As the pony showjumping season kicks off, Showjumping Ireland is delighted to welcome Plusvital and Holmestead Saddlery as new sponsors to the Pony Spring Tour. The Plusvital/Holmestead Tour, which commences on the 24th February In Ard Chuain will no doubt attract Ireland’s top pony combinations. In total, the league will take in four rounds and a final which will take place in Ennis Showgrounds on the 24th March.

Now in its tenth year, the Pony Spring Tour has served pony riders well with many of the leading combinations using this league as an important warm-up for international duties. The tour has demonstrated increased numbers with over one thousand entries being recorded in 2017. The tour is divided into four categories, the 128cm, 138cm, 148cm and Children on Horses. The tour will also incorporate three viewing days for riders hoping to make the teams for Fontainebleau.

The sponsorship, which combines two leading Equestrian Companies has been welcomed by the Showjumping Association.

Speaking about the sponsorship, The Chairperson of the National Pony Committee, John McNamara commented ‘ I am delighted to have both Plusvital and Holmestead coming on board this season for the Pony Spring Tour. I would like to thank the two companies for their support and look forward to a great start to the year with this tour. I would also like to wish all our competitors the very best of luck this year.’

Plusvital’s vision is to be a leading global equine science company. To that end, they have an ongoing multi-million euro genomic and nutrition research program with a focus on developing innovative products based upon strong scientific research to help empower the performance of their clients. Plusvital’s new innovation, EnerGene-Q10, contains a highly bioavailable source of CoQ10, which increases and maintains a horse’s or pony’s energy levels during peak performance, while facilitating improved recovery after intense exercise.

Ciara Watt, Sales Director for Plusvital expressed her enthusiasm of the tour ‘Plusvital are delighted to sponsor the Showjumping Ireland Pony and Children on Horses Spring Tour in conjunction with our distributor, Holmestead Saddlery in support of the grass roots of Irish Showjumping. We have exciting plans over the coming year and are confident that our multi-million euro investment in R&D will continue to provide innovative scientifically-based products for all equine sectors.’

Holmestead Saddlery is recognised as one of the world’s leading equestrian stores. Holmestead features possible Europe’s largest selection of new and used saddles with expert saddle fitters on site. A vast range of riding wear, footwear and outdoor clothing, featuring all top brands are available. Located just 20 minutes from Dublin, the store is a must visit for horse enthusiasts and complimentary quality coffee and refreshments are always offered.

Another Holemstead Saddlery is located in Northern Ireland at Tyrella, Co. Down, which has recently been refurbished.

Bill Holmes of Holmestead spoke of his delight of the new partnership for the Pony and Children On Horses Spring Tour ‘We are delighted to be involved. We have always liked to support young people in equestrian sport, that is our big ethos and we just really like to help and encourage them and the sprint tour is a brilliant avenue for doing just that.’

Tour Dates

Ard Chuain – 24^th February

Cavan EC – 3^rd March

Maryville – 10^th March

 Portmore EC  – 17^th March

Ennis Showgrounds – 24^th March (final)

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Photo: from Launch at Ladycastle Stables– Photo credit – Jumpinaction.net