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What level do you need to ride at to get sponsorship?

2K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  dudey 
#1 ·
I'm a teenage jumper rider, still in high school. I've always dreamed about getting to the upper level jumpers, like the grand prix, even. I was wondering-in general, what level jumping do you have to be at to get corporate sponsorship to ride? Does anyone know?
 
#2 ·
What you need first is training, showing and exposure.

If you do not have the money to do this, look very closely at different trainers for a working student position. Some trainers treat you like slaves with very little training in return. Some, like the trainers who gave me my start, gave great value for my labor. You need to get to as many shows on as many different horses as you possibly can. Only with a lot of exposure and success as a competitor can you expect to catch the eye of corporations looking for a tax write off.....
 
#4 ·
I heartily second what Allison has already said.

Also, consider thinking smaller about sponsorship. Don't start out thinking Ariat or Purina, think local. Ask your local feed and grain dealer, tack shop, hay farmer, riding school, etc. if they'd be willing to pay entry fees or something similiar in return for an endorsement. Ask a local purveyor if they'd like to donate a custom saddle pad, monogramed choker, silver belt buckle, etc. for you to wear in the ring.

Finally, my favorite creative sponsorship arrangements were the one proposed by my boarders and clients - they paid my way into a bunch of clinics with big names. Their return was free auditing of the clinic and then a post clinic lesson or seminar with me. The local Pony Club also sponsored me in several clinics and competitions, in return, I had to teach a Pony Club clinic or seminar. Great arrangement that paid multiple dividends.

Ultimately though, I go back to the point that Allison already made - concentrate on building your skills and resume, and the rest will follow.
 
#7 ·
i agree with alison!

i started my career as a working pupil, worked like a slave for a year, rode trained and competed any horse i could get on and it ws the best descision i ever made.

if you want sponsorship show that you can do well on a variety of horses, think about giving back before you ask for money.

im a local instructor for my ponyclub ( i do this for free, just teaching kids) coaching is a great way to gain exposure as well as teaching you a lot as well. The ponyclub has helped fund me getting to big shows or clinics, in turn i go an pass on the knowledge to the kids i teach or help them at shows by doing course walks etc with them

basically you have to work your butt off show that you can give back/ help the sponsor and show that your really going to utilize any help given to you
 
#8 ·
hello you need to be consistently doing well the second you get to a finals of a scope or a hoys qualifier and have been consistent through out you will def get a sponsorship my first sponsor was from winning at scope festival get on as many different horses you need to be jumping around 1.10 plus too be honest though.
 
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