Leading Insurance Broker, Shearwater, announce new sponsorship deals

Following the success of Shear H20 and Shear L’Eau with Individual Olympic Gold medalist Leslie Law, Shearwater Insurance are pleased to announce the sponsorship of two up and coming riders who will now carry the well-known name.

Ellen Whitaker will be representing Shearwater Insurance in the show jumping world, taking the ride of Shearwater’s own bred gelding, Shearwater Mikado. In continuation of Shearwater’s well-known support in Eventing. Sam Jennings will be riding a young horse
she has steadily produced, Shear Su.

Having been honored with the title of Leading Lady Rider among other numerous successes over the recent years, Ellen was an obvious choice for the four-year-old, 16.1hh gelding, Shearwater Mikado. “As this is the first horse we have bred, we wanted to ensure he went to the most suitable rider,” Jeremy Lawton of Shearwater Insurance says, “Ellen ticked all the boxes, her talent and ability in producing young horses is second to none, and her results demonstrate this.”

Shearwater Mikado was sired by a Belgian stallion called Parco, ridden by Ludo Phillappaerts. His dam is a mare that Shearwater previously owned, Shearwater Super G who was sired by Silvio I, a stallion sharing the same sire as the famous Shutterfly. Shearwater Mikado has already shown a huge amount of potential and enthusiasm. “Mickey is a little horse, but he makes up for his size with his huge character. I love being around him because he always gives you something to laugh at or work with,” says Ellen. “He will continue to compete in age classes over the coming season, and progress as quickly as he allows.”

The timing of Mickey’s arrival was especially welcome for Ellen, “I had a lot of things going on when Mickey arrived and he has such a special personality that it gave me something to focus on. I am extremely excited to be connected to Shearwater Insurance and am looking forward to taking such a talented horse further in his career.”

Event rider Sam Jennings was successful at Young Rider level and has spent time building up a string of talented young horses. Shear Su, came in to her yard in Kent, at the beginning of 2005 as a 6 year old to be taught to jump. “I was delighted with his ability and up beat attitude to fences! He has a lot of character and I really had to understand his brain to raise his confidence, once I achieved this, his willingness to please seriously impressed me,” says Sam.

After securing a buyer for him she bought him out at Intro level last season, and he progressed from strength to strength, ending the season with several successful outings at Novice level. Sam doesn’t believe in rushing a horse especially as he is 17.2hh, “He is a big horse, so still has some developing to do - we will go at whatever pace he sets,” she says.

From June 2006 Shearwater Insurance took over the ownership of Shear Su and Sam is very excited to have their support, “Jeremy and Susan are extremely supportive owners and I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to represent such a prestigious and
well-respected company.”

After the successes of Shear L’Eau and Shear H20, Jeremy Lawton was keen to support a young and up and coming rider in the sport, “Sam is a very confident and personable rider, she understands the horses she rides and has a great attitude.”

The team at Shearwater are looking forward to watching their chosen horses and riders progress. “Both horses are young and need time to grow and both riders appreciate this important factor, no one will be rushed. I am very pleased to have such enthusiastic and talented riders representing the company,” comments Jeremy.

For all your insurance needs, contact Shearwater Insurance, tel: 08700 767 666, or visit:
www.shearwater-insurance.co.uk

Ends

Shearwater Insurance was established by Jeremy Lawton in 1992. The company specialise in all areas of Equestrian Insurance including horses, horse-boxes and trailers, yards, public liability and personal accident.

For further information please contact:
Lauren Griffith, Tel: 07739 134 258
Email: Lauren.griffith@btinternet.com