The first HSBC Pony Club eventing training day takes place on 27 September, with training from experts in the three disciplines at equestrian centres in the north of England.
Former Olympic event rider Gary Parsonage will be at at Manor Farm in North Yorkshire and elite dressage rider Cath Burrell and show jumper Selby Fry shall be teaching at Todburn Equestrian Centre in Northumberland.
The programme has been designed to foster the talent and enthusiasm of Pony Club members for eventing.
Each of the 345 Pony Club branches has been allocated sponsorship, with which they can organise suitable training and 12 dressage, show jumping and cross-country training days are already scheduled.
Amy Garland, press officer for the HSBC programme, told H&H: “Although the initial training day is based in northern England, the programme is designed to benefit all grass roots riders, and days will be scheduled to take place throughout the UK.”
Giles Morgan, group head of sponsorship at HSBC, said: “Britain excels at the sport of eventing. Through this sponsorship we hope to widen and strengthen the base of riders who may well go on through junior and young rider schemes to represent their country at the highest level.”
The programme has been endorsed by several leading figures in the sport, including William Fox-Pitt and Mary King.
Judy Edwards, Pony Club chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming HSBC as sponsors of this exciting new training initiative.
“The funding will enable many more of our Members to access the specialist training that is so essential for progression within the sport.”
The Pony Club, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, has been the base for many top international riders to start their competitive careers, and is now recognised as the largest association of riders in the world.
Go to http://www.pcuk.org/Latest/HSBC-Sponsorship.html for details of training days in your area.
