Promising young rider - how to go about getting sponsorship?

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zeuscleoharmony

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Sorry if this has been posted before but I never come in here as I am only a happy hacker but on this occassion am enquiring for a friend.

She has an 8 year old daughter and pony who are, locally, superstars. They are admired and talked about when showjumping and later this year are hoping to do some cross country.

Financially, they are finding things tough, hiring a box to go to shows further afield, etc and fees so their potential is being very much limited due to their limited funds.

Can anyone give advice on how sponsorship might be secured for a promising young girl?

Many thanks
 
I don't know, stranger things have happened. If the child and pony are attractive and winning (sorry, but that's the name of the game) and can bring something to the deal, then a local company and/or one with a big market base of children that age or their parents, someone might be able to get something done. As above, cute counts for a lot in marketing!

It will take work though. Someone will have to approach businesses on the child's behalf, armed with photos, a write up and a "what you will get out of it" letter and spiel - in other words, someone will have to sell the product, as it were. I guess, for a child that age, it's worth asking for an outright gift, especially if the amounts needed are small, but in sponsorship agreements the businesses will want to know what they're advertising opportunities will be. In most cases, it's easier to get products/services than money.
 
And dont milk the 'this child is so special so she deserves sponsorship' approach- companies really want to know what you can offer them as a company- i.e name the ponies after the company, mention the company on the loudspeaker, advertising on lorry/sadddle cloths/jackets etc..regular updates on a online blog/website..newspaper features..etc etc..

Your sponsorship letter has to be all about what the company can get out of you. That is why a lot of amateur /uncompetitive riders can now get sponsorship, because they are offering so much in return to the company in terms of good advertising/publicity.
 
Gift horse Eventing on here has a good blog which features her sponsors. Its certainly one I remember and I can probably name a few of her sponsors which says she is doing a good job
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It is difficult IMO, especially (as others have pointed out) that she is only an 8yo and not doing affiliated. It was very difficult for me and I have done affiliated BE & BSJA for years, its also very hard to get financial help - you're more likely to get products instead which is what I got. It can help bring bills down though - perhaps she could try trailer-hire companies for a start, see if they could get that for free (or discounted).
 
i agree it would be hard getting a sponsor age 8..but look at people like jessica mendoza...ok doing BSJA [different kettle of fish] but i belive she has sponsors....
i'd aim at companys for kids clothing..as you dont see them sponsoring adults
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dont push the 'cute' factor too much and advertise for her good points...[i.e winning] and you can target an audience which affiliated competitions cant
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