BOOTING ON IN TO 2024 - THE GAMES ARE ON.

Team OliverGames has launched into 2024 with aplomb and exciting new collaborations

A new sponsorship could be in the offing for 2024. Sofia is thrilled with this potential developing association. Lips are sealed until the signatures have hit the dotted line. Never count the chickens before they’ve chirruped “Cheep, Cheep!” And fluffed their downy yellow feathers.

Just before the dawn of 2024, Cadillac moved up into 18th place in the World Rankings. A huge achievement.

Without wonderful sponsors and their support it would be so much more difficult to attain this level and stature within such a demanding sport. Not wishing to offend anybody but this is not Darts. If only the financials were as rewarding!

Sponsors help to make it happen. It is the kudos of being capable of drawing the attention of dovetailing brands. Sponsorship is a partnership, a working relationship, and Sofia aims high with her social media platforms. A younger potential demographic for brands she works with equates to a few TikTok Tutorials. This platform is the ‘go to’ for younger equestrians and a minefield for most of the older ones. Sofia’s expertise, creativity and proficiency is invaluable as a sponsored rider.

For riders wishing to pursue sponsorship, it is vital to be able to provide a catalogue of activity, success and engagement. It is not a matter of just taking. It is a two way bridlepath, and riders have to prove themselves. As riders move up the ranks and agegroups they very often employ someone specifically to manage this for them. However to reach that point the pudding has to be eaten and the monies earned. And the sponsorships solidified to guarantee the income for this luxury. Sofia is determinedly on this path whilst managing to juggle academia, mock exams, interviews for college placements, training and family life.

The trips abroad are now beginning to stack up. The first foray over the Channel was to Le Mans where Team Games experienced the highs and lows of the sport. Cadillac and Sofia danced their socks off in the gloom of a receding French winter, with Cadillac feeling stronger and increasingly confident. A score of 69.148 left them in 7th place. Their placing would have been higher, but one judge who has a preference for a different type of pony scored lower than the other two. This is no criticism. It is an opinion that all judges, riders, trainers and owners are entitled to.

Twelve minutes after the last test, the Prize Giving was called. In those few minutes Cadillac became hopping lame. Sofia leapt off, and as chance would have it, the legendary JoJo in her inimitable style had made a new acquaintance. One who proved to be invaluable considering the language barrier that had to be overcome.

This heaven sent lady has an Eventing son based in Le Lion D’Angers. She summoned a blacksmith who arrived within the hour. Pressure point testing with hoof testers revealed that Cadillac had not only trodden on himself, but was a shred shoe clamped. The rescuing blacksmith shaved away part of the shoe, alleviating the pressure. The relief was almost instantaneous and with lots of cold hosing, the problem would have been undetectable at the trot-up. Despite getting sounder by the hour, Sofia made the decision to not present and to therefore fight on full power another day. The required three marks that are so elusive for qualification will be fought for in Belgium in a couple of weeks’ time.

Whilst at Le Mans, Sofia’s world continues to spin. News was received that Sofia had an unconditional offer for The Ladies College in Cheltenham, following on from a successful interview before leaving for France. She was also the sole recipient in her year to be awarded the Academic Half Colour, missing the prestigious ceremony because she was travelling in the lorry, nose deep in her books.

Sofia’s response to the news of the College Offer was “Hoorah, I can now fail all my GCSE’s and still be accepted!” Katie’s firm retort was “NOT if you want to carry on riding”. This is perilous territory. Sofia would sell Cadi before failing her GCSE’s. THAT is never going to happen.

Another skill that Sofia has is that of ‘Washer Woman’. So if all else fails, she does have that to fall back on. On the journey to France, JoJo was determined to minimise disruptions and so deemed it a wise decision to fill the lorry with fuel to brimming. The magical figure was £300. Unfortunately the lorry disagreed and spat back with vengeance, despite JoJo’s coaxing. All over her beautiful designer jacket.

Sofia leapt into action, stripped the jacket from JoJo’s shoulders and plunged it into a bucket of water, and gave it a good swish around with some handy washing powder. This had to suffice until the destination was reached, whereupon Sofia again leapt into action, utilising the wheelbarrow as a washing receptacle. “I did spray out of the wheelbarrow first!” After a good soaking, the prognosis was good, and the jacket has survived.

The famed wheelbarrow was called into action again when Sofia managed to fall off her scooter in all her competition kit. Katie handily had a washing line and clothes pegs on board on which to dry the items. The classy lorry park area was beginning to resemble a travellers site. Minus the shell suits. Only the outward facing labels on the clothing prevented this assumption. No Fila or Adidas here. However the Oliver Games trio did have to endure wearing the polyester mix over-trousers for three days. A Godsend. As long as you avoid naked flames.

Amidst all this moisture things inevitably got a bit chilly and uncomfortable. With miserable weather and damp clothing everywhere, any form of extra heating would be welcome in the event of a repeat debacle. As Sofia wryly commented “Next time, we’re bringing the Dachsies Max and Talula. The four legged hot water bottles”

As for the upcoming weeks? Immediate competition plans include a trip to Belgium, as well as domestic visits to Myerscough and then Addington. Dachshunds firmly on board. Just in case.

By Maria Wynne of Wynne-Wynne Marketing & PR Email: Eqwynne@icloud.com

Photos by Mila Fromage https://www.instagram.com/design.the.light_studio

To keep up with Team Games, please follow Sofia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofiagames.dressage/?hl=en

Beyond the Saddle

Equestrian well-being extends far beyond the act of riding itself. It encompasses a multitude of elements, ranging from the health and happiness of your horse to those you choose to surround yourself with, and even the measures you take to maintain your own well-being.

Embark with us on a journey that exceeds the confines of the saddle, as we unveil ways in which you can uncover joy beyond the equestrian experience.

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