The UK equestrian sponsorship round-up

Equestrian magazine EQ Life is the new title sponsor of Burnham Market International and Houghton International Horse Trials this year.

“We have worked closely with EQ Life’s publishers in the past so are looking forward to furthering our working relationship through a closer association,” said Alec Lohore from Musketeer Event Management who organise the horse trials.

Land Rover has extended its sponsorship of Burghley Horse Trials until the end of 2017.

“We are very pleased to be continuing our long standing partnership with Burghley Horse Trials,” said Jeremy Hicks, managing director at Jaguar Land Rover UK. “Our commitment to equestrian sport is well established and will certainly continue into the future as Land Rover enhances its range of family suited vehicles, bringing versatility and capability to customers and competitors alike.”

HorseHage is to sponsor the British Riding Clubs’ (BRC) Volunteers Club. The BRC represents more than 33,000 horse owners in hundreds of clubs and centres affiliated to the British Horse Society (BHS).

“We are very happy to be able to sponsor the BRC Volunteers Club,” said Chris Tar from HorseHage. “Many top riders will have started out as members of their local riding club and so it is important that we can encourage volunteers to help out at the many shows and events that take part throughout the year to enable grass roots riders and owners, young and old, to further their knowledge and take part in competitions.”

JCB will continue sponsoring the Triumph Hurdle race at The Cheltenham Festival for another 6 years.

“To have JCB extend its contract of the sponsorship of the Triumph Hurdle for a further 6 years is great news,” said Ian Renton, regional director of the Jockey Club Racecourses in the South West. “JCB is one of the most recognisable brands in its industry worldwide and the partnership with an event like The Festival is a great brand fit for both Cheltenham Racecourse and JCB.”

Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary in Oxfordshire has secured sponsorship from HorseHage. The feed manufacturer will provide Mollichaff Donkey for the 120 donkeys in the sanctuary’s care.

“Many people don’t realise the commitment required when they take on a donkey. They can live for around 50 years which is a commitment in itself, but they are also very different to horses and ponies, and require a different type of diet and management,” said John McLaren who set up Island Farm. “We are thrilled to receive this support from Mollichaff Donkey as the financial commitment for caring for these donkeys is huge and we also have 6 paid staff working here alongside our valued volunteers.”

Ascott-under-Wychwood horse trials (May 31 – June) has announced increased prize-money thanks to its sponsors this year. Cross Roads Garage, NFU Witney and Savills will supply the winners of each BE90 and BE100 with a cheque for £100 on top of the usual prize money. Devoucoux will also give £100 voucher and a numnah to the best dressage score in each BE100 section and a numnah to the best dressage score in each section of the BE90.

“It is so important to support the riders and owners, and we have worked really hard to get extra sponsorship in the form of this fabulously enhanced prize package — we are extremely grateful to our wonderful sponsors for their on-going support,” said event organiser Chris Badger.