Kubota Canada Ltd Steps Down from Show Jumping

Ottawa, ON – After presenting the successful Kubota Cup Canadian Show Jumping Series for the past 4 years, Kubota Canada has officially stepped down as Title Sponsor upon conclusion of its contract.

“Kubota Canada contracted for three years as the Title Sponsor of this national show jumping series and the industry was very fortunate to get a one year extension in 2008. But all contracts come to an end and both sponsor and the management group are happy to move forward to the next step on such a successful note. The Kubota name and brand has become synonymous with high performance in most stables in Canada through the introduction of our sponsorship platform,” stated Sandra Fraser, Executive Director of the Kubota Cup Canadian Show Jumping Series. “A unique relationship was established between show jumping and this founding sponsor and from that great experience Kubota’s regional support will be continued in various equine programs. Through the Kubota network of over 150 national dealers, many businesses participate in supporting all levels of equestrian activity such as hunter, jumper, 4-H clubs, Barrel Racing, Chuck Wagon Racing, draft horse competitions and Pony Club.”

The Kubota Cup Canadian Show Jumping Series was the first phase of an innovative program where member events in key market regions coast to coast, hosted Kubota Cup Grand Prix qualifiers. Building sport and athlete incentive programs, along with positioning the Kubota brand as the principal at each of the participating events, contributed to this sponsor earning exceptional return on their marketing dollar and building a loyal following.

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The Series took place over eight months, eight cities, comprising the eastern and western Canadian regions; it rounded up the season with a National Final in November. With an average of 185 competitors participating, and 533,000 spectators visiting annually, the Kubota Cup Canadian Show Jumping Series contributed an estimated $81 million dollars into the Canadian economy each year.

“This sponsorship model netted Kubota Canada substantial sales results from their involvement and their decision not to renew at this time was a difficult one to make,” commented Fraser. “The decision came down to timing and their need to focus towards other industries and markets necessary for the growth of the company as the leading distributor of compact diesel tractors and construction equipment in Canada. “

John Gilliland Kubota Canada’s National Marketing Manager added “We will truly miss the Kubota Cup Series as we have met so many great people across Canada. We also witnessed the loyalty of this group of equestrian athletes, owners and fans through increases in sales to equine related end-users across Canada. As we move on in our marketing mix we are introducing the Kubota Equine Discount (KED) that will provide significant discounts on Kubota equipment to members of provincial equine federations, associations and councils!”

“As founder of the Kubota Cup Series I am looking towards the future with enthusiasm,” said Mrs. Fraser. “The sport of Show Jumping is a perfect vehicle for sponsorship marketing, and with our proven track record in the Kubota Cup Series, I am excited for the future. The Kubota Cup Series was developed under the black cloud of the Canadian Sponsorship Scandal and we succeeded in the face of a negative business climate. Today we are facing an attitude of negativity towards the present economy. We are thrilled to launch our new program emerging from the Kubota Cup Series, and information on the National Equestrian Grand Prix Tour™ will be released soon. I am confident that our business model with its proven performance record offers exceptional value, and with its demonstrated return on marketing investment, as reported by corporate sponsors such as Kubota, we will once again create a winning partnership in show jumping.”