Bishop Burton College makes Bramham commitment with plans in place for the 2015 Equi-Trek Bramham Horse Trials from June 11 to 14.

It has been boosted with a three-year sponsorship agreement with long-term supporters of the Under-25 CCI3*, Bishop Burton College, one of the UK’s leading land based learning centres.

Since its inception in 1997, the Under-25 section has hosted some worthy winners, including Piggy French, Zara Phillips and Lucy Wiegersma, who have all gone on to represent Britain at senior level.

The competition has grown in stature and, like the CCI section, is a springboard to international success; if a horse and rider perform well here, they have the right qualities to go to the top. Indeed, Tom McEwen won with Diesel in 2013 and was subsequently selected for his British senior team debut in the autumn that same year.

British Eventing chief executive Mike Etherington-Smith said: “This is great news for Bramham and the entire sport of eventing. As a competition Bramham has always been a great talent spotting opportunity, and looking to the future, Bishop Burton College is ensuring its longevity by making this long term commitment to the Under-25s. Without such vital competitions and loyal sponsors, our sport would struggle to discover and duly nurture our talented young riders.”

The only UK centre to hold Centre of Vocational Excellence status in both agriculture and equine, Bishop Burton College celebrated a decade of supporting Bramham at this year’s fixture and their three year extension cements their support of the younger generation. In August this year, the Beverley-based centre hosted the Junior European Eventing Championships for riders aged 16 to18. Seventy riders from 16 nations took part with individual gold going to Britain’s Anna Wilks with Touch of Pleasure.

Jeanette Dawson, college principal and chief executive, said: “I really enjoy this relationship with Bramham Horse Trials, it’s an absolute joy to be continuing with the sponsorship. It has been exciting to witness this competition for young riders grow into the key showcase for equestrian talent that it now is.

"The fact that this is the class to watch to see the superstars of the future also ties in really well with us being a college; somewhere also for young talent."

The Bishop Burton College U25 CCI3* takes place alongside the Equi-Trek CCI3* and the British Equestrian Trade Association CIC3* to provide one of the country’s best loved eventing fixtures and Yorkshire’s largest equestrian event.

Event director Nicholas Pritchard and his team are already on track to make the 42nd instalment of Bramham one of the best.

He said: "The weather failed to spoil this year’s event and our gate remained strong with around 54,200 visitors over the four days. The park recovered very quickly and within weeks was back to the lush green that we know and love.

"We’re delighted to have Bishop Burton College on board once again. Their continuing support has helped us to develop the class and the prize money levels are excellent; almost equal to the seniors. Without such support from Bishop Burton College and all our fantastic sponsors, the event just couldn’t grow. Watch this space for our exciting plans for next year and we look forward to welcoming everyone to our corner of Yorkshire."