I am so beyond lucky that my ponies – and I do recognise the fact that it IS them and not me – I’m merely their chauffeur, poop picker up, skivvy …. Slave… groom… you name it – but as all these things – I’m most of all a  proud pony mum!

So let’s lead onto what inspired me to write this article…we are INCREDIBLY lucky to be associated with the following companies and organisations:

Brand Ambassadors to:

Botanica International

Cobh Rescue Horses

Hoofboots Ireland

Packhorse Ireland in conjunction with Shapleys Grooming Products

And we work in partnership and are sponsored by;

Bluegrass Horse Feeds

The Grassroots Gazette

One of the most common things I hear is about oh you’re really lucky you get some many freebies, sure you never have to buy anything – yada yada yada -so I felt compelled to straighten a few facts out.

Firstly – It is our absolute honour that all of the above allow Peanut and Pixie to be affiliated with their names. For any horse or rider – it is a massive way of positive recognition – but bearing in mind both of my P’s are rescue ponies – it holds even more special value.  They are not champion racehorses or International showjumpers – they are both successful show ponies – Peanut a lot more so than Pixie to be fair, but the fact that these companies are saying – hey we like your ponies and what they do – we want them associated with us – is THE biggest compliment.  Because not only is it wonderful for keeping the ponies relevant – it also keeps their rescuing charity relevant because they will ALWAYS be affiliated with Cobh Rescue Horses. Something else I will always stand by is that yes – whilst merchandise and products being gifted is amazing and a massive help in their well being and upkeep – there really is nothing free about it.

Brand Ambassadors have a VERY important job to do for these companies – which is simply represent them and their products or services in the most professional and competent way they can.  People need to remember that wearing a big company logo on your rug, or your jacket – or even tagging them on your page comes with massive pressure because a lot of people will know you’re affiliated with them and also, you feel like you let them down if you don’t do well. A feeling that the companies would never expect or want you to feel – but it for me anyway, comes with the territory.

People also need to remember that BA’s also have to be vigilant in posts, tagging, representing those companies – needing to film relevant content – engaging on such posts in a professional way – because again – you’re representing that company.  Often because you know these posts will be reshared – there is a pressure to look presentable – even if you’re just hanging around the yard.

So to dispel any thoughts on how easy BA’s have it – no they do not.  Being a BA is a massive compliment and honour and as I said – these companies have done HUGE favours for my ponies and Cobh Rescue Horses, by believing in them and moving away from high publicity, high value horses and taking a chance on two wonderful little dork ponies!

So to those we are affiliated with – from Peanut, Pixie and myself – a huge thank you for believing in us <3