The UK equestrian sponsorship round-up

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.”