Hamptons International has long been a supporter of the equestrian world and 2008 is no different. Events sponsored by the company this year range from a series of Point to Points running as they do, from February through to the end of May, to the prestigious Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in August.
Hamptons strong association with the equestrian world has been fuelled by a real desire to support local community events and country traditions. A real understanding and involvement with the local environment gives Hamptons staff the edge when selling properties from country cottages to substantial country houses. A shared determination to achieve excellence and offer a performance or service second to none further links Hamptons to the equestrian community.
The excellent relationship between Hamptons and the equestrian world is, in no small part, down to the involvement and passion of Hamptons employees. Melanie Williams for example, Senior Lettings Manager in Oxfordshire returned to the country from London a few years ago, purchased two ex Point to Pointers and set up Hamptons Hedgehoppers Team Chasers. Last season they entered teams in the Novice, Intermediate and Open Classes. The Manager of Winchester, Giles Muddle specialised in Dressage in which he competed at Prix St George level. He continues to train individuals and their horses. Miranda Harding, Manager of the Painswick office in Gloucestershire is sponsored by Hamptons to event her horse to the pre-novice level. Miranda is also a Hamptons Hedgehopper!
Almost all areas of the sport have followers within the staff of Hamptons. Simon Lock, an associate in Global Investments & Asset Management continues to play polo to a high standard. Regional Sales Director Giles Soutry was heavily involved in hunting, eventing and showjumping and intends to swell the ranks of the Hamptons Hedgehoppers next season. Meanwhile, Edward de Mallet Morgan from the Farnham Country House office continues to hunt with the Surrey Union and Cotswold Country House Director John Little could, until recently, be an often observed local apparition in the Cirencester area riding his nineteen hands shire.
This year, Hamptons continues to build on this tradition of support and is involved with a wealth of events. On a cold Easter Saturday, staff and friends turned out in force to support the Kimble Point to Point in Buckinghamshire at which Hamptons was the main sponsor. The Hamptons blue banners could also be seen around the courses at Bicester, Parham, VWH, Cotwolds and Berkeley Point to Points. Then, for the first time, Hamptons was one of the sponsors at The Royal Windsor Horse Show that took place this month and for the second year running will be a sponsor at The Beaufort Polo Club Test Match and Country Fair in Gloucestershire on the 21st and 22nd June.
As well as supporting a variety of events, Hamptons International has been delighted to sponsor the young professional event rider, Kitty Boggis who currently holds a British Eventing National Ranking of 37 and is an Olympic hopeful.
Ursula Sadler, Sales Director for the Western & Cotswold Region comments ‘The equestrian arena has always been important to Hamptons and we look forward to continue to be associated with the sport. Undoubtedly, the highlight of our equestrian sponsorship calendar is The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park, at which, for the fifth year running, we are one of the main sponsors. Gatcombe Park is one of the most prestigious weekends of competition in the horse trials calendar and Hamptons International is delighted to once again have the opportunity to show its support for this event'.