Riders from across the North-West region gathered at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre to decide the outcome of the hotly-contested Arena Eventing Championships kindly sponsored by White Hill Stud, Saddles Direct, Protect My Income & Fit2Ride. A record number of competitors visited the award-winning venue over six fixtures to try their hand at tracks designed by BS course builder Gillian Milner.
“Fit2Ride sponsored the Novice class as we believed it was a good opportunity to provide riders and the public with details of what we offer. We have been running as a business for 8 years now and we have worked with a lot of event riders from amateur to professional focusing on the rider’s biomechanics and how we can improve the rider’s fitness/alignment through regular training and sports massage.
Sponsoring the Arena Eventing has been a fantastic experience. The team at Kelsall Hill made the whole experience very easy and a pleasure to sponsor. With regular media exposure I believe Kelsall Hill has given us great brand awareness over the series. Thank you.” Kirsty Edwards, Fit2Ride.
Winning both the 100cm and Novice classes has kicked off 2018 to an amazing start for Georgia Drummond and Lester Lady.
“Arena Eventing has been key to keeping Lady fit over winter, I love the challenging courses and friendly atmosphere at Kelsall. Lady has jumped so consistently all winter, I am so proud of her.
At 18 years old, she’s no spring chicken but proves she has still got it! The prizes were fabulous, I will definitely be back next year to fight to retain my title!”
“We have been delighted to sponsor the 100cm class in the winter Arena Eventing series, so much so that we are now sponsoring the BE event also! The team at Kelsall Hill are extremely professional and a pleasure to work with.” Helen Kennedy, Protect My Income.
“It was a brilliant opportunity to be able to sponsor Kelsall hill arena eventing. Such a broad platform and great audience opportunities. The team work so hard to ensure as a sponsor you get the most out of your sponsorship with social media coverage on the run up and on the day, banners, appearances & commentary. “ Chloe, Saddles Direct.
Immy Kennedy is no stranger to being in the ribbons following a great first season representing England North 148cm Team for British Show Jumping. Proving that the break from BS was a good decision, Immy and Gwyndyucha Ko-Ko claimed the Saddles Direct 90cm Championships which was a great achievement for the duo!
Taking over the ride on Gwyndyucha Ko-Ko owned by Coral McShane in March 2017, the pair are aiming for their first British Eventing competition here at Kelsall Hill, the BS Academy teams, Scope and are hoping to step up to the Silver League BS.
INTERESTING FACT: Immy Kennedys ride Gwyndyucha Ko-Ko means Black on White Ko-Ko.
“We thoroughly enjoyed sponsoring the arena eventing series this winter and were thrilled to see so many competitors taking part. The exposure we received for the stud from the social media channels has enabled us to be promoted to a wider audience and as such our brand has received a real boost. We will definitely be sponsoring more events in the future!” Carrie Skelton, White Hill Stud
12-year-old Charlotte Ward, led the 60-strong White Hill Stud 80cm league table from the outset, finishing with over 47 points clear of reserve champion on Lucy Lion Heart.
Charlotte said: “I have only had Lucy since September and I am already overwhelmed with what we have achieved. So far, Kelsall arena eventing has been my only big achievement but I am hoping there is more to come. Kelsall is a really great venue!”
The new partnership have recently joined British Eventing and are hoping to do their first season!
PRIZES GALORE!!
“We’re incredibly grateful to all our class and prize sponsors this series which continues to go from strength-to-strength.” Meg Watson, Series Organiser
Prizes given by all class sponsors, Eccleshall Saddlery, Super X Country, Equine Products Ltd, Stockinjur Equestrian, TackShop4U & Furniss Mounting Blocks.
“I’m extremely thrilled with the prizes from the championships. I absolutely love Lucy’s new rug it looks so, so comfy and I am definitely keeping it for best!” Charlotte Ward.
