Olympic Equipment

[Rel6]

I was reading this article here: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/londonspy/blake-wears-custom-500-000-watch-ioc-not-044942284.html?code=AQDxOQ7COkPgDgrG-Ro1GmZXhd0FHCC2c6QkaAA3wdV10WUBARsPjIaIHd8gSadoMyBLoKyrJ9lcaTrJn9TDzuwvlO8mIdUhBKeqazh5PDrRHHucYztwz5FqYZ9_ztVspF5XNvx7GPBKTIVPHwPlk-JAdWBu67WiwGUsIpfnCzT2A9bzRu8haE7dYkCNRKeAz8#=_

And it mentioned how any piece of equiment that was not strictly clothing must come from Olympic sponsors. Their example is any watch must come from Omega, since they sponsor the Olympics.

Does anyone know how that differs for Equestrian? Obviously it can’t apply as strictly, since the idea of say Antares being Olympic sponsors and therefore every single athlete must have an Antares is ludicrous. Same goes for bridle brands, saddle pads, etc. I know thats all horse gear so maybe its exempt, but what about tall boots? I’m just curious how this aspect differs in equestrian where some much of the equipment at that level is custom and highly specialized.

[kalidascope]

But horse gear and riding wear is sports equipment. Each athlete can use their own equipment.

Blake’s watch was not part of his official uniform and is not required for his performance - it was part of a sponsorship deal he made money from.

The sponsors are listed here: http://www.london2012.com/about-us/the-people-delivering-the-games/olympic-partners/. I don’t see any equestrian companies.

[Rel6]

@kalidascope;6506901

But horse gear and riding wear is sports equipment. Each athlete can use their own equipment.

Not according to the article. Again I’m sure there is some exception for specialized equipment, but the article made it sound like ANY non-clothing equipment can only come from an Olympic sponsor.

[big_red_ottb]

I would guess that the rule applies in situations where an Olympic sponsor could be coming up against a private sponsor, eg the watch issue. But in a case where there isn’t an Olympic sponsor for the equipment, like with a saddle, then how can they require the athletes to use equipment from a sponsor they don’t have?

[SaddleFitterVA]

That explains why every dressage rider’s hands looked like they were wearing the same gloves when it was zoomed in.

I thought they all looked like Roekle brand. But I’m not 100%. Even with the zoom in, it is hard to tell on the resolution my internet connection allowed me.

[kalidascope]

I doubt it. Gloves are really important. There would be a huge stink if the OC tried to force all riders to wear x gloves (or x boots or whatever). Every rider has their favourite with just the right fit and amount of sensitivity. Besides, I couldn’t see Roekle or any other equestrian brand listed as a sponsor so it’s a non-issue. But it would be insane to think riders would accept having to suddenly change equipment just for the OG.

What about watches used on cross country? I bet they weren’t all Omega watches.

Like I said, it was to do with Blake’s watch being part of a private sponsorship arrangement which he benefited from. See here:
http://www.london2012.com/mm/Document/Publications/General/01/25/29/32/rule-40-guidelines_Neutral.pdf

[patricia.dasilva]

Every equestrian team has their own sponsors & that’s what the athletes use (nothing to do with Olympic sponsors).

So if you see a certain brand of gloves on several athletes, they have a separate sponsorship agreement with every equestrian team. Big nations normally have 1 sponsor for all 3 disciplines but it could also be per discipline (sponsor X for a nation’s dressage team and another company could be doing the jumpers).

[PoohLP]

For gloves, I know that MacWet sponsors the UK eventing team - not sure if they do jumpers and dressage too. BTW, if you haven’t tried them, they are the Best Gloves Ever!

I bought them off a forum a couple years ago for $10 and now am addicted to them. They’re the only gloves I’ve found that fit perfectly and make my hand more useful instead of less. They very prominently feature the endorsements on their website and FB page, which is how I know about the sponsorship.