Equine sports are among the most expensive. A horse costs from 500,000 to several million rubles. Maintenance is another 50-100 thousand per month. Trainer, veterinarian, shoeing, transportation, competitions. Only oligarchs can afford it without sponsors. Sponsorship in equine sports is not just "give money." It's a symbiosis: business gets an image, and the athlete gets a chance to win. We tell you how sponsorship is structured, who sponsors, and how a beginner rider can find support.

Who Sponsors Equine Sports

Major sponsors are companies that want to be associated with elitism, health, and nature. Watches (Rolex, Longines), cars (Mercedes, BMW), banks (Credit Suisse, Societe Generale), luxury brands (Hermès, Gucci). Feed and equipment manufacturers (Horseware, Cavallo, Stübben). Betting companies (especially in horse racing). State lotteries (in Europe).

Rolex is the most famous sponsor. It sponsors Rolex Grand Slam tournaments (show jumping) and individual riders (Scott Brash, Kent Farrington). Longines is the timekeeper for many competitions. Hermès sponsors the "Saut Hermès" tournament in Paris.

In Russia, there are fewer sponsors. The main ones are "Rosgosstrakh" (sponsored the Russian Cup of Show Jumping), "Alfa-Bank," "Gazprom" (through subsidiaries). Also, stud farms (for example, "Voskhod," "Geist"). Betting companies: "Winline," " Fonbet" (sponsor horse racing).

There are also private sponsors - wealthy people who love horses and are willing to invest. Often without advertising, just out of love.

How Sponsorship Helps an Athlete

Funding for the purchase and maintenance of a horse. This is the foundation. Without a good horse, you can't win. A sponsor can buy a horse, pay for its feed, shoeing, veterinarian. Payment for training and a trainer. A good trainer costs from 50,000 rubles per month (plus a percentage of prize money). Transportation and accommodation at competitions (transportation of a horse in a special horsebox - thousands of euros). Trips abroad (air transportation of a horse - from 10,000 euros). Equipment (saddle, bridle, protection - up to 500,000 rubles). Entry fees (participation in tournaments costs from 100 to 1000 euros).

For top riders, sponsors pay for a personal masseur, physiotherapist, psychologist.

In addition to money, sponsors provide equipment: saddles, equipment, clothing. Often athletes are required to wear the sponsor's uniform with logos.

What Sponsors Get in Return

Advertising: logo on the horse blanket, saddle, rider's clothing. At competitions, this is seen by thousands of spectators and cameras. Association with success. If the rider wins, the sponsor also wins. Prestige. Equine sports are elite, sponsorship enhances the status of the brand. Tickets to exclusive events (such as a lunch with a prince). Access to VIP lounges at tournaments. The opportunity to use the image of a rider in advertising (photo sessions, interviews).

For betting companies - legalization and advertising (in countries where gambling is allowed). For state companies - social responsibility (support for sports).

A sponsor may also receive tax benefits (in Europe). In Russia, the mechanism works worse.

How to Become a Sponsor of Equine Sports

For business: determine the budget (from 1 million rubles per year - the minimum level). Find a suitable rider or tournament. Contact the Federation of Equestrian Sports (FCSR). Or directly to the organizers of competitions. Sign a contract: term, amount, obligations of the parties (what logos, where to place them, how many posts in social networks). Make sure the rider does not have conflicting sponsors (for example, Rolex and Casio).

For an individual: you can sponsor a specific rider through crowdfunding (platforms like Planeta.ru). Or buy a share in a horse (joint ownership). Become a "honorary groom" (donation to the stable).

In 2026, "micro-sponsorship" is popular: 100 people chip in 10,000 rubles to buy a horse. In return, they receive a branded t-shirt and access to a closed chat.

Top Riders and Their Sponsors

Scott Brash (United Kingdom) - sponsors Rolex, Land Rover, Equiline. Horse Hello Sanctos (sponsored). Kent Farrington (USA) - Rolex, Richard Mille (watches), Ariat. His girlfriend is also a rider, the sponsors are the same. Marcus Ehning (Germany) - Stakkato (stud farm), hotel Maritim. Pierre Durand (France) - Hermès (after retirement). In Russia: Igor Yarmak (show jumping) - sponsor "Sberbank"? unofficially. Natalia Martynova (dressage) - private sponsor, name not disclosed.

Many riders have personal sponsors among their business friends.

Problems of Sponsorship in Russia

Low popularity of equestrian sports. Football and hockey attract more attention. Therefore, business is reluctant to invest. Lack of tax benefits for sponsors. In Europe, donations to sports are deducted from taxes. In Russia, there is none. Corruption. Sometimes sponsor money "sit" in the federation, not reaching the athletes. Opacity. Riders are not good at selling themselves, they don't have PR departments. Instability. A horse may be injured, a rider may leave sports.

In 2026, the situation is improving: private funds have appeared (for example, the "Foundation for the Support of Equestrian Sports"). But we are far from Europe.

How a Beginner Rider Can Find a Sponsor

Step 1: create an image. Lead social networks (Instagram, VK, TikTok). Post videos of training, competitions, horse care. Show results (places, diplomas). Step 2: compile a "presentation" (PDF). Photos, achievements, goal (which tournament, which horse). Amount (how much is needed).

Step 3: look for local businessmen. Pet stores, veterinary clinics, equestrian clubs. They need advertising. Step 4: don't ask for money, offer cooperation. "I will place your logo on my uniform and blanket. I will mention it in social networks." Step 5: participate in grants. The Federation of Equestrian Sports allocates scholarships to promising young riders. Step 6: crowdfunding. Platforms: Planeta.ru, Boomstarter.

Important: don't be afraid of rejections. 99% of companies will say "no." Look for the 100th.

Sponsorship in equestrian sports is not charity, it's an investment. And it pays off if done right. For business - reputation and status. For the athlete - victories and the life of their dreams.

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