Chicago, Illinois – August 20, 2010 – Two years ago, Chicago Equestrians for a Cause embarked on a mission that would prove to not only play an integral role in betterment of the sport of show hunters, but also in the movement to have hunter derbies that are structured so as to benefit one or more charitable organizations. In August of 2009, their vision became a reality as Annali Farm in Antioch, IL, welcomed this nation’s top exhibitors for the premiere $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby (Chicago Hunter Derby) Presented by CN.
Offering a trifecta of benefits, the 2010 Chicago Hunter Derby will contribute to (1) the progression of the sport, (2) the assistance of horsemen in need, and (3) the support of children with illnesses, as it is a member event of the USHJA International Hunter Derby Series as well as a generous donor to both the USHJA Foundation and Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL.
As a member event of the USHJA International Hunter Derby Series, the Chicago Hunter Derby plays a significant role in helping to revitalize the tradition and horsemanship that the hunter discipline was originally founded upon. Ron Danta, Chairman of the USHJA High Performance Hunter Committee, noted, “This is only the second year for the International Hunter Derby series and I could not be happier about the success of these derbies. People are now running to watch the hunter derby classes and we have not seen this type of excitement for the hunters in a while. The courses are beautiful, people are buying specific horses for the hunter derbies, and we have even received a great opportunity to showcase the American Hunter in six one-hour Hunter Derby Demonstrations at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. I feel very fortunate that we are seeing large numbers in the Hunter Derby classes and the support for the hunter derbies has been exciting.”
Danta continued, “Carl and Rush Weeden and the entire team there did such a wonderful job last year with the Chicago Hunter Derby. They put so much effort into making the derby an event, from their beautiful venue to the support from spectators. I look forward to the same success this year with the second Chicago Hunter Derby.”
In addition to offering the competition itself, the Chicago Hunter Derby also offers horsemen and sponsors the opportunity to come together and support a cause that hits close to home, whether geographically in Chicago or within the equestrian community. The proceeds generated from the 2010 Chicago Hunter Derby will not only benefit Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital for the second year in a row, but also the United States Hunter Jumper Association Foundation (USHJA Foundation).
There are few communities that are as closely knit as the equestrian community, and as such, those within the community avidly support the endeavors of both the sport, and the well-being of their fellow horsemen and horsewomen. In between the derbies speaking to the heart of a horseman, the USHJA Foundation providing benefit to horsemen in need via the Horseman’s Assistance Fund, and the support for Children’s Memorial Hospital, it is no surprise that the Chicago Hunter Derby draws generous support from all walks of life. Horsemen come from near and far, donating their time to put on a spectacular first-class production, while sponsors such as CN return year after year, donating their funds to help put on an event that benefits more causes than one.
This will be CN’s second year sponsoring the Chicago Hunter Derby. This event includes many attributes that CN identifies with each and every day. CN makes it their goal to sponsor events that include a philanthropic component, align with CN’s goals as a North American company, and benefit the community. In addition to these qualities Chicago is the corporate headquarters for the United States corporate location for CN. Keith Creel, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, noted, “The Chicago Hunter Derby is not only important to us because of how important Chicago is as a city but that it will benefit the Children’s Memorial Hospital. This is a critical component for us and allows us to give back to the Chicago community.”
He continued, “As a sponsor we feel the equestrian sport includes elements of strength, discipline, and excellence, all of which align with our principals at CN. It was an easy decision to come back for a second year and we would like to extend much success in the competition to all of the riders. We are looking forward to an exciting competition.”
Canadian National Railway Company and its operating railway subsidiaries span Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the key metropolitan areas of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., Green Bay, Wis., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, St. Louis, and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For more information on CN, visit the company’s website at www.cn.ca.
Equestrians for a Cause would like to thank the many generous sponsors and supporters, without whom the Chicago Hunter Derby would not be able to occur. For more information on the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby (Chicago Hunter Derby) Presented by CN, please visit www.chicagohunterderby.com.
Chicago Hunter Derby Hotline: 859-227-9624
E-mail: chicagohunterderby@gmail.com.
Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
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