THE BIOGEN MAPLE RIDGE WORLD CUP QUALIFIER 2024

EVENT SUMMARY

The Biogen World Cup Qualifier at Maple Ridge Equestrian is always a standout event on the equestrian calendar. Held from Wednesday, May 22nd to Sunday, May 26th, the event once again proved hugely popular. With a full list of entries and a packed schedule, it was a treat for all spectators and riders who came out for the lovely Autumn afternoon.

ABOUT BIOGEN

Founded in 2004, making this their 20th year in existence, Biogen is the largest health brand in Dis-Chem and one of the largest in South Africa. It is an authentic sports and wellness brand with a wide and premium range of vitamins and supplements that cater for all sporting codes, disciplines, and lifestyles. As a brand, they are deeply committed to the health and fitness of all South Africans.

BIOGEN'S INVOLVEMENT IN THE SPORT

Biogen became involved in the equestrian world several years ago and over time, their sponsorship has grown to encompass several sponsored horses and riders as well as classes and shows.

Brand Manager, Brandon Fairweather believes the alignment of the brand with this sporting discipline provides yet another opportunity to position its "Be your best" ethos within the unique equestrian community.

"Our ambition remains to be the most credible and authentic sports and wellness brand in Sourh Africa and attaching our brand to varying sporting codes and activities gives us another chance to tell our story in a different way."

He adds:

“The endurance, focus and precision that showjumping demands, offers a unique opportunity to showcase our in-depth range, and attach our brand to an elegant and classy sport”.

As title sponsor of the Maple Ridge World Cup Qualifier for the past four years, and with their commitment to the health and fitness of all South Africans, the sponsorship provides a welcome reminder of the role each rider plays in the sport as an athlete, in their own right.

The collective organising team’s commitment to excellence and attention to detail shone through in every aspect of the event at Maple Ridge, and on behalf of the equestrian community, we would like to extend a huge thank you to Biogen and all other companies and sponsors who continue to invest in our sport.

A special and huge thanks needs to also go out to Maple Ridge and Verity Combrink for the beautiful grounds and hospitality that contributes each year to the event’s success. It would also be remiss not to mention the Goetsch family for their ongoing passion for and commitment to the sport. The event would also not happen without the hard work of all those behind the scenes, including our esteemed judges, the commentators and media partners, ground staff, grooms and of course the riders and their beautiful horses.

DID YOU KNOW?

Although more commonly known for its sports range, Biogen has one of the largest and most credible ranges of vitamin and herbal products in SA.

"One look at the Biogen top placing rosettes left me wanting, and I don’t think I was alone! But the coveted and unique black and red rosettes are not the only thing I love about the Biogen Maple World Cup Qualifier each year. The show is always well run, the prize money is fantastic, and the venue is transformed by all the red bannering, making it a very special show and always a highlight on the calendar.” Amelia Campbell-Horne

"Biogen did a phenomenal job. Their ongoing support in the equestrian sport has been amazing. They ran a very slick show with a brilliantly organised championship day. From our side, we would like to thank Biogen, Stan, Shawne, Paige and Chatan for the lovely goodies for the riders and grooms. This is one of our favourite shows of the year. It was also a show that marked a few firsts for the Rotoflo Team, and we could not have picked a better event at which to achieve these benchmarks.” Team Rotoflo

"It's not about sponsoring a class or a show; it's about bringing together a community. We are privileged, as members of the South African showjumping family, to have people so dedicated to the longevity of the sport, like Biogen. They understand the role it plays in so many people's lives, from our dedicated grooms to our ever-soproud horse owners. Biogen pulled out all the stops at the most recent World Cup Qualifier Competition at Maple Ridge Equestrian Farm, as per their normal style. Thank you, Biogen, for the consistent support of our equestrian family.” Laurence Mowatt, Winner of the 1.40m Grand Prix on Callaho Lorenzo

"I love this show. It’s my favourite every single year. Biogen is such a generous sponsor. Even just as a photographer on the sidelines, I was spoilt with coffee vouchers and food and made to feel super welcome. Oh, and I have to mention the rosettes - they were massive and magnificent and a great pleasure to photograph! Thank you, Biogen!” Merlynn Trichardt Photographer

DID YOU KNOW?

Biogen is the official sports nutrition and vitamin partner of Virgin Active, The Stormers Rugby Team, other leading, national sports teams and multiple eleite athletes across most major sporting codes. They are the official nutrition partner of IronMan South Africa, Ride Joburg 947, and the UCI-sanctioned mountain bike events such as Cape Pioneer and Tankwa Trek races.

"I would like to extend my gratitude to Biogen for their continued support of the showjumping community; without sponsors, it will not be possible to grow the sport and host these World Cup Qualifiers that give us the opportunity to compete at the highest levels. Hosting World Cup Qualifiers is hugely costly, but these Qualifiers are the one event that gives riders the opportunity to measure themselves against the international standard, which I believe is imperative for the growth of the sport. Thank you to everyone at Biogen for all you do for South African Showjumping.” – Leona van der Merwe

THANK YOU, BIOGEN

Thank you, Biogen, for your unwavering commitment to our sport. We are incredibly grateful for not only your sponsorship of this show and the support you provide to our community over the course of each year but also your dedication to helping our riders to “be their best” in the pursuit of their equestrian goals.

The brand is exclusively available at Dis-Chem Pharmacies and on www.biogen.co.za