Lexington, Ky. – This spring, the USEF Network has begun expanding its role as the leading distribution hub for equestrian sport. In addition to showcasing premier equestrian competitions, including the Devon Horse Show and County Fair, Old Salem Horse Show, and the Split Rock Jumping Tour, the USEF Network is exploring ways to bring more entertaining and educational content to its audience. This continued evolution reflects the USEF Network’s growing popularity and the demand for increased access to equestrian sport across a variety of platforms.
The USEF Network has experienced great success in providing interactive and behind-the-scenes content to fans via social media, in tandem with the live and on-demand coverage of events. During the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover in April, the USEF Network reached over 1.7 million fans on its social platforms through unique content. This included post-ride and Facebook Live interviews with athletes, “In the Barn” videos with horses, helmet-cam footage of cross-country rounds, and a variety of athlete-generated insights. Cultivating increased excitement around the event aided in a 27 percent increase in livestream viewership and a 31 percent increase in unique page views over the 2015 broadcast.
“We are excited by the growth we have seen in recent months thanks to a reinvigorated and fully integrated marketing approach. It speaks volumes to the ever-changing environment of digital media and just how hungry the fans of our sport are for engaging content,” said USEF Chief Marketing Officer, Colby Connell. “The USEF is a community of horse lovers and we want our fans to be able to access the sport in a variety of ways and share their own stories through our platforms.”
Bringing more diversity and enthusiasm to an already proven platform, the USEF Network will incorporate new and existing partners in equestrian sport. Such partners include ShowNet, LLC., who will play a key role in delivering all 10 days of prestigious competition from the Gold Ring and the Dixon Oval at the Devon Horse Show and County Fair.
In 2015, the USEF Network brought the joy of equestrian sport to fans across the globe by broadcasting over 100 days of livestreaming, garnering 4.5 million unique page views, and providing over 3,250 hours of on-demand coverage. Competitions broadcast on the USEF Network benefit from increased exposure to an expansive and passionate fan base through the livestreams, on-demand coverage, and content pushed out to 82,000 registered fans and 445,000 social media followers.
With this mission to raise the level of access to equestrian sport, the USEF Network is pleased to work directly with competition organizers, event managers, or others who wish to see their events broadcast live or their content hosted on USEFNetwork.com. Those interested are encouraged to submit a production inquiry. Additional questions or comments may be sent to [email protected].
Fans can follow USEF Network on Facebook, Twitter (@USEFNetwork), Instagram (@USEFNetwrk), Snapchat (USequestrian), YouTube, and sign-up to get alerts as the 2016 streaming schedule continues to be unveiled.