Sponsorship plays an important role in helping Shawna to realize her goals of competing in the world’s most prestigious competitions, such as the Pan American Games, the World Equestrian Games and the Olympic Games. No government funding is available for American equestrians so your sponsorship is critical to her efforts.
It can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 per horse, per year, to compete at the international level. From the purchase of horses to help with the daily costs of feed and hay, any assistance is invaluable and greatly appreciated. Please know that no amount is too small - every dollar helps!
Shawna is well respected in the Dressage community for her strong work ethic, as well as her riding and training abilities. She takes her responsibility to her supporters very seriously.
Types of Sponsorship
Individual
Depending on the level of sponsorship, Shawna Harding Dressage can offer a variety of benefits:
- Discounted clinics, private lessons or training for your horse.
- Behind-the-scenes access and hospitality at events.
- Competition updates, news and photos.
- The opportunity to partially or wholly own a competition horse.
- Potential tax benefits.
Corporate
Dressage is the fastest growing English riding discipline and has possibly the highest demographic profile and occupational mix represented by any equestrian sport. It is followed closely by a diverse group of affluent and influential consumers including corporate executives, industrial leaders, professionals and the social elite.
Traveling and competing in the U.S. and Europe, Shawna and her horses are seen by thousands of spectators, officials, and fellow competitors; making her one of the most recognizable names and faces in the sport. Shawna also travels for clinics, lessons and personal appearances, further enhancing her public profile and recognition. As a coach, Shawna works with a number of students, both at home and while away at competitions.
Depending on the level of sponsorship, Shawna Harding Dressage can offer a variety of benefits:
- Your logo displayed on SHD saddle pads during training, and when permitted, during competition.
- Your logo displayed on SHD polo shirts/jackets/ball caps worn during training and on show grounds.
- Your logo displayed on SHD marketing materials.
- Your logo displayed on SHD truck/horse trailer.
- Your banner displayed in the SHD stable area at shows.
- Company name used within the horse’s official name; e.g., IBM’s Come On III.
- Your link and logo displayed on the SHD website.
- Behind-the-scenes access and hospitality at shows.
- Shawna’s participation in corporate advertisements, trade shows, conventions, sales meetings, other corporate functions and charity events.
- Shawna’s participation in autograph signings on your behalf at designated events.
- Competition updates, news and photos.
- Exposure to a highly affluent, upscale audience involved in a growing sport.
- Positive association with one of the most successful dressage riders competing today.
- Partnership with an extremely motivated, attractive, intelligent and personable athlete.
- Potential tax benefits.
Ways to Contribute
Tax-Deductible Contributions
Because Shawna is an acknowledged international competitor, she is eligible to receive grants from the American Horse Trials Foundation (AHTF). Since its inception in 1987, the AHTF has distributed over $13 million directly to riders for competitive activities. Only 8% of each contribution is deducted for administrative expenses; the remaining 92% of each contribution goes toward training and competition grants.
The AHTF has tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions are deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. For more information about the AHTF, visit their website at www.ahtf3day.org. Checks should be made payable to the American Horse Trials Foundation and mailed to Shawna Harding Dressage at the following address: 318-A Laurens Street S.W., Aiken, SC 29801.
Checks will be forwarded to the AHTF. Please do not put Shawna’s name on the check as the AHTF cannot accept annotated checks.
Private Contributions
Monetary contributions of any amount can be made directly to Shawna and will be used to pay for travel expenses, entry fees, horse care, and equipment. 100% of your donation will go directly to competition-related expenses. Checks should be made payable to Shawna Harding Dressage, and sent to 318-A Laurens Street S.W., Aiken, SC 29801.
Contributions of Goods and Services
Properly equipping both horse and rider for international Dressage competition is an on-going and capital-intensive proposition. Shawna is happy to consider the use and promotion of select products and services as part of an in-kind sponsorship agreement. Please contact Shawna to explore the possibilities.
Investment Horse
An investment horse can be purchased by the investor/owner based on Shawna’s recommendation. Shawna then takes the horse in training, and as trainer/owner competes and markets him as she deems appropriate. You, as the investor/owner, are responsible for all out of pocket expenses, including board, shoeing, vet work, competition costs, etc. As the trainer/owner, Shawna is responsible for the day-to-day supervision and training of the horse. Upon sale of the horse, after all costs paid by the investor/owner are recovered, the profit is split as agreed upon between the investor/owner and the trainer/owner.
References are available upon request from past and current investor/owners.
