Tag Archives: charity

Breeds, Community/Charity, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Fundraisers, Phelps Media Group

Lusitano Festival at Sons of the Wind Farm to Showcase Long Lining

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Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts will be hosting their annual "Pride of Portugal; the Lusitano joins the Ride for Life" Festival on Saturday, June 4, 2011. Photo Courtesy of the Client.

Merrimac, MA – May 19, 2011 – The Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts is currently gearing up for their third annual Lusitano Festival, scheduled for Saturday, June 4, 2011. This year, the Pride of Portugal; The Lusitano, joins the “Ride for Life”. This exciting event showcases the beautiful Lusitano horses and highlights the amazing Portuguese culture, and will now also be helping to try and raise $50,000 for the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation for Breast Center. Each year during the “Ride for Life,” Sons of the Wind demonstrates the quadrilles and athletic aires above the ground to the thousands in attendance for this worthwhile cause.

One of the highlights at this year’s event will be a long lining demonstration conducted by Sons of the Wind founder, Vitor Silva. Using just a snaffle bit and long lines, Silva and Niquel, a Lusitano Grand Prix mount, will demonstrate numerous dressage movements, including the piaffe, passage, and pirouette.

“It is going to showcase the bond between the trainer and horse,” explained Silva. “Here we have a stallion in front of a crowd with just a snaffle. He will be doing all of the lateral movements, all of the collected movements, receiving just a simple command from the trainer from behind him.”

Continue reading Lusitano Festival at Sons of the Wind Farm to Showcase Long Lining →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Sydney Masters-Durieux

Stransky Mission Farm’s Team Step by Step Riders Top Competition at Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

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Trainer & Teens Champion Children’s Charity & Take Lead in $30k Challenge & Junior Competitions

Hector Florentino piloting Ultimo to victory in the $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. Photo by Rebecca Walton, Phelps Media

Lexington KY – May 15, 2011 – The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, held May 11-15, featured the exciting debut of the 2011 Hagyard Challenge Series, consisting of seven grand prix classes to be held during the 2011 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, a cash prize of $45,000 will be awarded to the rider accumulating the most points throughout the series. The top riders from across the nation gathered to compete over a challenging course during the lead off event on Thursday night’s $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, CSI 2*. At the end of the two round competition, it was Hector Florentino aboard Stransky Mission Farm’s Ultimo in the winner’s circle.

Florentino, the head trainer and rider at Stransky Mission Farm in Wellington, Florida, now leads in the standings. The talented rider from the Dominican Republic is not only riding for owner Liliane Stransky but is a member of “Team Step by Step,” a group of riders of different levels, ages, and countries, who compete on the Hunter & Jumper A-Circuit to help raise awareness and funds for her international children’s charity, Step by Step Foundation (www.stepbystepfoundation.com).

Continue reading Stransky Mission Farm’s Team Step by Step Riders Top Competition at Kentucky Spring Horse Shows →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, FEI, Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

JustWorld Ambassador Kevin Staut Named to FEI Executive Board

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JustWorld Rider Ambassador Kevin Staut is the first athlete representative named to the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Executive Board. Photo credit – Sportfot

Lausanne, Switzerland – JustWorld International Ambassador and number one show jumping rider in the world, Kevin Staut of France, was named the first athlete representative to the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Executive Board.

Staut, who is the reigning European Champion, will serve on the FEI Executive Board.  Other members include FEI President HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein (JOR), First Vice-President John McEwen (GBR), Second Vice-President Pablo Mayorga (ARG), Chair of Group VII Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa (BRN), Chair of the Driving Committee Richard Nicoll (USA) and FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos (BEL).

“We are very proud that the FEI has recognized the valuable contributions that Kevin can make to the sport by advocating for the athletes in his new role on the FEI Executive Board,” said Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International.  “Since becoming a JustWorld Rider Ambassador, Kevin has been an exemplary model for equestrian youth, demonstrating how an athlete competing at the highest levels can still make giving back to others one of his highest priorities.  Kevin is a true leader, not only in the world rankings, but also by inspiring countless young equestrians to become socially responsible citizens.”

Continue reading JustWorld Ambassador Kevin Staut Named to FEI Executive Board →

Associations/Breeds, Benefits, Community/Charity, Events, More/Other

Benefit for Chris Dunn

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Lake Asbury Riding Association and North Florida Arabian Horse Club are hosting a benefit poker ride at Welaka State Forest on Saturday, May 21st for Chris Dunn.

Ride Fee – $20.00
Best Hand Wins – $100
Lunch $5.00
50/50 Raffle Tickets
Stalls and Campsites Available
RSVP khladyfish@comcast.net / Lisa 904-291-4352 or nfahc@nfarabianclub.com / Nancy 904-291-6804

Pay the day of the event.  Please RSVP so we know how many plan to attend.

Chris recently had back surgery and due to complications afterwards is partially paralyzed and in a wheelchair. Chris and Dale own and operate Ravenwood Farm in Keystone Heights, which is in part a rescue operation for horses, dogs and many other animals. They have given tirelessly to the community by volunteering their time to work with local veterinarians to do microchip clinics, traveled to the Gulf States a few years back during the hurricanes to rescue horses and other animals that were lost and/or injured. Chris also teaches informative seminars on hurricane preparedness for horse owners.

If you can’t ride but want to help, donation checks can be made out to CHRIS DUNN & mailed in care of Nancy Pooley, 2451 Quarter Horse Trail, Middleburg FL 32068.

Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Driving, Equine Assisted Therapy, Eventing/H.T., Events, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Luncheon at Port Mayaca’s Driving Trial to Benefit New Handicap Driving Program at VTRC

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VTRC's Skippy. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Client

Loxahatchee, FL – May 4, 2011 – The Spring Horse Driving Trial at Port Mayaca Polo Club, Saturday and Sunday May 14th and 15th, will include a charity luncheon to benefit the new driving program at the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. The Luncheon will be held Saturday the May 14th during the Dressage and Cones portion of the competition in Okeechobee, FL. The competition will begin at 9 am and the luncheon will be served from 12 until 2pm. The competition is similar to 3 day eventing, including dressage, cones which is similar to the stadium jumping portion, and a cross country portion, including obstacles that will be driven on Sunday starting at 9am.

Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the start up of VTRC’s new handicap driving program. The addition of a driving program will allow the center to meet the needs of people who may not be able to ride but will enjoy the camaraderie of the barn and the excitement of competition. VTRC Director of Development Susan Guinan has been committed to starting a driving program at VTRC for sometime. She began driving in the 1980s, and has competed at Gladstone and Devon and many other shows along the east coast. She continued her driving while living in England and was involved with the RDA driving program. She is pleased to be able to bring this opportunity to VTRC.

Continue reading Luncheon at Port Mayaca’s Driving Trial to Benefit New Handicap Driving Program at VTRC →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance, WHIN

WHIA Partners with Equestrian Aid Foundation for Global Breast Cancer Campaign

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The Women’s Horse Industry Association has announced a global partnership with the Equestrian Aid Foundation to raise funds for women affected by breast cancer. The Equestrian Aid Foundation is a 501c3, which provides financial assistance to equestrians, horsemen and equine professionals who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses or injuries. Funding is provided for medical, rehabilitation and other basic needs, such as food and housing.

Called “Ponie Express for Breast”, the campaign consists of trail rides and hikes around the world. The events are open to everyone who wants to support this cause and all proceeds will go directly to women in the equine industry who have been or who are currently dealing with breast cancer.

“This is a great cause and one that we know many people who have been affected by this disease will support. Plus, it’s a fun way to meet other equestrians and at the same time support women in our industry. The Equestrian Aid Foundation helps many people in the equine industry and we are looking forward to helping them raise more funds for their efforts,” states WHIA Executive Director, Catherine Masters.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Auctions, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Driving, Events, Fundraisers, JRPR, World Equestrian Games

Chester Weber Pays It Forward (and Back!) When His WEG Winning Ribbon Is Returned to Him

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Chester Weber donated his signed winning 2010 WEG ribbon to a fund raising event and donated the proceeds to the Humane Society. (Photo courtesy of My Elizabeth Weber)

Ocala, FL (April 21, 2011) – Chester Weber, the eight-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Combined Driving Champion who has competed for the U.S. in three World Equestrian Games, thought he was bidding farewell to his 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Silver Medal ribbon when he donated the signed ribbon to a fund raising event. Weber considered it a “pay it forward” act, knowing that the proceeds from the ribbon were going to benefit the Humane Society of Marion County, Florida, in Weber’s hometown.

Weber said he felt content knowing his winning ribbon would be auctioned off on eBay and ultimately make a difference in the lives of the shelter animals. “I figured if the ribbon could raise money for a good cause, it would be much better than having it hang in my tack room,” he said.

What Weber didn’t expect, however, was for his ribbon to come back to him. While Weber’s attempts at “paying it forward” were acknowledged by fans everywhere, one fan took it a step further and bought the ribbon and returned it to Weber.

Continue reading Chester Weber Pays It Forward (and Back!) When His WEG Winning Ribbon Is Returned to Him →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Driving, EQUUS Foundation, JRPR

Time Is Running Out for You to Cast Your Charitable Vote for Combined Driver Chester Weber to Be Named America’s Favorite Equestrian

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Chester Weber is still in the running for America’s Favorite Equestrian. Vote now to have Weber advance in the competition. Each vote donates $5 to The EQUUS Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Live Oak Combined Driving)

Ocala, FL (April 14, 2011) – Fans of United States Combined Driver Chester Weber have the chance to keep voting for Weber by phone or online in order to keep him in the running for America’s Favorite Equestrian. Each vote costs $5 and 100% of the donations will be used to support horse and equestrian charitable causes across the country.

Weber, a member of the winning Silver Medal 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Combined Driving team and the eight-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Champion, has made it through the first round of America’s Favorite Equestrian. Weber was among eight drivers in the Driving category of America’s Favorite Equestrian, but as of March 31, the six drivers with the most votes continue on to Round 2.

The America’s Favorite Equestrian contest is an interactive fund raising effort presented jointly by partnership of The EQUUS Foundation and The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to raise funds to advance the equestrian sport on an annual basis. The contest started with eight equestrians from each discipline: jumping, driving, dressage, eventing, reining, vaulting, endurance, and para-equestrian.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13587

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa, USEF

Submit Your Grant Proposal to USA Equestrian Trust

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May 2 Deadline Fast Approaching

April 13, 2011 — Lexington, KY — Grant applications continue to come in to USA Equestrian Trust (USAET) but there’s still time to submit a proposal.  All not-for-profits are invited to apply by going to the web site at http://www.trusthorses.org/grant/request.html to fill out the online grant application.  The deadline is May 2nd at 5 PM EST.

Past recipients of grants include those doing equine health research, equestrian land conservation, and educational programs.  The Trust welcomes applications for need-based and means-tested worthy equestrian projects and encourages applicants to detail those in their applications.

Funds available for grants include $77,000 reserved for Hunter and Jumper not-for-profit purposes or programs in California and Nevada. Applicants for this fund should make clear their intention to apply for funds available from this specific reserve.

“Whether you have a small project or larger goal, if you are a not-for-profit it’s worth the effort to apply,” commented Alan F. Balch, USAET President.

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Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Jolly Mon and For Farina Take First and Second with Ryan Genn in High Amateur-Owner Jumpers at the Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show

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Ryan Genn and Jolly Mon topped the leader board in the High Amateur-Owner 1.35m jumper class at the Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show. Photo By: Heather Bellock/PMG.

Katy TX – April 9, 2011 – Today was another great day of showing in the sunshine for competitors at the Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show held at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center. Jumper riders competed for the top spot in the High Amateur-Owner Jumpers, the High Junior Jumpers, the Low Amateur-Owner Jumpers, and the Low Junior Jumpers. Ryan Genn was successful in the High Amateur-Owner Jumpers, taking the win aboard Jolly Mon and placing second with For Farina. Earlier in the day, Jennifer Scholl and Electric Avenue prevailed in the Low Amateur-Owner Jumper class.

Richard Jeffrey of Bomemouth, England designed today’s courses, which did an excellent job testing the horses and riders. The High Jumper classes followed the Table II format with 13 jumping efforts and a time allowed of 74 seconds. The Low Jumper classes followed the Table 2b format and the first round included 12 jumping efforts with a time allowed of 71 seconds. The short course consisted of seven jumping efforts and a time allowed of 38 seconds.

Ryan Genn and Jolly Mon were the first to enter the arena in today’s High Amateur-Owner Jumper class. The pair set a blazing fast pace without fault, which couldn’t be beat and earned them the win.

Continue reading Jolly Mon and For Farina Take First and Second with Ryan Genn in High Amateur-Owner Jumpers at the Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show →