Sponsorship news in the UK and Irish horse industries

• The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) will continue its sponsorship of The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in 2013 (2-4 August).“We really enjoy working with the team at The Festival and achieve a great deal from it,” said Claire Williams, executive director and secretary of BETA.It will be the eighth year that BETA has supported The Festival, despite it being lost to the bad weather in July this year.
• Young eventer Emily King, daughter of Olympic silver medalist Mary, is now sponsored by equestrian clothing and footwear brand Ariat.Emily, 16, recently left school, to focus on her riding.She joins Ariat’s team of sponsored event riders, including William Fox-Pitt, Iris Pemen, Mary King, Nicola Wilson, Vittoria Panizzon, Tina Cook and Laura Collett.

• Showjumper Philip Spivey is to be sponsored by First Thought Equine, manufacturer of WOW Saddles.Philip is working with WOW on an exciting prototype jumping saddle, to offer rider stability and comfort, along with enhanced equine performance.Philip joins a ‘stable’ of successful equestrian competitors sponsored by First Thought Equine, including eventers Francis Whittington, Kitty King and Paul Tapner, and dressage riders Richard Davison and Wayne Channon.
• Pontispool Equine Sports Centre has a new title sponsor, Equestrian Surfaces Ltd, for its affiliated horse trials on September 9 and 10.The Lancashire-based company has a long-standing involvement with Pontispool having surfaced both its outdoor arenas.The company’s Janet Finnegan said: “We are delighted to increase our involvement with Pontispool who have been an absolute pleasure to work with over the years.”
• Channel 4 Racing sponsors, Dubai, have signed a new four-year extension deal until 2016.Channel 4’s sports editor, Jamie Aitchison, said: “I would like to thank Dubai for their continued support and we look forward to continuing our excellent working relationship to deliver the programming that their commitment deserves.”
• QIPCO Holding has signed a contract with Goodwood Racecourse to extend its sponsorship of the QIPCO Sussex Stakes for a further five years.This means that QIPCO Holding will support the QIPCO Sussex Stakes, Goodwood’s top race and the Group One British mile highlight of the summer, until at least 2017.The day is currently worth £3m, already by far the most valuable raceday in this country.
• Whittaker Coachbuilders sponsored the National Senior Riders Championship at the Plevin British Showjumping SCOPE Festival (26 August-1 September).The Whittaker Coachbuilders National Senior Riders Championship is open to riders aged 45 and over, and those outside the top 100 in the rankings list.With a preliminary round on Sunday, August 26, the championship took place on Tuesday, August 28, and was won by Norman Proffitt.
• Likit Products is sponsoring The Pony Club Open Eventing League 2012.The points-based series is designed to give riders increased opportunity to compete at open level and so gain the experience and encouragement to help them go on to compete in The Pony Club’s area competitions and championship.Likit marketing manager, Lindsay Gall said, “We are especially pleased to be working with The Pony Club which gives such a terrific start for the riders of tomorrow.”
• The BETA International organising team will be kitted-out in smart Toggi clothing for the third year running when Finest Brands International returns as official clothing supplier for the 2013 trade fair (17-19 February).“Corporate clothing plays a key role in generating a polished and professional edge to the trade fair,” said Claire Thomas, commercial manager of BETA International organiser Equestrian Management Consultants (EMC).“It is really important that the entire team – those taking their place on the front line and others working behind the scenes – sports a smart, corporate appearance that marks them out clearly to our visitors and exhibitors.
• Supplements company James Hart Solutions is to support two Hartpury Equine Academy scholars – event rider Jess Williams and show jumper Danni Hughes.These two talented, dedicated riders contacted James for support for their steeds and have each landed product sponsorship.Jess is hoping James Hart Solutions will give her horses the competitive edge as they progress from Intermediate to international competition.And Danni is concentrating on producing three youngsters to join her team next year.
• Sandown Park Racecourse has acquired a new sponsor for the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes, on Saturday, 1 September – the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA).TBA chairman Richard Lancaster said: “The TBA is delighted to be able to sponsor the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes for fillies and mares at Sandown Park.“The TBA has focused on working with the BHA to both maintain and increase race opportunities for mares and fillies and this has been successful in creating an enhanced race programme for both Flat and National Hunt bloodstock.”
• Silverfeet Hoof Balm is delighted to announce its sponsorship of a new app from Equinox-Apps, which covers the subject of horse stretching.The app carefully explains and illustrates techniques and exercises that Tim Jarman, an equine and canine back specialist suggests to his clients.This gives horse owners the chance to try these stretches with their horses, building them in to a daily or weekly routine.The app is available from Equinox-Apps and costs £4.99 from the App Store.
• Spillers has donated £12,000 to the Laminitis Trust, to help fund important research on this potentially devastating condition.Spillers agreed to donate 20p to the Laminitis Trust from every bag of Happy Hoof sold, during April and May.
• South West firm of solicitors Pardoes has announced its sponsorship of Team HE Equine, a livery and equine services company based near Bridgwater, Somerset.Pardoes will provide clothing for the team; horse blankets; graphics for two horse lorries; as well as producing sashes and rosettes for equine shows.Pardoes’ managing partner, Kit O’Brien, says, “At Pardoes we strongly believe in supporting the regional community, particularly smaller businesses.“We welcome the opportunity to play a part in local business development and to support up and coming businesses in every way we can.”
• QIPCO Holding, which last week extended its sponsorship of the QIPCO British Champions Series for a further five years, is also to make a significant increase in its support for the future stars of British Flat racing, apprentice jockeys.Three races worth a total of £90,000 – the QIPCO Future Stars Apprentices’ Handicap – will take place on three of the most high profile Saturdays in the Flat racing calendar.Topping the bill will be the final race on Britain’s richest raceday, QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday 20 October.The seven furlong handicap doubles in value to £50,000, with QIPCO also offering a working holiday to the USA for the winning rider.In addition, QIPCO will sponsor the £15,000 apprentices’ race over nine furlongs at Glorious Goodwood this Saturday as well as supporting a brand new £25,000 apprentices’ handicap over five furlongs at York on the final day of the Welcome To Yorkshire Ebor Festival, Saturday 25 August.
• Kentucky Horsewear has a new ambassador – international show jumper Shane Breen.Shane joins eventers Francis Whittington, Laura Collett and Bettina Hoy and showjumper Lars Nieberg, who ride under the Kentucky Horsewear banner.The sponsorship deal will see Shane competing and training in Kentucky Horsewear.

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