I know this has been discussed before but nothing came up in search results....

We are a smaller, just getting started, arena that is holding a summer gaming series.  We have an amazing turn out and I want to buy the best awards to give back to our supporters.

My question is what prizes do you like?!  Keep in mind I only have about $1000+/- to spend, split among 5 age groups, to place at lease to second, maybe third.  I've done custom embroidered jackets/coolers/sheets, essential horse care (supplements, magnetic, etc) and gift card for other custom items.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated and if you have photos and/or links for ordering, even better!

The best prize/award you can ever give?


Dolla Dolla bill 

Hey there ! Here is what works awesome for our nbha small club down here. Get ahold of an online award retailer. One that sells all types of things and tack. Offer each placing a certain dollar amount to be spent on whatever they want from this store. If the winner would like to add additional funds to get something nicer they can. For example , I won the 2d last year ( On Nedl...lol) and was given 250.00 to spend. I bought an item that was 325 and just paid the difference. It came with NbHA district and year stamped on it. This way people get what they want and can use. 

Buckles are always nice :)

If you are not doing buckles something you can use is always nice. Halter, breast collar, headstall, duffle bag, bell boots. I do like jackets too.

casssshhhhhhhh money 

I really, really like this idea!! Because in all honesty, what I want for a prize, other than cash, is generally dictated by what piece of tack I'm needing replaced in the near future. LOL!

Don't get me wrong. I'm grateful for ANY prize won. I just have an overabundance of halters at the moment that I got as prizes...LOL

My real secret is to find someone to beg to take over this task cuz I am NOT good at awards.  The woman that does the awards for our little local horse show is beyond amazing at it and I am SO thankful for her!  We also have a group of volunteers and everyone's opinion is considered.  If that's not your structure - you can find people to ask!  

This show has been going nearly 40 years.  What I'd say we have learned is people like STUFF not cash.  Gift certs are even worse cuz no one uses them.  People want to show off what they won!  Who can blame em?  I always vote for stuff we can put our show name on - it's advertising!  Jackets are great for that.  The bad side of anything that requires a size is you get stuck with follow-up.  You have to order their size, get it stitched then get it to them.  So much for handing it to them the day of the show.  But people love them . . . and advertise for you!  Of course I live in MT so we wear LOTS of jackets/coats etc.

Depends on your situation - but you might find a feed store or someone that will help out in return for the announcer mentioning them frequently.  They might donate or at least give you cost for pricing.  My friend is the master at that.

Mostly, you have my sympathy!  It's hard and important!  Good luck.

yes to this! I like to win stuff but I don't want stuff that will just sit: I want to use it! but if it has to be items I would rather have a "lesser" item of high quality than a "bigger item" that is not made well. Just about anything handmade is awesome though. Rather than a cheap halter A really really nice brush or brush set is great

Thank you for all the great suggestions!  I will definetly have to look into a tack dealer for people to spend "points" on.

I wanted some things to be custom so I had to order quick to get them to the embroider person.  Here is a run down of what I got.....

Kool Coats, Haybags, 1/4 sheets (We have some cold riding up here), ice boots, gift certificate for PEMF treatments, 3 tier saddle racks and gift certificate for pretty much our only local farrier.  They are also getting money back to top 3 placings each night.

I know gift certificates aren't high on the list but they are for the older age divisions, since I felt kids liked more tangable items, and what adult wouldn't like a free set of shoes for their horse?!