Equissage Support Show Pony Team

A team of young pony riders has received sponsorship from one of the leaders in equine physiotherapy.

Gatwick show ponies which saw plenty of success in the ring in 2002 are to be sponsored by Equissage, the leading equine massage experts.

Julie Farrell of Gatwick Show Ponies said: "We are delighted to be sponsored by Equissage, their support is a real boost for the team."

One of the stable's biggest winners is the 13hh Show Hunter Pony - Hindleap Sweet William who captured a number of major championships last year and is ridden by Charlie Sale.

Hindleap Sweet William - ridden by Charlie Sale.

The family-run business currently has 12 ponies at its yard at Ifield Wood, close to Gatwick airport. Six ponies are being prepared for the show ring this season with a 15hh ex-racehorse, millimetre, making her debut at the South of England Spring show.

Three-year-old Millimetre who won in France was bought from Ascot Bloodsales at the beginning of January and is being retrained as a riding horse. Along with the ponies she is being aimed at the Horse of the Year Show and Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead.

"Since we started using the Equissage system on Millimetre she is definitely more calm and supple" says Emily Curtis who is retraining her.

"And with so many ponies to get ready for the ring and when exercising, the system is a boon to help warm them up. After using it on them for just 20 minutes, they feel able to do some serious work."

The Equissage pad gives a deep cyclodial massage to the whole horse and due to the unique action of the therapy, the pad actively improves circulation, eases and tones muscles, and promotes lymphatic drainage.

Kim Smith-Bingham of Equissage, who also sponsor the World Number One event rider William Fox-Pitt, said: "We are delighted to be involved in showing which is a new departure for us. We wish the Gatwick Show Ponies lots of success in the coming season."

For further information visit www.equissage.co.uk

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