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Petplan Equine, the UK’s leading specialist equine insurance provider, has announced dates for the 2014 ‘Petplan Masterclass with Lucinda’ series of cross country clinics. This year, the hugely popular masterclasses, formerly known as the Petplan Equine Lucinda Green XC the Safe Way clinics, are being conducted at equestrian centres across England from 2nd to 9th March inclusive.

Those aiming to kick off their season in style can choose from seven coaching masterclasses taking place at venues across the country from Surrey to Yorkshire and Cheshire to Cambridgeshire. Riders will have the opportunity to be trained by and receive advice from former World and European champion, Olympic silver medallist and six times Badminton winner Lucinda Green MBE.

The only rider ever to have won Badminton Horse Trials six times on six different horses, Lucinda, who continues to compete her own horse, ‘Cry Freedom’ at three star level, is one of the world’s leading coaches in cross country riding. Her particular passion and speciality is in helping riders understand the way that horses think and react while tackling the challenges that riding across the country presents. In the Petplan Masterclass with Lucinda series Lucinda provides expert advice; sharing techniques and skills that have made her one of the most successful riders in the history of eventing and also helped those she teaches to develop the confidence to ride more safely.

"The important message that I try to impart in my Masterclasses is that cross country riding isn’t about sitting on a horse, going flat out,” explains Lucinda. “Effective cross country riding is both a science and an art. As riders, our job is to do three things - keep the horse’s engine going, keep a good line into a fence - ensuring the horse has focused on the fence in plenty of time - and keep both our horses and ourselves in balance. A horse that thinks for himself and listens to his rider in equal measure is going to be a safer cross country horse."

Dates and venues for the 2014 clinics have been announced at seven venues across the UK as follows.

Date	County	Venue
Sunday - Monday 2/3rd March(Two day Clinic)	Reigate, Surrey	LMEQ
Tuesday 4th March	Banbury, Oxfordshire	Swalcliffe
Wednesday 5th March	Lincoln, Lincolnshire	Norton Disney
Thursday 6th March	Congleton, Cheshire	Somerford Park
Friday 7th March	Thirsk, Yorkshire	Breckenborough
Saturday 8th March	Ely, Cambridgeshire	Little Downham
Sunday 9th March	Warminster, Wiltshire	Downlands

See more at: www.petplanequine.co.uk/masterclass

Each Petplan Masterclass with Lucinda can be tailored to suit riders of a wide range of abilities from those preparing for their first event or sponsored ride to those aiming for Badminton. However, from the outset, horse and rider should be confident jumping a course of at least 2'6".

As a specialist equine insurer, Petplan Equine offers a range of flexible policies for both horse and rider. Its support for the clinics forms part of its commitment to the equestrian community and a desire to help riders of all levels learn techniques to keep them and their horses as safe as possible.

"Whatever your preference for cross country riding from eventing to fun rides, it is essential to be equipped with techniques that can help you keep you and your horse safe while enjoying your sport,” said Charlotte Collyer, Senior Marketing Executive at Petplan Equine. “Lucinda Green is not only one of the world’s finest cross country riders but she is also an expert in helping riders to enjoy the thrill of cross country riding as safely as possible. We are therefore delighted to continue our support of these clinics for what is now the 15th year," explained Charlotte.

In celebration of the 2014 Masterclasses’, Petplan Equine is running a competition to win your own set of Lucinda style practice jumps so you can practice at home. This fabulous prize includes 2 blocks, 4 small blocks, 4 wings, 8 cups, 6 poles and 2 short poles. - See more at: www.petplanequine.co.uk/events/lucinda-green-competition.asp

For further information on the ‘Petplan Masterclass with Lucinda Clinics’ visit www.petplanequine.co.uk/masterclass. To book a place, fill in the application form on the website and send it to the address on the form.

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For more information please contact:

Name	Telephone	Email
Charlotte Collyer	0208 707 8335	[email protected]

Petplan Equine is the UK's leading horse insurance provider offering a wide variety of flexible horse insurance and rider insurance policies which cater for all levels of experience.

Established more than 20 years ago, Petplan Equine is part of Allianz Insurance, one of the largest general insurers in the world.

For more information about a Petplan Equine horse insurance policy, please visit:
petplanequine.co.uk/insurance/quote.asp

Note to editors:

• Petplan Equine was founded in 1988.
• It is part of Allianz Animal Health, the largest provider of animal health insurance in the world and part of Allianz – one of the largest general insurers in the UK.
• In addition to horse and pony insurance options, Petplan Equine provides dedicated products for veteran horses and rider only insurance cover.
• It is the sister brand of Petplan, the largest provider of small animal insurance in the UK.
• Petplan Equine believes in supporting the equine community and provides more financial support to equestrian sports and activities than any equine insurance provider in the UK.
• The Pet Plan Charitable Trust was founded in 1994 to raise much needed funds for animal welfare and veterinary projects. Money is raised by Petplan and Petplan Equine customers giving an optional £1.50 to the Trust when they take out or renew their policy. To date, almost £5 million has been awarded by the Trust.
• Petplan and Petplan Equine are specialist insurers. As such, the company employs more horse riders and owners than any other and more former veterinary practice staff than any other to ensure the provision of specialist knowledge.
• Redwings Horse Sanctuary is the UK’s largest horse sanctuary, caring for over 1200 rescued horses at its nine sites around the country, with 500 more living in happy Guardian homes across East Anglia. The charity is entirely funded by public donation. Find out more at www.redwings.co.uk.