Sponsorship is an essential aspect to the sport of show jumping, without the support of sponsors many riders would be unable to compete at the top levels of the sport.
We believe that in order to accomplish our goals at Dark Horse Farms it will require the partnership of team sponsors and product sponsors to help cover the cost of competing. The partnerships with these sponsors will allow Dark horse Farms to focus on preparing for and competing in the show ring with the emphasis on promoting the sponsors.
We also believe that by simply working towards our goals we create a valuable opportunity to market and promote sponsors, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
By pairing with a companies whose customer base exists within the hunter/jumper world (horse industry) or who's target demographic is represented by the horse community we can effectively promote their services and products. Our time on the road and in the show ring offer great publicity and multiple opportunities to reach potential customers with many highly visible locations to display our sponsors company's logo and information. Additionally our marketing emphasis will increase visibility and promotion for our sponsors both on the show grounds and online.
We will work directly with our sponsor to ensure that all potential marketing and promotional opportunities are identified and that their 'sponsorship dollars' are effectively put to work. Our sponsor will benefit from our marketing background and extensive knowledge of the horse industry to maximize exposure to exhibitors, spectator, trainers, vendors and potential customers.
The Industry:
Equestrian events are often weekend events and opportunity for promotion is huge. Sponsors of equestrian events reap large benefits from horse people because equestrian pursuits are more of a lifestyle than a hobby, and so a perceived need is one for which money is spent.
In the equestrian world, innovative companies such as Rolex and Crown Royal sponsor events in the United States and in Europe it is common practice for banks, publishers and packaging companies to sponsor equestrian athletes and their horses.
The equestrian community has a very affluent demographic:
- 4.6 million Americans are involved in the industry as horse owners, service providers, employees and volunteers..
- 2 million people own horses.
- The horse industry has a direct economic effect on the U.S. of $39 billion annually.
- 28% of horse owners have an annual income of over $100,000
- Tens of millions of people participate as spectators
Study conducted by The American Horse Council
