Your Impact: Why Sponsor A Drill Team?
Among the top three reasons horse people stop riding are financial strain and mental burnout. Many adult riders find themselves pushed out of the show world due to the expense and negative experiences. Recreational riders go searching for connection and a challenge, but also find it hard to step into the competitive world. Drill team seems to be a natural home for those of us who feel like we don’t fit in in
other arenas.
Drill does not discriminate, all horses and riders can succeed in drill team riding if they put in the work. It doesn’t reward bloodlines, deep pockets, or body types; only teamwork and quality training.
When you support our drill team, you allow us to welcome more riders and remove the obstacle of financial obligations. The more support we have from sponsors like you, the more we can lighten that load so our riders can enjoy the heart-pumping adrenaline and fun with their horses & teammates!
Outside of the impact to our immediate team, your support also means more audiences get to see the magic that is drill team riding, since financial constraints are the main reason we must limit performances during the year. Our team also co-hosts the Midwest Drill Team Competition Series as a space for regional teams to come together to compete, learn and grow with the creation of 3 events during the year. Your support helps us host these events for others!
We are a registered non-profit organization.
Our Ideal Sponsor
We’re looking for sponsors who share our values and mission - whether you’re passionate about supporting our team or want to grow your brand, we offer great visibility and connection to a unique audience.
You can support us through gift cards, product and service donations, or monetary contributions - big or small, all are appreciated. Donations can go toward individual riders, events, or general needs.
In return, your business will reach a unique group of equestrians that ride the line between recreation and performance. We care about the holistic health and happiness of our horses, and chase improvement without sacrificing the why - having fun! Drill riders are truly all ages, with horses of varying breeds, who often show in a variety of disciplines outside of drill. There’s overlap with the rodeo and speed event community, but a fair number of English and Gaited riders too. Let us help you break into a new segment of the equestrian world.
Our team gains the attention of audiences everywhere we go. We've traveled to Wisconsin, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Indiana, and more, performing for audiences of all kinds. Even if you’re not in the horse world, your support promotes patriotism, diversity, mental health, discipline, unity, and teamwork in what is one of the most unique sports out there.
Where's it Going?
For one, our team does not get paid for most of our performances. Most of what we do, we do because we love it, and for our audiences. Everything we do and buy, is paid for out of pocket by our riders, unless a sponsor steps in to help. Here are some examples of our main expenses:
#1 Travel: Traveling with horses incurs many expenses. Trucks, trailers, & lots of diesel get us to practices and events. Overnight stays with the horses require hotels, bedding, extra hay, fans, stall mats, and so much more. We’d love to be able to help our members with travel expenses so it is not a limiting factor in their team experiences.
#2 Tack: Well fitting, quality tack is of utmost importance to the health and comfort of our equine partners, and keeps our riders safe at high speeds. Drill is a demanding sport, so the more support we can provide our horses, the better they feel and perform. Plus, they look amazing too!
#3 Uniforms & Equipment: We set high expectations for the turnout of our horses & riders. Our uniforms are designed to create a polished, professional turnout. Our equipment has a purpose, from flag boots to gloves. Because we welcome diversity, having matching uniforms gives our team a unified look that helps our riders feel part of the team, and that wows the crowd. Signature red lipstick included!
In-Kind Donations & Affiliates
In-kind donations and affiliate opportunities are always welcome! Even if we don't personally use a product, we can always use awards and raffle prizes for our yearly competition. Some non-monetary ideas or products we use and love:
- Fundraising Opportunities
- Embroidery, Sewing & Laundering Services
- Photography & Videography
- Equine Bodywork Services
- Exposure/Advertising on your platform
- Travel Needs for the Horses:
- Treats, Supplements, Electrolytes
- Stall shavings
- Easy-Up Organizers & Stall Hooks
- Travel Supplies for the Humans:
- Gas cards, Snacks, Drinks
- Tack & Equipment:
- Flag boots, black or white gloves
- Quality flags & poles (especially Military flags)
- 2XCool SMB boots
- Black sheets or coolers
- Bathing & Grooming Products
- Volunteering at our Events