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Behind… Super X Country’s SXC Sports Leggings

Super X Country SXC Sports LeggingsIf you wandered over to Super X Country’s stand at Burghley Horse Trials, you may have seen the company’s new SXC Sports Leggings. I say may, because the stand looked absolutely stunning and was bursting at the seams with beautiful pieces. From sequin hoodies to bespoke cross country colours, new gloves to breeches galore. I took a bit of time to catch up with the lady behind the brand, Becci Harrold, to find out more about the SXC Sports Leggings. And why they’re so special.

Behind Super X Country’s SXC Sports Leggings

Leggings have become so popular, haven’t they? Why do you think that is? It always nice to have different riding pieces to choose from according to your style and the weather. I think the leggings make you
feel less restricted and also make you look more normal in the shops, when you’ve had to nip out!
What makes your SXC Sports Leggings special? I have designed these with affordability in mind. I know what it’s like wanting a new pair of breeches or leggings every few months; who doesn’t want something new! I have always found the problem is the cost! These leggings tick a lot of boxes and come well within most people’s budget at £38.99. They use good, strong, high quality Lycra that is not see through! They feature the all important gel knee, and in keeping with our practical ethos, we opted for two pockets on each side of the leg which, again, fit the biggest of iPhones. They are super easy to access too. I went for piping detail in a contrasting colour, which makes them really flattering from behind. The Lycra sock and top of pocket detail also match. The wide waistband is super strong and supportive, offering great comfort and support.
How did you choose the colour combinations you did? I have found our new colours for this season aqua & turquoise have been so popular in base layers, so with that in mind I wanted to add a touch of colour to
the grey & navy base colours we went for in leggings. Everyone loves matchy matchy too, we even have a hat silk, tops & saddle pads to match them!
What features do the SXC Sports Leggings have that make them must haves? The pockets on either side of the leg are real must haves for me. The gel knee is also a must. For the leggings, being made from Lycra offers extra support too. I love the waistband and the piping details too, anything remotely like them would
cost a hell of a lot more!
Have you been wearing them and testing them too? Yes, I wear and test all my own designs before going to manufacture with them. This ensures I get all the details exactly right. I also have fantastic sponsored
riders who help with this job too!
To find out more about the new SXC Sports Leggings, have a look at the over on Super X Country’s website here.
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Behind… Super X Country’s new SXC Summer Breeches

Super X Country - SXC Summer BreechesI’m delighted to be able to share you a bit of what goes on behind the scenes in this blog. Today, we’re focusing in on Super X Country’s new SXC Summer Breeches. I have the absolute honour of working with Becci Harrold, the brains behind Super X Country, and continue to be blown away by what she creates. Not only this, the testing, her commitment to her customers and to what she does is second to none… and she’s a thoroughly good egg too! So, over to Becci to find out more about Super X Country’s new SXC Summer Breeches…

Behind Super X Country’s SXC Summer Breeches

You must be super excited to get your SXC Summer Breeches out – what makes them so special?
YES! The wait has been painful for me, but I am delighted now that they are here! I had so much fun designing the Gel-Tech knee, which is unique to us. It was a long process but I think the end result looks fantastic, especially with the other contrasting grey details.
Tell us about the knee patches – they look great, but they’re clearly clever too?
They took a long time to get right, but I am really pleased with how the knee grip has come out. The design is unique to us, and features our logo within the print. It’s subtle but does the job that is needed, which is what I wanted.
I love the grey stitch detail – what made you go for grey rather than a brighter/matching colour?
Grey is my favourite colour at the moment! I like something that looks classy and adds detail which stands out, but isn’t in your face! Especially when used for competing.
Can you talk us through some the features of the SXC Summer Breeches – the wide waistband, pocket, and the bottom of the breeches, for example?
I always love a good wide waistband. I hate to see and feel like I am popping out of my breeches! The 3″ waistband offers the perfect support to this problem! The pockets I have designed to be deep enough to hold the biggest iPhone. It makes them more practical when riding and walking the courses, as the phone can sit further down your leg, not in the annoying place on your waist! The Lycra sock at the bottom of the breeches is great. I wanted it to complement and bring out the other grey details, whilst offering close contact fitting under your boot.
What kind of testing have the SXC Summer Breeches had?
I have had these breeches now since November last year (2017) and have been testing and making changes to make sure they were exactly what I wanted. I am looking forward to
bringing out new colours now I am happy with the design.
They’re made from a lightweight fabric, so great for summer, but could you wear them in the winter too? Maybe with another layer underneath?
I designed these with summer in mind. Nothing is stopping you wearing them if it’s a mild winter! But I will be bringing out autumn/winter versions to cover all angles. These were focused on the summer market. They are the only breeches I haven’t got hot and sweaty in competing in this heat, which is saying something!
To find out more about Super X Country and the SXC Summer Breeches, just pop in over to Super X Country’s website, or follow them on social media through any of the links below…
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When should you say ‘yes’ to being a brand ambassador | Rhea Freeman

When should you say 'yes' to being a brand ambassadorWhen should you say yes to being a brand ambassador… and when should you run for the hills?

As brand ambassadorships (let’s pretend that’s a term) continue to increase, I think it’s a question that needs addressing. There are lots of different ways that brands recruit ambassadors. Some ways make complete sense. Some of the attributes they look for, to me at least, are bang on. Some brands… well, not so much. I asked my Small & Supercharged Facebook group members who ran businesses what attributes they looked for in a brand ambassador. And they answered… and those answers are in my ‘what should you look for in a brand ambassador‘ blog. But to give a balanced argument (and to help both sides!), I also asked brand ambassadors in my group what they looked for when it came to representing a brand and being a brand ambassador for it. Now, I must stress that the people in my Small & Supercharged group are very switched on. Many are not ‘just’ riders, they have created brands and businesses around their sport and passion. These are not the kind of people that will send a DM to an account they have never heard of. Because I am sure that you, like I, have had this too.

When should you say yes to being a brand ambassador?

So, to help give brands a bit more information, to help them woo their dream brand ambassador, I asked a few more questions, and here’s what they said…

Laura Szuca from WannaBe In The Ribbons said: From being a brand ambassador for a couple of brands I would say it has to be a brand I know, use and rate highly! I think any endorsement needs to be genuine and authentic so you can’t just put your name to something you know nothing about.

Katie Lawrence from Deciphering Dressage said: I like to be a brand ambassador for a company who wants to know me, my horse, my story and form a team.

The first few companies I worked with didn’t even recognise me when I went and said hello to them… I changed my stance and what I wanted and love the companies I now work with. Many have become good friends! And in turn I’m happy to work really bloody hard to represent them.

Gaelann East from The Orchard Holding and Wacky Racers Adventures said: I guess it’s a brand/item that is in my top ten must haves that I have a passion for and also need. That way content comes easily and the content is real and honest from my soul. I never run out of things to say about the lovely companies that support me. Maybe not number 1 on my list of qualities but I guess for me to be there for them, it’s an important one so I can do my best

Nicki Strong from Headstrong Equestrian said: As a brand ambassador – synergy!

“The combined power of a group of things when they are working together that is greater than the total power achieved by each working separately” So I guess that’s a way of saying that we both have something to offer one another; before applying for a brand ambassador role I’d always ask myself whether I’m a good fit for the brand / product / customer base, so I can genuinely add value and effectively demonstrate and market their products to help build brand awareness and drive sales – and also whether it’s a brand whose product / service / ethos I believe in and would like to be associated with and could benefit from partnering with.

Tina Wallace from Life On The Left Rein said: I would only ever work alongside/represent/promote a brand that I would willingly spend money on their products myself… far too many people purely want to be a BA just to get “free stuff”, not to enable them to actively promote a brand that they are genuinely passionate about and feel other “equestrians” would benefit from/enjoy using said product/s!!

Wiola Grabowska from Aspire Equestrian said: I’m in a process of working with a brand as their ambassador and my number 1 priority is shared values. I personally see working with brands as an extension of my PR as well as interesting collaboration to create something of value. My coaching business is strongly certain values oriented so I’m very happy to be able to work with a business that see this as equally important

Beth Eckley said:  I try to ask/apply to brands that I already use or rate highly, or if a new brand, one that I think would work well mutually for both of us and is something I would feel I could strongly recommend on its principles and products. I’m sponsored or a brand ambassador for four brands that I love and I hope we all work well for each other

Victoria Brant from Wimpy Eventer said: I would only represent a brand that respected the value of my content and its creation. Posting all the time about products is not what I want, loyalty is paramount but I’m not an advertising board.

 

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What should you look for in a brand ambassador? | Rhea Freeman

what should you look for in a brand ambassadorWhat should you look for in a brand ambassador? Many, many companies are now appointing people to be ambassadors for their brand… and what is required varies enormously too. Your requirements and your expectations will, of course, influence what you should look for in a brand ambassador. Don’t discount these at all. However, to give you a bit of help, I decided to do a little research for you. I asked my Small & Supercharged group on Facebook what they look for in a brand ambassador. As this group is bursting with small business owners, many of whom use brand ambassadors to help promote their brand, I thought it was a good place to ask.

Now, you don’t have to look for the same things in a brand ambassador, far from you – you do you. Consider what you need, your brand, your expectations, your demographic and your strategy. Here are just a few ideas you might like to pick up, kindly provided by people over in my fab group…

The question I asked was: ‘what do you look for in a brand ambassador?’

Amy Griffiths – Amy Griffiths Photography/Hoofprints – someone easily likeable both in real life and social media. To both me as a brand and also other people. Everything else can be discussed/worked upon but likeability isn’t something a person can change very easily! The other obvious thing is it has to be someone who uses my product or service.

Katie Mortimore – Katie Mortimore Photography – Authenticity! Too many relationships are about money and not about a product on both sides.

Danielle Holmes – Black Nova Designs –  I think they have to be interested in what you offer, anyone can be a brand ambassador but if they don’t know what you do or why then promoting isn’t going to be easy.

Lydia Duce– LD Equestrian – High quality content, I think it is hard to find this now with so many new bloggers/vloggers and influencers.

Sarah SJ Johnstone – Apt Cavalier – Personality- my three ambassadors are all really likeable, hilarious and genuinely fun to be around. I think it’s important for that to shine through in photo shoots, social media posts etc. They all have fierce passion for the sport, which is really important to me as an “Eventing Brand”, not just a fashion brand.

Emily Gailey – Equus Photo – Authenticity and being a genuinely nice person. I am such good friends with my brand ambassadors, we all hang out, we help each other out with our horses and they seem to genuinely love working with me. I think people can see that it’s a proper relationship instead of them just working with me for free stuff…which in turn makes potential clients more interested.

Emma-Jayne Rothwell – Woof Wear– Personality. Oodles and oodles of it. You’ll be ‘the face’ of the brand meeting people you wouldn’t normally meet or converse with, you’ll need to confidently talk about product to customers and the public, you may need to conduct course walks, talks, personal appearances, yard visits and attend events. You may also (hopefully regularly!) be on the winner’s podium and need to speak clearly and concisely and memorably, and finally, with the meteoric rise of video countering content collapse on all social media, your brand will most definitely need you to step up and join the revolution. So yep, you need to be choc full of personality.

Kate Owen– Pony & Pup Photography–  I look for genuine people that are authentic, love their horses and work hard at it, aren’t afraid to post about the good times and the bad! And they have to already engage with and support your brand.

Victoria Archer– Equissage – I look for an ethical and professional person with no bad history. A ‘good influence’ to the public and I then associate my brand with those.

Janine Kell – The Golden Paste Co – Authenticity. We aim for our brand ambassadors to be current customers who use and understand the product and its capabilities.

Melanie Clarihew – Mackenzie & George – I’ve had to think really hard about this as it’s multi fold; they need to be genuine, authentic love for the brand and what we do, super lovely people who respect their audience, and loyal.

But, the one most important factor For me, is willingness to work with us to produce original content.

Laura Williams – Boudica Equestrian – The most important thing I look for in an Ambassador for my brand is shared value of equine welfare. I don’t look for a person who just wins prizes or has a huge following on social media, but someone who puts the needs of their horse first and strives to keep learning and improving their riding and knowledge for the horse’s benefit. As a small business I need someone who has similar ethics and beliefs. That way we can work well and closely together.

Helena Smith – From a brand point of view – approachable and an ideal customer, that can truly engage and promote the brand without it seeming like a hard sell. It also helps that others can see themselves in your ambassadors shoes, making products seem achievable and needed.

Tamara Hudlestone – The Very Important Pad – A brand ambassador needs to be engaged and proactive; not chased all the time .

Jenni Winter – Flying Changes Coaching – For me I choose someone who is open and honest in their social media. Someone who doesn’t come across as “salesy” because working as a Mindset and Performance Psychology Coach means that my BAs need to be real and get people on board that way. Mindset is such a hot topic right now so they need to walk the talk.

So, what should you look for in a brand ambassador?

It’s fair to say that while the Small & Superchargers had slightly different ways of wording it, authenticity, being friendly and having a genuine affinity with the product and brand are essentials. Of course, there are lots of others things you can add to your list, but if you have these qualities as the foundation, it’s a great place to start.

What qualities do you look for in a brand ambassador? 

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Can you be an ambassador for too many brands?

Can you be an ambassador for too many brandsCan you be an ambassador for too many brands? I was asked this question for a recent Facebook and Instagram Live. Not only was I very. very sure of the answer (yes), but there was a lot of support for this from business owners too. There are, however, variables on the number. Being a brand ambassador can be great for brand and ambassador, but it’s not always. And, as a brand ambassador, if you’re overstretched and underdelivering, it won’t end well.

Can you be an ambassador for too many brands?

You might have noticed a surge in the use of the term brand ambassador. It used to be a fairly rare ‘thing’ but, with the rise of social media, it’s become a lot more popular. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I mean, it’s a grey area. Having a lot of anything can reduce its kudos and can make what should feel like a rare opportunity a lot less ‘special’. But that’s a different subject.

People who are active on social media, who produce good content and engage with their audience are more likely to be asked to be brand ambassadors. When you apply for this accolade or are asked, the chances that any brand worth their salt will have done a little research into you and what you do. Now, these people (who are active on social media, have good engagement, etc) are not all that common… and that means that they can find themselves on the receiving end of a lot of requests. Yep, it’s really flattering and yes, you will probably get lots of lovely free things… but let’s just take a breath and have a little think…

If you are a brand ambassador, the brand will expect something from you

It doesn’t have to be a kidney or your first born, but there will be some pay back. If you’re supplied with products, the brand will expect to see these appear on your social media feeds, on your blog or vlog… and they will expect you to use the items. All of these things take time. Yes, you get the free stuff, but it all comes with an expectation. And so it should… giving stuff away for free is REALLY easy. But if that were the objective, you might not have been picked and the ‘contest’ would have been very different.

So. Yes. You get free things. But they’re not free. You’re expected to give something back and that will take time.

Some brands are flexible

Some brands give brand ambassadors a free rein and don’t give strict criteria. I personally think this is a good policy and you get to see who ‘gets’ it and who really doesn’t. It can be quite eye opening from the other side of the fence. This does not mean that every single post has to include a brand’s product, but it should feature organically in the content because. Wait for it. YOU SHOULD WANT TO WEAR OR USE IT. If a brand is flexible on the content you create, nurture this and support them. But be aware that just because they aren’t kicking off, they will be watching and waiting.

Lots of brands = no time

If you are looking to create content for lots of different brands, be aware of how much time this will take. You might find that, very quickly, you run out of time because of what you should be doing for others. This might mean your own social media suffers, or worst still, that your real life does! This is a real, genuine issue. Being a brand ambassador should not take away from your enjoyment of what you do. And having too many could well do this.

Conflicts

Lordy… this is a big one. Many brands have more than one type of product, and some have MANY. If you’re the brand ambassador for a retailer, they will carry lots of products. So what does this mean in terms of who else you can be an ambassador for? You need to find out. If you’re saying that ‘this x is the best ever’ on one post, and your next post states that something else is… what does that prove? You’re fickle? You can be bought? Your advice can’t be trusted? No one wants this… and you certainly don’t. If you work with people who have very specific products, you can take on more brand ambassadorships, if you work for people who have a range of products, this becomes a lot more challenging…

 

So, yes, you can become an ambassador for too many brands, but the actual number depends on a lot of factors. Being clear on what is expected from each party is crucial from the get-go, and from then you can work out whether or not they fit in with your current constraints and other brand ambassadorships.

If you’d like more hints and tips connected to PR, marketing, influencers, business development and more, don’t forget to join my newsletter– you can subscribe here. 

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Can you repost professional photographs on social media?

Can you repost professional photographs on social media?

Quote image by Sophie Callahan Photography.

In a fairly recently Monday Q and A on my Facebook page, I received a variation of this question: ‘can you repost professional photographs on social media?’. Now, I want to put this into context a little. The person who posted was asking about a rider that they sponsor. The rider had added what was clearly a professionally taken image to their social media media. So does that mean that the company can repost it? Well no, not necessarily.

Can you repost professional photographs on social media?

If I was giving a one word answer, that would be no. If, in the case above, a rider has posted a professional picture on social media, this doesn’t mean you can automatically. Even if the rider has asked permission for the photographer and this has been granted, this doesn’t automatically mean you can…

So, first of all, your rider might not have the proper permission. Many people buy prints and take pics of the prints and then post these. This isn’t right. Often, photographers will provide social media images (that can be purchased for not much money) that CAN be used on social media. Some photographers add this in a package when someone buys a print. They all don’t but some do.

Now, even if the above has been done properly, that does not mean that you as a business can repost without permission. I mean, people do, let’s be honest about this, but you need to reach out to the photographer and get their written permission for this. Some may request further payment… you don’t have to pay this. But if you decide not to pay it, do NOT repost the image. Please. It’s not good. Many photographers are happy, if the image has been purchased correctly and you credit it to let you use it on your social media. I did speak to a few photographers about this and they agreed.

What about sharing a picture?

Sharing an image from the original source is a bit different. If the photographer has posted the image and you share direct, then technically there shouldn’t be an issue here (as long as you SHARE the image, you don’t screenshot or save the image and then post as your own). Some photographers do explain on their page that they do not want this done, and some confirm that they’re happy if images are shared but no saved and posted. Respect this.

Sharing and reposting are very very different animals. Sharing and retweeting show the original source clearly… reposting should (if you use the correct apps) but doesn’t in the same way. You also move the image from the photographer (or rider’s) feed to your own and post it natively there.

If a rider has shared an image from a photographer with a watermark across it… don’t share it. Again, USUALLY, when an image has been purchased properly, the watermark is removed. This isn’t always the case for social media images but generally it is.

And what if the photograph is really good?

It doesn’t matter how good it is. If it doubt (any doubt!) always ask. Always.

Are photographers just being mean?

Sometimes you’ll find a really grumpy photographer, just like you’ll find really grumpy INSERT ANY OTHER PROFESSION HERE. But this? No, this is their livelihood. And as far as I’m aware, not that many banks take goodwill in lieu of a mortgage payment. Of course, if the image has already been purchased once (important point!), it’s to promote the rider, they sponsor the rider, or various other situations, you’re more than likely to get a ‘yes, no problem’ response. But if you don’t ask… well… you could really annoy a photographer and could be charged too.

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How to make the most of your time at Badminton Horse Trials

With Badminton very much here, I wanted to share with you some of my top tips, to help you make the most of your time at Badminton Horse Trials. This is a truly AMAZING event and I can’t wait to go this year, but trust me on this, prior planning prevents poor performance. Sounds like a military operation, doesn’t it? It isn’t, but I have found my enjoyment for events has been increased 10 fold by following the advice below. It’s a bit like like advice your mum would give. But I’m doing it clad in Hiho Silver, my Mackenzie & George Fedora and my Fairfax & Favor Explorers. Horse Trials uniform if you will… so here goes…

How to make the most of your time at Badminton Horse Trials…

1. Organise. I know, I know, it’s such a boring tip, but it’s a big one. Get all your clothes organised the night before. Locate your purse/bag/car keys/ticket THE NIGHT BEFORE. Do everything the night before. Make a list of stuff you need and put as much of it in a heap by the door or even in the car. This might mean poo bags and leads if you’re taking a dog, waterproofs and umbrellas or sunscreen. Give yourself a little time to think and plan… it’ll save you running around in the morning and increasing stress levels before you get into the car.

2. Maps. Ah. Another piece of parental advice. If you have stands you HAVE to see, print off a map of the tradestands from the Badminton website and get them marked on with a pen. When you’re there, you’ll thank me. You’ll move around in a much more efficient manner, saving miles on your boots and also saving you lots of time.

** Make sure you add Hiho Silver on stand 188 – you can see the Official Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials Jewellery Collection there, Mackenzie & George in Rural Crafts, Super X Country and Eqclusive to your list of must visits!!**

3. Drinks. Drinks matter. And not the alcoholic kind. I’m notorious for the amount of water I drink (as in, nowhere near enough), but when you’re at an event and you’re running around, it’s really easy to get dehydrated. Add in some tea, coffee or alcohol and you’ll find you have a banging headache and a bad mood way too early in the day. My best bit of advice is bottled water. Get a bottle or two and pop them in your bag and drink them. I hate having headaches and find they make me feel really rubbish and definitely hinder my enjoyment of the day. This changes the game. Obviously get other drinks too when you’re there, but you know you have a supply!

4. Food. Food is a must. Make a plan to eat. There are amazing stands there but I tend to buy some food to take (almost a picnic!) and also buy something delicious there as a treat. The last few years I have found myself eating on the move, and having a sandwich and some crisps in my bag has been a big plus. It doesn’t mean I’m not visiting the amazing stands there, but it stops me having a low when I get super hungry and I’m in the middle of something.

5. Footwear. PLEASE PLEASE wear good footwear. I’m wearing my Fairfax & Favor Explorers but will also take my Rudds in case its really wet. Both of these boots are comfy, robust and durable. Please PLEASE don’t go for flip flops or heels if you’re planning to walk the XC course. Please. Come on. That’s crazy bananas.

6. Weather. Take everything you need for all the seasons. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, wellies, waterproofs, coat, etc. You don’t want to get burnt or soaked.

7. Cars. Remember where you left your car. I now take a picture of where I’ve parked the damn thing with something obvious that I can find again in the background. You’re speaking to someone who lost their car for an hour at the NEC. Always take a pic or something else that will help you find it again.

8. Bags. Take a good bag. Backpacks are great, but I’m taking my Fairfax & Favor Windsor because it has plenty of space, it’s comfortable to carry and I love it. Take something with lots of room for your essentials.

What tips did I miss? What stands are on your must-see list? I’d love to know!

 

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Behind… Hiho’s EXCLUSIVE Official Badminton Horse Trials Collection

Hiho Silver Official Badminton CollectionI am so SO excited to be able to write this one. It’s been bubbling away in the background for a while but, quite rightly, it was top secret. Now it isn’t, I am going to tell you a bit more about Hiho Silver’s new collection, because the company was unveiled as the Official Jeweller for Badminton Horse Trials not that long ago. And with this accolade, there’s an Official Badminton Horse Trials Collection. And I am beyond excited about it.

Hiho’s history with Badminton Horse Trials

If you’ve ever been to Badminton Horse Trials (and if you haven’t, it’s incredible, you MUST go!) you will have no doubt seen Hiho’s stand. It’s a big stand on the main run (Deer Park Drive) and acts as a real beacon for anyone who loves jewellery. The gorgeous purple branding draws me in each time (and did long before I started working with the company!), and that’s before you see the lovely display cabinets glistening with stunning jewellery. Hiho’s King Of The Road, Andrew Ransford (again, if you’ve been to the Hiho stand anywhere, ever, you will have met Andrew!!), and his family have been exhibiting at Badminton for nearly 20 years… so Hiho and Badminton go way back. They’re old pals really…

And then there was the sponsorship of the best dressed at the first horse inspection

Last year, Hiho sponsored the best dressed at the first horse inspection (also known as the trot up) in front of Badminton House. This happens on the Wednesday and has become a cross between a fashion show (I mean, a bit different to London and Milan!) and, obviously, a chance to make sure that horses are sound and fit for competition. The outfits that the riders wear are incredible. Some are rather wacky and out there, some beyond elegant, some bespoke. Articles are written about the fashion as much as the horses. Hiho is well known amongst eventers (and sponsors Emily King and supports Abi Boulton, Tina Wallace, Becci Harrold and Lucy Robinson in the eventing space!) so it was a great fit. The first ‘best dressed’ competition was judged by Hiho’s Andrew, Emily King and Dani Evans and was won by Paul Tapner and Danni Dunn. It was a superb sponsorship and fitted the company perfectly. So much so that Hiho is also sponsoring this year’s trot up and beyond. This further cemented Hiho’s link and passion for Badminton. And it was just lovely.

The Official Jeweller for Badminton Horse Trials… and the Official Badminton Horse Trials Collection

A couple of weeks ago, Hiho was announced as the Official Jeweller for Badminton Horse Trials. For me, I was beyond excited. And it was great to be able to tell people! Everyone at Hiho is delighted and the Badminton team are just the nicest to work with. As part of this comes an Official Badminton Horse Trials Collection, which is now available for pre order and people are already loving it!

This year’s Official Badminton Horse Trials Collection

This year, Hiho’s Official Badminton Horse Trials Collection is a capsule collection with a few key pieces. This will be built on over time and continue to develop going forward too… how exciting is that? The collection is currently made up of three pieces: a Spinner Ring, a Roller Bead and a Roller Charm Bead. All of these have ‘Badminton’ written on them and are gorgeous – combining Hiho quality and Badminton’s magic. All pieces have been approved by Badminton, as I’m sure you can guess, which, in my eyes, adds a further seal of approval.

How do you get hold of the Official Badminton Horse Trials Collection by Hiho Silver?

Simples – you can pre-order now (on the website) and your lovely Badminton pieces will be delivered at the end of April, or you can visit Hiho’s Badminton stand (188 Deer Park Drive) and see the Collection in person. Actually, you can try the ring on, spin it around, get the Roller Bead or even Roller Charm added to your Foxtail, other charm bracelet or Cherry Roller… or any other charm bracelet too. If you order online, Hiho has a superb returns policy, so if there are any sizing issues, they’ll sort it out for you!

So, that’s a little bit of the story behind Hiho and Badminton Horse Trials. Are you going to the event? Make sure you pop in and see Hiho if you are!!

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Wimpy Eventer Prize Bundle – Advent Calendar Competition

Wimpy EventerToday, on day 23 of our advent calendar competition, we have a lovely Wimpy Eventer Prize Bundle from the brilliant Wimpy Eventer herself, Victoria Brant.

Why am I giving away a Wimpy Eventer Prize Bundle from Diary of a Wimpy Eventer?

I’ve been a Victoria fan for a long time. She calls it as she sees it, she’s honest and then some, and I also admire how she’s managed to build a community around her. Victoria shares her trials and tribulations online, more openly than anyone else I’ve ever met. It’s a risky strategy, by which I mean when you open yourself up and bare your soul the way Victoria has, you do leave yourself vulnerable. Keyboard warriors appear. People cast very public aspersions on your character. And I know that Victoria has had to deal with these things. However, when you are authentic to this degree, you will also attract an amazingly loyal fan base who love you, just as you are (little festive Bridget Jones quote for you there!). And more than that, by being so open and honest, you can shine a light as a beacon to help others. Victoria has overcome (and continues to work on) some serious anxiety and confidence issues (lack of, I mean), and by showing how she overcomes them, what she’s managed to achieve and then some, it gives everyone a hope. Everyone’s inner Wimpy can find inspiration over on Victoria’s Facebook page – Diary of a Wimpy Eventer.

Victoria has very kindly donated three things to the Wimpy Eventer Prize Bundle: her new book ‘How To Stay On Top’, a bravery band and also a Wonderful Wimpy Calendar.

Why do I like the Wimpy Eventer Prize Bundle?

The Wimpy Eventer Prize Bundle is made up of three products – and all are great. The book, the sequel to ‘How To Get Your Leg Over’, looks to be as good as the first. At the time of writing this blog, I haven’t read it completely yet, but it’s started very, very well, and I adored the first one, so I am excited to read the sequel. The one I am giving away is signed by Victoria too. In addition, I have a Wonderful Wimpy Calendar to giveaway, which has been created with fan input as the illustrations have been created by fans to illustrate horsey glossary terms. And last but not least, I have a ‘bravery band’ that says ‘You’ve Got This’ on one side. It’s a welcome reminder that it’s all in hand.

Would you like to win a Wimpy Eventer Prize Bundle?

It’s a lovely one, and I have one bundle to giveaway… and the competition is only running until midnight on the day this blog is published. If you read this afterwards, worry not – you can find out more about Victoria, her books and more over on the Wimpy Eventer website. However, if you’re in time, all you need to do it pop on over to my Rhea Freeman PR Facebook page, watch the video that will be pinned to the top today and enter. That’s it! Of course, I’d love it if you’d tell your friends by sharing the post.

I hope you enjoy my advent calendar competition – best of luck!

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Could you be a brand ambassador?

Could you be a brand ambassador?A little while ago, I wrote an article for Horse & Hound about the subject of equestrian brand ambassadors. Brand ambassadors take up a fair amount of my time. By which I mean looking at them, working with them, dealing with enquiries about being one for a brand of mine. The list goes on!

So, could you be a brand ambassador?

The Horse & Hound article is a must read, and I have some great advice from some big brands including Ariat, Hiho Silver and Saracen Horse Feeds. And the insight these brands gave, through working with brand ambassadors every day, is absolutely bang on and brilliant. If you’re a brand looking to work with brand ambassadors, I would urge you to have a read, and if you’re a rider hoping to become a brand ambassador, please read it too.

Equestrian brand ambassador dos (whether you’re looking to be one, or you are one!)

I thought, to help provide a little extra guidance on the issue, a list of dos and don’ts would be in order… and if you feel I have missed any then please do let me know.

  • Have a genuine affinity with the brand you’re an ambassador for. If you’re applying a scattergun approach and emailing everyone, including brands you’ve never used, it’s not a good place to be.
  • Get your own house in order. Make sure you own social media, website, etc is good. If you can’t look after your own brand, why would I trust you with one of mine?
  • It’s not all about you. Think what you can offer not what you want.
  • Give it enough time. If you’re approaching someone and you promise the world, make sure you have time to deliver it.
  • Be honest, authentic and genuine. Always. Being false will annoy your audience and hurt your credibility… which is not what any brand wants to be associated with…
  • Start creating content, featuring the brands you like and own, with no ulterior motive. I always try and tag the brands I’m wearing and using because I (believe it or not) get quite a few messages from people asking me where I got my hat from/what bracelet I’m wearing, etc. From a brand point of view, it fills my heart with joy when people tag a brand I work with because I love seeing kit in action and it also means I have the potential of user generated content I can share. And that makes me very happy.
  • Be creative. When you do go in for the big ask, after you’ve put in a lot of groundwork I hasten to add, don’t just offer the obvious. Think about what you can do that’s different and makes you a better proposition…
  • Be consistent. Show up when you should on your social media and website even when you have zero energy. People who are inconsistent pose a risk as they might not deliver.
  • There’s loads more… but these are a few top ones…

Equestrian brand ambassador don’ts (again, whether you’re looking to be one or you are one!)

As important as the dos in my world!

  • Don’t email every company in the world who makes products you would like to own. Buy the products, use them, make sure you like them and would be happy to be associated with them.
  • Be careful you don’t work for too many brands as you will run out of time to deliver what you need to.
  • Don’t work for brands that directly conflict. Many brands have products that overlap, but think about what they’re known for the best or what their messaging talks about the most and don’t tread on their toes. It does not go down well.
  • Don’t let your ego get out of hand. It’s lovely to have the support of brands, but be aware that arrogance is an ugly quality and won’t win fans with your current supporters or future ones. Trust me on this one.
  • Don’t become a pain. If someone says thanks but no thanks, don’t keep barraging them with messages and emails. By all means keep using their products and tagging them – prove that they should back you in the future, but becoming a pain in neck is not a good strategy.
  • Don’t send a FB message begging for sponsorship. Just don’t. Email. Find the right person, PLEASE DON’T SEND FB MESSAGES.
  • Don’t work with people who don’t fit your values. If you’re anti-fur, don’t work with someone who sells fur, for example. It confuses the message. And will annoy your audience. While you’re working with them as a brand ambassador for their brand, YOU ARE YOUR BRAND. Protect this.
  • Don’t behave badly. I mean in real life and online. Our lives are captured on social media these days and if you’re out at the weekend getting blind drunk and vomiting in an alleyway (sorry… a bit graphic!) and that is plastered all over social media, how does that reflect you as a brand AND the businesses you’re connected to? I know it sounds like I’m being a killjoy, but I mean this from you point of view too. Trust me on this…
  • Don’t feel you’re not worthy because you haven’t ridden at the Olympics. A good, engaged following doesn’t always go hand in hand with ridden prowess. Find your USP and create your content around that. That is what a possible supporter will want to get involved with. It doesn’t always have to be that you’re at the top of your sport.

I’m really thrilled with my article on Horse & Hound, and I’ve genuinely had some really lovely feedback from it, from brands and riders alike. So if you’re looking to become a brand ambassador for an equestrian brand, you have to have a read!

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