Is sponsorship only for the exceptional riders?

[fasteronmyown2legs]

Posted a little while ago about me starting riding as a 21 year old male.... I've now been riding 8 months half an hour a week, and have recently started jumping 3ft which seems like a quick progression? The idea of having my own horse is growing on me (if only my money grew as fast) I was wondering if any level of sponsorship is only for the very best as with most sports?

 

[Luci07]

You have to think in terms of what you will give back to the sponsor so that is the restriction.

Well done on your progress! Try to get to ride other horses if at possible, that is the best way to judge how you are doing.

 

[MrsMozart]

Our company sponsors someone, and we sponsor a couple of people through another business.

I have to say that, on the whole, it's hard work for the sponsorer, dependent on the person being sponsored.

When sponsoring through a limited company the tax man is very interested in what we're doing and what we're spending on the sponsorship deal. It's really, really important to have clear lines of communication and a very (very!) clear understanding of what is required on both sides. It's something that our company is currently reviewing.

As to whether or not you have to be at the top of the tree, no you don't, or at least you don't as far as we're concerned. What you do have to be is committed, dedicated, get your butt up early to get to shows, and report back in good order what you've been up to. If you'd rather go for a boozy night out, or not get someone to get pictures of you competing, or sit on your butt instead of working with your horse, then that's fine, but don't expect a company to be interested in sponsoring you. We look for up and coming people, who'll grow with the company and who's stories our clients can follow and get interested in. Many, many people talk the talk, but we watch for quite a while before we get in touch or make a sponsorship offer.

 

[fasteronmyown2legs]

You have to think in terms of what you will give back to the sponsor so that is the restriction.

Well done on your progress! Try to get to ride other horses if at possible, that is the best way to judge how you are doing.

Thank you, I do force myself not to opt for the first horse I learned on he seems a lot easier!

Our company sponsors someone, and we sponsor a couple of people through another business.

I have to say that, on the whole, it's hard work for the sponsorer, dependent on the person being sponsored.

When sponsoring through a limited company the tax man is very interested in what we're doing and what we're spending on the sponsorship deal. It's really, really important to have clear lines of communication and a very (very!) clear understanding of what is required on both sides. It's something that our company is currently reviewing.

As to whether or not you have to be at the top of the tree, no you don't, or at least you don't as far as we're concerned. What you do have to be is committed, dedicated, get your butt up early to get to shows, and report back in good order what you've been up to. If you'd rather go for a boozy night out, or not get someone to get pictures of you competing, or sit on your butt instead of working with your horse, then that's fine, but don't expect a company to be interested in sponsoring you. We look for up and coming people, who'll grow with the company and who's stories our clients can follow and get interested in. Many, many people talk the talk, but we watch for quite a while before we get in touch or make a sponsorship offer.

Thank you, thats a very insightful response! I've spent 15 years of my life doing Athletics so I don't see my commitment to this faultering..... I know when Ive found something I love! Early mornings in the cold don't bother me either I'm military!