CELEBRATING its 10th year, the SJI Pony Spring Tour got a welcome boost with the announcement of a new sponsorship deal with Plusvital and Holmestead Saddlery.

The Plusvital/Holmestead Spring Tour commences on February 24th at Ard Chuain. The five-leg league concludes with the final at Ennis Showgrounds on March 24th. Pony Team Manager Garry Marshall praised the tour saying: “The tour kick starts the season for us and starts of the selection process which will eventually lead up to the European Championships.

“I go to the three viewing trials and get a feel for the talent. I begin to watch the combinations and track their progress. The standard is very high in the tour so you get a good feel for the level of riders.”

Welcoming the sponsorship, chairperson of the SJI 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.”

Sales director for Plusvital, Ciara Watt, added: “Plusvital are delighted to sponsor the SJI Pony and Children on Horses Spring Tour, in conjunction with our distributor, Holmestead Saddlery, in support of the grassroots of Irish Showjumping.

“We have exciting plans over the coming year and are confident that our multi-million euro investment in research and development will continue to provide innovative scientifically-based products for all equine sectors.

TOUR DATES

Ard Chuain - February 24th

Cavan EC - March 3rd

Maryville - March 10th

Portmore EC - March 17th

Ennis Showgrounds - March 24th (final). See picture A80.