Dear Supporters of the Equestrian Dream,

The ones born with dreams are the lucky ones. Filled with passion and drive to move forward to do all that is possible to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of that very dream is why we get up every morning with purpose.
The unfortunate reality of the Equestrian Dream is that is takes money that is not feasible for the average person, and not only does is take a lot of money, it also takes a lot of luck. If you have some finances but no luck on your side, then you need more finances, if you have no more finances to invest, then your usually out of both finances and luck to pursue this dream.

To properly explain this, I will write out what it takes to become a respected Professional Rider in this sport. Talent isn’t born in the equestrian sport, talent is created and made from hard work and dedication. Those that started their riding as a young child had to have some financial support and emotional support to continue to learn to ride. Under the age of 16, you rely on finances from a caretaker or supporter, along with carpooling, and riding gear. If you’re fortunate enough to have a horse at this age you are on to a great start to becoming a professional. Lessons, board, competition fees, hauling fees and a good horse is all you need to be on your way to making your equestrian dream a reality. Often, some people do not have the financial support or even the emotional support to carry on this dream, and have to wait until they are 16 to begin the process. Why 16? The answer is because you have autonomy at that age. Usually, you have your license are of a working age, which means, you can get a part time job to help pay for lessons and drive yourself to the barn or you can work for a horse trainer who will let you work in exchange for lessons. This doesn’t mean that it’s not possible to become a Professional with this recipe but the work is still not done. In order to become a well respected Professional in the industry, you need experience horse showing and a lengthy show record. The cost of Horse Showing can range from $500-$20,000 each show, which is not an easy feat for most young people working a part time job getting paid minimum wage.

In short, this sport has an unfortunate advantage to the wealthy. It is very difficult for someone who isn’t wealthy to succeed in this sport. My goal, is to help change the dynamic of who becomes successful as a Professional Rider, to encourage donors to support those who have the work ethic and tenacity to do it and just need a little extra support to make the dream a reality. We all love a good underdog story, the one about the man who started his multi million dollar industry with only $50 in his wallet. I want to expand on that and help someone with the same money in their pocket become an Olympian or an International Champion because someone somewhere believed in them, took them under their wing and whispered in their ear, “You can do this.” A little love and a little care can go a long way for the underdog and what may not seem a lot to you could change someone’s world and open them to opportunities they could’ve never seen or believed otherwise.

We feature a wide range of riders and all we ask is to consider, even, just one. Support someone that makes you feel and believe in their dream. This isn’t a ploy to make a living off donations or grants. This is to make a person go from dreaming to doing, to everyday waking up wondering how and when to this and now. No donation is too small for our riders and we are generously grateful for your support in our dreams.

Everytime we enter the arena, we will be thinking of your support and smiling at your belief in us, as you made the impossible possible.

Sincerely,

The Equestrian Underdogs