We are super excited to announce our very first official sponsored rider, Naomi.
Sponsorship is something that we haven’t explored as a brand for many years because we wanted to make sure we had the right team, structure and time in place to properly support sponsored riders in the way they deserve. With Holly now in PR, we finally feel we can do that properly and give riders the support and attention they need whilst representing the HH brand.
I knew we were approaching the stage of opening up a sponsored rider programme, but I wanted our first rider to feel special. When considering a sponsorship, I have never focused on social media numbers, status, or whether someone rides professionally. The funny thing is, I can’t actually describe exactly what I look for because there isn’t really a set criteria. I naturally come across someone and instantly get that feeling. That vibe. That moment where you are left inspired and think, wow, they are special. I felt that when I came across Naomi and Enzo’s story, along with imagining how they could also inspire our HH community and encourage others in their own horse journeys.
What I love about Naomi is obviously the incredible story of buying a foal from Facebook for £800 and training him to Grand Prix level herself, but equally it is the dedication behind that journey. The tears, the hard work, the setbacks, the time, the love and the commitment it takes to keep going. Her honesty and authenticity are something that really resonate with me, my team, and hopefully our community.
Whilst Enzo is of course phenomenal, he is not necessarily the typical horse you would expect to see on a Grand Prix circuit, and to me that makes the story even cooler.
A huge amount of HH riders are amateurs juggling busy lives, work, families and responsibilities, and sometimes it can feel hard. Some ride for fun, some compete, and some do a bit of both, but when things get tough or we are made to feel like we are not “good enough”, riders like Naomi prove that the underdog absolutely can shine with enough focus, consistency and determination to keep progressing.
After presenting the sponsorship opportunity to Naomi, we were absolutely thrilled that she wanted to work with us.
"When Enzo and I were contacted about becoming brand ambassadors for Horzehoods, I had to do a double take! I never take a single day for granted on this journey with Enzo, but reaching a point where we have the opportunity to work with a company like Horzehoods - known for its values, standards, and incredible reputation feels like a childhood dream come true!
When we were offered the sponsorship package, the champagne was opened! Childhood me would be screaming. We are absolutely honoured to be part of the team and an extension of the Horzehoods family. The products are second to none in both style and quality, and Enzo certainly loves a photoshoot! I feel such a huge sense of pride every time I wear their products and, sponsored or not, they would always be my first choice.
I like to think that Enzo and I are relatable. My biggest joy in life is that I get to teach for a living and I have a real passion for helping people who struggle with confidence or self-esteem because I’ve been there, and sometimes I still very much go there! At the same time, I’m a firm believer that you only live once, and I love seeing people succeed, whatever their goals may be and whatever your shape, size or spots look like!
I try to reflect that on our social media pages because social media can often be a highlight reel of people’s lives. I bought Enzo as a foal from Facebook for £800, and he is now 12 years old. It’s certainly not all been plain sailing! But with the right support, we’ve been on an incredible journey together and achieved so very much already - with, I hope much more to come! It feels so special to have come full circle and now be representing a brand that I have admired for so long.
We look forward to seeing more of you all soon! Enzo & Nay xx"
Over the next year we hope to bring Naomi together with parts of the HH Team for sit-down chats, photoshoots, campaigns and plenty of behind-the-scenes content, and we are really looking forward to seeing her training in our products because her and Enzo genuinely suit the HH style perfectly.
If there is anything in particular you would love to see from Naomi, please let us know and we will see what we can arrange.
I’ll finish with this. Anything is possible. There are no rules, and if something is on your mind every single day and you cannot imagine life without it, then you are probably in exactly the right sport.
Please join us in welcoming Naomi to the team 🤍
