H&C is delighted to learn of a new Pony Club training scheme designed to help young eventers become the stars of tomorrow.

Sponsored by HSBC, the Pony Club Eventing Training Programme will offer classes in dressage, show jumping and cross-country. Each of the 19 Pony Club Areas will be given an allocated amount of sponsorship and will organise their training themselves, but some of which will be undertaken by recognised trainers.

The aim of the scheme, which is supported by William Fox-Pitt, Mary King and Harry Meade, is to identify ability and encourage riders at the lower levels of the sport with increased support and quality tuition.

"The sport of eventing is one that Britain excels at and through this sponsorship we hope that riders at the grass roots levels of the sport can be encouraged and helped to develop their skills," said Giles Morgan, Group Head of Sponsorship at HSBC.

"With training [as] the keyword in the Pony Club's 80th Anniversary year, we are delighted to be welcoming HSBC as sponsors of this exciting new eventing training initiative," said Pony Club Chief Executive Judy Edwards. "The funding will enable many more of our members to access the specialist training that is so essential for progression within the sport."

The scheme starts in May and will run all summer.