HORSE Sport Ireland announced a new sponsorship agreement with international equestrian clothing brand Charles Ancona this week.

Charles Ancona will become the official supplier of clothing to HSI’s Senior Olympic programmes ahead of the upcoming ECCO FEI World Championships in Herning, Denmark. The partnership will continue for the duration of the current Olympic cycle, up to and including Paris 2024.

The jackets are made using innovative technical stretch fabrics that provide both stylish looks and high performance functionality.

On signing the agreement in New York with Horse Sport Ireland CEO Denis Duggan, Charles Ancona, said: “I am delighted, and excited to work with the Irish Olympic riders and support them in their journey for competition glory. I am confident that our Charles Ancona show jackets and tail coats will contribute to the continued success and enhanced performance from Ireland’s leading international equestrian athletes as they compete on the world stage.”

Andrew Bourns wearing the new Charles Ancona gear at Hickstead \ Helen Cruden

Denis Duggan flew out to Charles Ancona’s headquarters and factory in New York this week to finalise the deal, a relationship that began through show jumping High Performance Director Michael Blake.

Denis Duggan said: “HSI is delighted to partner with world leading equestrian supplier, Charles Ancona, ahead of this year’s World Championships and the Dublin Horse Show. This is a very exciting time for Irish equestrian sport and the support of Charles Ancona is a huge addition to the Senior Olympic programmes.

“We are looking forward to building a strong collaborative partnership with Charles Ancona and his team as we prepare our teams for the World Championships this week and European Championships next year, with all leading to Paris 2024.’’

Charles Ancona jackets, described as the ‘Ferrari of show jackets’ are made using the finest Italian stretch fabrics to provide both stylish looks and high performance functionality. Every Charles Ancona jacket is machine washable, water repellent and lightweight to help keep riders cool on the hottest days.

Duggan added: “Charles Ancona’s show jackets and tail coats are renowned in the equestrian world for their excellence in design, craftsmanship and performance. Horse Sport Ireland is very proud to collaborate with Charles Ancona as Official Supplier to the Senior Irish Equestrian Olympic Teams. We may be biased in our belief that we have the best equestrian athletes in the world, the best horses in the world, and now we will be joined the best show jacket and tailcoat designer and manufacturer in the world, Charles Ancona.”