Swansea Building Society will sponsor the Welsh Equine Endurance Team for the second year running at the Home International Endurance Championships – one of the most prestigious equine events in Europe.
The event will take place between the 9th – 11th September at Longnewton, near Melrose, in the Scottish Borders. Last year, the Welsh team romped home to win the Celtic Challenge and came second in the Home International. This year, the team is aiming to go one better and win both trophies.
The competition has horses and riders competing over courses ranging from 40km in one day to a two-day 160km competitive endurance race contested by the Endurance GB home international teams: England, Scotland and Wales.
Endurance GB is the national governing body for the sport of endurance riding. It encompasses 23 local groups throughout England and Wales, who organise social events and rides from 5km right up to 160km competitive rides for the most advanced horse and rider.
Disruption resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic has meant that competitive endurance rides have been very limited over the last two years, with Endurance GB desperately missing the income such rides usually generate.
Swansea Building Society has, therefore, stepped in to support the Welsh team for the second year running. With the cost of taking Welsh competitors and horses to the event being in the region of £4,000 – £5,000, the building society’s sponsorship has been gratefully received. The funds go towards the cost of entries, stabling, feed and other costs.
Next Year the Home International will take place at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells alongside the Red Dragon Endurance ride, which is one of the biggest rides in Europe. Last year, nearly 400 riders tackled the incredibly challenging Red Dragon course.
Kevin Plunkett, chair of the Wales Endurance Team, said,
“We are again very grateful for the sponsorship provided by Swansea Building Society. It was a fantastic occasion last year and our team performed very well. The past few years have been extremely difficult for the sport, so funding such as this is critical if we are to be able to compete. We hope we do all our sponsors and Wales proud at the event in September.”
Alun Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Swansea Building Society, said,
“We are delighted to be able to again sponsor the Welsh Equine Endurance Team at this prestigious event. With Covid-19 having wreaked havoc with so many competitive sports over the past two years, the Society is very happy to be able to again give the Welsh team the financial support it needs as it returns to international competition. We wish all the competitors – especially those in the Welsh team – the very best of luck!”
