I recently saw a Facebook post by a junior rider (who rides in smaller Grand Prix) thanking her sponsors (custom saddle brand, custom boot brand, etc.). What is allowable? Just out of curiosity. I understand the adult amateur rules of engagement, but just wondering about the junior aspect.
Juniors aren’t ammies or pros, they are juniors and sponsorship rules and amateur restrictions do not apply to them.
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Most of what I have seen is they get labeled as “partnership” same benefits but the legalise protects them. Personally I feel if you are good enough that a company wants to come out and give you free stuff and you like the product, go for it whats the big deal.
Juniors can have sponsors or acceot things if value. Its perfectly legal…until the minute they age out. If this one is good enough at the small GPs to attract sponsors? Good for them, they all know that clock is ticking.
I believe I know who you are talking about. She is in “Sponsored” ads that keep popping up on my news feed. It doesn’t appear she is trying to sell anything, just wants people to see her rides and her bigger wins. The horse she is on literally lopes around a huge course. It is quite pleasant to watch.
The amateur rules don’t apply to juniors. It wouldn’t matter if she was actively selling the product. She’s a junior. All’s fair.
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Yup juniors are immune to amateur rules
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Sometimes it seems like pretty much every junior rider I follow on Instagram is sponsored by some company–even some who aren’t riding at a very high level are sponsored by horse treat companies, grooming supply companies and get free stuff in exchange for posting about how much they like using it. Of course, BNR are more likely to get free saddles, boots, and helmets.
Although quite a lot of advertising irks me in general (I hate high pressure sales), I actually don’t mind it so much in the horse world, provided the person actually posts about his or her life as well as the sponsored product. I’ve stumbled across a couple of good suggestions every now and then. I also certainly appreciate that horses are expensive and many people need all the help they can get!
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Thanks for the responses. I was just wondering as I’m used to seeing the kids using verbiage like “ambassador” and “partnership.” Shoot, best I can hope for is a coupon code! LOL
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Definitely not who I’m talking about. Hahaha.
