Some of the biggest names in eventing are backing a new personalised messaging platform designed to bring supporters closer to the riders they follow.
The Start Box, which launched around two months ago, allows equestrian fans to request personalised voice notes and video messages from leading riders and other figures within the sport.
Its growing line-up includes Olympic medallists and five-star riders Mary King, Laura Collett, Tim Price, Austin O’Connor and Kitty King, alongside Jesse Campbell, Gaspard Maksud, Alice Casburn and Tom Jackson.
Rather than a standard social media interaction, each message is recorded specifically for its recipient. Requests can mark anything from birthdays and Pony Club achievements to competition milestones, confidence boosts or other special occasions.
The concept also offers riders a way of engaging directly with supporters while retaining control over the commitment involved. Riders decide how many requests they want to accept each month and can reduce or pause their availability around competitions and other commitments.
The Start Box handles the bookings, payments and customer communication.
Its arrival comes at a time when riders and equestrian personalities are increasingly building audiences beyond the competition arena, with social media giving supporters much greater access to the people competing at the highest levels of the sport.
The platform initially focused on eventing but is now looking towards a wider equestrian audience, with plans to introduce personalities from dressage, showjumping, racing and other disciplines.
The Start Box says website traffic and social media engagement have increased since its launch, although no specific figures have been released.
Coinciding with the FEI World Championships, the company has also reduced the price of personalised video messages from £150 to £100 for the duration of the Championships. Personalised voice notes are available from £75.
Further riders and equestrian personalities are expected to join the platform over the coming months.
