Right royal surprise for Rodbaston

WE'RE delighted to be working with Rodbaston College as of this week - and our first task has been pretty high-profile as we wait with bated breath to see all the coverage generated by a surprise royal visitor.

The college's two-day horse trials, which began yesterday at its site near Penkridge, counted the Queen’s granddaughter, Zara Phillips, 27, among the competitors.

The gifted royal, whose impressive three day eventing achievements led to her being awarded an MBE for services to equestrianism last year, was this year’s professional rider at the event, entering the novice class with four horses.

A big thanks goes to Helen who turned the press release around so quickly and calmly when up against such a tight deadline, helping get the word out to the media. So far coverage has included a front page piece in The Birmingham Post, as well as a story and pictures in the Express & Star, with more planned in for this evening.

You can also check out Daily Mail coverage of the princess taking a tumble here.

Zara rode Wrenwater and Tiger Lily IX – owned by her mother, Princess Anne and the Queen, respectively, plus Make Mine Music and High Kingdom, owned by Gleadhill Horse Stud.

The trials, included dressage, show jumping and cross country, and have been growing in stature since their introduction in 1994.

They have grown year on year to become a show piece event for the West Midlands, attracting more than 600 competitors over the two days.

Other recent high profile international riders competitors have included Lesley Law, William Fox-Pitt and Holly Stockton.

Marcus Clinton, head of the school of animals and equine studies, and the event organiser, said; “This blue ribbon event showcases equestrian at Rodbaston College.

“For our equine staff and students to experience such a high profile event is the best education they can possibly have.

“Training in a real environment such as this with high profile international riders is something special for all of them”

Zara’s career accomplishments include a 2006 victory in the three-day event at the World Equestrian Games, making her only the third rider in history to hold the world and European titles at the same time, and she will be keen to crown these achievements with an olympic honour as she prepares for this summer’s games in Bejing.