Member Article

Northumberland’s Owen Pugh agree international equestrian sponsorship deal

One of the North East’s leading civil engineering firms has been announced as title sponsor of an international sporting event for a second year running.

The Owen Pugh Group, which delivers full service civil engineering projects across the North East and North Yorkshire, has agreed a sponsorship deal with Burgham International Horse Trials which runs across two events on 27 to 29 March and 30 July to 02 August.

Following the success of last year’s events, which saw over 5,000 people come out to see major names from the international equestrian world including Oliver Townend, Paul Tapner and Andrew Hoy in action, Owen Pugh is delighted to pledge its support once again.

The full service civil engineering firm, which employs over 400 people over five regional sites, is not only supporting the international sporting spectacle via the sponsorship agreement, the company has begun work to prepare the course by providing plant, labour and materials to enhance the naturally undulating terrain at Burgham to create an imaginative and challenging course.

The Owen Pugh team are working closely with a top class cross country design and build team including David Evans who alongside his team build Bramham International Horse Trials, Blenheim International Horse Trials and the British Championships at Gatcombe. David’s CV also includes course building the Bejing Olympics and the CCI 4* event in Luhmuehlen, Germany.

Burgham Horse Trials, which is ran by a voluntary committee, was awarded international status last year and is the only equestrian event in the North East to feature advanced level competitors.

The trials will also host British Eventing national classes over the weekend ranging from Open Intermediate to BE 90 where grass roots riders will have their chance to compete.

The event acts as an important stepping stone up the International ladder and hopefully the world-renowned Badmington Horse Trials.

The Owen Pugh Group comprises five trading companies operating in the civil engineering industry, undertaking earthmoving and demolition, drainage and groundworks, plant-hire and haulage, quarrying, inert waste and drain cleaning, and CCTV surveys.

The group is headquartered in Dudley near Cramlington, with other bases in Blaydon, Sunderland and Stockton-on-Tees, as well as Marsden Quarry.

Martyn Johnson from the Burgham International Horse Trials, said: “We’re delighted to have Owen Pugh on board as title sponsor for the second year running.

“Last year’s event was a huge success, however we hope that with their support we can take the event to the next level.

“To have been awarded international status last year was a real progressive step for the profile of the sport in this region but we hope that even more people come out to enjoy a fantastic day or weekend of sporting action and family fun. “

Chairman of the Owen Pugh Group, John Dickson, said: “Burgham International Horse Trials is the only international event of its kind in the North East and something that the whole region should be proud of.

“I’m delighted that Owen Pugh is title sponsor for the second year running and we will be working alongside the organising committee to further cement the event’s position as one of the most significant national and international equestrian events in the sporting calendar.

“Aside from the top-class sporting action there’s set to be plenty of activities to keep all of the family entertained across the two events.

“I hope the North East community will come out in droves to offer their support and enjoy a sporting day out with a difference.”