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Dates and venues have been announced for the 2011 Petplan Equine Lucinda Green XC the Safe Way Clinics. Riders across England will once again have the opportunity to benefit from the training and advice of one of the world's leading cross country coaches thanks to the continued support of Petplan, the UK's equine insurance specialist. The 'Petplan Equine Lucinda Green XC the Safe Way' clinics will take place at ten different locations across the country between 1st March and 14th September, 2011.

Lucinda Green MBE is the only rider to have won Badminton Horse Trials six times on six different horses and was World and twice European Champion as well as an Olympic silver medallist. Now a selector for British teams, she is passionate about helping riders understand the way that horses think and react while tackling the challenge of the cross country course. In her 'Petplan Equine Lucinda Green XC the Safe Way Clinics' Lucinda provides expert advice on riding across country, sharing techniques and skills that have brought her so much success in the tough sport of eventing.

"The important message that I try to impart in these clinics is that cross country riding isn't about sitting on a horse, going flat out," explained Lucinda. "There is a science to it, and as a rider your job is to do three things - keep the horses' engine going, keep a good line into a fence and keep both your and your horse's balance. A horse that thinks for himself and, in equal measure, listens to his rider is going to be a safe cross country horse."

The clinics, which have become famous among pupils for building or restoring confidence, can be tailored to suit riders of all standards, from those preparing for their first event to those aiming for Badminton. To start, horse and rider should be confident jumping a course of at least 2'6" - 2'9" fences. Each clinic involves a two-hour session incorporating cross-country technique work using poles and stands before going out on the cross-country course. Cross country is considered to be one the toughest sports and by teaming up with one of the world's best coaches leading equine insurers Petplan Equine, who offers policies to cover horses - including older horses - and riders, want to help riders to enjoy their sport as safely as possible.

"Petplan Equine is committed to helping owners and riders enjoy their horses safely and responsibly," said Alison Andrew Marketing Manager of Petplan Equine. "Lucinda Green is not only one of the finest exponents of the art of cross country riding but also shares our desire to help riders of all levels develop the skills to enjoy the thrill of cross country riding as safely as possible. We are delighted to support these clinics as they provide an invaluable opportunity to learn from one of the world's leading coaches."

Riders wanting further information on the 'Petplan Equine Lucinda Green XC the Safe Way Clinics' should visit www.petplanequine.co.uk/events. To apply for a place, fill in the form on the website and send it to the address on the form.

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For more information please contact the Petplan press office on:

Tolu Akisanya	0208 580 8194	[email protected]
Carl Stephens	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 Lucinda Green 'XC the Safe Way' clinics are to be held as follows. If you would like to arrange to cover this clinic please contact Andrea Worrall above to arrange.

2011 dates

Two-Day Clinics
Date	County	Venue
March 1st - 2nd	Surrey	Reigate
March 3rd - 4th	Wiltshire	Downlands
March 7th - 8th	Buckinghamshire	Milton Keynes
March 9th - 10th	Nottinghamshire	Arena UK / Newton
May 4th - 5th	Kent	Chilham Park

One-Day Clinics
Date	County	Venue
March 15th	Oxfordshire	Crown Farm
April 28th	Herefordshire	Ledbury
May 4th	Kent	Chilham Park
May 9th	Somerset	Stockland Lovell
May 16th	Leicestershire	Melton Mowbray
September 14th	Herefordshire	Ledbury

About Petplan Equine:

• 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.
• Petplan Equine is the only insurer to offer illness and accident cover for older horses, up to the age of 25 as long as the policy is taken before your horse reaches the age of 20.