Sorry this is a bit late...I was going to write this blog entry last week to tell you all about the great day that I had at Hartpury International. I went on the Wednesday which was the BYEH day and the first inspection for the * and ** classes, so there was plenty going on and we got the chance to catch up with three of our Performance riders.
The first rider we met up with was Aaron Millar who is one of our newest Performance Rider recruits. He had his top horse and a mare with serious potential at Hartpury...he also rode a friend's horse in the BYEH class where he rode beautifully- one of those people that is fabulous to watch but you are green with envy throughout- but hey ho! Anyway, we took some pictures and interviewed him in front of the camera for when we launch our revamped website.
Next up, we met Nici Wilson and Mini Mr Bigglesworth (her horse) who is the sweetest skewbald horse I've ever met...he just stood there chomping on the grass oblivious to the fact he was at an International horse trials. We spoke to Nici in front of the camera too and took some pictures of her- it was lovely to meet up with her and, again, we will get some info about her and her horses up on the revamped website.
Last but certainly not least, we met up with Julie Tew and saw her with Ballagan and Lord of the Owls- two very sweet horses who seemed to be taking the world in their stride. It was great to see them all.
Hartpury is a really, really super place. We were lucky enough to be able to have a look round at their indoor arena, outdoor arena and stables-have a look at their website if you're interested, it's www.hartpury.ac.uk
Anyway, tomorrow I'm off to a photoshoot- so let's hope it's not going to rain, I seem to have a knack for finding the rain at the moment. I've been out on three work outings this August- cover star, a local photoshoot and Hartpury and each every time I have got wet. So, if anyone's got any influence on the weather, I could really do with some sunshine tomorrow-we're snapping 2010 spring turnouts!
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Brilliant Cover Star Semi Final!
Well,I have just returned home from a brilliant cover star semi final. All 10 people arrived bright and early at Talland nr Cirencester and the 'fun' started at 9am! Everyone had an introduction to the team, got equipped in appropriate kit, had a briefing about the day and then had a look around the Talland stable yard that has the most amazing horses in it! As everyone approached the outdoor arena for lessons to begin, the heavens opened. Half the group took part in an hour jump lesson, half had an hour's flat lesson with two of Talland's brilliant instructors. Many of the riders changed horses within the hour and then it was time for a total change, so the 10 flat riders moved over to the jumps and visa versa. Well, it rained again (you could say that the rain was the theme of the day) and the lessons took place over the next hour. After two hours and numerous drownings, the group retired to get changed and dry whilst lunch was being prepared. All riders were truly excellent, we had some flying changes in both arenas, some hair raising jump moments and a few misplaced poles...but it was very good all the same. An excellent lunch was served and then all the semi finalists were interviewed. After this, everyone was thanked for their attendance and dismissed...the final three will find out that they were successful in the next few days...watch the website for voting!
Friday, 24 July 2009
Well...entries closed for this year!
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!
Anyway, I'll keep you all posted with he next stage of the competition...thanks everyone!
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.
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