ARA Equestrian >> competitive show jumper Alexis Allen

Why become a sponsor?

Equestrian sports are unlike many other high-cost sports out there. There isn’t an organization that goes from show to show to scout out new riders, there isn’t a regimen to becoming a sponsored professional. In this sport, you either are blessed enough to have the money to become a high-level competitor on your own, or you work hard and gain sponsorship assistance.

This is a very expensive lifestyle. The rewards far outweigh the costs, which is why so many suffer through being broke in order to continue on in hopes of overcoming financial hurdles. Once a rider reaches a certain level of competing, it becomes a career for them, and they are able to continue on much easier as they are more recognized in the sport. For those in the mid-level, like Alexis, it becomes very hard to gain the recognition necessary to become commercially endorsed as the expenses rise.

You would be hard-pressed to find an Olympic Equestrian who doesn’t owe their successes to the help of sponsors. You truly are the backbone and heart of this sport. You give us a way and a reason to keep competing. Not only are you an inspiration, we want to make sure your money doesn’t go to waste!

Basically, becoming a sponsor is a great way to be involved very much in the equestrian world without having to ride or even own your own horse. Not only will you be allowed access and tickets to every equestrian event that Alexis is competing in, you will also have a spot on our website, on our truck and trailer, and also have the option of having a logo placed on Alexis’s saddle pads, helmets, and shirts and/or coats. You will also be mentioned in any press releases and award banquets.

Why sponsors are necessary:

As mentioned before, the costs in this sport are substantial the more you compete. Living animals depend on us for their livelihood. While they love their job, they need a lot of care to maintain their health in a demanding sport like show jumping. Alexis also stays in a lesson and training program to keep her and any horses in top shape and competition-ready. Aside from Alexis’s living costs, here is a breakdown of a competitive show jumpers’ costs:

Horse Care:

$500/month: Board for horse per horse (feed, care, worming, etc.)

$75-$150/6 weeks: shoes and farrier care per horse

$200-$300/year: Average Maintenance Veterinary Care per horse

Any emergency vet care can run into the thousands.

Competition Costs:

$50-$200/day: stabling fee at shows per horse

$10-$50/class per day: cost for entering into classes

$gas: Gas prices fluctuate, but a truck pulling a horse trailer is quite expensive over long trips

$hotels: The horses stay at the show grounds, but unless we have RVs or trailers with living quarters, off to hotels we go!

$food: Competitors need to eat!

Clothing/Gear:

An average of $1500 per year is spent on clothing and competition gear for Alexis, as riding clothes quickly get worn out, she is constantly replacing gloves, boots, riding pants, shirts, etc.

An average of $4000 per year is spent on horses’ gear, such as blankets for cold weather, protective boots, wraps, saddle pads, bits, bridles, martingales, stirrups, stirrup leathers, and girths

Saddles cost anywhere from $900-$4,000 per saddle, and these are needed every few years. Also, sometimes a new horse requires a new saddle if one already owned doesn’t fit properly.

Riding/Training:

Alexis does train on her own a lot, however, she utilizes professional help whenever she can. She participates in clinics, and also gets regular lessons. The averge costs of these range from $40-$90 per session. This balances out to about:

$140/month: Lessons

One-Time Sponsorship:

If you would like to help Alexis reach some immediate goals, here are some ways to help her, and how they will benefit you:

High-level or prospective horse: $cost

Truck: $cost

3-horse Trailer:$cost

You will receive sponsorship benefits for as long as Alexis drives that truck/trailer, and for as long as she competes on a horse that is bought for her.

The costs average a total of $27,000-$35,000 per year for Alexis as a competitor. Alexis would like to devote at least 5-6 days per week to riding in order to compete in the most recognized shows. She can not do that as well as work the time required to make that much annually. This is why sponsors are so critical in order to allow her to continue on in her dream of becoming an international competitor.

For more information on sponsoring, please contact Alexis’ sports agent, Bambi Weavil at bambi.weavil@outimpactproductions.com or at 910-538-4309, custom packages made for you and your business are available!