Riding event used to launch new company

The 2008 New Zealand Pony Club Association Championships in Nelson later this month will be the platform for the launch of a new online marketing company developed by Nelson businessman Alan Trent.

The web-based marketing and promotion site for New Zealand companies, named 735pm.com, will give its name to the championships at Eighty-eight Valley on April 24-26 under a sponsorship arrangement worth $15,000.

The crosscountry course built at the Parkes family property Punawai would also carry the sponsor's name, the chairman of the event organising committee, Clark Avery, said.

Mr Trent, who admitted he was "not really a horse person", was impressed enough with the spirit of the event to want to be a part of it.

"I know that pony clubs in New Zealand are a major part of life here," said the former American, who with his wife Shelly and their two children became New Zealand citizens in 2005.

"I thought it would be a good idea to identify with the pony clubs and support them."

The pony club championships feature teams of a maximum six riders. So far, teams from 14 areas of New Zealand have entered the event.

Despite Mr Trent's lack of affinity with horses, he said he would be at the event as a spectator and to promote 735pm.com, which from August would feature a diverse range of New Zealand companies, products and services.

Mr Trent said those on the site ranged from bed and breakfast establishments to growing brands such as 26000 Vodka, New Zealand car firms and retailers such as Mitre 10 Mega.

Revenue would be generated by a performance-based commission system, he said. Clients would be charged a marketing fee if the products sold.