Sponsorships

I am writing to ask for your sponsorship in 2009. My goals go beyond just this year; I am campaigning myself and my mount for the World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games, World Cup, and Olympics.

My sponsors are a vital part of our success. I understand sponsoring me is a very big decision to make. Please know that your support will be greatly appreciated. I always do my absolute best at every competition. I hope some of the following information will help you make the best decision possible.

Sportsmanship
At the NAJYRC 2006, I was nominated by our Chef D' Equipe for the Sportsmanship Award. It came down to one other Young Rider and myself, and she was chosen. It was an honor just to be nominated.

Joe Carr, FEI Steward at Hagyard's Midsouth Three Day Event, amongst many other highly ranked international competitions such as the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event CCI**** and Redhills Three Day Event CCI***, recently wrote me a letter after seeing my conduct with Endeavour at the event:

Hello Grace:
It was a pleasure meeting you and your family at the Hagyard 3-Day Event. You were an excellent example of a professional Young Rider. The thoughtful questions you asked at the Third Horse Inspection were wonderful. It shows how important your horse is to you. Now that you are home safe and sound give your horse love and tell him he is a good boy. Getting to a 3 Day is a long journey. You will remember this opportunity for the rest of your life. My daughter still remembers every jump she made and her dad made them with her. Hope to see you in 2007. Karen and I will be at Red Hills CCI**/CCI*** in March. Maybe you will be there.

Best wishes to Mom and Dad,
All the Best,
Joe Carr

I believe the conduct as a person at competitions is just as important as your performance in the show ring. I always consider my horses first, and constantly practice good sportsmanship as best I possibly can.

Competition
My horses are very talented. They improve every day, and jump bigger and bigger, showing no signs of slowing down. I know that we have the ability to excel at the International Level. I plan on allowing them to progress as quickly as they can. Each show we travel to will cost approximately $2,000 per week. Including all show expenses, keeping a high level show jumper competitive costs approximately $60,000 per year. This does not include the purchase of the horse.

Sponsorship
We will be competing against the absolute best of the best, and I feel honored to have such talented horses that these goals are possible. We have what it takes to win, but we need your help to get there! All sponsorship will be proudly displayed. I am looking for corporate sponsors, as well as private sponsors.

There are many different ways you can support our team. You are welcome to send money, which is put into our LLC, and then goes toward horse related expenses throughout the year. Or, if you would like to choose more specifically what your gift will go toward, there is an updated list of items we need. If you have interest in supplying your company's product, this is also very appreciated! No amount is too small and anything helps!

We travel coast to coast, border to border every year, competing against riders from all over the world, including in the States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Mexico, Canada and elsewhere, and your logo will be well advertised. Thank you so much for your consideration.

Praying Hands Therapeutic Ranches

Grace Van Dyke is a proud sponsor of Praying Hands Therapeutic Ranches, located in Elizabeth, Colorado. Praying Hands Ranches, Inc. was founded in 1987 by Carl and Shirley Hanson. For a child or an adult with a physical, developmental or emotional handicap, life looks a great deal brighter on horseback. It is medically proven that the power, warmth, and movement of the horse strengthens and tones muscles, improves balance, head control, and coordination, builds self-esteem and offers a sense of freedom. The feeling of achievement and control that comes from riding and maneuvering a horse is a strong medicine. Praying Hands Ranch is a non-profit Christian organization committed to meeting the needs of handicapped children and adults, as well as troubled youth, in a ranch environment therapeutic center. "My sponsors do so much for me, and I really wanted to give back. Praying Hands seemed the perfect way to do so!" Grace donates a portion of her prize money after each show.