Intro/PN riders and sponsorship

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MerryMAL

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So my aim for this summer is to get as a set of results as possible so that I can try and get a sponsor so that I can keep my horse at livery over the winter. Do people sponsor eventers with money at this level? Or do they just give out free stuff because it's less expensive for the company? Obv. I would work for it - ad on trailer, my youtube account etc. I just wondered if it happened and if you are at this level and sponsored share your experiences please?
 
I have sponsorship at this level and it's defo NOT cash, BUT i didn't want cash. Goodies are much more important to me, new items to try and report back etc..... At the lower level IMO i don't think you can ask cash as it's NOT higher enough profile for a sponsor to invest UNLESS you do lots and lots of work for them and WIN everything in sight. But even then, it just doesn't have the qudos of the like the Names at the 4* events etc... All big horsey companies have hundreds of letters a week asking for sponsorship, so you have to stand out from the crowd.

The way i look at it, horses are my hobby/lifestyle and i'm very gratefull for people to want to invest their products in me and in turn you have to make sure you keep them happy and do all the adverting you can for them, newsletter, writes up about products, images of you competing and training with their stuff on and then finally do meet and greet at events (plus food for them) etc... Cos it defo a two way street
 
i really doubt you will get anyone to give you cash, certainly not enough to livery a horse for a winter.

although perhaps if you got goodies it could save you money in some areas and then you would have more for livery yourself?
 
I am extremley lucky to have a sponsor, who pays for all my entry fees, bought me a coat and saddle pads with logos on and as i had not evented before bought me my silk and body protector last season.

I am currently at Pre-Noivce and tbh the only reason he sponsors me is because he is a very good friend of my bf and he is a very sucessful business man, however he does not pay for my horses keep, my training etc as i feel this would be a MASSIVE cheek to ask for.

I could not do it without him and it really is a HUGE financial help.
 
millitiger said:
i really doubt you will get anyone to give you cash, certainly not enough to livery a horse for a winter.

although perhaps if you got goodies it could save you money in some areas and then you would have more for livery yourself?
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Yeah, to be honest I was having doubts. But aren't most "goodies" jackets and rugs etc. - which I already have. I mean, the yard I would livery her at is £38.50 a week - so even if they payed a tenner a month it would be something. Unless a feed/shavings company sponsored me I don't think goodies would be much help...
 
MerryMAL said:
Yeah, to be honest I was having doubts. But aren't most "goodies" jackets and rugs etc. - which I already have. I mean, the yard I would livery her at is £38.50 a week - so even if they payed a tenner a month it would be something. Unless a feed/shavings company sponsored me I don't think goodies would be much help...
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GOSH - i don't think you'll get DOSH from any equine company for looking after your equine - sorry BUT WHAT a CHEAK! where can they put there logos????????? on your muck heap???Who's going to see a return in YOUR livery FEES!!!!!!!!!!!

just IMO
 
kick_On said:
GOSH - i don't think you'll get DOSH from any equine company for looking after your equine - sorry BUT WHAT a CHEAK! where can they put there logos????????? on your muck heap???Who's going to see a return in YOUR livery FEES!!!!!!!!!!!

just IMO
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Excuse me! WHAT I MEANT WAS THAT IF THEY PAID A LITTLE IT WOULD MEAN I MIGHT HAVE ENOUGH FOR LIVERY SO I HAVE ACCESS TO A MENAGE WITH LIGHTS SO I CAN RIDE IN WINTER AND THEREFORE GET BETTER TO DO BETTER IN COMPETITIONS. AND IF YOU LOOK AT MY FIRST POST IT SAYS THAT I'M PREPARED TO WORK FOR IT. AND FYI, "CHEEK" IS SPELT C-H-E-E-K. NOT "CHEAK". IF YOU'RE GOING TO INSULT ME AT LEST SPELL IT RIGHT!
 
Least isn't spelt lest, lol!
Tbh, you're going to have do a lot better to think about sponsorship as your results so far a limited and poor- and a menage with lights? One's one of them? My sister has managed to produce some rather nice results without access to a field to school in, let alone a menage with lights...
Get some top 5 places (or maybe some clears XC to start with) and then think about sponsorship.
 
Lolo said:
Least isn't spelt lest, lol!
Tbh, you're going to have do a lot better to think about sponsorship as your results so far a limited and poor- and a menage with lights? One's one of them? My sister has managed to produce some rather nice results without access to a field to school in, let alone a menage with lights...
Get some top 5 places (or maybe some clears XC to start with) and then think about sponsorship.
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Oops typo. And yeah, that's what I said in my first post. LOOK AT IT PEOPLE. And I don't think that for a first BE that was a "poor" result. I'm not looking for sponsorship NOW. I'm asking to see if it would ever happen, when I improved lots.
 
OUCH - but can i just say if you write letter asking for dosh for livery, that's what these equine companies will say - I'm just passing on info as requested??? If your serious about getting sponsorship i've made a very valid point - Ignore and i can promise you, your letter will be going into the bin with all the others.

Sponsorship HAS to be a TWO way thing with your company getting LOTS or MORE in return, as there are some many people asking for sponsorship.

If you have found this insulting i'm sorry, BUT As i really can't see any market opportunties for ANY equine companies logos on your ggs poo?? and that's a question not a insult.

as for typos ?????????? - d'oh
 
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I would have to agree with kick_on here...unfortunatley, as you've only done one BE there not going to consider to offer you money until you have a set of stable results to proove that you are worth supporting..i would however agree the product line is the best line....
 
Tbh I think you'll find it very difficult to get a sponser when you don't want 'goodies' just the cash. Instead, perhaps focus on getting the good results and then worrying about it! (They are harder than they seem!)
 
not sure why you are being so hostile?

people are genuinely asking what return your sponsor is going to get from cash?

at least with goodies they are getting free advertising, reviews on products, word of mouth advertising about the goods etc. i'm just not sure what you can offer in return for cash?
 
Without wanting to sound horrifically rude, it was fairly poor.

Look, go for a season of eventing, go for the sposorship at the end with whatever results you get but they will only offer you 'goodies'. I'd be pretty greatful though for that!

One person to talk to is Chloe_GHE (or google gift horse eventing) as she's got a fab website, and a brilliant attitude to it all and has managed to get some really great support and retain all (I think) of her sposors from last year. Definitely check that out.
 
Look guys. I took some of the replies to this post to be insulting. Maybe I got more insulted than was reasonable. And when I'm insulted maybe I don't get my point across. What I meant was that unless said goodies are something like food etc then they won't do much to help my financial situation. I suppose I read into things too much and sometimes the written word can seem more rude than said.
 
MerryMAL said:
Look guys. I took some of the replies to this post to be insulting.
I do think you've been insulted, just questioned fairly about your thoughts on this sponsorship - SORRY but using your facilities as a reason to get help is NOT a marketing angle. As i can think of a dozen names on here who have no facilities and produce lovely eventer etc.. true but fair

Now if your serious about getting help, it's great thinking about it, BUT i do think you have MISSED the point some what. You must, put yourself in the position of the equine or other company. Unless their family or good friend you HAVE to convince them that you're a GOOD MARKETING platform and that's WHY they should help you, they aren't just going to give money away, they need to see a tanglable(sp) return.

I can't understand and not sure why you are being so hostile? As you have been given some very good advise on here, and YES people are right to question a competion record. IMO that's not so important, BUT what is very important as YOU need to be out about wearing their logos and promoting their name, and boots, rugs, hats etc.......... are the most ideal way to show to the world.

ps i'm in the marketing world
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I was only being hostile because people were being rude. Obv no one would sponsor me now. True about facilities but I know of a few people who have loads but are still sponsored. What I mean is that you really only buy a travel rug or set of XC silks once - so even if I got some I would still not have the facilities to ride in the week in winter. And if I could ride in the week in winter I could go to more events and if I were sponsored company qwertyuiop's logo on my trailer would be seen more and their name would be heard on more tannoys. I don't see why people questioned my record when I made it clear that I would only start looking for sponsorship when I had a good record - I'm not looking now so my record (or lack thereof) now is irrelevant.
 
Again i do think you need to think about have companies logos on your transport as it's a bad move to make, unless your are a reg business as if not you'll have to get transport license to carry your own horse around, honestly it opens a can of worms - if not a pro

My advise is, have a look at lots of other peoples website at the same level, lots of folks have one. As for your record, i do think you need to grow a thicker skin.............. Now as i've previous stated, it's what you can offer the sponsor which is YOUR angle you should be focusing on. One can never have too many rugs, boots, bandages etc.......... pssssss you keep your as everyday wear and sponsors stuff as best so it all last twice as long, therefore saving you lots of dosh
 
I hope you dont find this insulting, and I write as a sponsor myself. We sponsor my daughter at JRN/N and did so all the way through Intro and PN. However, even though she is my daughter, she is expected to do the biz and get us publicity. My company pays for her full livery bills, all her entries, saddle cloths, body protector, hat silk ane of course the diesel to get there. She is lucky - I am a company director, but she still have to publicize us. (You might have seen her if you event in the SW - she rides a very pretty skewbald mare and her xc colours are violet and she has a large logo in the shape of a purple H on a green background).

I was approached via this forum earlier on this year by a fellow HHOer, who was starting to PN this year. I wasnt inspired and the couldnt even be bothered to contact me back. Obviously not interested in the fact that we would want something back. To be honest, we would be more than happy to look at sponsoring another rider, but there is no way on this earth we would pay for livery bills. Putting it bluntly, what will we get out of it.

I have been very impressed with the lady from Gift Horse Eventing - now thats someone you should seek to emulate. We have never met, but I caught sight of her at the dressage warm up on a bay with a GHE saddle cloth on. Thats the way to go. If she wants to get in touch, and if she is reading this, well I am impresed - get in touch.

Good luck with it - remember its a business transaction and your sponsor will want you to give something back.
 
Okay, you're probably right. However, I wasn't offended about my record. But I don't have one yet. If by august I can get placed often then I might start looking for sponsorship. They're not going to go "we would sponsor her, if only shed gone clear xc at her first event" are they? If I continue to do as badly as that one event then I won't even think about sponsorship. I think I'm going to have to get a paper round...
 
TheoryX1 said:
I hope you dont find this insulting, and I write as a sponsor myself. We sponsor my daughter at JRN/N and did so all the way through Intro and PN. However, even though she is my daughter, she is expected to do the biz and get us publicity. My company pays for her full livery bills, all her entries, saddle cloths, body protector, hat silk ane of course the diesel to get there. She is lucky - I am a company director, but she still have to publicize us. (You might have seen her if you event in the SW - she rides a very pretty skewbald mare and her xc colours are violet and she has a large logo in the shape of a purple H on a green background).

I was approached via this forum earlier on this year by a fellow HHOer, who was starting to PN this year. I wasnt inspired and the couldnt even be bothered to contact me back. Obviously not interested in the fact that we would want something back. To be honest, we would be more than happy to look at sponsoring another rider, but there is no way on this earth we would pay for livery bills. Putting it bluntly, what will we get out of it.

I have been very impressed with the lady from
Gift Horse Eventing - now thats someone you should seek to emulate. We have never met, but I caught sight of her at the dressage warm up on a bay with a GHE saddle cloth on. Thats the way to go. If she wants to get in touch, and if she is reading this, well I am impresed - get in touch.
Good luck with it - remember its a business transaction and your sponsor will want you to give something back.
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Thank you. That was a polite and eloquent response telling me where I am mistaken. I don't mind working lots to hold up my end, so long as I get something I actually need in return.
 
I think you are being very hostile towards people trying to help.

if I were a sponser, and you asked ME for money to help pay for your horse's keep, I would think you were having a laugh. At PN level, I would assume it was a hoax.

You should be gracious and never look a gift horse in the mouth (excuse the pun) - if someone sponsered you supplements wouldnt that be worth something?! Or do you count that as goodies.

Frankly, I don't care if you are insulted by my post.

Tough luck, but personally don't think you will get any sponsership (unless through friend etc. ) until have a decent record behind you. And that means top 10 in every event you enter at least. Otherwise the company will get no exposure.
 
I think it has a lot less to do with results and a lot more to do with selling yourself (not literally!). Sponsorship will alway come down to what you can do for a company. You should check out Chloe_GHE's website, she posts in CR regularly & has had a lot of sucess at finding incredible sponsorship at low level. IIRC one of her sponsors is a training centre where she uses the facilities for free(?). I also have no facilities (not even a field I can ride in) so I feel your pain, but you'd really have to bust a gut in order to get a sponsor.
 
"Tough luck, but personally don't think you will get any sponsership (unless through friend etc. ) until have a decent record behind you. And that means top 10 in every event you enter at least. Otherwise the company will get no exposure."

I am not going to even think about asking for sponsorship UNTIL I have a decent record. I'M NOT LOOKING FOR IT NOW.
 
now now girlies!!
I am VERY lucky and get entries paid(wudnt be eventing without the help i get)but it is through a very well known family friend!! I count myself very lucky!! I give out their info on stables etc and its paid off for them too with a few big orders!!

I let a lovely girl hack my beasty out just once a wk(more if she has time) for £60 a mth plus she helps 2wards shoes.Its a grt help and again im very lucky i have a trustworthy rider who i can trust!!(she also poo picks,wow!!). I dont allow her to school or jump,just hack,which most peps r happy to do for £15,rather than spend £30 plus riding a riding school horse around in circles!!!
Put a notice on boards re sharer??i found mine on my RC notice board!
Just an idea if u need help? good luck...
And why shudnt she ask for help??if you dont ask,u just dont get. I cant stand catty folk!Theres just no need! Not at our age(assuming ur over 16??).
 
You really can't be picky about what you get in return from sponsors! I have been looking for a sponsor (with no luck unfortunately, but will keep trying) and compete at PN/novice, and if someone offered to sponsor me by giving me a hoof pick I would be happy!!!
Every little counts. If you do seriously start looking for sponsorship next year- don't be greedy. Remember, once you get one sponsor, you will probably be recognised and offered something a bit better off another sponsor, and so on and so forth.
Good luck.
 
only_me said:
I think you are being very hostile towards people trying to help.

if I were a sponser, and you asked ME for money to help pay for your horse's keep, I would think you were having a laugh. At PN level, I would assume it was a hoax.

You should be gracious and never look a gift horse in the mouth (excuse the pun) - if someone sponsered you supplements wouldnt that be worth something?! Or do you count that as goodies.

Frankly, I don't care if you are insulted by my post.

Tough luck, but personally don't think you will get any sponsership (unless through friend etc. ) until have a decent record behind you. And that means top 10 in every event you enter at least. Otherwise the company will get no exposure.
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I have to say I agree with this. You are coming across as quite arrogant to be saying that "goodies" are of "no use" to you. :confused: With horses, every little does help and I'm afraid (as others have politely said and you've been rather rude in your replies to) that unless it is a family friend doing you a favour, you will not get someone to pay you cash towards your horse's keep- especially over the winter when there's no eventing on and therefore no promotion for them!

It has to be worth the expense to the sponsor and "goodies" in the form of products are the most common form of sponsorship as it gets the products out there and seen by other riders, is easy to have logos on and can be provided by the company at production cost.

It seems to me there's a lot of folk been posting on here, almost expecting that because they've seen someone else get sponsored, they should be too. There are plenty good riders and horses out there and (again, as others have said) you need something that makes you better (in a sponsor's eyes) than them. Chloe has done a fab job of getting sponsors, keeping them happy and working hard for it. It's definitely not as simple as "please can someone pay for me to keep my horse at a nice yard!" :rolleyes:

Sorry it's not what you want to hear, by all means try, but don't expect sponsors to be falling over themselves to say "yes". :o
 
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