Back when MMA sports became a thing, expected the same thing to take off for horses in Pineville or other race tracks. Unlike Europe in which most horses are tied to a particular country, American horse breeds are tied to particular states. In Eastern North Carolina, there’s a number of golf courses tied with horse breeding and they are likely to benefit from this advertising campaign. Morgan horses, the US breed, are known for multiple strengths, but everyone has their favorites. Put a mustang, quarterhorse, arab, and trotter together in a race. Who would win? Unknown. It would definitely drive fashion. You also have two main riding styles: European and Western. Obviously, the cynical point of doing something like this would be to increase betting and revive the sport for tourism.
A writer or editor would be to put together a similar week-long restaurant guide event during the off-season or pins and a map to reward people driving across the state or country and trying different styles. North Carolina has 100-200 locations per year? Similar to Michelin Awards? Or get a writer to put together a book series. Probably both. Obviously, coming from a fashion background, the major reason to do this is how beautiful and interesting you could make the hats for the shows. What would Philip Tracy make if faced with the challenge? They’d have to be epic. Make mixed racing an evening event with dinner and you could draw in families as well. You see these Renaissance Festivals with jousting and events, this is the modern version. It’s something to think about as fall rolls around again this year and state fairs get started. Have a great week people. If you like the idea, it’s yours.The White Horse