As things continue to get more expensive, it’s no surprise that lots of riders have looked for creative ways to afford to keep doing what they love, whether that’s recreational trail or national competitions. Sponsorships can look appealing on the surface – I could get paid to show my own horse? Sounds too good to be true and that’s because, for the most part, it is. Here are the ins and outs of becoming a sponsored rider in the equestrian world (and what you really get you of it).

What is a Sponsorship?

If you grew up in the sports world, the word “sponsorship” may excite you. You think of million-dollar Nike deals being made with hard-working athletes just to wear their shoes during a game and talk them up online.

Wouldn’t it be nice to be paid to show your horse? Unfortunately, in the equine world, this type of sponsorship is definitely a unicorn – rare, hard to find, and even harder to get.

“Almost every sponsorship we’ve seen within our clients are product sponsorships,” shares Aaron Taylor, president and founder of NewStyle Digital, a marketing and advertising agency with many clients in the equestrian world, including both sponsored riders and companies with sponsors. “We really haven’t seen any monetary sponsorships, which even include globally-recognized riders. Because the equine world is so niche, most brands within the industry cannot necessarily afford to pay their athletes. However, they do offer product sponsorships that are very first-class.”

Most equestrian sponsorship deals are for product: you receive free product in exchange for using the items and talking the company up on your social media, in interviews and while competing.

While it might not sound complicated, sponsorships are not something you should go into lightly. After all, businesses are expecting something in return for the free product they have given you, no matter how low the price point.

Does Being a Sponsored Rider Affect Your Amateur Status?

Most organizations including the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), allow amateurs to be social media brand ambassadors or social media influencers who receive remuneration in the form of goods and even cash. However, it’s always best to double check the rules of every organization you plan on showing under, as rules change yearly.

If you find your organization does not allow amateurs to have sponsorships, then you have to ask yourself if it’s worth it to give up your status for a bit of money or free product.

“I think that no rider should lose amateur status over receiving free products from a company as a sponsorship,” shares Taylor. “I understand that when a rider is technically getting paid [in money] they should have to deal with this issue. As an example, college teams are sponsored by brands and they get free products, this doesn’t mean that they should all lose their amateur status. There are many influencers who are sponsored by brands that don’t even actively compete. Should they be considered professionals? My advice here would be to not lose amateur status over some free stuff, it really just isn’t worth it.”

On the flip side, if you find someone willing to foot your entire show bill, including lodging and transportation, you may decide it’s worth losing your amateur status within the organization you show under, if applicable. And while extremely rare, some people have luck asking family members, bosses or – in the case of youth – their parent’s bosses for sponsorships. Youth usually have better luck with this approach than adults, but you never know – your boss just might like the idea of sponsoring you on the weekends. In these cases, the companies are doing it more for the “giving back” aspect then getting something out of it, and are usually happy with logo placements on trailers and stalls.

Why Become a Sponsored Rider?

The first question you should ask yourself is why do you want to be a sponsored rider? If the answer is just to get free stuff, you may want to rethink your plan.

Think about what made you purchase your latest saddle pad or show shirt? Did you see it on Instagram or TikTok being used by your favorite equestrian? Brands have quickly adapted to the influence social media has on their customer’s buying habits.

“Many [sponsored] athletes receive custom products to their specifications, and at any time,” explains Taylor. “The good thing about this dynamic is that when you see a sought-after athlete wearing or using a specific product, they’re using that product because they like it, and not because they’re being paid to use it.”

This also means that businesses are looking for riders who can help them increase brand awareness and, ultimately, their sales. “Most companies and brands sponsor athletes that have leverage where they do not,” Taylor adds. “That leverage could be their social media following, their industry presence or their stats.”

Advice From the Professionals

Allegra Peardon, 19, is a sponsored rider who competes in jumpers with Fédération Equestre International (FEI), Fédération Française Equitation (FFE) and USEF. She has almost 35K followers on her TikTok account.

Peardon reached out to companies herself for sponsorships, but also had companies contact her.

“The goal was to make more connections in the horse world and get my name out there as well,” Peardon says about why she decided to get sponsors. “It’s always good to have a relationship with different types of businesses because it helps you get your name out as a rider while supporting brands that you believe in and stand behind.” Her current sponsors are Equisite Elements of Style and Purvida Healthy Horse,

Her advice to anyone thinking about going after sponsorships is to make sure you research the companies and pick ones where you genuinely like the product.

“My second piece of advice is that you shouldn’t look for sponsors just for benefits on your part,” she says. “A sponsorship works both ways. Being sponsored is great, but you also need to be committed and ready to establish a strong connection before anything happens. Once you find a company that you appreciate and would love to support, that’s where the magic happens.”

“I think the most helpful advice we can give a rider looking for sponsorships is the realistic expectation of what they’re going to get out of it,” says Taylor. “Essentially, you’ll be getting free products and maybe even featured on their website, social media accounts or advertisements. If you’re set on finding a sponsor, I think approaching brands that you personally love and use are where you should gravitate towards. More than likely, your sponsorship benefits will primarily include free products, and the last thing you would want to do is not like the product you’re getting.”

Also read- Common Legal Issues in the Horse World

Next Steps to Becoming a Sponsored Rider

Still want to be a sponsored rider? Having some kind of social media following is helpful. Elizabeth Tinnan is a mounted archery competitor, trainer and clinician. She has 5.4k followers on Facebook. Being from a more niche sport, you may think there is not a lot opportunity for sponsorships, but she is currently sponsored by Steve’s Archery Leathercraft, Stonewall Saddle Company and Wild Montana Leathercrafting. All three of these are product sponsors.

“The sponsorships I have were obtained by reaching out to each company or through my testing, feedback and support for their products,” explains Tinnan.

“Just like other non-equine sports, companies sponsor athletes who are winning, who are well-known or have a large audience that they would like to reach,” says Taylor. “As for social media followers, there is not an exact number of followers you would need to have on any particular channel. However, your following should be large enough (and also engaged enough) to display that you are someone with influence on their followers.”

And while you can go it alone, research companies and reach out to them on your own, you may decide that for your dreams, you need someone in your corner. That’s where a company like NewStyle Digital comes in. They help riders get sponsorships as well as help companies find riders to sponsor. They may be a good place to start if you are not sure if your profile is ready to take on sponsorships.

“We will typically review their physical and digital ‘resume’ and image to see what may need improvement,” shares Taylor. “From that point, we can provide services or suggestions to help them in their search for sponsorships.”

At the end of the ride, sponsorships can help an equestrian become more well-known, and of course give you some cool perks in the way of free products. But you have to prepared to think of it as job, with duties and time commitments that you need to follow through with or you will lose them. Coming at it from this perspective and not just “I want free stuff or a way to show my horse for free” will help ensure success for both rider and company.

This article about becoming a sponsored rider is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The Ins and Outs of Being a Sponsored Rider appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Two potential dangers for your horse are strangles and equine herpes virus (EHV), both of which are highly contagious and can easily infect a horse at any barn, arena, or other facility. As cases increase during show and rodeo seasons, Kelli Beavers, DVM, clinical assistant professor of equine veterinary education at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Veterinary Education, Research, and Outreach (VERO) program, housed at West Texas A&M University, gives advice on how to prevent illnesses like strangles and EHV.

Preventing Exposure

Preventing exposure to strangles or EHV starts by taking simple precautions when you travel with your horse to new facilities around other horses.

“Both of these illnesses can be transmitted by horses and by people. Most disease transmission occurs from horses that do not yet show signs of illness.” Beavers says. “Be very careful about traveling with your horse. Make sure to clean the stall you will be using before you unload everything, including your horse. Washing with soapy water is good and using a hand-held disinfectant sprayer on the walls of the stall as well. One example of a disinfectant is Virkon-S. As far as avoiding exposure, just make sure that you don’t comingle your horses with others that you are unfamiliar with.”

It is also important to ensure your horse is healthy prior to any travel. It is best to avoid any travel if your horse has signs of illness.

Beavers explains that having a quarantine barn is important for coming back home from an event.

“It’s a really great practice to protect your home farm by having a quarantine barn,” Beavers says. “If you come back from a show and realize that your horse has been at risk or exposed, you can make sure to keep other horses safe, whether it be your own horses or others sharing a boarding facility.”

Using Public Utilities

Wash racks and other areas at public facilities can be helpful but should also be approached with caution. Beavers explains how to use these amenities properly to keep your horse from becoming ill.

“When using public utilities at shows or rodeos, be sure to give yourself enough time to get done what you need done without being crowded by other horses,” Beavers says. “You can certainly wash down or disinfect any walls or railings. Make sure to keep your distance from unfamiliar horses if you can and use your common sense in those situations. You can’t completely avoid all risks, especially in common use areas. Using your own grooming equipment, and not comingling your equipment with unfamiliar people or horses can reduce the risk of these illnesses.”

Veterinarian Help

Working with your veterinarian when you suspect your horse might have contracted an illness is crucial, especially if it could be strangles or EHV. Beavers explains how veterinarian help is important to give your horse the best chance of recovery.

“When working with your veterinarian, you can make sure to stay up to date on medication and vaccinations for your horses that do travel and your horses that stay at home. With your veterinarian you can also create an individualized plan for you and your horse,” Beavers says.

Some horse shows and facilities require that a horse be vaccinated with EHV and equine influenza vaccines within a certain timeframe before the event. Be sure to check state and local regulations before traveling.

Next Steps After Horse Illness Exposure

Exposure to strangles or EHV can be shocking and even scary, so focus on the steps to a solution if this occurs.

“If your horse has been exposed, make sure that you have a plan for quarantine set up where you keep your horse. Make sure to monitor your horse for any signs of fever and take their temperature daily,” Beavers says. “If you’re taking care of sick or exposed horses, be sure and take care of them last. That way you can change clothes and get yourself clean without going back to tend to healthy horses.”

Isolate Horses with These Symptoms

It’s essential to know the early symptoms of illnesses like EHV and strangles. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, symptoms to watch for include:

1. Body temperature greater than 101.5°F (38.9°C)
2. Ataxia or recumbency
3. Aggressive behavior or stupor
4. Profuse diarrhea
5. Oral or coronary band vesicular or ulcerative lesions
6. Nasal discharge, coughing, and/or lymphadenopathy

Tell your veterinarian, farrier, trainer, and any other individuals who might come into contact with your horse becomes symptomatic. These professionals work with multiple horses every day, so it is important to notify them of exposure to keep other horses safe.

“It’s important to stay informed, Equine Disease Communication Center is really great because it tracks incidents and when horse illnesses occur so that you know if [strangles or EHV] is in your area,” Beavers says.

Travel with horses can bring excitement and new opportunities for equestrians of all kinds. Keep the excitement going this summer and integrate these tips into your travel routine to keep your horses safe from illness.

The post Preventing Exposure to Illness When Traveling with Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Showmanship at halter is a class that showcases the harmony between a horse and his exhibitor, and the showmanship pivot is a key point in your performance. It’s a maneuver that requires precision and cooperation as you guide the horse to plant his hind foot and rotate his body 360 degrees. Learn how to master this move with AQHA Professional Horseman, judge, and all-around trainer Bruce Walquist’s advice.

Goal for Showmanship

Why the Showmanship Pivot is Tricky

The Showmanship Pivot Done Right

Practice Makes Perfect

Troubleshooting the Showmanship Pivot

Meet the Trainer Bruce Walquist is an AQHA Professional Horseman and judge located in Cleburne, Texas. He specializes in training, sales and lessons for AQHA all-around horses. His clients have earned more than a dozen AQHA World and Reserve world championships in all-around events.

The post Nail Your Showmanship Pivot appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

When you step into the arena with your horse, you want to exude confidence and focus on your ride. This is your moment to shine, so it’s important to feel good about what you’re wearing. Horse show trends and fashion vary between disciplines and show circuits, but the following tips will help you when shopping for new pieces.

Horse Show Trends for Hunter/Jumpers

Taylor Hall owns The Tried Equestrian, a premier consignment shop in Santa Clarita, Calif. Hall is in tune with the hunter/jumper world, where there has been a shift in focus to athletic materials that offer more comfort. From shirts and breeches to show jackets, gloves and boots, the items must be comfortable, easy to wash and have a lot of stretch.

“In the hunter/jumpers we’ve seen coats trending shorter,” says Hall. “Traditionally, coat tails tended to fall at the bottom of your hips, especially in the hunter ring. Now most coats, even made for the hunters and equitation, hit mid-hip. Jumper coats are even shorter, and many times hit in the top quarter of your hips.”

Hunt coats and shirts are solid. There are now six accepted show coat colors: navy, black, brown, gray, green, and the newest color addition, burgundy. The jumper ring is a place for experimenting with bolder attire, but keep in mind the rules for attire depend on the class entered.

“One of the coolest trends we’ve seen is wearing a colored competition shirt (burgundy or even black) underneath a black coat,” says Hall. “A competition shirt can be worn in the jumper ring and can be any color, as long as it has a stand-up white collar that closes. We are even seeing bling here! Albeit very subtly, but it is being added to some show coats, tops and even breeches along pockets.”

Horse Show Trends for Dressage

Dressage riders have room to push the boundaries further with Swarovski crystals and pops of color. Accomplished dressage rider and eventer Britt Sabbah of Agoura Hills, Calif., recently attended her first dressage show after taking a year off due to the pandemic. She wears a shadbelly with a faux leather lining on the tails and Swarovski accents on the collar and points.

Riders are wearing helmets accented with glossy finishes, glitter, or Swarovski crystals. Colorfully piped tails and bolder colors can make their appearance on a shadbelly.

Black leather tack continues to dominate, but sparkly browbands and saddles and riding boots with patent or stamped leather accents and piping are seen throughout the ring.

Horse Show Trends for Western Riders

Amber Harmon of Bakersfield, Calif., competes at Paint Horse shows in the all-around classes. One of her favorite items is a button-front fitted day shirt; these offer versatility to riders showing in multiple classes.

Generally, state or zoned show riders can be seen wearing more interesting patterns and retro designs. The western world is embracing retro colors in saddle pads, outfits and tack design.

Black saddles are now a beautiful option for riders from pleasure to barrel racing. It all started with a two-toned trend, which has turned into solid black.

In the all-around classes, a show saddle can be loaded with silver or simple. Barrel racers continue to look for rough-out saddles (a saddle with the flesh or rough side facing out) and simpler designs. Solid pads are out, and modern, retro-themed designs are in for saddle blankets and pads.

For high-end breed circuit apparel, Harmon says to look to Showtime Show Clothing and Showgirls Apparel brands for a selection of new and pre-owned options. There are a lot more accessible smaller brands making trendy tack and apparel.

Hunter under saddle breed show riders embrace contrasting collars, velvet collars and lots of tan and brown jackets. Velvet hunt caps are out and actual protective, lower-profile helmets are in.

At the end of the day, all of the hours put into the saddle and lessons come down to one ride or a series of classes. It’s important to feel powerful and confident in your attire.

This article about horse show trends appeared in the June 2021 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Horse Show Trends to Try in 2022 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Download our checklist now so you know you’ve packed everything you need for a successful show.

Once you get to the show, you’ll want to be sure your horse is safe in his stall. In addition to giving him fresh water in a large bucket and ensuring he’s fed his usual ration, you can add an extra layer of safety with this handy stall card.

Print one stall card for each horse at the showgrounds so that all their important information is readily available while they’re away from home. That way, if something happens to your horse when you’re not close by, someone can contact you, your trainer, or even your veterinarian if needed.

Once you’ve downloaded and printed both of these helpful items, you’ll be ready to start packing for your next horse show. Good luck!

Download the Horse Show Checklist >>
Download the Horse Show Stall Card >>

The post Download a Horse Show Checklist and Stall Card appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

While a shiny coat begins with proper nutrition, professional horsemen do have some tricks up their sleeves in show day grooming to give their horse’s coats some extra sparkle. 

Incorporate some or all of these tips into your show-day horse grooming routine to turn the judge’s head when you ride by.

Coat

◆ Before you can have a clean horse, you must have clean tools. Soak your brushes (including mane and tail brushes and combs) in warm water with a squirt of dishwashing detergent designed to lift our grease. Rinse well and let dry in the sun.

◆ When bathing your horse, be sure to rinse him until no shampoo suds run off with the water. Soap residue can lead to a dull coat.

◆ Once bathed, spray a silicone-based spray everywhere except for where the saddle sits and on his mane if you plan on braiding or banding. Pay special attention to white legs and his tail, coating them liberally to discourage the dirt from sticking.

◆ At the show, if you need to quickly switch from an under saddle class to an in-hand or showmanship class, liberally applying rubbing alcohol will help eliminate sweat marks quickly.

Hooves

◆ While you’re bathing your horse, scrub his hooves with steel wool to get rid of the dirt and manure buildup around his coronet bands.

◆ Before you show, fill old nail holes with spackle that matches his hoof color.

◆ Once the spackle has set, sand his feet with a fine-grit sanding block.

◆ Apply only one coat of hoof polish if the arena footing is deep; dirt has a tendency to stick to polished hooves no matter what, but with only one coat, not much dirt will stick.

Legs

◆ If your horse doesn’t live outside full-time (where he could get sunburned), consider clipping his white legs (and face) at least three days before a show. Be sure to wash his legs and let them dry before clipping them with a No. 10 blade. Go against the grain of the hair for a close trim. This will leave his legs looking dazzlingly white.

◆ On show day, apply baby powder, corn starch, French chalk (used by tailors to mark clothes) or equine touch-up spray liberally to make his legs really stand out.

Face

◆ Right before you head to the warm-up ring, apply a light coating of baby oil or face grease to your horse’s eyes and muzzle to highlight his features.

◆ Swipe a dryer sheet over your horse’s face right before he enters the show ring to collect last-minute dust.

Mane and Tail

◆ How or if you comb your horse’s tail is really a matter of personal preference. At any rate, start at the bottom, working your way up, tugging gently on knots so as not to rip out the hair.

◆ If your breed or discipline encourages braiding or banding of the mane and/or tail, use human hair gel to combat fly aways.

◆ If you use a tail extension, ensure that it’s the proper color and clean before placing it on show day (use a silicone-based spray on the extension before you place it). Be sure you know how to properly braid the tail extension to the tailbone so it doesn’t have an artificial, noticeable swing.

◆ If you braid or band your horse the night before your classes, consider spritzing his mane with Listerine before placing a lycra hood over him. This will help prevent him from rubbing them out overnight.

These helpful grooming hints will keep your horse looking his best on show day, allowing you more time to focus on your ride!

This article about show day horse grooming appeared in the May 2014 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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