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, farrier, transportation, competitions. Without sponsors, only oligarchs can afford it. Sponsorship in equine sports is not just "give money." It's a symbiosis: business gets a brand image, and athletes get a chance to win. We tell you how sponsorship is organized, 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) as well as 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: "Rosgosstrakh" (sponsored the Russian Cup of Show Jumping), "Alfa-Bank", "Gazprom" (through subsidiaries). Also, stud farms (e.g., "Voskhod," "Ge Fist"). Betting companies: "Winline," " Fonbet " (sponsor horse races). There are also private sponsors — wealthy individuals who love horses and are willing to invest. Often without advertising, just out of love. How Sponsorship Helps Athletes Funding for purchasing and maintaining 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. Pay for training and a coach. A good coach costs from 50,000 rubles per month (plus a percentage of prize money). Transportation and accommodation at competitions (horse transportation in a special trailer — thousands of euros). Trips abroad (air trans ... Read more