equine news


New look for BD’s Young Professional programme


British Dressage (BD) is proud to unveil a new look for the ground breaking Young Professional Programme, incorporating what was previously known as the Young Professionals Award (YPA).


Emily Watts (23) from Stoke on Trent passing on her knowledge


during a teaching session Photo by Kevin Sparrow


LED bulbs help fund Yorkshire Air Ambulance


I’Anson, parent company of British Horse Feeds, will donate £60,000 over three years to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) charity to support its lifesaving work. The company will fund the donation out of the savings it is set to make from replacing its old style conventional lighting with energy efficient LEDs.


The changes are set to be implemented in the firm’s mill in Masham, North Yorkshire, where new £35,000 lighting system will see 320 modern LED bulbs replace over 800 conventional fluorescent fittings, reducing energy usage by 70% and saving around £20,000 a year. Night vision goggles will also be provided for the helicopter pilots, allowing the air ambulance to safely operate in the dark.


Chris I’Anson, Managing Director, said: “We’re a Yorkshire company through and through and in a large county like this, where much of the countryside operates as an open-air factory, a fully functional air ambulance is a real necessity. Some of the


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more remote areas are very difficult to access by road and in an emergency the air ambulance can literally mean the difference between life and death for a casualty.”


Paul Gowland, Director of Fundraising at YAA, said: “This is a very generous and much appreciated gesture by I’Anson that will help us to continue providing our much-needed service.”


Following the donation, I’Anson has rebranded its already distinctive fleet of delivery vehicles with new YAA livery.


In collaboration with the British Equestrian Federation, British Eventing and British Show Jumping, the revised programme will support athletes moving out of the youth development pathway and provide them with a transition plan designed to help retain them within the wider equestrian sport network. The Sport England funded cross-discipline YPP will help support an individual’s personal development, career planning and enhancement, so they have a wider and well-adapted skill- set that builds their confidence for continued work to thrive and earn a living in the equine industry. The structure of the programme will hold up to eight core sessions delivered cross- discipline, with topics covered ranging from business management and business operations to media awareness, personal development and career enhancement. Head of Pathways at the BEF, David Hamer, says; “ This programme will build on the great work that has already been done into this area by the Olympic Disciplines”. A short list of potential candidates will be invited to attend a training day in October with a top professional on one of


the following dates: 10 October – Eilbergs, Pink Green Farm, Worcestershire 24 October – Sarah Millis, Millstones, West Sussex 25 October – Emile Faurie, Heath Farm, Oxfordshire. Candidates can take their own horses, immerse themselves in the yard for the day and take on board how a professional facility is run. They’ll also have a one-to-one interview to assess commitment, business acumen, personality, attitude, development potential and communication skills. The first intake of the YPP will then be announced.


Dressage rider Hayley Watson- Greaves said; “To learn how to run a business and manage the media at such a young age is fantastic – and these are key parts of what fund our riding at the end of the day.” Jason Brautigam, BD Chief Executive, commented; “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work more closely with the BEF and other disciplines on this initiative. It’s a competitive world out there – and initiatives like this are invaluable for those with the vision and talent to be selected.”


Open to individuals aged 19-26, BD and the BEF are looking to recruit high calibre and ambitious applicants. Applications for the 2017 inaugural intake open Tuesday 1 August 2017 and close on Thursday 31 August 2017. For further details on the Programme, please visit the BEF website.


Rhian Gibson is the new Pony Club Chief Executive


For the last five years Rhian, as Chief Executive for Welsh Gymnastics, has led a team of staff and volunteers to transform the sport of Gymnastics in Wales and seeing membership increase over 25,000 and 10 medals being awarded at the Commonwealth Games.


Having ridden from the age of 5, Rhian has a deep passion for horses and prior to joining Welsh Gymnastics had a career in Broadcasting and Media as Deputy Head of News and Current Affairs, BBC Wales and Director of Commissioning for S4C (Wales’ Television Channel)


Helen Callear, Regional Fundraising Manager – North; Paul Gowland, Director of Fundraising; Chris I’Anson, Managing Director (I’Anson), Linda Stead, Community Fundraiser – North


Commenting on her new role Rhian said “I believe my experience in successfully running Welsh Gymnastics – growing its membership and profile – along with my passion for all things equestrian will provide me with a great foundation to lead The Pony Club. I am looking forward to working with all Pony Club Volunteers, Staff and Board to grow and develop this fantastic


organisation”


Mary Tuckett, Chairman of The Pony Club said “The Trustees and I are delighted that Rhian has accepted our offer to take up the position of Chief Executive. On behalf of the Members, Volunteers and Staff we very much look forward to welcoming her to our organisation that offers the best youth equestrian training and experiences for children and young people.”


Rhian Gibson www.theequinesite.co.uk


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