In an exciting move that proves the enduring attraction of eventing even in testing times, Lycetts has signed a three-year sponsorship deal to support the showcase series for talented young event horses; the Lycetts British Eventing Young Horse Championships.

With 25 qualifiers held up and down the country from April to August, the Lycetts British Eventing Young Horse Championships is the only breeding series in which young horses compete in all three phases, ensuring a true test for the stars of the future. The series comprises classes for four, five and six-year-old horses, culminating in the final held at Tweseldown in Hampshire (13 October).

The final also holds in-hand championships for yearlings, two and three-year-olds. Lycetts as a company is no stranger to the sport of eventing, with lynchpins Nick Straker and Jonny McIrvine having competed at the highest level. Its support for this series is a natural extension of Lycetts' participation in the racing world and its sponsorship of top jockeys, and strengthens its reputation for being able to look after the insurance requirements of the equestrian world, be that horse, house or stable yard.

Jonny McIrvine, the driving force behind the sponsorship says: "Eventing has been very good to me, and the Lycetts British Eventing Young Horse Championship gives us a great opportunity to support the sport.

"We are delighted to be involved with the young horses of the future and particularly to be able to ensure the continuation of this important talent series. The partnership of event horse and rider emphasises the importance of relationships and this is absolutely at the heart of what we do. The key to Lycetts' success is identifying with our clients and understanding what they need without having to be told."

Pattie Biden, Championship Director says: "In the current economic climate, we are delighted that Lycetts has recognised the importance of this unique series. It is vital to spot our young horses' potential at an early stage. Lycetts vision to support young horse classes will reap rewards in the future, as British horses start their eventing career."

Last year over 140 horses contested the final, with 120 horses going into the start box to tackle Adrian Ditcham's cross country track, who will again design and build the course at Tweseldown.