Member Article

Owen Pugh sponsors Burgham horse trials for third year running

Leading North East civil engineers The Owen Pugh Group has given its backing to an international sporting event, having become title sponsor for the third year running.

The company, which delivers full service civil engineering projects across the North East and North Yorkshire, has agreed to sponsor Burgham International Horse Trials which runs across two events on 25 to 27 March and 28 to 31 July.

Following the success of last year’s events, which saw thousands of people come out to see major names from the international equestrian world including Blyth Tait, Andrew Hoy, Oliver Townend, Ludwig Svennerstal and Nicola Wilson compete, Owen Pugh is pleased to pledge its support once again.

John Dickson, chairman of the Owen Pugh Group, said: “I’m delighted that Owen Pugh is title sponsor of the Burgham International Horse Trials for the third year running and we will be working alongside the organising committee to further cement the event’s position as one of the most significant national and international equestrian events in the calendar. After first pledging our support as sponsor in 2014 Burgham International Horse Trials has continued to grow in stature, attracting some of the most esteemed names from the equestrian world.”

Burgham Horse Trials, which is run by a voluntary committee, was awarded international status for its summer event in 2014 and this was extended to the spring event in 2015. The trials are the only equestrian event in the North East to feature advanced level competitors, and offer a vital preparation run for the world-renowned Badminton Horse Trials.

Further confirming Burgham’s growing status, the event has been invited to join the prestigious Shearwater Insurance Tri-Star Grand Slam Series, which offers a substantial £50,000 ‘winner-takes-all’ prize for any rider who can win three of the five CIC3* events. In addition, and following last year’s success, British showjumping will once again be running classes in July, including a thrilling speed class to be hosted in the main international arena.

In another coup for 2016, double word champion and Olympic champion Blyth Tait has confirmed that he will be designing the BE90 and BE100 tracks. Plans are also underway to further extend the off-the-course offer for the July event so that it features a wider variety of trade stands and rural craft tents than ever before.

Organisers have also announced that the 2016 Burgham International Horse Trials will offer its support to Bright Red, a North East charity aimed at fighting blood cancer.

Martyn Johnson from the Burgham International Horse Trials, said: “We’re delighted to have Owen Pugh on board as title sponsor for the third year running. Without their support the event simply could not be run.

“The trials continue to grow in stature and the invitation to join the Tri-Star Grand Slam Series is another progressive move for the event. With even more for all of the family to enjoy course-side, aside from the thrill of eventing, we hope that the North East public come out in their droves to enjoy this fantastic event which the whole region should be proud of.”

For further information about the Burgham International Horse Trials or to purchase tickets for the March event visit www.burghamhorsetrials.co.uk or facebook.com/burgham

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Narrative Integrated Communications .