BenefitingPrivate✦Invitation
Starting Gate PartyInvitation only
The private kickoff to Lil’ Derby Days for sponsors, Racehorse Owners and invited guests. Invitations are included with every 2027 sponsorship.
The Track to the 15th Annual
Mini Derby
One partnership. Multiple events. Months of visibility.
Introducing Lil’ Derby Days presented by 
A season of Derby-inspired events from November through the 15th Annual Mini Derby on May 1, 2027. Benefiting Equestrian Bridges.
2027 Sponsorship Opportunities
- Presenting SponsorSazerac$30,000Claimed
- Signature SponsorCommit online$20,000+
- Featured SponsorCommit online$15,000+
- Derby SponsorCommit online$10,000+
- Stable SponsorCommit online$5,000+
- Clubhouse SponsorCommit online$3,000+
Race daySaturday, May 1, 2027 · 4–8 PM
VenuePinnacle Country Club, Rogers
Lil’ Derby DaysNovember 2026 to May 1, 2027
BenefitingEquestrian Bridges, 501(c)(3)
2026–2027New additions
Welcome to Lil’ Derby Days
The track to the Mini Derby just got more exciting!
In 2027, Equestrian Bridges is taking the excitement of the Derby beyond one night. Lil’ Derby Days is a season-long celebration featuring Derby-inspired parties, corporate competition, community experiences and miniature horse racing, all leading to the 15th Annual Equestrian Bridges Mini Derby on May 1, 2027.
From November through May, our partners will have opportunities to connect with the Northwest Arkansas community while supporting the mission behind every event:
Building Connections Between Humans and Horses.
2027 Founding Partner Opportunity
As an inaugural Lil’ Derby Days partner, your organization will hold the distinction of being recognized as a Founding Partner of the entire campaign.
More than a day at the races
$133,482Raised at the 2026 Mini Derby
450+2026 Mini Derby attendees
15 YearsOf Mini Derby tradition in Northwest Arkansas
20 YearsCelebrating two decades of impact in 2027
Your sponsorship goes beyond event recognition. Proceeds from Lil’ Derby Days and the Mini Derby support Equestrian Bridges, connecting children with special needs, veterans and families with the life-changing power of horses through therapeutic riding, horsemanship classes and equine-assisted programs.
Lil’ Derby Days 2026–27
The 15th Annual season, November through May. Private campaign events are by invitation for sponsors, Racehorse Owners and their guests.
Private✦Invitation
Draw PartyInvitation only
Racehorse Owners draw their official Mini Derby horses and the race for the Cup begins.
APR17SAT · 2027
Lil’ Oaks Family DayNew addition!Next
Our new Family Derby Day, two weeks before race day. Event details, tickets and sponsor opportunities are coming soon.
MAY1SAT · 2027
15th Annual Mini DerbyUpcoming
Miniature horse racing, Derby attire, final standings and the presentation of the Mini Derby Cup.
The 2027 Executive Team
The team leading the 15th Annual Mini Derby and the first season of Lil’ Derby Days. New members will be added as they are confirmed.
2027 Campaign Chair
Julie Barber
EVP, Chief Merchant, Walmart
Executive Team
Lisa Bores
Join the team
Want to be part of it?
We would love to hear from you about serving on the 2027 Executive Team.
Email KelseySponsorship benefits
Ready to commit? Each level opens the secure sponsorship form with your level already selected.
Presenting Sponsor · $30,00015th Annual Lil’ Derby Days presented by
Claimed
ClaimedSignature Sponsor
$20,000+
- Featured campaign recognition
- Opportunity to sponsor or own a signature Derby experience
- Prominent website & event signage
- Social & email recognition
- Full-page program ad
- 12 Mini Derby tickets
- 6 Millionaires Row credentials
- 6 Starting Gate invitations
- 6 Draw Party invitations
- 10 Lil’ Oaks Party tickets
Featured Sponsor
$15,000+
- Campaign website recognition throughout select Lil’ Derby Days
- Event signage
- Social media recognition
- Full-page program ad
- 10 Mini Derby tickets
- 4 Millionaires Row credentials
- 4 Starting Gate invitations
- 4 Draw Party invitations
- 6 Lil’ Oaks Party tickets
Derby Sponsor
$10,000+
- Logo on campaign website, Mini Derby signage & presentation recognition
- Select social recognition
- ½-page program ad
- 8 Mini Derby tickets
- 2 Millionaires Row credentials
- 2 Starting Gate invitations
- 2 Draw Party invitations
- 6 Lil’ Oaks Party tickets
Stable Sponsor
$5,000+
- Logo on sponsor webpage, Mini Derby signage & program recognition
- Select campaign recognition
- ¼-page program ad
- 6 Mini Derby tickets
- 4 Lil’ Oaks Party tickets
- 2 Starting Gate invitations
Clubhouse Sponsor
$3,000+
- Company logo or name on sponsor webpage
- Shared Mini Derby sponsor signage
- Program recognition
- 4 Mini Derby tickets
- 4 Lil’ Oaks Party tickets
- 2 Starting Gate invitations
Not sure which fits?
Kelsey can walk you through every level and recommend the right fit for your team.
- 2026 Mini Derby raised $133,482
- 450+ guests in 2026
- Recognition from November through May
Every 2027 sponsor is recognized as a Founding Partner of Lil’ Derby Days, the inaugural season.
Mini Derby, in pictures
Scenes from the 14th Annual Mini Derby in 2026: miniature horse racing, Derby attire and a Northwest Arkansas tradition fifteen years running.
2026 Mini Derby. Photos: Amore Bello Photography and Faith Sanders Photography
Two ways into the 2027 race
Racehorse Owners and Sponsors are being confirmed now for the first season of Lil’ Derby Days.
Own a horse in the 2027 field
Commit to raising at least $15,000 for Equestrian Bridges, draw your mini at the private Draw Party and race for the Mini Derby Cup on May 1.
- Your own Mini Derby horse, silks and jockey
- Your Stable’s fundraising page and lane on the live track
- Your own Lil’ Derby Day
Choose your Derby-ship
One sponsorship. Multiple events. Months of visibility. Five 2027 levels from $3,000, each recognized as a Founding Partner of Lil’ Derby Days.
- Mini Derby tickets and event credentials
- Website, signage, program and social recognition
- Visibility from November through May
Race day
Saturday, May 1, 2027
4:00 to 8:00 PM at Pinnacle Country Club, Rogers. Miniature horse races, Derby attire and the presentation of the Mini Derby Cup.
Ready to join the race?
Your sponsorship helps Equestrian Bridges continue opening our gates, caring for our therapy herd and creating meaningful opportunities for connection through horses.
Kelsey PhillipsCommunications & Outreach DirectorEquestrian BridgesKelsey@equestrianbridges.org(479) 301-2814