Rocking Horse Horse Trials 1

New Sponsorship Scheme at Rocking Horse

Carrie Zahradnik, PR Coordinator and Corporate Sponsor Liaison for Rocking Horse Farm, has spent the last several years working out sponsorship for the spring horse trials series.

“My biggest compliment was when a Young Rider said to me this weekend that this looks like the mini-HITS of the eventing world,” she smiled.

Zahradnik estimates that she has brought in $12,000 sponsorship this year, as well as a saddle, art work and more that should bring in a couple of thousand dollars at the silent auction to be held at Rocking Horse 3.

“My job is create the momentum, make sure the sponsors are happy, and then grow it,” she said. She has opened all three of the February events up to sponsorship, at the sponsors’ discretion, and in addition to new sponsors has a 94% return rate from invited sponsors. “Eventers are really a joy to work with,” she said. “They’re really grateful for all you do.”

On the 28th will be a Sponsor Gala Day, with a party at the end of the day and demonstrations throughout, including a Grand Prix dressage display and a cutting horse demo with Dr. Jay Allen.

Later a top event rider will be invited to try his or her hand at riding a cutting horse. Phelps/Hathaway’s Horsesdaily.com, and Mary Phelps a Markel Equine Insurance Specialist, are co-sponsoring the competitor’s party, featuring their own Bubba Cracker’s Barbecue, with Gary and Tracey Scharf. “I am especially fond of Rocking Horse Stables and this event, as it is where I got my start as an event photographer 24 years ago.” said, Mary Phelps. “Later I lived here above the barn, and have many fond memories of life in Altoona. As a result of our association with Markel, we are now in a position to give back, and Rocking Horse was one of my first choices when planning our 2004 budget.”