It takes more than volcanic ash to call a halt to fund-raising to get teams to the World Equestrian Games (WEG).
The latest venture to pull in money to help British riders, vaulters and carriage drivers go to Kentucky (25 September-10 October) is a bracelet, produced by HiHo Silver and made with red carnelian, blue lapis lazuli and white pearls.
It was launched last week at Badminton Horse Trials and costs £40, with 20% from every sale donated to Equestrian Team GB.
But the bracelets got stuck in India for more than a week.
“We bought them in plenty of time, but it was quite risky at one point. The launch at Badminton was key,” said a spokesman for HiHo Silver.
Andrew Ransford, managing director of HiHo Silver, added: “We want to help in any way we can to ensure the teams get the best crack at winning gold.”
The Olympic and Paralympic teams are supported by lottery funding via UK Sport, but the non-Olympic sports of driving, endurance, reining and vaulting do not receive funding and are at risk of not making it to WEG.
“We want to give supporters more opportunities to get involved — this is a great product and a great opportunity to fund-raise,” said Will Connell, Team GB performance director.
The British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) is also running an online auction that has made more than £10,000.
“We hope to raise £50,000, so need more money,” added spokesman Anna Greenway.
• Bracelets can be ordered online at www.hihosilver.co.uk
This article was first published in Horse & Hound (6 May, ’10)
