Well, the entries for this year's cover star competition have closed and I have to say that I have been thrilled with the standard and the quantity of entries. It's a shame that we can only put 10 people through as there were so many fabulous entries. I think that the main differences from last year's lot (which were, let's not forget, very special and brilliant too) is that the quantity has gone up considerably, the age range has widened (which is great) and people's determination to get their entries in on time has made me smile as people really do want to enter the competition. This year we've had last minute phone calls, people delivering their entries by hand, frantic emails...I have to say that I wouldn't have been that surprised to see a carrier pigeon with an entry attached to it today! It's been really good to have so many keen people. The final 10 will be notified in the next few days but I would like to say (and I really do mean this) that if anyone is reading this who finds out that they didn't get through- please don't be disheartened and do enter again next year. I'd also like to thank everyone..the effort that has been put into some of the entries forms is brilliant...we've had personalised DVDs, poems, movies to music, stunt videos- the lot!
Anyway, I'll keep you all posted with he next stage of the competition...thanks everyone!
Friday, 24 July 2009
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Cover star entries drawing to a close!
There are just 8 days, that's 8 days, until the Cover Star 2010 competition closes for another year...and I have to say the entries look really strong...so it's going to be a super tough job choosing just 10 from the entries we have received so far...and the entries haven't closed yet!
We've had some lovely photos sent our way...I think the most memorable has been someone who, with their horse, seemed to be covered in polka dots! I do like a bit of variety so it was a welcome addition to the mound of other photos that have been received! That said, you can't beat a nice horsey photo can you?!
I'm really looking forward to the cover star semi-final, we're going to Talland this year (I think my personal no. 1 horsey place in the UK) so the lucky 10 will have super horses and excellent instructors at a place that has top class riders arrive for training...honestly, what more could anyone ask for...I am very excited.
We've had some lovely photos sent our way...I think the most memorable has been someone who, with their horse, seemed to be covered in polka dots! I do like a bit of variety so it was a welcome addition to the mound of other photos that have been received! That said, you can't beat a nice horsey photo can you?!
I'm really looking forward to the cover star semi-final, we're going to Talland this year (I think my personal no. 1 horsey place in the UK) so the lucky 10 will have super horses and excellent instructors at a place that has top class riders arrive for training...honestly, what more could anyone ask for...I am very excited.
Thursday, 2 July 2009
...and here it is!
Well...it's like buses isn't it...you wait for one and then two show up at once...well...our blog can draw that similarity today!
I promised you the full Julie Tew press release and here it is:
Julie Tew joins Shires’ Performance Rider Programme
Shires Equestrian is delighted to announce that International Event Rider Julie Tew has joined the Performance Rider Programme.
Julie currently has a yard full of talented event horses including her Advanced horse and Badminton/Luhmuhlen ride Sir Roselier, Advanced eventers Been Admired and Look Out, Intermediate rides Lord of the Owls, King of the Catwalk and Arctic Monkey II, Novice eventers Ballagan, Master Magic and Montiny and Pre Novice horse Simply Sox in addition to a number of talented horses for the future.
Julie’s successes include competing at Badminton three times, being 5th and 11th at Luhmuhlen in 2008, being 6th in the World Cup Final in 2007, winning silver medals and pony and young rider levels and winning at Weston Park two star to name but a few…her British Eventing record is very impressive.
‘We are really pleased that Julie has joined the Performance Rider Programme,’ says Rhea Freeman, Shires’ Marketing Manager, ‘we’re delighted that such a well regarded and talented rider has joined us and we look forward to supporting Julie through 2009 and beyond. We wish her every success in the coming season. We will be introducing a Performance Rider area to our website in the not too distant future to enable all fans of Julie and our other Performance Riders to keep up to date with what they are up to and any achievements. Once again, we wish Julie every success for the 2009 season and look forward to working with her.’
For more information on Shires or the Performance Rider Programme, see www.shiresequestrian.com, email sales@shiresequestrian.com or call 01568 613600.
To find out more about Julie Tew, visit her website www.julietew.com
I promised you the full Julie Tew press release and here it is:
Julie Tew joins Shires’ Performance Rider Programme
Shires Equestrian is delighted to announce that International Event Rider Julie Tew has joined the Performance Rider Programme.
Julie currently has a yard full of talented event horses including her Advanced horse and Badminton/Luhmuhlen ride Sir Roselier, Advanced eventers Been Admired and Look Out, Intermediate rides Lord of the Owls, King of the Catwalk and Arctic Monkey II, Novice eventers Ballagan, Master Magic and Montiny and Pre Novice horse Simply Sox in addition to a number of talented horses for the future.
Julie’s successes include competing at Badminton three times, being 5th and 11th at Luhmuhlen in 2008, being 6th in the World Cup Final in 2007, winning silver medals and pony and young rider levels and winning at Weston Park two star to name but a few…her British Eventing record is very impressive.
‘We are really pleased that Julie has joined the Performance Rider Programme,’ says Rhea Freeman, Shires’ Marketing Manager, ‘we’re delighted that such a well regarded and talented rider has joined us and we look forward to supporting Julie through 2009 and beyond. We wish her every success in the coming season. We will be introducing a Performance Rider area to our website in the not too distant future to enable all fans of Julie and our other Performance Riders to keep up to date with what they are up to and any achievements. Once again, we wish Julie every success for the 2009 season and look forward to working with her.’
For more information on Shires or the Performance Rider Programme, see www.shiresequestrian.com, email sales@shiresequestrian.com or call 01568 613600.
To find out more about Julie Tew, visit her website www.julietew.com
Julie Tew joins Shires' Performance Rider Programme
Hello blog followers,
I am VERY sorry for the length of time it has taken me to post another blog entry...we've been super busy at Shires, but that's no excuse and I will try and change my ways!
Anyway, I am going to post the full press release that was sent out to all the magazines about Julie Tew joining the Shires Performance Rider Programme but, in the meantime, have a look at this link...http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/businessnews/7544/285396.html
There will be plenty of press releases about our other riders in the not too distant future and I will keep you updated.
Don't forget our Twitter page www.twitter.com/shires1 or our facebook page www.facebook.com/shiresequestrian !
I am VERY sorry for the length of time it has taken me to post another blog entry...we've been super busy at Shires, but that's no excuse and I will try and change my ways!
Anyway, I am going to post the full press release that was sent out to all the magazines about Julie Tew joining the Shires Performance Rider Programme but, in the meantime, have a look at this link...http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/businessnews/7544/285396.html
There will be plenty of press releases about our other riders in the not too distant future and I will keep you updated.
Don't forget our Twitter page www.twitter.com/shires1 or our facebook page www.facebook.com/shiresequestrian !
Friday, 12 June 2009
Shires' Fantastic Huntingdon Jacket
We're thrilled with a report we received from a member of our T&T panel...the strange (and great!) thing was that we didn't send this product out to be tested!! Have a read below...
Shires’ ‘Fantastic’ Huntingdon Jacket
Zara Brown, a member of Shires’ tried and tested panel emailed in with a rather unusual request…not that she wanted to test one of the products from June’s T&T list...she was so pleased with her Huntingdon Jacket that she wanted to write a report about it! Here’s what she had to say:
‘My initial impressions of the jacket where that it looked expensive, well made and had beautiful colouring and lovely velvet finish on the collar and pockets,’ explains Zara. ‘The fit was fantastic, never had a jacket that looks so tailored to my individual shape. Every part of this product is in perfect proportion. Better still, it kept me very warm hunting during the winter and does not restrict the shoulders whilst jumping, nor do the sleeves creep back. The second time I wore the jacket it performed even better than the first! It felt like it had moulded to me, looks timelessly elegant and can be worn all day, so much so I am disappointed when I have to take it off!’
As the Huntingdon Jacket is 100% wool with a luxurious lining, you might think that the care aspect would be an issue but, as Zara says: ‘If muddy, I dusted with a clothes brush and it came up as good as new. I have also sent to the dry cleaners and as came back as good as when it was bought.’
‘I adore this product,’ explains Zara, ‘it has definitely become a firm favourite in my wardrobe. I have used other makes of jackets in the past that have been more expensive, but they have not performed to the same extent this has. The quality and workmanship make this jacket better than its competitors for the price. I certainly feel better in the ring when I am wearing this, as they say ‘if you look good, you feel good’ and this is what is needed in the ring.’
Zara’s marks for the product were as follows:
Packaging 8
Product appearance 10
Fit 10
Function 10
Value for money 10
Performance 10
Thank you Zara for a great report!
The Huntingdon Jacket is available in Green Check, Navy Check, Beige/Green Tweed and Green Herringbone in sizes 30”-42” and retails at £89.99.
To find out more about Shires products, see the website www.shiresequestrian.com, email sales@shiresequestrian.com, call 01568 613600 or see your nearest stockist.
Shires’ ‘Fantastic’ Huntingdon Jacket
Zara Brown, a member of Shires’ tried and tested panel emailed in with a rather unusual request…not that she wanted to test one of the products from June’s T&T list...she was so pleased with her Huntingdon Jacket that she wanted to write a report about it! Here’s what she had to say:
‘My initial impressions of the jacket where that it looked expensive, well made and had beautiful colouring and lovely velvet finish on the collar and pockets,’ explains Zara. ‘The fit was fantastic, never had a jacket that looks so tailored to my individual shape. Every part of this product is in perfect proportion. Better still, it kept me very warm hunting during the winter and does not restrict the shoulders whilst jumping, nor do the sleeves creep back. The second time I wore the jacket it performed even better than the first! It felt like it had moulded to me, looks timelessly elegant and can be worn all day, so much so I am disappointed when I have to take it off!’
As the Huntingdon Jacket is 100% wool with a luxurious lining, you might think that the care aspect would be an issue but, as Zara says: ‘If muddy, I dusted with a clothes brush and it came up as good as new. I have also sent to the dry cleaners and as came back as good as when it was bought.’
‘I adore this product,’ explains Zara, ‘it has definitely become a firm favourite in my wardrobe. I have used other makes of jackets in the past that have been more expensive, but they have not performed to the same extent this has. The quality and workmanship make this jacket better than its competitors for the price. I certainly feel better in the ring when I am wearing this, as they say ‘if you look good, you feel good’ and this is what is needed in the ring.’
Zara’s marks for the product were as follows:
Packaging 8
Product appearance 10
Fit 10
Function 10
Value for money 10
Performance 10
Thank you Zara for a great report!
The Huntingdon Jacket is available in Green Check, Navy Check, Beige/Green Tweed and Green Herringbone in sizes 30”-42” and retails at £89.99.
To find out more about Shires products, see the website www.shiresequestrian.com, email sales@shiresequestrian.com, call 01568 613600 or see your nearest stockist.
Monday, 8 June 2009
Shires Equestrian announces support of Rosie Thomas
Thought you'd like to see the official press release about Shires' support of Rosie Thomas....
Shires Equestrian announces support of Rosie Thomas
Shires Equestrian is delighted to announce its support of event rider Rosie Thomas. Rosie is the first member of Shires’ new Performance Rider Programme which has been designed to help support the talented riders of today and tomorrow.
Rosie lives in Tenbury in Worcestershire and competed at Badminton for her second time this May. Rosie has been riding for as long as she can remember and now successfully competes a string of event horses including Barry’s Best, her own 4 star horse. Notable achievements in recent years include finishing 13th at Burghley in 2008 where she was the pathfinder and was one of only two riders to finish the cross country phase inside the optimum time; winning the Jemima Johnson Memorial Trophy for the rider that epitomises the spirit of the sport and has not been awarded senior Union Jack flag, and the Martin Whiteley Trophy for the rider who gained the most points on one horse and has never been entitled to wear the Union Jack flag or won the award before. She also finished 31st at this year’s Badminton and won the Glentrool Trophy for the rider who moved up the most places after the dressage phase.
In addition to riding Barry’s Best, Rosie competes 10 other horses from Intro up to Advanced. She’s also Chief Instructor of the Ludlow Pony Club and teaches at her parents’ riding school.
Rosie comments: ‘I am really pleased to be working with Shires. Mum and dad run a riding school in Tenbury and I’ve had lots of experience of Shires’ products on my own horses as well on livery horses and those in the riding school. Shires make a wide range of goods and I’m looking forward to working with them now and in the future.’
‘We are thrilled to be supporting such a talented rider,’ explains Rhea Freeman, Shires’ Marketing Manager, ‘we’re handpicking the people for our Performance Rider Programme and Rosie’s links with the local area, her reputation in the eventing world, her skill, modesty and fabulous attitude are ideal for the programme. We wish Rosie every success throughout the current season and look forward watching her continue to succeed.’
For more information on Shires, see the website www.shiresequestrian.com, email sales@shiresequestrian.com or call 01568 613600. Information on Rosie and the Performance Rider Programme will be available on the Shires website shortly.
Shires Equestrian announces support of Rosie Thomas
Shires Equestrian is delighted to announce its support of event rider Rosie Thomas. Rosie is the first member of Shires’ new Performance Rider Programme which has been designed to help support the talented riders of today and tomorrow.
Rosie lives in Tenbury in Worcestershire and competed at Badminton for her second time this May. Rosie has been riding for as long as she can remember and now successfully competes a string of event horses including Barry’s Best, her own 4 star horse. Notable achievements in recent years include finishing 13th at Burghley in 2008 where she was the pathfinder and was one of only two riders to finish the cross country phase inside the optimum time; winning the Jemima Johnson Memorial Trophy for the rider that epitomises the spirit of the sport and has not been awarded senior Union Jack flag, and the Martin Whiteley Trophy for the rider who gained the most points on one horse and has never been entitled to wear the Union Jack flag or won the award before. She also finished 31st at this year’s Badminton and won the Glentrool Trophy for the rider who moved up the most places after the dressage phase.
In addition to riding Barry’s Best, Rosie competes 10 other horses from Intro up to Advanced. She’s also Chief Instructor of the Ludlow Pony Club and teaches at her parents’ riding school.
Rosie comments: ‘I am really pleased to be working with Shires. Mum and dad run a riding school in Tenbury and I’ve had lots of experience of Shires’ products on my own horses as well on livery horses and those in the riding school. Shires make a wide range of goods and I’m looking forward to working with them now and in the future.’
‘We are thrilled to be supporting such a talented rider,’ explains Rhea Freeman, Shires’ Marketing Manager, ‘we’re handpicking the people for our Performance Rider Programme and Rosie’s links with the local area, her reputation in the eventing world, her skill, modesty and fabulous attitude are ideal for the programme. We wish Rosie every success throughout the current season and look forward watching her continue to succeed.’
For more information on Shires, see the website www.shiresequestrian.com, email sales@shiresequestrian.com or call 01568 613600. Information on Rosie and the Performance Rider Programme will be available on the Shires website shortly.
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
Good day out of the office!
Well, the sun has been shining and I've been outside on a summer rug photoshoot...it's a tough job but someone has to do it! We decided to take advantage of the suunshine, the buttercups, the lush green grass and the leaves on the trees to refresh some of the summer rug photos to get ready for the next catalogue (this won't be out until next year but it's not like we are inundated with glorious predicable weather in the UK is it!?). We photographed the Performance Maxi-Flow, the Maxi-Flow Fly Combo, the Tempest Fly and the Summer Highlander Combo. I'm sure that the horses thought we were ever so slightly crazy when we put a lightweight waterproof on one of them! Anyway, the shoot was a success and the horses behaved well so we didn't have to spend all day in the sun!
On another note, we've updated the front page of the website and now our Cover Star 2010 entry form is online. The competition is going to be run in a very similar way to last year with a few little tweaks, and a press release will soon be sent out to all the magazines that reveals more details about the contest...and about the venue for the cover star semi-final...it's stunning and I'm sure we are going to have an excellent day there. Judging by the interest we've had so far, I think we are in for a good one! If anyone want to know more, just drop us an email...the sales email will be fine and it will find its way to me...email sales@shiresequestrian.com.
Anyway, will blog again soon,
Rhea
P.S...if you haven't received a Shires catalogue yet, email us with your name and address and we will put one in the post.
On another note, we've updated the front page of the website and now our Cover Star 2010 entry form is online. The competition is going to be run in a very similar way to last year with a few little tweaks, and a press release will soon be sent out to all the magazines that reveals more details about the contest...and about the venue for the cover star semi-final...it's stunning and I'm sure we are going to have an excellent day there. Judging by the interest we've had so far, I think we are in for a good one! If anyone want to know more, just drop us an email...the sales email will be fine and it will find its way to me...email sales@shiresequestrian.com.
Anyway, will blog again soon,
Rhea
P.S...if you haven't received a Shires catalogue yet, email us with your name and address and we will put one in the post.
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