Agria supports British Equestrian World Class Programme in ground-breaking new partnership

The partnership provides the WCP with vital support to continue accessing the very best technology, training and other expertise as they work towards the European Championships this year and beyond to the Olympic and Paralympic Games LA28. 

Agria and British Equestrian — who have already collaborated extensively on the roll out of the BEF’s Charter for the Horse — will work together to inspire and develop the next generation through exemplary horsemanship, leading in equine advocacy and delivering performances to be proud of.

Running through to 2028, the milestone agreement is the first sponsorship of this type for British Equestrian in the modern era of the sport.

Vicki Wentworth, CEO Agria UK — herself a horse owner and keen amateur rider — commented: “This new partnership, to support elite equestrian sport, is the final piece in the jigsaw for Agria’s major collaborations. With our top to bottom commitment to horse welfare, competition, education, policymaking and sustainability — along with an unerring love of the horse — this partnership means Agria can play a huge part in helping Britain stay at the top of the world in equestrian sport.

"We share the BEF’s ethos in leaving no stone unturned when it comes to finding the best care, education and training for our horse and human athletes, and we’re immensely proud to support those representing our country in this way.”

Britain’s teams in dressage, eventing, jumping and para dressage have been prolific on the European, World, Olympic and Paralympic front, with over 450 championship medals amassed between them to date. Just last summer at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, all of Britain’s equestrian athletes returned home with at least one medal.

The jumping squad of five combinations will be the first to compete under the Agria banner in 2025, when they head to A Coruña in Spain for the Longines FEI Jumping Europeans over 16–20 July. It’s then the turn of the dressage quartet in Crozet, France (26–31 August), followed by the para dressage athletes at Ermelo in the Netherlands (03–07 September) and, finally, an FEI Eventing European Championship on home soil at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, 18–21 September, where Agria is the title sponsor.

Agria’s unique insurance already helps owners and vets, farriers, physios, saddle fitters and other specialists to collaborate to serve a horse’s best interests throughout its life. Agria’s lifetime equine policies do not add new exclusions to veterinary cover for ailments or conditions that occur after the policy has been taken out — nor are restrictions added to cover when a horse grows old, as is often the case with other insurers. 

Helen Nicholls, British Equestrian Performance Director, said: “With Agria behind us, we’re looking forward to the next cycle as we build towards Los Angeles in four years’ time. We are fortunate to have a World Class Programme which is the envy of many nations and supports the riders in their quests to produce top results time and time again. However, our pursuit of excellence across the programme never stops and to have the support of Agria alongside UK Sport and The National Lottery means we can continue to evolve and deliver performances which inspire a nation.”

Paralympic gold medallist Natasha Baker MBE added: “As a multiple Paralympian, I know just how vital the help we receive from World Class is — it can literally be the difference between a medal and coming home empty handed. So, I am thrilled to hear about this new partnership with Agria, who has also supported me for a number of years.

“From best practice while travelling long-distances with your horse to rider sports psychology, World Class Performance leaves no stone unturned in helping horses and riders to achieve their best on the world stage. This quest is a perfect fit with Agria which cares passionately about horse welfare and education. I am very excited about this new partnership.”