Middle of the Road and High Performance series and Championships.
British Eventing (BE) has announced 2 sponsorship partnerships. The National Saddle Centre is the new title sponsor of the BE100 U18 regional series and BE100 U18 National Championship held at Weston Park Festival of Youth (9-12 October)
BE has also confirmed that the British junior team programme will continue to be supported by Hows Racesafe in 2014.
East Midlands estate agent Alexanders is sponsoring Leicestershire’s Quorn Hunt Ball this year. It will be donating a number of valuable items and prizes to its grand and silent auction — including a “free’” house sale potentially saving an owner up to £15,000.
James Kirk, managing director of Alexanders, said: “This is a huge and very well renowned social event taking place within an area we operate in. We are excited to support it by donating some fantastic prizes to the auction.”
Burns Pet Nutrition will be the new title sponsor of the Welsh Champion Hurdle on 1 February.
Tim Long, general manager and clerk of the course at Ffos Las, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Burns Pet Nutrition, not only a fantastic Welsh business that is renowned in its field but one that is located just down the road from the racecourse, is to sponsor our most high profile race from this year.”
British Horse Feeds has announced its sponsorshipof the Coloured Horse & Pony Society (CHAPS) Midlands Regional Show 2014 (5 July).
Will I’Anson of British Horse Feeds said: “We are delighted to be supporting the show and look forward to providing Speedi-Beet as prizes for 6 of the classes.”
Insurance brokers JLT has extended its sponsorship of Newbury’s Group 1 Flat season highlight, the Lockinge Stakes, for another 3 years.
Newbury’s chief executive Julian Thick said: “We’re thrilled that JLT has extended its sponsorship for one of the best Group 1 contests in the Flat calendar.
“The roll of honour in recent years has been wonderful and we would like to thank JLT for their continued support,”
Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.