Monday 25 April 2016

Derriere Equestrian Press Release 25th April 2016 FedEx Announces Winner of its First UK Small Business Grant Contest Derriere Equestrian Wins Grant Contest to Support its Ambitions to Go Global

Derriere Equestrian WIN National SME FedEx Business Award
Derriere Equestrian Press Release 25th April 2016


FedEx Announces Winner of its First UK Small Business Grant Contest Derriere Equestrian Wins Grant Contest to Support its Ambitions to Go Global


 LONDON, 25 April 2016—FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, has today announced the winner of its first Small Business Grant Contest in the UK. Derriere Equestrian was awarded the grand prize of £20,000 and a day’s consultancy with a London-based PR agency.

Derriere Equestrian have been crowned the overall winner by a judging panel of business experts, Derriere Equestrian, a pioneering brand that fuses science and technology to develop the perfect equestrian riding underwear, successfully demonstrated a desire to grow and realise its international ambitions to become a global company.  The judging panel included Joe Nellis, professor of Global Economy, Cranfield School of Management at Cranfield University, Giles English, co-founder of Bremont, and Brenda McWilliams-Piatek, vice president, Marketing and Communications, FedEx Express. 

The judges were really impressed, especially as you’ve identified a unique niche within the market and have successfully capitalised on this. It seems there’s huge opportunity for Derriere Equestrian, and at FedEx we’re pleased to help you continue your success Said Samantha Ingarfield ~ Marketing Specialist ~ FedEx Express Europe

Judges feedback: A well-articulated, passionate and competent company, Derriere Equestrian was the clear winner. Derriere Equestrian successfully explained the market need for its product, as well as provided strong proof points highlighting its growth within its niche market. Passion and professionalism shone through and the brand clearly demonstrated its plans to expand and how this will be executed. Providing substantial evidence in support, Derriere Equestrian succinctly communicated how the investment would benefit the brand and propel it further to international success.

 The UK is awash with entrepreneurial spirit and optimism, with over half of small businesses exporting”, said Brenda McWilliams-Piatek.  “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the British economy, and so we launched the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest in the UK to support them achieve their global aspirations.  The number of small businesses who entered the competition was staggering, and the judging panel and I were highly impressed by the creativity and dynamism the entrants demonstrated—choosing the winner was no easy feat.  While the contest showcased innovative small businesses across the country, we hope it’s showed there is a world of opportunity out there and has inspired other small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to become the global brands of tomorrow.

Claire Galer Managing Director of Derriere Equestrian says “We are absolutely over the moon to have won the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest 2016. This is the most fantastic achievement and win for Derriere Equestrian. AMAZING news! We cannot reiterate our gratitude and thanks to FedEx enough, this has come at the most perfect time for the business. Our export trade has endless opportunities, the business model to date has proved both successful and fast growing. Our product range is sought after by horse riders all over the world; with the efficacy, style and quality of the products being outstanding. Riders love them! With the growth into the wider sporting market and the launch of the Derriere Equestrian Sports Bra, we are so incredibly grateful to FedEx for supporting us and ensuring we have the added value of their services and grant injection into the business. We launched Derriere Equestrian in 2014 and now see sales of our products through 29 countries into 112 Equestrian Retailers. The launch of the new products combined with the high demand of the garments, sees Derriere Equestrian well placed for expansion into the wider sporting markets around the world. Our underwear really is quite something. A brand we are proud of, that we love and have big ambitions for”


 Established in the U.S. in 2012, the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest was this year rolled out in European countries for the first time, including Germany, France and the UK.  Open to all small businesses employing between one and 99 employees, the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest recognises innovative and ambitious brands that are looking to advance to the next level of their growth.

About FedEx Express
FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories.  FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, by a definite time and date with a money-back guarantee.

About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services.  With annual revenues of $49 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its 340,000 team members to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities.  For more information, visit news.fedex.com.






Friday 8 April 2016

Jesse Campbell Derriere Equestrian Sponsored Rider Season 2016

Jesse Campbell Derriere Equestrian Sponsored Rider Season 2016


Spanish training with Luis Alverez Cevera
I spent ten days training with Luis Alverez Cevera in Spain in early February, Alverez is the show jumping coach of the New Zealand Olympic Team and has competed at Olympic level in both Show Jumping and Eventing. We traveled to Aranjuez, which is Luis’ base just south of Madrid with Kaapachino, Amsterdam II, Cleveland, Cosa Nostra and I Spye and each day I had two lessons so alternated it between the horses. It was a very productive week and I feel I’ve gained a lot from it that will set me up for the season ahead.

The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials
Kaapachino really benefitted from his time in Spain where we worked on finding different exercises to help keep him fresh. It would be impossible to revolutionise his technique at this stage in his career, as he’s now 13 with a lot of experience behind him, but we can find exercises to help him improve. His target is the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials at the beginning of May.



Chatsworth early season aim for Amsterdam II
Amsterdam II is continuing to look like a very exciting prospect at the higher levels. He settled really well in Spain and impressed me with his attitude throughout our time there. He’s a horse who knows what he’s doing. The early season aim with him is Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International CIC*** May 13-15.



Belton CIC** and Houghton CIC***
Cleveland’s aim is Belton CIC** on  April 15 -1 7 and then I will step him up to the  CIC***  at Houghton on May 26-27. He was great in Spain and we made just a few adjustments.

Equi-Trek Bramham International, June 9-12
Both Cleveland and Amsterdam will go to Bramham. It’s an important competition for Amsterdam as its where I hope to gain his Olympic qualification in the CCI***.


The rest of the team
Apart VD Hoefslag will start off in an open novice at Portman on April 5-6 while Fado, May Ryloa, Gigolo and Cosa Nostra will all be campaigned in BE100 classes during the first part of the season.  Cosa Nostra, is a hugely talented mare and her aim is the six-year-old World Young Horse Champions at Le Lion D’Anger later in the year. I Spye has a huge engine and he’s a very strong, well-balanced horse that makes him very easy to ride. He’s only a five-year-old so he’ll have a quiet season this year, mainly doing Burghley Young Event Horse classes to give him valuable experience. May Ryloa and Gigolo are also both exciting prospects while Apart VD Hoefslag will continue to progress steadily through the grades.

Season Plan (Spring 2016)
Lincolnshire, March 10-13 -Kaapachino, Amsterdam, Cleveland (OI)
Portman, April 5-6 - Apart VD Hoefslag (ON), Cosa Nostra, Eye Spy, Fado, May Ryloa (BE100)
Larkhill, April 9-10 - Cosa Nostra, Eye Spy, Fado, May Ryloa (BE100)
Belton Park International, -April 15-17 Kaapachino, Amsterdam (CIC***), Cleveland (CIC**)
Solihull, April 23-24- Apart VD Hoefslag (ON), Cosa Nostra, Eye Spy, Fado, May Ryloa, Gigolo (BE100)
Withington, April 30 – May 1- Amsterdam (OI), Cleveland (A), Apart VD Hoefslag (ON)
Badminton, May 5-8- Kaapachino (CCI****), Eye Spy (5yo)
Aston-le-Walls, May 11-14 Cosa Nostra, Fado, May Ryloa (N), Apart VD Hoefslag (ON), Cleveland (OI), Gigolo, Eye Spy (BE100)
Chatsworth, May 13 -15- Amsterdam (CIC***)
Mt Ballan- May 17-18  Apart VD Hoefslag (ON), Cosa Nostra, Fado, May Ryloa, Eye Spy (N), Gigolo (BE100)
Houghton, May 26-27 - Cleveland (CIC***)
Ascott-under –Whycwood,a June 4 - 5- Eye Spy, Gigolo (BE100)
Equi-Trek Bramham International, June 9-12 - Amsterdam (CCI***), Cleveland (CIC***)

Derriere Equestrian Performance Padded Panty is reviewed in this months edition of Horse & Rider Magazine April 2016

Another outstanding product review for Derriere Equestrian Underwear

Horse & Rider Magazine April 2016

Derriere Equestrian Performance Padded Panty is reviewed in this months edition of Horse&Rider Magazine. Fantastic review after 3x month testing:

Padded pant; underwear; tried & tested; equestrian; riding; rubbing; comfort; padding; horses

"These pants were invisible through breeches. As a dressage rider with sharp seat bones who suffers from abrasions and sores if I wear the wrong underwear, finding padded riding underwear like this is a real blessing. The padding isn’t bulky, which was a concern for me. I wouldn’t change anything. Feel comfortable
in the saddle"
Page 161 Horse & Rider April 2016 Print Edition

"Core strength for horse riders" By Derriere Equestrian Sponsored Eventer Coral Keen

"Core strength for horse riders" 

By Derriere Equestrian Sponsored Event Rider Coral Keen

Padded Underwear; Padded Pants; Equestrian; riding; comfort; support


I know through my sponsorship by Derriere Equestrian and my experience of their lovely riding underwear that we need to be comfortable in the saddle in order to improve our own balance when horse riding. For example, riding without stirrups and absorbing the horse’s movement in the more extravagant gaits certainly requires a good level of personal comfort, so I do recommend comfortable underwear and riding breeches!

When schooling, we usually focus on exercises to improve the horse or pony, but it is very good practice to turn our attention around, and work on our own seat and balance in the saddle, as essentially if we are ‘as one’ with the horse, the resulting partnership will show a great improvement.


For both novice and experienced horse riders, work without stirrups is fantastic for balance and improvement of the seat. It encourages us to be loose in the body, going with the horse’s movement within the saddle, and not bracing against the movement or becoming stiff - especially through the rider’s back which causes ‘hanging’ on the horse’s mouth to support incorrect posture. A bit of self-discipline will be needed with this riding exercise, as initially it can be somewhat daunting! Whether you are a fan of showjumping, eventing, dressage, hacking or another equestrian discipline, you will find it useful!


Start at walk, with your stirrups crossed in front of the saddle, remembering to keep your legs long and low, dropping the weight into your heels. Keep an upright posture, but remember to keep your shoulders down and relaxed. Correct breathing and relaxation is essential; it is so easy to try too hard, causing tension throughout the body, which will result in stiffening and being against the horse or pony’s movement, rather than with it. Practice twenty metre circles, serpentine's, figures of eight on both reins, the aim being to get a forward elastic walk on the horse, and for your body to relax into the movement within the saddle, and create the correct bends and straightening when needed. We then need to be able to progress with the same exercises at trot. If you are nervous or a novice, start with ‘little and often’ – perform, say, the twenty metre circle, then back to walk, then move on to another movement, then back to walk, etc. Sit deeply through the transitions and breathe normally. Use your dressage letter markers to help you’ and increase the trot work as you improve. It is better for a horse rider to perform a small task very well, than a more difficult one badly.

When comfortable in trot, move on to canter, but use the simpler exercises of circles, then going large in the riding arena. Inevitably the most difficult task will be the downward transition from canter to trot – be aware of the need to absorb the extra movement through your body in the change of the horse or pony’s gait. Once you are established in all three paces, you can do some more advanced transitional work without stirrups; don’t be afraid to try walk to canter and trot to halt, as this will really strengthen your position and riding posture.

If your horse or pony is not over-sensitive, you can also try these exercises with your stirrups hanging down in the normal position, and you can then occasionally practice regaining your stirrups, ideally without looking down to find them, and without changing your riding position or rhythm. This is an excellent-confidence building skill to learn for any scenario whilst riding your horse or pony. As you become more experienced without stirrups and your balance improves, you will also be able to do pole work and small jumps as a matter of course.



If you are able to incorporate regular sessions of work without stirrups into your riding regime, you will establish a very secure seat and position in the saddle, together with increased core strength in your body. You may eventually feel happier in the saddle with your stirrups a hole or two lower in your everyday horse riding activities, as you will be less dependent on them for balance.


 For ultimate comfort during these exercises, don't forget your "Derrieres"!

Click To Purchase Your Derriere Equestrian Underwear Now!

www.derriereequestrian.com 



Monday 4 April 2016

We Have Another HUGE Announcement To make! The 2016 Derriere Equestrian Photographer of the Year Finalists

Derriere Equestrian Announce Winning Finalists For #PHOTY2016
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We Have Another HUGE Announcement To make!

The 2016 Derriere Equestrian Photographer of the Year Finalists

Derriere Equestrian Announce Winning Finalists For #PHOTY2016

We are delighted to be announcing the finalists, for our 2016 #PHOTY Competition. Having run with the great concept of the Derriere Model of the Year again, this year we have expanded the competition to include the Derriere Photographer of the Year. This years competition is set to be hosted at Westgate House in Gloucester on 22nd May and is, without a doubt, going to be the most fantastic event. With 12 Model Finalists and 4 Photographer Finalists!
 
Having received so many applicants, from all over the UK for our Photographers call out, we were given quite a task in selecting just 4 finalists. The Team would like to extend a big thank you to all those that entered and sent in applications. We wanted to include many more of our entries, however we had to have a limit on our final numbers and with Photographic areas for the #DOTY finals, this gave lead to 4 Photography finalists. We have loved all our applicants and are hugely appreciative of the interest, support and growing numbers of riders, photographers and models looking to work with us. To ensure we give all photographers a wider opportunity with Derriere Equestrian, we will at a later date run a further Photography Competition.


So who are our Photographer finalists?................

Photographer Finalists

Jo Jackson
Anthony Ball
John Hancock
Samantha Pommells


Congratulations to all of our finalists and we are very much looking forward to working with you all at the finals in May.

Our Team for the event sees many familiar faces and many well known to our sport.

Judges


Claire Galer ~ MD Derriere Equestrian Ltd

Laura-Eve Thyer ~ #DOTY2015 Winner

Levi Hunt ~ Derriere Rider Model & BD Young Professional Dressage Rider of the Year 2016

Catherine Pagnillo-Gordon ~ Independent Industry Judge

Final Judge ~ To be announced!


Photographers

Samantha pommells
John Handcock
Anthony ball
Jo Jackson

Team Derriere Events Co-ordination Team
Directing, Timing, Model Guidance, Clothing, Photographer Assistants, Refreshments

Emma Harrison
Lina Walker
Alex Phillips
Kristina Drury
Claire Valender
Richard Dorman
Stuart Driscol
Juliet Ashcroft
Deb's Dorman
Tim Galer
Coral Keen
Michelle Inch



Sunday 3 April 2016

Why Carl Hester LOVES riding in DE Underwear & says "Every Rider Should Be Wearing Them"

Why Carl Hester LOVES riding in DE Underwear & says

 "Every Rider Should Be Wearing Them"

We really must send a massive thank you to Carl for his support to Derriere Equestrian, belief in our products and for so kindly working with us for our Spring 2016 Carl Hester Yard Demonstration and Tour tickets. As the designer and driving force behind Derriere, Claire Galer is rightly very proud that her underwear has been so well received by Carl and that he continues to be a strong believer in Derriere Equestrian riding undergarments, well quoted as saying "Every Rider Should Be Wearing Them"!
Claire says of Carl’s endorsement & feedback: “I am delighted with Carl's feedback on our products. To be met with such enthusiasm and rider satisfaction from the “King of Dressage” was music to my ears! A tremendous amount of work has gone on to bring these products to the market, to see and hear Carl’s support and genuine product satisfaction is testament to the design and quality of our garments”
Carl has said he is delighted to endorse the underwear range and we are over the moon to have such a fabulous Ambassador for our products. As Carl says …. “Every rider should have a pair …..”

Since the launch of the products in 2014, the garment designs, sizing and development have gone from strength to strength. With a strong focus on the new Eco packaging. Still with the beautiful designer finish and presentation, however with a much improved effect and support towards our environment, handling, shipping costs and efficiency for all.

The correct riding undergarments, are one of the most important investments a rider will make. That's right, riders should never wear inappropriate underwear and should aim for well designed, sporting equestrian underwear for the occasion! This does not mean the traditional "Bridget J's" "Big Knickers", riders everywhere now have the luxury of selecting from the full designer range at Derriere Equestrian. Horses for courses as they say and Derrieres have become synonymous with the perfect style, comfort, performance combination for riders in every discipline. 
Product endorsement from Olympic Gold Medallist Carl Hester MBE.  
 “The Derriere Equestrian Underwear is, without question, a first of such quality and style for the rider. When you are riding up to seven horses a day these undergarments are an essential item. I love the styling of the male shorty’s, the fabric is exceptionally comfortable and the finished garment very well made. I am looking forward to the Derriere product sponsorship and supporting such an innovative business. Every rider should be wearing them!”