Category Archives: Equestrian Aid Found.

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance, Products/Services

Shop FarmVet July 18 and Help Equestrians in Need

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Wellington, Fla. – July 10, 2017 – Do some shopping and help fellow horse people. FarmVet, the leader in horse health products, will donate a percentage of their online and telephone sales to Equestrian Aid Foundation Tuesday, July 18.

Equestrian Aid Foundation is a nonprofit organization that assists people from all corners of the horse world who are coping with catastrophic injury or illness. It provides financial support to horse people facing health crises. Help with essential living and rehabilitative expenses can make a difference to a horse person who is facing a life-altering situation.

Start your shopping list now for all your supplies and place your order July 18. Your purchase will benefit both your horse and horse people in need!

FarmVet is your one-stop source for horse health products, from supplements to therapy products and everything in between. Plus, the FarmVet Pharmacy offers compounding services so be sure to give them a call if you’d like to learn more. The FarmVet website features safe, easy online ordering and order tracking. Using the latest encryption standards and secure payment protocols, FarmVet’s website ensures your privacy and safety.

With everyday low prices on great brands like Perfect Products, Ramard, Adequan, Merial, EquiFit, Back on Track, and Arenus brand Sore No More products, you’ll find everything you need to help horses perform at their best.

Go to FarmVet.com or call (888) 837-3626.

Equestrian Aid Foundation
11924 West Forest Hill Blvd
Suite 10A-377
Wellington, FL 33414
800-792-6068
EquestrianAidFoundation.org

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found., Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Equestrian Aid Foundation to Launch Show You Care Program at Summer in the Rockies

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Photo by EQ Media.

Wellington, Fla. – June 16, 2017 – Equestrian Aid Foundation will launch their new horse show program, Show You Care, at the Colorado Horse Park’s Week IV of the popular hunter/jumper show series Summer in the Rockies. Equestrian Aid Foundation is the designated charity during Week IV, which runs from June 28 – July 2.

“We care about the people who make up our horse community and support the mission of Equestrian Aid Foundation,” said Colorado Horse Park’s chief operating officer, Meg Krueger. “We are proud to host the launch of their Show You Care program at Summer in the Rockies.”

Equestrian Aid Foundation Executive Director Louise Smith will be on-site for the official kick-off of the program and will host the exhibitor’s party, sponsored by Tami George Agency/Markel Insurance, Saturday, July 1, immediately following the $60,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix. George will also be on hand for the festivities.

“We are all very excited about Show Your Care and we’re grateful to Equestrian Sport Productions and everyone at Colorado Horse Park for their support,” Smith said. “Many thanks to the Tami George Agency and Markel Insurance for their sponsorship. It will help to spread awareness about the Foundation across the country and help more horse people in need.”

Tami George is an avid equestrian and has served the horse community as an agent for Markel since 2002. “Markel Insurance and the Equestrian Aid Foundation serve the same group of committed equestrians, and I am pleased to support their new show program,” George said. “Together, our helping hands can make a real difference when horse people need assistance.”

The Show You Care program is a simple and impactful way for horse show managers to support the Equestrian Aid Foundation’s mission of helping critically ill and injured horse people – from riders and grooms to judges and ground crew: the very people who populate show grounds day after day.

The program is designed to be uncomplicated. Show managers designate a warmup or schooling class in the hunter and jumper divisions as a Show You Care class. Then the show managers choose a percentage of each entry fee, from 5 to 50 percent, per designated class to donate to the Equestrian Aid Foundation at the end of the show. Because Equestrian Aid Foundation is a nonprofit organization, all donations are tax deductible. Show managers control the depth of their contribution by their selection of the classes and the percentage of contribution.

Upon completing their rounds in a Show You Care class, competitors will receive a green Show You Care lapel ribbon, provided by Equestrian Aid Foundation. Riders are encouraged to wear their ribbons throughout the show and share their photos on social media (hashtags #ShowYouCare and #EquestrianAidFoundation). Winners of a monthly Show You Care social media photo contest will win a prize.

Smith says that she looks forward to the Show You Care launch at Colorado Horse Park, and she encourages other show managers to participate. Caring about seriously injured or ill members of the equestrian community is a great message to send, and Equestrian Aid Foundation promotes supporting competitions in the press, on the web, in email marketing and in our social media.

Interested show managers may sign up now for the Show You Care program for their 2017 summer and fall horse shows. Contact Emily Cleland at Emily@EquestrianAid.org.

The Equestrian Aid Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists people from all corners of the horse world who are coping with life-changing injury or illness and financial crisis. Since its inception 21 years ago, the Foundation has granted over $2.7 million in direct financial aid to equestrians facing adversity. Our needs-based support provides assistance with basic living and rehabilitative expenses to riders, trainers, farriers, grooms, horse farm owners and other equestrians who need a helping hand to get back on their feet. For more information, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance

Meet Alena: Equestrian Aid Foundation Grant Recipient Hopeful for a Bright Future

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Photo courtesy of Alena Weida.

Wellington, Fla. – May 15, 2017 – Alena Weida is the kind of girl who has always gotten back on the horse.

She began taking western riding lessons when she was 10 and rounded out her high school years as a 4-H-er, barrel racer and rodeo queen. Determined to work her way through college, Alena took a job as an animal technician in the theater industry, where her can-do spirit landed her jobs with everything from horses to zebras and camels.

This same spirit also landed her in the emergency room – twice. In 2012, she ended up underneath a hot mare she was warming up and was kicked several times in the chest and head. After a brief recovery, she continued to ride and attend school but was plagued with headaches and mental fogginess. As she lagged behind in her schoolwork, she faulted herself for not being able to tough out her symptoms and just “shake it off.”

Less than a later, a horse she was mounting spooked in a gravel parking lot, and once again, Alena ended up underneath. This accident resulted in a seizure, and it was then that doctors diagnosed her with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The more Alena learned about TBI, the more she was able to understand her condition, and the more she began to feel like herself again.

With this diagnosis, though, came rules for recovery – no riding, no screen time, no reading for long periods of time – that have stopped Alena’s plans for the future in their tracks. Unable to ride or complete her academic goals at a steady clip, Alena suffers from anxiety and depression issues that affect both her professional and personal life.

Alena is not sure of her prognosis at this point, but with the help of the Equestrian Aid Foundation, she will be able to afford specialized therapies known to benefit people with TBI. She is confident this is the leg up she needs to get back to her former self, and thanks to our generous donors, Alena remains hopeful for a bright future.

The Equestrian Aid Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists people from all corners of the horse world who are coping with life-changing injury or illness and financial crisis. Since its inception 21 years ago, the Foundation has granted over $2.7 million in direct financial aid to equestrians facing adversity. Our needs-based support provides assistance with basic living and rehabilitative expenses to riders, trainers, farriers, grooms, horse farm owners and other equestrians who need a helping hand to get back on their feet. For more information, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance

Equestrian Aid Foundation Announces New Horse Show Program

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Wellington, Fla. – May 8, 2017 – The Equestrian Aid Foundation announced their new horse show program, Show You Care. The organization provides financial assistance to members of the horse community who suffer from catastrophic illness and injury and they are reaching out to horse show managers across the country to help them with their mission.

“Linda Andrisani, a well-respected US Equestrian “R” judge, and other Foundation board members convinced us to launch this horse show program,” said Louise Smith, executive director of the Equestrian Aid Foundation. “The concept is aligned with our goals to spread awareness of the organization, gain support and help more horse people in need.”

Andrisani faced the unknown when she and her lifelong partner, Jack Stedding, had to downsize their top show hunter business due to illness. “The EAF came in and supplemented the loss of my income and helped me get back on my feet,” Andrisani said. “I had never really been aware of the depth of the work that they did for so many of the horse people.”

The Show You Care program is a simple way for horse show managers to support the Equestrian Aid Foundation’s mission of helping critically ill and injured horse people – from riders and grooms to judges and ground crew; the very people who populate show grounds day after day.

How the program works is simple and straight-forward. Show managers designate a warmup or schooling class in the hunter and jumper divisions as a Show You Care class. Then the show managers choose a percentage of each entry fee, from 5 to 50 percent, per designated class to donate to the Equestrian Aid Foundation at the end of the show. Because the Equestrian Aid Foundation is a 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible. Show managers control the depth of their contribution by their selection of the classes and the percentage of contribution.

Caring about seriously injured or ill members of the equestrian community is a great message for show managers to send, and the Equestrian Aid Foundation will promote your support in the press, on the web, in email marketing and in our social media.

Upon completing their rounds in the Show You Care class, competitors will receive a green Show You Care lapel ribbon, provided by the Equestrian Aid Foundation. Riders are encouraged to wear their ribbons throughout the show and share their photos on social media (hashtags #ShowYouCare and #EquestrianAidFoundation). Winners of a monthly Show You Care social media photo contest will win a prize.

Show managers may sign up now for the Show You Care program for their 2017 summer and fall horse shows. Contact Emily Cleland at Emily@EquestrianAid.org.

EquestrianAidFoundation.org

Auctions, Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found.

Win a Trip to Aspen and Help an Equestrian in Need

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Tired of the winter blahs? Want to hit the slopes for some sunny spring skiing, or simply ready to take a break from the horse show circuit?

Thanks to the generosity of a wonderful sponsor, you have the chance to win a fantastic Aspen get-away and support the Equestrian Aid Foundation’s mission to help horse people with catastrophic injuries or illness.

Ski, hike, bike, kayak, shop, dine or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. It’s YOUR turn to Defy Ordinary!

Just register, and start bidding! The package starts at only $5,000 for 5 nights at a designer townhouse that is walking distance to town and Aspen Mountain and sleeps 8.

Place your bid NOW to relax in style and support a great cause. Funds raised will make a difference in the life of an equestrian in need.

LOGIN TIP:  When you create your account, it’s easy to simply enter EAF and your last name, for example EAFJones. That way, it’s simple to remember your login and keep tabs on the auction.

Happy bidding!

The Equestrian Aid Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists people from all corners of the horse world who are coping with life-changing injury or illness and financial crisis. Since its inception 20 years ago, the Foundation has granted $2.7 million in direct financial aid to equestrians facing adversity. Our needs-based support provides assistance with basic living and rehabilitative expenses to riders, trainers, farriers, grooms, horse farm owners and other equestrians who need a helping hand to get back on their feet. For more information, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found.

Equestrian Aid Foundation’s Spectacular “ALTHEA” a Sold-Out Smash Hit

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Former Cavalia performer S. Caleb Carinci Asch. DDeRosa photo.

Wellington, Fla. Feb. 20, 2017 – Greater Palm Beach County enthusiasts and equestrians gathered Sunday, Feb. 12, at the Global Dressage Festival Stadium for the Equestrian Aid Foundation’s annual gala. General admission tickets and VIP tables for “Althea,” featuring former Cavalia artists, were completely sold out. The evening raised funds to support Equestrian Aid Foundation programs that provide financial assistance to those in the equestrian community suffering from catastrophic illness and injury.

“For this year’s benefit, we decided to take a unique approach. We provided a magical and magnificent experience presented by both humans and horses,” said Equestrian Aid Foundation President Stephanie Riggio Bulger. “This organization is incredibly grateful to Keith Greco for this compelling performance. The success will provide Equestrian Aid with the opportunity to help many horsemen and horsewomen in need.”

Produced by Greco, an award-winning California production designer, “Althea” was a tribute to the relationship between horses and humans. The equestrian ballet told the story of Argos, a horseman who is crippled and in despair and finds himself in a land where a magical stallion, Althea, has the power to heal.

Former Cavalia headliners Sylvia Zerbini, S. Caleb Carinci-Asch, Kansas Carradine, other equestrian artists and their horses engaged the audience with their spectacular performance, created exclusively for the one-time event. The evening included a live and silent auction, with unique items such as a vintage Mercedes, a month of training with Rio Olympic Dressage team member, Steffen Peters, and a sunset yacht cruise.

“I was excited to produce this event for a wonderful organization such as Equestrian Aid Foundation,” Greco said. “There are so many in need of assistance from all corners of the horse world who are coping with life-changing injury or illness and financial crisis. Without Equestrian Aid they would be lost. I look forward to seeing how the success of this evening will help those in need.”

The Equestrian Aid Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists people from all corners of the horse world who are coping with life-changing injury or illness and financial crisis. Since its inception 20 years ago, the Foundation has granted $2.7 million in direct financial aid to equestrians facing adversity. Our needs-based support provides assistance with basic living and rehabilitative expenses to riders, trainers, farriers, grooms, horse farm owners and other equestrians who need a helping hand to get back on their feet. For more information, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Media Contact:
Jessica Greene
Sirota Public Relations
(917) 783-2334
jessica@sirotapr.com

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found.

Equestrian Aid Foundation’s Night of Enchantment

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Keith Greco’s Althea Raised Unprecedented Funds for Horsemen and Women in Need

Wellington, Fla. February 15, 2017 — Palm Beach County and their equestrian communities gathered together on Sunday, February 12 for the Equestrian Aid Foundation’s annual event, a night that they will never forget. Althea was held at The Global Dressage Festival Stadium of Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

“For this year’s benefit, we decided to take a unique approach. We provided a magical and magnificent experience presented by both humans and horses,” said Equestrian Aid President Stephanie Riggio Bulger. “This organization is incredibly grateful to Keith Greco for this compelling performance. The success of tonight will provide Equestrian Aid with the opportunity to help many horsemen and horsewomen in need.”

Produced by Keith Greco, Althea was a tribute to the one of a kind relationship between horses and humans. The equestrian ballet told the story of Argos, a horseman who is crippled and despairing, who finds himself in a land where a magical stallion, Althea, has the power to heal. The evening raised money to support Equestrian Aid programs that provide financial assistance to those in the equestrian community suffering from chronic illness and injury.

Former Cavalia headliners Sylvia Zerbini, S. Caleb Carinci-Asch, Kansas Carradine, other equestrian artists, and their breathtaking horses kicked off the evening with their spectacular performance, which was created exclusively for the night. The evening included VIP cocktails and dinner, as well as a live and silent auction, with unique items such as a vintage Mercedes, a month of training with Rio Olympic Dressage team member, Steffen Peters, and a sunset yacht cruise.

“I was excited to produce this event for a wonderful organization such as Equestrian Aid Foundation,” said Keith Greco. “There are so many men and women in need of assistance from all corners of the horse world who are coping with life-changing injury or illness and financial crisis. Without Equestrian Aid they would be lost. I look forward to seeing how the success of this evening will help those in need.”

The Equestrian Aid Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that has raised over $2.6 million in its nearly twenty year history to assist individuals from all riding disciplines, equine professions, backgrounds and ages who are coping with serious injury or illness. For more information about the Equestrian Aid Foundation, please visit equestrianaidfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook. You can make a difference in the lives of horse people in need.

Contact: Jessica Greene, Sirota Public Relations
212.486.3319, jessica@sirotapr.com

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found.

Tickets on Sale for Althea, Former Cavalia Artists, in an Evening of Enchantment

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Sylvia Zerbini and her liberty stallions. Photo courtesy of Sylvia Zerbini.

Wellington, Fla. – Jan. 16, 2017 – Tickets are now on sale for “Althea,” an evening of enchantment as humans and horses discover the magical powers of healing through a breathtaking performance. Seating is limited for this captivating and entertaining event. “Althea” is scheduled for one night only, Feb. 12, at the Global Dressage Festival Stadium in Wellington.

This once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience features former Cavalia artists Sylvia Zerbini, S. Caleb Carinci Asch, Kansas Carradine, other mounted cast members, and their magnificent horses. These performers have wowed fans across the country with their incredible feats with their beautiful horses. Equestrians and non-equestrians will marvel at the depth of the connection between the artists and their equine partners required for this performance.

The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Seating options include VIP tickets and tables with cocktails and dinner or general admission seating for the performance. Highlights of the event’s live auction include a vintage Mercedes, a month of training with a Rio Olympic team member, a sunset yacht cruise and more.

“Althea” is a gala benefit for the Equestrian Aid Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that has raised over $2.6 million in its nearly 20-year history to assist individuals from all riding disciplines, equine professions, backgrounds and ages who are coping with serious injury or illness.

To purchase tickets, go to: www.AltheaTickets.com.

Althea is a gala benefit for the Equestrian Aid Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists people from all corners of the horse world who are coping with life-changing injury or illness and financial crisis. Since its inception 20 years ago, the Foundation has granted $2.7 million in direct financial aid to equestrians facing adversity. This needs-based support provides assistance for basic living and rehabilitative expenses to riders, trainers, farriers, grooms, horse farm owners and other equestrians who need a helping hand to get back on their feet. For more information, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

For more information:
Contact (908) 803-1535 or janise@equestrianaid.org.

Media Contact:
Jessica Greene
Sirota Public Relations
(917) 783-2334
jessica@sirotapr.com

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance

You Can Keep Hope Alive

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An equestrian’s life can change in an instant. Accidents happen, illness strikes. Even those with insurance can risk losing everything when things go wrong. This may happen to a friend or rider in your barn. Your trainer, groom or farrier. Any of us.

Thanks to your compassion, the Equestrian Aid Foundation® has been there in times of need for over 20 years. Your support has made it possible to help horse people in over 30 states across America to keep a roof over their heads, obtain medication, and receive therapeutic treatment to improve their lives.

Together, we have provided over $2.6 million in direct financial assistance to critically injured or ill horse people in need of a helping hand.

One of these equestrians is Laurietta, a determined para-equestrian who has beaten two different forms of cancer. Yet she still suffers from progressively debilitating auto-immune diseases that significantly affect her health. Today, Laurietta can only walk short distances using braces – otherwise, she relies on a motorized wheelchair. “I live life as good as I can,” she says. “If it wasn’t for Equestrian Aid helping me pay my rent, I would probably be on the streets. People have the option of helping people – and when they help, it is really meaningful.”

You have been with Equestrian Aid grant recipients like Laurietta every step of the way.  Thank you! But with healthcare costs and living expenses on the rise, fellow equestrians who are coping with medical and financial crises need you more than ever.

Please send a tax deductible gift of healing today to those in our equestrian community who need it most. Every contribution will make a difference in a suffering horse person’s life.

You are Equestrian Aid. Please help to keep hope alive.

To see firsthand how your generous gift helps, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Equestrian Aid Foundation
11924 West Forest Hill Blvd
Suite 10A-377
Wellington, FL 33414
800-792-6068
EquestrianAidFoundation.org

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance

Equestrian Aid Foundation Celebrates Milestone 20th Anniversary

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Photo: Nic Roldan.

Leading Non-Profit reflects on serving equestrians from all corners of the horse world

Wellington, FL. Aug. 23, 2016 – The Equestrian Aid Foundation is proud to announce its twentieth year as the leading nonprofit that assists individuals from all riding disciplines, equine professions, backgrounds and ages who are coping with catastrophic injury or illness.

Equestrian Aid was founded in 1996 by six-time Olympic dressage rider, Robert Dover, together with R. Scot Evans, Gene Mische, Mason Phelps, Jr., Robert Ross and Kim Tudor. Initially, the organization focused on providing financial support to those battling HIV/AIDS. Some ten years ago, the Foundation broadened its mission to provide needs-based assistance for basic living and rehabilitation expenses to any equestrian who is suffering from a severe or life-threatening illness or injury.

“The Equestrian Aid Foundation has made a difference in the lives of so many,” states Stephanie Bulger, Equestrian Aid Foundation Board President. “This milestone celebrates all of those who share our mission. Special appreciation goes to our donors, who have embraced the responsibility that we have as horse lovers and horse-sport participants to take care of our own. We join our grant recipients in sending heartfelt thanks to all of those who have supported Equestrian Aid throughout these 20 years.”

Since its inception, the Equestrian Aid Foundation has provided over $2.5 million in direct grant support to recipients in 30 states across America. As the Foundation’s reputation expands nationally, opportunities are also growing for Equestrian Aid to provide essentials such as food and housing, health insurance, transportation, physical therapy, and more to a greater number of equestrians in need.

To meet this challenge, Equestrian Aid has hired its first Executive Director, Louise Smith. “As a dressage rider and farm owner, I understand how quickly life can change for people involved with horses. When equestrians become seriously hurt or ill, they sometimes risk losing everything,” says Smith. “As more people understand our purpose, I believe that they will want to get involved and help.”

Steven Castillo was a leading dressage trainer and promising “l” judge for the United States Dressage Federation in 1997. When he was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, Steven turned to Equestrian Aid to help pay for medical and housing expenses since his prognosis.

“After discovering the Equestrian Aid Foundation, my life truly changed,” states Steven. “The fear of not being about to put food on the table or pay medical expenses was wiped away. Equestrian Aid has been my biggest blessing.”

A more recent Equestrian Aid grantee is Linda Andrisani, one of the most well-respected hunter judges in the country. In March 2011, Linda was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the right parotid gland. As a result, she was unable to work for a period of time, but has since recovered.

“After my diagnosis, I didn’t know if my life would ever go back to normal,” Linda reflects. “The Equestrian Aid Foundation helped to provide a sense of security that created hope in spite of life’s circumstances.”

The Equestrian Aid Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that has raised over $2.5 million in its nearly twenty year history to assist individuals from all riding disciplines, equine professions, backgrounds and ages who are coping with serious injury or illness.

For more information about the Equestrian Aid Foundation, please visit equestrianaidfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook. You can make a difference in the lives of horse people in need.

Contact: Jessica Greene, Sirota Public Relations
212.486.3319, Jessica@sirotapr.com