The Equine Academy at Writtle University College (WUC) has been presented with new, branded equipment. The kit, which was provided by Essex law firm Birkett Long, lets students and their horses look and feel part of a cohesive team when they're in the yard and competing in major events.
The Equine Academy is a WUC initiative. It supports talented riders for one academic year while they study for any Higher Education award at Writtle University College. Jane Hart, Lecturer in Equine Performance, said: "The squad have had a lot of fun while working really hard in the training of themselves and the horses, both as individuals and as a team, demonstrating the whole ethos of the Academy.
"The arrival of the sponsored kit from Burkett Long has inspired them to aim even higher, and with added pride in being able to wear kit that represents their status."
Second year students Sophie Parkinson and Miranda Cosstick, who have been involved with the Academy since its grand opening in September 2018, were excited to receive new equipment. Miranda said: "It's lovely. We have beautiful soft shells, gilets and t-shirts for us, and numnahs and quarter-sheets for our horses". Sophie added: "It makes me feel proud to compete in something that looks so smart."
The Equine Academy allows its riders to realise their goals with the support and guidance of experienced, professional in-house and guest coaches. The new equipment and sponsorship will help the students continue to succeed in dressage, showjumping, eventing and other recognised horse sports.
Caroline Flanagan, WUC's Head of School for Equine and Veterinary Physiotherapy, said: "Providing sponsorship adds a degree of professionalism to the academy and enables the students to understand some of the responsibilities of being a brand ambassador.
"They understand that they represent WUC whilst they are out and about competing, or talking to prospective students on site; carrying the logos of another business really adds to the sense of expectation in terms of how they present themselves, their horses and the companies they are representing."
David Cant, Partner and Director of Business Development & Marketing at Birkett Long, said: "I'm convinced this really does help their personal and professional development, how they behave and perform, together with the reputation of the Academy and Birkett Long. We are immensely proud to be sponsors."
Proud sponsors of Writtle University College Equine Academy