Tag Archives: charity

Household Cavalry Foundation Announced as Official Charity for Royal Windsor Horse Show 2023

Royal Windsor Horse Show is delighted to announce the Household Cavalry Foundation as its official charity for the 2023 edition of the event, which will be held from 11-14 May.

Set up in January 2013, The Household Cavalry Foundation is the official charity of the Household Cavalry. The Foundation exists to provide charitable and pastoral support to all the members of Household Cavalry family including serving Soldiers, Operational Casualties, and Veterans. The Foundation also supports the protection and development of the rich Heritage that surrounds the history of its Regiments, The Life Guards, and The Blues and Royals, as well as the welfare of their retired horses.

The partnership with the Royal Windsor Horse Show will provide financial and material benefits to the Household Cavalry Foundation, including the opportunity to raise donations at the show and have a physical and branding presence at the Show to help communicate key messages to the visiting public.

In addition, the Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will be part of the spectacular schedule of equestrian action across the four-day Show. As the only mounted ceremonial soldiers who also serve as fighting soldiers, the Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is unique globally as it demonstrates exceptional horsemanship and the very best of British tradition. The drills, which are based on movements mounted soldiers would have historically used in battle, are carried out to music and performed in a routine that is strongly focused on precise timing and coordination.

Director of the Household Cavalry Foundation, Giles Stibbe, said of the partnership: ‘‘This is a fantastic opportunity for the Household Cavalry Foundation to explain to the public our welfare support to our soldiers who both guard our Sovereign and fight wars for our nation; and our help to our serving and veteran soldiers, their dependents, and our retired horses; and for protecting our 363-year heritage.’’

Royal Windsor Horse Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, added: “Royal Windsor Horse Show is delighted to name the Household Cavalry Foundation as our official charity for the 2023 edition of this special Show. The work that they do, not only for their Soldiers, Operational Casualties, and Veterans, but also the heritage of their Regiments and the welfare for their retired horses, is remarkable. The Show is honoured to be able to support such a worthy cause.”

The highly anticipated 2023 edition of Royal Windsor Horse Show will feature four days of world-class equestrian action. The return of CDI4* Dressage to the private grounds of Windsor Castle means that Royal Windsor Horse Show 2023 will feature equestrian action from four international disciplines: Dressage, Jumping, Driving, and Endurance. The Show will also feature a range of exciting performances including the Defender Shetland Pony Grand National and the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the luxury shopping village, with an array of fashion, lifestyle, and equestrian boutiques, as well as a selection of delicious food outlets.

To find out more about Royal Windsor Horse Show, or to book tickets, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com / +44 (0)7757 554 168

An Entire Community Inspired to #BeTheChange

Photo © Wellington International.

Over $1.5 Million to Be Distributed at 14th Annual Great Charity Challenge

Wellington, Florida – February 2, 2023 – After a record year for the 2022 Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments® (GCC), donors, riders, and charities are at the edge of their seats to see what this year holds. Inspired by this enthusiasm, this year’s event aims to motivate the community to #BeTheChange and empower individuals to get involved locally!

As J. K. Rowling reminds us, “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided,” and the GCC is an incredible example of how unity amplifies impact. On Saturday, February 4, people from all walks of our community will come together as one at Wellington International to cheer the night away. Home of the Winter Equestrian Festival, the venue will transform into Candy World and the night will feature an exciting relay style show jumping competition with horses and riders alike decked out in their most creative candy themed costumes.

Founded by father/daughter team of Mark and Paige Bellissimo in 2009, the GCC has acted as a catalyst for charitable giving over the last 13 years, distributing a phenomenal $17.7 million to 294 local non-profit organizations. This united community effort will set out in its 14th year to help build a path to a sweeter future for our Palm Beach County neighbors in need.

Thirty-four non-profit organizations, who were randomly selected at our first annual Charity Drawing Party and leading up to the event, will meet their paired equestrian teams and sponsors as they compete for a share of the $1.5+ million purse. The winning team’s nonprofit will receive $100,000 while all pre-selected participants are guaranteed a minimum grant of $15,000. To view the full list of participating charities (listed alphabetically), CLICK HERE.

“Our community never fails us when it comes to the GCC. This year, especially, we want to extend this generosity beyond just that night and inspire more people to get involved with the amazing organizations this event highlights,” comments Kelly Arani, GCC Event and Marketing Coordinator.

To contribute to this community effort, visit https://unitedwaypbc.org/great-charity-challenge/.

Children of all ages will be back again this year for the Pet Parade and Costume Contest, generously presented by the Postage Stamp Farm Foundation. By dressing up with their favorite pet, children will represent pre-selected non-profit organizations and celebrate the power of doing good at any age! Exciting news this year: thanks to matching sponsor The Wedell Family Foundation, the 15 pre-selected non-profit organizations will share $50,000 in prize money.

Each year new and recurring donations and sponsorships from local families, foundations, businesses, equestrians, and more, ranging from $5 to $100,000, are the key to reaching our fundraising goal of more than $1 million.

Equestrian Sport Productions, the Wellington International operating organization that oversees equestrian events at the venue throughout the year, and Wellington International owner Global Equestrian Group donate the facility, staff, and infrastructure to ensure the success of the charitable event and guarantee that 100% of the funds raised are redistributed in the community.

The GCC competition will offer free general admission and will be held Saturday evening, February 4, 2023, at 6 p.m. at Wellington International during WEF’s “Saturday Night Lights.” Free parking will be located at 13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414, home to the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival show grounds.

For the latest event information, please visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com.

Wellington International | (561) 793-5867
news@wellingtoninternational.com
www.wellingtoninternational.com

We Need Your Clothes! Help Make Dreams Come True for Deserving Riders

We’re just coming through the busiest season ever for The Rider’s Closet, and we’re putting the word out to our equestrian friends that our inventory could surely use some replenishment before the next rush of requests comes in. We get many heartfelt notes from recipients letting us know just how much receiving equestrian gear from us free of charge means to them, and we have YOU, our kind and giving riding community, to thank for it!

The Rider’s Closet accepts donations of new and gently used riding attire and provides it to equestrians in need around the country. We serve individuals of all ages and at every level of horsemanship.

If you’re switching out your seasonal gear or have items you no longer need or have outgrown, we will ensure that they will go to a happy new home. We accept all show and schooling apparel/boots for adults and children. For safety reasons, the only items we cannot accept are helmets and protective riding vests.

We currently are most in need of tan show breeches in all sizes, show coats in ladies’ sizes 0-6, youth schooling breeches/tights and tops, and paddock boots. Children, tweens, and teens are the largest groups we serve, and smaller ladies’ sizes and youth sizes are always in the highest demand. Please know, however, that anything you send will be of help and is greatly appreciated.

Founded by Georgina Bloomberg in 2006, The Rider’s Closet became an EQUUS Foundation program in 2019. All donations to The Rider’s Closet are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Recipients of Rider’s Closet apparel include equestrians from scholastic riding programs, pony clubs, veterans’ programs, therapeutic riding centers, equestrian camp programs, equine charities, programs for disadvantaged youth, and individual riders in need. Our list of recipients grows every year, and our ability to serve them is only possible because generous riders and equestrian apparel companies keep the donations coming!

Donors can mail their donations directly to us. CLICK HERE for details and a donation form (required only if you would like an acknowledgement for taxes). We also have year-round donation collection at Brennan’s Bit & Bridle in Bridgehampton, NY and Manhattan Saddlery in NYC.

Donors local to our workshop in Westchester County, NY are welcome to make an appointment to drop off a donation. To schedule an appointment, check with us regarding what we can accept, or learn more about the program, contact us at riderscloset@equusfoundation.org.

On behalf of the thousands of riders who ask us to help make their equestrian dreams come true, thank you in advance for your generous and much-needed support!

To learn more about the EQUUS Foundation and their mission, please visit www.equusfoundation.org.

Stand for Freedom This Giving Tuesday!

Ginger and Cloud’s little brother, Sax. @TheCloudFoundation.

As you know, we’re in the midst of a long, desperate battle to save our wild herds from those who would see them destroyed — and we need your help.

This year has been one of the WORST for wild horse and burro herds in the West, as unprecedented numbers were rounded up and taken from the homes they knew. So many now sit in holding pens. Help us to STOP this from happening.

Your contribution enables us to continue our fight to protect and preserve wild horses and burros on public lands, keeping them WILD and FREE where they belong.

If you can’t donate, please SHARE this message!

Help us spread the word about what is being done to our cherished wild horses and burros — living symbols of freedom and the “pioneer spirit” of the West.

As always, thank you for your incredible support!

Ginger and the Cloud Foundation Team
www.thecloudfoundation.org

EAF Opens Disaster Relief Fund to Help Horsemen Affected by Hurricane Ian

Wellington, Fla. – Sept. 30, 2022 – In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Ian, the Equestrian Aid Foundation has opened its Disaster Relief Fund to help horsemen in the storm’s path with their most urgent needs as they work to regain stability.

“While the Equestrian Aid Foundation is fully operational after the storm, this one hit home for us because Florida is home,” said board member Robert Ross of the Wellington-based charity. “We were lucky, and now it’s time to get to work for those in our equestrian community who were not.”

Equestrians who are in immediate need of assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian are invited to apply for aid.

The emergency program will be funded through a $20,000 allocation from EAF’s Disaster Relief Fund. Created in 2018, the fund exists to assist equestrian communities in crisis due to unforeseen and dire circumstances. Disbursements are intended to help recipients with their most urgent and immediate needs. In recent years, EAF has activated Disaster Relief funds in response to hurricanes, wildfire, drought, flooding, and the 2020 industry shutdown precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more here.

For more information, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Cheers to Horses and Summer – From Where It All Began for the EQUUS Foundation

Ella Kraut aboard Nakia, winner of the $10,000 Fairfield Welcome Jumper Stake @Sarah Latterner Anderson, SEL Photography.

Horse lovers and equestrians showed their support for the EQUUS Foundation and its work to protect America’s horses from peril on Thursday, June 23rd at the Fairfield June Horse Show in Westport, Connecticut for the EQUUS Foundation’s Champagne and Ice Cream Social. Over 160 guests enjoyed complimentary champagne and ice cream sundaes, hosted by Fairfield Equine Associates, while watching the $10,000 Fairfield Welcome Jumper Stake.

“This beautiful horse show, now in its 99th year, is not only in my back yard, literally, but it is where the EQUUS Foundation got its start with a charity luncheon in 2003 to benefit local equine charities,” said EQUUS Foundation Founder and President, Lynn Coakley. “We have grown into a renowned, national equine welfare charity that supports hundreds of equine welfare organizations across the United States that are dedicated to keeping America’s horses safe throughout their lifetimes. We will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary next year.”

It was a perfect, sunny day for a parade and for guests to meet and hear the stories of some of the rescues from EQUUS Foundation Guardian charity, Rising Starr Horse Rescue. The staff and volunteers at Rising Starr turned out in their iconic red shirts to show off Army and Navy, two rescued Miniature horses who have a permanent home at Rising Starr to serve as Rescue and Adoption Ambassadors.

Also featured were Sierra and Panda, who are both seeking loving homes. Sierra is a sound, fancy, 16-year-old, bay, off-track Thoroughbred mare who could excel in many disciplines. Panda is a 12-year-old uniquely marked black and white paint mare rescued from a neglect situation in Louisiana. She is easy going, healthy and stunningly beautiful. Rising Starr Horse Rescue welcomes scheduled visits to meet these adoptable horses and more at their farm in Wilton, Connecticut.

“These horses are here today to represent the thousands of adoptable horses that are available across the country who need new homes and new careers,” said Valerie Angeli, EQUUS Foundation VP.

“For horses to stay safe, we must give them opportunities to thrive throughout their lives – that’s what the EQUUS Foundation is all about.”

The Rider’s Closet, an EQUUS Foundation program, founded by top international rider and EQUUS Foundation EQUUStar, Georgina Bloomberg, had its iconic donation tack trunk on site to receive donations of gently used and new riding apparel which will be donated to riders in need so that everyone can pursue their equestrian dreams.

The EQUUS Foundation was also thrilled to announce the launch of the EQUUS Foundation charitable partnership with Prixview. Prixview’s Fantasy Games provide an exciting and free on-line opportunity for show jumping fans to follow the competition and project the winning teams.

“We are incredibly excited and proud to be working with the EQUUS Foundation. I personally hope this partnership can connect the fans of our platform and sport with more ways to give back to the animals that make it all possible,” said Lucy Davis, Prixview’s founder.

Players earn cash by picking which horse/rider combination in the matchup will place higher in the class and can also donate all or a portion of their winnings to the EQUUS Foundation. The option to donate was available for the first time for the Fairfield Welcome Jumper Stake on Thursday, June 23, and the Fairfield Grand Prix on Saturday, June 25, and it will continue to be a feature permanently.

The EQUUS Foundation wishes to express its thanks to the Fairfield County Hunt Club for selecting the EQUUS Foundation as the charitable partner of the Fairfield June Horse Show.

To learn more about the EQUUS Foundation and their mission, please visit www.equusfoundation.org.

Update on Kim Prince’s Progress

June 24, 2022 — Two weeks ago, accomplished Grand Prix rider and beloved trainer and friend Kimberly Prince experienced a serious fall while competing at the Upperville Colt Horse Show, suffering an injury to her spinal cord at C3, C4, and C5, as well as a broken nose and facial lacerations.  Since the accident, Kim has begun to show signs of improvement, and the community has rallied to help jumpstart her journey towards recovering from this catastrophic accident.

Numerous people helped Kim get into one of the very best spinal cord rehabilitation programs in the country, the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, and she will be transferring from INVOVA hospital in Virginia. The equestrian community has generously come together to support Kim with donations, words of encouragement, and assistance with her clients and horses.  A very significant six figure sum was raised through the Kevin Babington Foundation. These funds have been wired to Kim and are helping to supplement Kim’s insurance and are enabling her to make the move to the Shepherd Center.

Kim underwent surgery to relieve pressure on her spinal cord and is showing promising signs of improvement with feeling and movement starting to return in her upper arms, legs, and feet. With assistance, she has been able to sit on the side of the bed and even briefly stand upright. Importantly, Kim’s mind, ability to speak, and breathing were not impacted, and she is getting stronger each day.

“The road ahead will not be easy, but I am committed to getting back to the sport, the community, and the horses I love as strong as I can possibly be.  To have the support and help from so many is motivating and humbling.  I am deeply grateful to my friends, peers, clients, and family for standing by me,” said Kimberly Prince.

Please consider donating to the Kevin Babington Foundation and share this message as the journey to recovery for Kim has just begun and the expenses for her critical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing health needs are significant, as is the research and care of other equestrians under the Babington Foundation umbrella.

© 2022 Kevin Babington Foundation

New FEI Solidarity Relief Fund initiatives for Ukraine launched in May 2022

Photo: Ukraine’s Diana Borovyk and Baby Royal at the FEI Dressage European Championships 2021 for Youth in Oliva (ESP) © Lukasz Kowalski.

A recent visit by a Ukrainian delegation at the FEI Sports Forum 2022 in Lausanne sees additional initiatives and projects approved for funding by the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund.

Established in February 2022, the dedicated CHF 1 Million FEI Solidarity Relief Fund for Ukraine has been actively supporting a number of equestrian related schemes across Ukraine and neighbouring nations receiving Ukrainian horses and athletes. This includes, among others, the creation of a logistical hub in Granat (UKR), located between Lviv and the Polish border, to prepare horses for transfer into the European Union; funding and distribution to regional hubs of critical horse supplies such as feed and bedding; and the emergency evacuation of a Vaulting team.

In order to deliver the aid efficiently and have the desired impact in situ, the FEI has been working hand in hand with the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation (UEF) and the UEF Charity Foundation, with FEI President and Chair of the Solidarity Committee Ingmar De Vos (BEL) referring to their Ukrainian colleagues as their “eyes and ears on the ground.”

For the FEI and the Ukrainian delegation, headed up by Secretary General Mykhailo Parkhomchuk from the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation (UEF) and accompanied by members from both the UEF and the Charity Foundation, this recent in-person visit provided a platform to discuss the priorities, review ongoing support systems in place, but also establish new programmes and set long term objectives for Ukraine and the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund.

Following these discussions, among the programmes being launched in Ukraine throughout May, four new athlete scholarships have been allocated; bespoke veterinary supplies have been sourced and prepared for dispatch; as well as financing for the purchase of 80 temporary horse boxes in order to support the setup of additional horse hubs in Ukraine.

Based on the existing FEI Solidarity Athlete Scholarship scheme, two Ukrainian Jumping athletes – Oleksandr Prodan and Anastasia Bondarieva – and two Ukrainian Dressage athletes – Danylo Konovalov and Diana Borovyk – have been selected to receive the scholarship grant to support training and competition related preparation with the ultimate goal of representing Ukraine at FEI Championships in 2022 and 2023.

Aged between 17 and 24, they were already competing at international level before the onset of the war, but the current circumstances meant they had to put many of their aspirations on hold. For Diana Borovyk, having survived the blockade of Sumy and taking up residence in her local equestrian centre to be with her horses while the war raged around her, being able to continue training and competing is “a dream come true.” She has also received a personal invitation to participate in a Young Riders Class at the CHIO Aachen Festival 2022, where she has every intention of showing her sporting determination and perseverance in the face of adversity.

The dedicated emergency veterinary supplies, which are being packaged into specialised kits and dispatched to strategic locations around Ukraine, include over the counter as well as prescription medication so the veterinarians onsite have all the necessary supplies to care for the horses remaining in the country. The bespoke veterinary kits have been sourced through the FEI Veterinary Department and are entirely funded by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Ukraine Relief Fund, which is supplementing the FEI Solidarity Fund with 100 percent of all donations raised being distributed through the FEI to ensure effective and targeted use of the funds.

The USEF Ukraine Relief Fund has already reached over 100,000 USD and continues to work closely with US based philanthropic organisations to leverage their fundraising networks to support the horses and people of Ukraine.

In addition to the existing horse hub in Granat which was financed by the FEI to prepare all the necessary documentation for horses to cross the border and has been operational since March, the FEI is now working with the UEF Charity Foundation to supply 80 horseboxes to two new hubs which are being built to allow horses to remain safely in Ukraine. The new hubs are located near existing stables so the horses will have access to all the necessary infrastructures and can continue to train in good conditions.

These last two initiatives are especially relevant given the unknown when it comes to the duration of the conflict and the need to work together to keep horses and athletes safe in Ukraine. For FEI President Ingmar De Vos (BEL), there is a clear progression in the support structure and goals of the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund. “At the onset of the war, the FEI reacted quickly to the situation and set up the Solidarity Fund with the initial outreach aimed at sourcing and funding for immediate and vital supplies as well as evacuation related procedures, unaware of how long the conflict would perdure and how devastating it would be.

“We have now reached a point where we can be more strategic because we have the systems in place, so the meetings in Lausanne with the Ukrainian delegation at the end of April were really fruitful, and we can already see several programmes and initiatives launched as a result.

“The initiatives are a mix of short to mid-term objectives aimed at keeping individuals and horses safe and well in Ukraine, but also long-term future proofing to ensure the sport is not entirely put on hold and can recover after the war. It has been awe-inspiring to see the global equestrian community come together to support Ukraine and we will continue to do everything in our power to maximise the reach of the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund to help the equestrian community and the horse lovers of Ukraine.”

About the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund:

The FEI set aside a CHF 1 Million Solidarity Relief Fund for the equestrian community in Ukraine, following the invasion by Russian military forces. The allocation was approved by the FEI Executive Board during a meeting convened on 28 February 2022, where members also unanimously condemned the invasion and agreed to remove all international equestrian events in Russia and Belarus from the 2022 FEI calendar. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has also joined forces with the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund, establishing the USEF Ukraine Relief Fund to Support Ukraine horses and equestrians, with 100% of funds raised going to the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund to be distributed by the FEI.

About the UEF Charity Foundation:

The Charity Foundation is registered in Belgium and its mission is to help the Ukrainian equestrian community during the crisis. The Foundation works closely with the FEI and national equestrian federations. For all the latest information and activities, visit https://helpukrainehorses.eu/.

Media contact:

Olivia Robinson
Director, Communications
olivia.robinson@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 35

Update on Situation in Ukraine and Support to Ukrainian Equestrian Community

A webinar was held 30 March for the European Equestrian National Federations and associated European Equestrian Federation (EEF) members to provide a comprehensive update on the situation in Ukraine.

Jointly hosted by the European Equestrian Federation (EEF), Ukrainian Equestrian Federation (UEF), UEF Charity Foundation, and the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the meeting included a thorough overview of the current actions and priorities in Ukraine, as well as an interactive discussion to establish the most efficient processes required to support the equestrian community (including the horses) in Ukraine and those who have fled to neighbouring nations.

The meeting also highlighted the strong collaborative spirit between the National Federations and the willingness from the equestrian community to provide both financial and logistical support through donations of supplies and materials, offers to host individuals, and/or horses and employment opportunities.

Since the onset of the war, the FEI, EEF, and UEF have worked together and tirelessly to provide support and aid through the UEF Charity Foundation and the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund.

Current situation in Ukraine

The UEF Charity Foundation, which was set up at the start of the conflict and has the full support of the FEI and EEF, manages the logistics and coordination of humanitarian aid, the evacuation of horses, and the general information flow to/from the community and those externally wishing to help. Through the website www.helpukrainehorses.eu, offers of material aid (feed, shavings, etc.), monetary donations, and accommodation have been received from across Europe and overseas. To date, over 375 tonnes of material aid have been received at their central hub in Poland and over €75,000 has been donated directly to the Charity Foundation.

Working hand in hand and funded by the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund, the Foundation has also managed the creation of a logistical hub in Granat, located between Lviv and the Polish border, able to accommodate up to 40 horses so they can be prepared for transfer into the European Union. Individuals should contact the UEF Charity Foundation for more information. It is expected this hub will be at full capacity in the coming days.

Whilst the achievements so far have been remarkable, the UEF Charity Foundation gave a stark warning that the requirement for aid is ongoing. Over the next month, an expected 2,000 horses will require support from the Foundation which would equate to triple the number of supplies currently held. As such, there is a need to continue working cooperatively across Europe in order to facilitate the supply of aid.

FEI Solidarity Director Jean-Phillippe Camboulives took this opportunity to urge all National Equestrian Federations “to designate an official representative to first coordinate the offers of support and supplies nationally, and then liaise with the FEI, EEF, and UEF to ensure logistical efficiency.”

Among other things, this would entail that offers for accommodation or employment be coordinated through National Federations, prior to reaching the UEF Charity Foundation and the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund.

Camboulives added that the “FEI Solidarity Relief Fund has been able to provide great support to individual members in the Ukrainian community through neighbouring and European member federations such as the Ukrainian Vaulting team which is currently training and living in Slovakia thanks to the efforts of the host National Federation and the determination of their Secretary General Zuzana Baciak. And there are many examples like this at the moment. We must continue to work together and to coordinate our efforts and use our resources effectively.”

EU Regulations on the movement of horses

FEI Veterinary Director Göran Åkerström provided an update on the situation regarding the transfer of horses from Ukraine into neighbouring EU countries, as well as the essential biosecurity protocols and sanitary requirements, which must be respected to safeguard horse welfare and horse populations both inside and outside of Ukraine. Among the topics covered, he also informed member nations of recent amendments to the existing Health Certificate published this week by the European Commission and taking effect on 29 March through to 15 December 2022 which could facilitate the transit of horses. Given the recent publication, the documents are currently under review by the FEI and clear guidance will be shared to all relevant stakeholders in the coming days.

Looking ahead and planning the future 

Reflecting on the complete collapse of the Ukrainian equestrian industry, the EEF and the FEI gave their full support to help rebuild the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation and the community.

To conclude the meeting, EEF President Theo Ploegmakers said, “The situation in Ukraine is devastating, but the collaboration we have seen across Europe through our members and the FEI is incredibly encouraging. There is still a huge amount of work to be done to help both the equines and the wider equestrian community in Ukraine and I believe through our network in Europe we can continue to provide the necessary support.”

FEI Solidarity Relief Fund:

The FEI set aside a CHF 1 Million Solidarity Relief Fund for the equestrian community in Ukraine, following the invasion by Russian military forces. The allocation was approved by the FEI Executive Board during a meeting convened on 28 February 2022, where members also unanimously condemned the invasion and agreed to remove all international equestrian events in Russia and Belarus from the 2022 FEI calendar. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has also joined forces with the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund, establishing the USEF Ukraine Relief Fund to Support Ukraine horses and equestrians, with 100% of funds raised going to the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund to be distributed by the FEI.

EEF:

Founded in 2009, the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) is the representative body for the European based National equestrian Federations. Working closely with the Federation Internationale Equestre (FEI) and the National Federations, the EEF works to maximise the potential and development of equestrianism throughout the continent. The EEF is committed to promoting the sport equestrianism and its good practices, developing the sport across Europe, and providing leadership for a collective European voice in the sport.

UEF Charity Foundation:

The Charity Foundation is registered in Belgium and its mission is to help the Ukrainian equestrian community during the crisis. The Foundation works closely with the FEI and national equestrian federations. For all the latest information and activities, visit https://helpukrainehorses.eu/

Media contacts:

FEI
Olivia Robinson
Director, Communications
olivia.robinson@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 35

EEF
Alice Ward
Communications Manager
alice.ward@euroequestrian.eu
+33 6 40 62 81 97

Budweiser Clydesdales Will Lead Military Bowl Parade Once Again in 2021

The Military Bowl Foundation announced that the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will continue their tradition of headlining the gameday Military Bowl Parade from Downtown Annapolis to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, prior to the 2021 Military Bowl presented by Peraton, benefiting the USO, on Monday, December 27.

This year’s Military Bowl Parade steps off at City Dock at 10 a.m. ET and proceed through historic downtown along Main Street and West Street en route to the stadium. Admission to the parade is free.

The parade annually attracts thousands of spectators lining the streets of Annapolis to view a wide variety of groups participating in the parade. The parade also features several Recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor presented for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.

A color guard will lead the procession, followed by the Budweiser Clydesdales, musical groups, civic organizations, military-themed groups, and youth clubs, including Anne Arundel Youth Football Association (AAYFA) championship teams. (The Bowl invites AAYFA championship teams to participate in the parade and receive complimentary game tickets each year.) Each team participating in the Military Bowl will be represented by its marching band and spirit squad.

“The Military Bowl Parade is an annual tradition bringing together residents who live nearby and football fans who travel to the National Capital Region to cheer on their teams,” Military Bowl President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “It is a special moment when the Parade starts and groups begin making their way through historic downtown to the stadium. The Military Bowl is very appreciative of our partners at Katcef Brothers Inc., who arrange the participation of the Budweiser Clydesdales.”

This year’s Military Bowl presented by Peraton, benefiting the USO, will be held on Monday, December 27, kicking off at 2:30 p.m. ET and televised on ESPN. The game once again will match teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the American Athletic Conference. Proceeds from the Bowl benefit the USO and Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s retreat for wounded, ill and injured service members, their families, and caregivers.

About the Author – EOA Staff

Eye On Annapolis is a community-based site focusing strictly on Anne Arundel County. These staff postings are general news postings made by our team of bloggers throughout the day and are not attributed to any one particular staff person.

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