Werder is one of the highest profiles monté riders in Sweden, in 2016 she won nine races and saved just over SEK 450,000 of 91 stars.
Stephanie is one of several montérytters who have visible sponsors on, among other things, the butt.
Something that is not permitted according to the Swedish Transport regulations.
“No, there are no changes, they just have not read about the rules, it has been the same rules for over ten years, but we have noticed this now and we have informed Stephanie that it is not allowed, “says Annica Hjorter, responsible for the dresser, on the trotting union.
“Tough battle”
The 25-year-old thinks the rules limit her chances of being able to keep up the sport financially.
“It is very sad, I have lost money because I have to use a helmet cover because on the helmet I have a sponsor, which I have received a sum of money each year.”
“It is a tough blow that we must not have sponsors, where we want, on the suit. It’s boring for me, and even more boring for those who have a small sponsor who sponsors their pants and jacket to get a seat on their dress. This also affects the drivers and this sport is definitely not free.”
Stephanie highlights some examples of how much it costs to keep up with monté, especially if you have good equipment that can meet the tough safety requirements.
A safety helmet costs at least SEK 5,000, and it should be replaced if it hit the slope, it is the same rules as with MC helmets. A comfortable and good safety clothing with reflective tape is around SEK 4,000 if we cannot have what sponsors we want, and how many, so our security is also affected, as we cannot afford to pay for everything ourselves, in terms of suits, helmets, reflective vests, and travel. The dresses must withstand constant frictions, wear, a whole suit costs at least SEK 10,000 and then you have to have several different because of the wear. In total, it will be a lot of money.
“We should look at this now”
It is permissible with sponsors on the chest and back, as well as on one of the thighs, then with special dimensions, which ST determined.
Why is it so important with the sponsor on the butt and sleeves?
What is most visible when we ride? Well, that’s the butt. What is it that is filmed when we aim? The rump. You have to respect rules that exist, but I think this is a sad development, both for me and others. Sponsors are what all sports live on. Just watch the football, they have ten sponsors on the shirts. After all, it is the sponsors that help me to do this. You never get a plus on this, but you can try to have some income so you don’t have to pay for everything yourself. Sponsors want to be seen in as good places as possible, to get as good exposure as possible, which in turn can give us some financial support, that’s why they can go in with big money and think it is worth the effort. It should also be added that the sponsors I have from the beginning not been so interested in the transport, but that has become so since they sponsor me. Everyone earns from sponsors, so I look at it, hence it is sad that these rules apply.
ST should sit down and go through the problem.
We are some who will look at this now, so we’ll see what happens. As I said, there are no rule changes we make, these rules have been around for a long time, it has just been overlooked by some.
How are you going to punish offenses in the future? Fine?
“You get to talk to sports director Petter Johansson about it. I only care for the dressers,” says Annica Hjorter to Trav365.