The Coronavirus has brought about a huge change for the world and the UK.  In a short space of time, schools and businesses were forced to close, families encouraged to stay home and work from home unless they were completely unable to do so.  Supermarket shelves looked as though a swarm of locusts had descended and we all know the story of the loo rolls!

Weirdly, we all crave a weekend off and being able to shut the door on the world and have some peace and quiet, but many having found that this was almost compulsory, struggled initially.  That sense of the unknown as this wasn’t something as simple as waiting for an event to finish and the doors to open so we can leave, we literally had no idea how long his would last.  Daily briefings by the Government offer some form of connection to life outside and then, just as we need someone at the helm to steady our nerve, our own Prime Minister succumbs to the virus, and after being admitted to hospital, it seems as though his health hung in the balance.

Many businesses have websites, in fact it is more uncommon to not have one. The social media channels have, at times, been deafening with the volume of content and for those businesses able to combine two has surely proved esssentia.  They’ve had a captive audience most of the day (after the obligatory TikTok video has been created naturally).   Whilst these have, on the surface seemed desperate times, they have in many respects allowed the time to sit back, examine, review and take action in a direction not necessarily considered viable. 

It will be interesting to see how life and businesses change once lockdown is over.  Will the world slow the pace of life down, will shops and supermarkets shorten opening hours, will family-time continue to take a front seat.

As people, young and old, got sick, the key message from Government was to #stayhome # protectthenhs #savelives   We learnt of the wonderful work of nurses, doctors, ambulance staff, fire-fighters, carers and even those working long shifts in supermarkets to replenish the shelves.  It felt so right that we should honour and support these frontline and key workers.

Since the start of the pandemic and especially the lockdown, there have been some brilliant and inventive ideas for raising funds for the NHS, charities and individuals but for many they are still wondering how they can do their bit if they don’t want to or are unable to leave home.  We’ve brought together some fantastic equestrian and lifestyle brands who have offers for front line or blue light staff,, all raising valuabe funds in individual ways.

With so much cancelled for 2020, it is wonderful to see the amazing brands that we would usually see at the shows bring their products and offers to you through the powers of technology.

 

Luxury British footwear and accessories brand, Fairfax & Favor are proud to announce their contribution to the NHS Charities Covid-19 Urgent Appeal to support the NHS during the current Coronavirus outbreak in the UK. For the month of April, Fairfax & Favor will donate 10% of all online sales to the appeal.  https://www.fairfaxandfavor.com/

Fairfax & Favor will also be launching a limited-edition blue tassel with white backing, retailing for £25 with all profits being donated to NHS charities for the month of May.

An exciting FEI Pony prospect is coming up for auction. Full brother to VALEGRO but smaller and with only one leg. VALEGRO II, according to Carl Hester, has all the attributes to make a top international prospect. The hobby horse is receiving his education with Olympic riders, Carl and Charlotte at the moment, but they now feel he is ready to take an ambitious rider to the very top as sadly he has not grown enough for either of them.

VALEGRO II was kindly donated by Laurel Designs https://www.laureldesigns.co.uk/ who bred him. In further appreciation to the NHS, stabling and schooling at the Gloucestershire stables is being provided without charge.

The auction is now live and will run until 10 May with all proceeds going to the NHS Charities Urgent Appeal: https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/dressageanywhere.

The winning bidder and new owner will be invited to meet the World Champion VALEGRO to see the two brothers together when they collect Valegro II from Carl and Charlotte’s yard in Gloucestershire, once it’s safe to do so.   Dressage Anywhere has already raised over £1,000 for the NHS Charities Urgent Appeal from profits from the Hobby Horse Online Dressage Competition. There’s still time to join in and submit an entry for judging, just view the schedule and enter here: https://www.dressageanywhere.com/Home/Schedule.

Videos of all international riders, eventers, Pony Clubbers, RDA riders and many more can all be enjoyed on the scoreboard: https://www.dressageanywhere.com/Home/Results and if you do enjoy them as much as us, please consider leaving a donation on our fundraising page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/dressageanywherehobbyhorse.

Luxury resale platform Cudoni, are supporting during the crisis through a variety of changes to the business. Firstly, to ensure the safety of customers and the Cudoni team, they are now operating contactless collections, meaning that customers simply package up the item to be collected and leave it on their doorstep closing the door, allowing the Cudoni concierge team to collect. Packaging can also be dropped off without contact, prior to this to ensure the customer has everything they need.  https://www.cudoni.com/

Furthermore, Cudoni will be donating 10% of sales from the marketplace to the NHS charities together when customers enter code ‘FIGHTCOVID19’ at checkout. Cudoni also want to emphasise that they are able to seamlessly donate an amount of a customer’s sales money to a charity of their choice, on their behalf should they wish to give to charity whilst also selling some of their designer goods.

In addition to this, Cudoni founder James Harford-Tyrer has released a statement promising fair employment opportunities to those who have been adversely affected by exam cancellations.  

This summer enjoy rose gold goodness and extra vitality power whilst helping to raise money for the NHS! Introducing the Vitality Hero Bracelet, brand new for summer 2020 from Pegasus Jewellery.

Pegasus Jewellery is proud to unveil the Vitality Hero Bracelet (£35.00) a stunning combination of gleaming rose gold and soft Napa leather. Not only does this new bracelet deliver a clever little Vitality boost, £5.00 from every sale will go the NHS. Pegasus Jewellery’s founder Kim Wilson hopes to raise £10,000 to help support our National Health Service during these incredibly tough times.

The Vitality Hero Bracelet is crafted from the finest plaited Napa leather and is available in either mulberry, navy blue or black. This is paired with a stunning rose gold clasp that works perfectly with all three colour ways  The Vitality Hero Bracelet features a brand-new design of magnetic catch twice as strong as the previous design. Extra security for the wearer and an extra-strength vitality boost to get you through life still smiling!

The Pegasus Vitality range is one of the brand’s best-selling collections, featuring therapeutic magnetic jewellery. The Pegasus Vitality Hero Bracelet contains the powerful magnet neodymium. Neodymium is said to help improve sleep, boost energy levels and relieve aches and pains. Who doesn’t need a little energy and wellbeing boost during these uncertain times?

 Pegasus founder Kim comments: “I’m so excited to bring you the Vitality Hero Bracelet! I’ve been working on the design for over a year and, luckily for me, they were ready just before lockdown started. I was dreaming up a name and knew I just couldn’t ignore the pandemic that’s disrupting our lives. The wonderful NHS has patched me up so many times after horse-related accidents. So many of my customers and friends who work for the NHS and I’ve realised now more than ever how important they are; risking their lives on a daily basis to keep us safe. It’s a privilege to dedicate this to our heroes and donate £5 from every bracelet sold to the NHS.”

The Vitality Hero Bracelet is available in sizes small (18cm) medium (19cm) large (20cm) and extra-large (21cm). If you’re keen to enjoy double vitality power and rock rose gold this summer, make sure you snap yours up soon. Just click here to take a look! The bracelet comes packed in a black Pegasus-branded pouch and postage to UK addresses is totally free.   https://pegasusjewellery.net/collections/vitality-hero-bracelets

Riders from across the world are preparing for a three-day event as never seen before. Between 6 to 10 May, Virtual Eventing will see a line up of over 50 world-class riders competing from countries such as Australia, USA, New Zealand, and France, all to raise money for the NHS and associated Covid- 19 charities.

The all-star field, which includes the likes of William Fox-Pitt (GB), Boyd Martin (USA), Gemma Tattersall (GB) (pictured), Joe Meyer (NZL), and Laura Collett (GB), will commence with the much anticipated ‘trot up’ where riders can express their creative flair in the best-dressed stakes.

BBC broadcaster Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes and equestrian presenter Spencer Sturmey will be poised to commentate when the much-anticipated equestrian element comes under starters orders on 7 May.  Dressage will be a test of accuracy and precision, with top judges marking the pre-recorded elite tests, before the cross-country and showjumping comprise several challenges for riders, on foot.

For those who fancy a break from the high-octane equine action, look no further than the Virtual Shopping Village, where enthusiastic streamers can explore an array of household brands including Dubarry, Equi-Jewel, and Devoucoux. A silent auction will run alongside the event and include bespoke lots from breaks to lessons with the industries very best riders. The five-day virtual event supported by NAF, will culminate in the winning rider and horse being crowned on Sunday evening, with prizes down to fifth place all kindly donated.

Rachel Wakefield, organiser of Virtual Eventing, commented; “Our sport has a big community of competitors and fans, with so many events cancelled I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity for us to do our bit for all those working on the front line.”

“The event is all a bit of fun in the name of a great cause; each rider and the associated country have their own charity fundraising page, and I just ask everyone; friends, family, and supporters of our wonderful sport to dig deep.”

British event rider William Fox-Pitt commented; “It’s a fantastic initiative and I’m delighted to be involved alongside colleagues from the eventing world to help raise money for the NHS and charities working so hard to fight this virus  My home arena is all set up, and Cool Mountain has strutted his stuff in the dressage. Time faults in the cross-country and showjumping elements are a concern with my fitness; I think some of the younger riders may have the edge.”

For further information about the silent auction, how to donate, and how to watch the action-packed event, visit www.virtualeventing.com and follow us at Virtual Eventing on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

One of the wonderful auction prizes is from MirrorMePR, and includes a branded designer on trend, graphic print scarf and canvas tote bag, a stunning limited edition double horse necklace set on a long chain plated in 18ct Gold and finished perfectly with a delicate gold Tassel & a luxury bath truffle combing a gorgeous floral blend of Rose Geranium and Palmerosa Essential Oils to relax and rejuvenate. http://www.mirrormepr.co.uk

It’s a difficult time for everyone during this Covid-19 pandemic that has struck the globe.  While we are all being urged to take our one hour of exercise a day, if you are a horse rider then do it in style in Holland Cooper and know that you are helping to donate to the Official NHS Charity.  If you are buying any of the Holland Cooper Equestrian collection then 10% of your online sale,  will go towards the Official NHS Charities Covid-18 Appeal.

Whether you are riding or taking care of your horse, being out in the fresh air and connecting with your horse is essential to keep a balanced mind.  The spring days are chilly one minute and then gloriously warm the next, so invest in some timeless Holland Cooper Equestrian pieces that will see you through the next few months and brighten your day.

The Carl Hester Gilet teamed with any of the new breeches will keep you looking stylish and the quality will ensure that they will look as good in months to come.  Share your equestrian experiences with Jade and the Holland Cooper social team who would love to hear from you. Just follow, tag and DM us on Instagram or Facebook.

Available online: www.hollandcooper.com

Independent footwear boutique Keith Scarrott, who are celebrating their 45th anniversary this year have been a stalwart of Cheltenham’s busy Promenade since 1975. As a luxury high street retailer with only 10% of sales generated through their website, Keith Scarrott have had to adapt fast in line with recent events. They quickly realigned their social media strategy from focussing on sales to promoting local businesses and celebrating positives instead. Creative Director and founder’s daughter, Sophie Scarrott would be delighted to speak to you about the effect of Covid-19 on small businesses and what people can do to help in this time.

Sophie commented “As a luxury retailer, we are not a necessity, so we have been affected hugely by the outbreak of COVID19. The first thing we did was realign our strategy, particularly our digital marketing strategy, to promote local business instead of a focus on sales. Our shop has been open in Cheltenham for 45 years this year, we are part of a community of local businesses that will all suffer due to this crisis. Please don’t forget about us and continue to support local businesses in any way you can.    https://keithscarrott.co.uk/

British lifestyle brand Whale of a Time Clothing founded by young entrepreneur Ellie Wales in 2015, are offering 15% discount across their collections with Blue Light Card, as a thank you to the NHS and Emergency Services.  https://www.whaleofatimeclothing.com/

Luxury jewellery brand Emily Mortimer Jewellery has teamed up with World Secrets and 40 other brands to raise money for the NHS Covid-19 Appeal. With over 60 amazing prizes to be won, worth over £7,000 in total, people are invited to donate £5 to buy as many raffle tickets as they like to be in with the chance to win! Already raising in excess £13,000. https://www.emilymortimer.co.uk/

West London Shooting School – Due to a shortage of protective equipment for doctors dealing with the coronavirus outbreak, West London Shooting School, the oldest and most prestigious clay pigeon shooting school in the country, have donated 200 pairs of protective glasses to be used by NHS Staff. https://www.shootingschool.co.uk/