So I’ve been thinking again about possible ways to earn an income from something horse related and have been pondering sponsors for the horse industry.  A common theme I came across in reading An Eventful Life was that the top event riders, even though they had sponsors, didn’t seem to feel they had enough time or dedicated enough time to keeping their sponsors informed about their eventing life and achievements.

Perhaps such riders have managers of sorts, or maybe there’s a niche out there for people to become ‘Sponsorship Agents’.

What is a sponsorship agent?  Well, I’d envisage that they have the role of seeking out sponsors for a particular equestrian celebrity, horse related agency or event and then keep these agents informed.

If I were investing in someone, I’d be keen to know how my funds or donated product are being put to good use.  Is my sponsored rider out winning events whilst riding in one of my saddles?  Is my sponsored racehorse winning races whilst being fed on my carefully formulated racehorse feed?

Perhaps a sponsorship agent could be responsible for:

Seeking out sponsors

Sending out monthly newsletters with latest news, results and photos

Updating sponsors on how their product or service has been advertised through the sponsored person/s

I would guess there could be a lot more to being a sponsorship agent, and perhaps a marketing or multimedia background may be of benefit.  I’d love to hear if anyone knows of someone who does such a role as described above, or something similar!

“No locker room speeches. No playbooks. No contracts or free agents. Not even a word spoken between teammates. Doesn’t that make it the greatest of all team sports?” – Author Unkown

So a new page became available on Facebook the other day that I think is an exceptional idea. Judging by the amount of ‘likes’ it gained in the first 48 hours, I’d say many others do, too (and I’m a little envious of this figure ;))!

The Equestrian Exchange focuses on the art of bartering. That is – providing a product or service in exchange for another product or service, instead of cash. I think this can be a great way for someone to get started in the horsey world.

Definitely money makes the world go round. However, money is generated or earnt because of someone’s skills resulting in a buyable product or service.

And so can be found the benefit of the Equine Exchange:

• Detail for others what product or service you have that you are willing to barter
• Detail what you would like in exchange for your product or service
• Provide a way for people to get in touch with you should they be interested
• Wait to see if you get a bite (or three!)

The great thing about this page is that already it’s gained interest from a lot of horsey people that are willing to barter their products or services in exchange for another product or service.

An example: I am willing to write horse book reviews (service) in exchange for people sending me a free hard copy of their horse book – fiction or non (product).

What’s in it for everyone?

• I get a free book (always a win in my eyes!) to add to my growing equine collection.
• The person sending the book (presumably the author or a publisher/marketing manager) in return gets a review on this blog and a more in depth review at the Horse Book Reviews channel on Suite101 or their website if they prefer, as has been the case for the Horsing Around review.

How is it more beneficial to barter your skills or products instead of earning cash for them? When you’re just starting out in the industry, this can be a great way to get your product or service known without it costing others money. And maybe it can benefit you, too.

For example, are you willing to offer horse education in exchange for bales of hay or other horse feed? Or maybe you’re willing to write articles about horse events in exchange for free entry into these events?

Consider what skill or product you have, that you may be willing to swap with others. Sometimes it can seem a bit surreal or intimidating to charge a fee for something you originally started doing for friends or fun, but as you realise the value in what others are willing to barter for your product, you may start to see it’s worth in dollars.

“Lessons from your horse: When you’re feeling financially secure, let me teach you the meaning of ‘veterinary services, additional.'”

So mum forwarded on an email that I thought may be worth sharing – particularly for Harness Racing enthusiasts!

POSITIONS VACANT
The Hon Dr Denis Napthine MP, Minister for Racing, wishes to invite Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from persons for part-time appointment to the Board of Harness Racing Victoria (HRV).

BACKGROUND
HRV is a statutory body established under the Racing Act 1958 and has responsibility for the regulation, management and promotion of harness racing in Victoria.  The HRV Board comprises up to seven members (one as Chairperson) all with a range of expertise, including experience in business and marketing or experience in the harness racing industry.

FURTHER INFORMATION
EOIs must be lodged in writing by Friday 15 February 2013 and addressed to:

Executive Director
Liquor, Gaming and Racing
Department of Justice
PO Box 18055, Collins Street East
MELBOURNE VIC 8003

For further information contact Ged Prescott, Manager, Office of Racing on (03) 8684 1916 or ged.prescott@justice.vic.gov.au
Visit the HRV website at: www.hrv.org.au

Expressions of interest close by Friday 15th February, 2013.

“Don’t think me disobedient if I fail your will; perhaps there is something wrong with my harness or my hooves.” – Anonymous