Showjumping aspirations, realistic advice

[BusyBee3293]

i would like advice on how to become a professional showjumping, how far i would need to get in order to get noticed by sponsors etc step by step guide would be great lol

 

[*hic*]

AFAIK you don't "get noticed" by sponsors, you have to chase them yourself and present a decent business case as to why they should invest in you.

 

[Mythical]

AFAIK you don't "get noticed" by sponsors, you have to chase them yourself and present a decent business case as to why they should invest in you.

Plus if it's anything like getting sponsored for a charity event, you've got to be like a jack russel with a bone. Present your case, and be prepared to follow it up and follow it up and follow it up.

Get to a level where you have a little bit of an audience, then start looking for sponsors immediately. Even if it's just your friends dads mates plumbing business. Don't expect them to buy your horse for you, maybe a pint or two if you're lucky, or if it's related they might provide you with something they sell in lieu of hard cash. My Boyfriends company sponsor a few cage fighters and they provide them with fight clothing plus a cash bonus if they win which ranges from £25 to around £300 depending on the event. In return, the fighters wear the branded clothing at agreed events, for all competitions both during the fight and at any presentation or publicity events.
What you REALLY want from your first sponsors is facts and figures to pass on to future sponsors who will pay you more.

Biggest tips; make friends with someone who's in marketing and can help you figure out what businesses want to hear from you. Business networking events are good for this. Secondly, once you've got your sponsors, be nice to them..... Did I mention business networking events?