Wellington Riding, one of the oldest and largest equestrian centres in the South East, has been undergoing a huge transformational project to be completed for its 2017 British Dressage Premier League (8-11 June). This transformation journey began in 2015 with the construction of a brand new three story clubhouse continuing in scale and ambition leading to the current construction of an Olympic size outdoor arena. With the completion deadline in sight, Wellington Riding can now proudly reveal not only the name of this new Olympic size arena but also our much anticipated new Gala Sponsor of Premier League 2017.
Wellington Riding’s General Manager, David Sheerin, highlights “As Wellington Riding is situated on the Wellington Estate, it is only fitting in tribute to name this new arena ‘The Waterloo Arena’ as it is defining event in the equestrian centre’s history, launching a new era for Wellington Riding. The sheer size, quality & versatility of this performance area (100m x 80m) will enable Wellington Riding to forge a legacy as an international competition venue & premier facility hire. Premier League 2017 competitors will be the first hooves to grace the Andrews Bowen ProWax surface of The Waterloo Arena”.
This year’s Premier League celebrates a new vibrant sponsor for the Gala Evening competition (Class 20 Freestyle Music Prix St George) on Saturday 10 June. John and Diana Barley, owners of Nirvana Spa, an award winning Day Spa located in Berkshire, are delighted to be the proud Gala Sponsor of this year’s event. A perfectly matched sponsorship as Diana’s long term passion for horses and dressage began with her very first lesson at Wellington Riding. Since that time Diana has been a passionate advocate for the riding community and for many years Nirvana Spa has sponsored para-equestrian dressage events as well as other shows at Wellington Riding. Beyond the world dressage markers, Nirvana Spa is also a key cross country fence sponsor at the annual Wellington Game Fair & Horse Trials (Aug Bank Holiday Weekend).
“The inspiration to become Gala Sponsor is partly due to the exciting new facilities at Wellington Riding, which are paralleled by Nirvana Spa’s own ambitious building project. Next year will see the unveiling of The Colosseum Suite, which will be home to some ground-breaking spa therapy concepts, not only for relaxation but also for healing. Diana believes all riders would benefit from spa relaxation and therapy as part of their training and recovery” - Nirvana Spa
Nirvana Spa’s sponsorship brings a remarkable first prize of £2,000, which goes entirely to the winning rider of the Gala Evening Class 20 at Wellington Riding’s Premier League. Other competitor prizes for this class include luxury spa visits for some well-earned rest, relaxation and recovery at this beautiful spa facility in Berkshire.
“To our knowledge this is the highest level of prizemoney ever awarded to a first placed rider at a British Dressage Premier League & we are extremely grateful to Nirvana Spa for being such a generous sponsor. The Waterloo Arena will indeed prove to be a music freestyle battle field for our high profile PSG competitors with such a prize at stake. Entries for the Premier League are already flying in advance of the closing date 19th May and we are delighted to have Trond Asmyr as our guest international judge.” – Lucinda Freeman, Wellington Riding Show Secretary
“In addition to this historic amount of sponsored prizemoney, the Gala Evening will be extremely memorable as it will also celebrate the formal opening of The Waterloo Arena by a special guest of honour followed by a champagne reception hosted by The Earl and Countess of Mornington” - David Sheerin, Wellington Riding General Manager
All in all The Waterloo Arena’s inaugural competition will see four days of exciting dressage action spread over 24 classes. As well as Premier League offering the perfect showcase to reveal The Waterloo Arena, Wellington Riding can also now add to its list of new facilities a purpose built equine therapy centre housing the latest Activo-Med water treadmill (with incline option) & Activo-Med cold water spa as well as a private equine rehab yard with rider treatment room. The Equine Rebalance Therapy Centre will be open from 25th May with special Premier League booking discounts for competitors to aid performance & recovery while competing on-site at Wellington Riding. Premier League competitors will also find an extended lorry park with horse walk-way system, fully licenced clubhouse bar, new outdoor seating area and a variety of trade stands. For further information regarding media passes or sponsorship, please contact Rachael Corry by email: marketing@wellington-riding.co.uk