Tag Archives: charity

Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

$25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Presented by CN Emanates the True Meaning of Horsemanship

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Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy won the 2009 $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Chicago Hunter Derby. Photo© 2009 Jennifer Wood.

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.

Continue reading $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Presented by CN Emanates the True Meaning of Horsemanship →

Breeds, Community/Charity, Events

‘Foals from the Heart’ Auction Benefits JustWorld Initiatives

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The ‘Foals from the Heart’ auction, run by Vincent Desmarez and his family, raised €11,140 for JustWorld International. Photo credit: Sportfot

August 9, 2010 – Laventie, France – Equestrians across the world are joining the movement to help those less fortunate, as evidenced by a breeding auction held in France that raised €11,140 to benefit JustWorld International initiatives.  JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization working as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping underprivileged children.

The ‘Foals from the Heart’ auction is run each year by Vincent Desmarez, father of JustWorld Amateur Ambassador Tiphaine Desmarez of France.  Vincent presented JustWorld with a check for €11,140 in a special presentation held prior to the start of the Global Champions Tour Grand Prix at CSI5* Chantilly, France, on Saturday, July 17.  JustWorld Ambassadors Julia Tops of Canada, Luciana Diniz of Portugal and France’s own Kevin Staut accepted the check on behalf of JustWorld.  Staut, who is the reigning European Champion and currently ranked the number one show jumping rider in the world, also acted as the ‘Foals from the Heart’ spokesperson.

“It was so great that Kevin supported our initiative to help JustWorld,” said Vincent’s son, Thomas Desmarez.  “When he was out on the grand prix field at Chantilly and spoke about the important work that JustWorld is doing, it all came together.  It is wonderful to have such a big name behind such a worthy cause.  It attracted all sorts of attention and local press.”

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Breeds, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Events, Racing

After the Finish Line Fundraiser to Benefit Thoroughbred Ex-racehorses, August 5th

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Dear Equine Friends,

After the Finish Line presents their Annual Charity Fundraiser, “A Tribute to the Majesty of Thoroughbreds,” on Thursday, August 5th at the Hilton Hotel in Del Mar, CA. We will host a reception, silent & live auctions and dinner. ATFL is a funding non-profit dedicated to saving, rehabilitating and caring for rescued Thoroughbred horses who can no longer race or breed. For ticket information please contact Dawn Mellen at dawn@afterthefinishline.org or (858) 945-1371. Please consider a donation if you cannot attend.

Our auctioneer is Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg. Our guest speaker is Katherine Brooks, the writer/director of The Boys Club, www.theboysclubmovie.com. We will also show a heart warming video about a rescued Thoroughbred ex-racehorse.

Please forward this message to your equine friends and those concerned with the welfare of animals. It will be a FUN evening supporting a worthy cause!

Disregard the RSVP date on the invitation. A late fee will not be charged. If you can attend, please print the invitation and return it with your payment. We also accept PayPal through our website, www.afterthefinishline.org.

Sincerely,

Dawn Mellen, President/Founder

After the Finish Line

10153 Riverside Drive, Suite 397

Toluca Lake, CA 91602

dawn@afterthefinishline.org

www.afterthefinishline.org

Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Driving, Equestrian Assistance, Events, JRPR

Chester Weber Teams Up with Charles Owen and SUCCEED in Support of Drivers4Helmets at Iron Horse CDE

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Combined Driving Chester Weber, the reigning USEF National Four-In-Hand Champion, is encouraging all drivers to wear helmets in a Drivers4Helmets campaign as a spin off of SUCCEED’s riders4helmets campaign. (Photo courtesy of PicsofYou.com)

Caledonia, IL (July 23, 2010) – Combined Driver Chester Weber knows the importance of safety, which is why he and his team always wear their Charles Owen helmets during the marathon at a Combined Driving event. Weber, the reigning USEF National Four-In-Hand Champion, is stepping up to encourage all drivers to wear helmets in a Drivers4Helmets campaign which is a spin on SUCCEED’s riders4helmets campaign.

During the upcoming Iron Horse Combined Driving Event at Sherwood Farms, in Caledonia, Illinois, Weber will join forces with Charles Owen and SUCCEED, two of his Team Weber sponsors, to auction off a Charles Owen helmet certificate during the competitors’ party silent auction. While one lucky person will go home with a new Charles Owen helmet certificate, which could save his or her life, all of the money raised for the helmet during the silent auction will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.

“I believe it is essential for drivers and their team to wear helmets during the marathon, and hope that the silent auction for the Charles Owen helmet will be a step in the right direction for all drivers committing to wearing helmets,” Weber said, adding that he will present the silent auction winner with the helmet certificate.

Continue reading Chester Weber Teams Up with Charles Owen and SUCCEED in Support of Drivers4Helmets at Iron Horse CDE →

Community/Charity, Events

Priscilla Presley to Open New Exhibit at Kentucky Horse Park

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Priscilla Presley to Launch Elvis Presley Graceland Stables Exhibit at the International Museum of the Horse during BreyerFest

WHO:  Priscilla Presley will introduce the exhibit and Breyer’s Elvis Presley Collection

WHAT:  Press Conference to announce the opening of the Elvis Presley Graceland Stable Exhibit and the launch of Breyer’s Elvis Presley Collection at the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY.  The exhibit, borrowed from the vaults at Graceland, will include Elvis’ saddles and bridles, video footage of the family riding, and other historic archival materials on loan from the stables at Graceland.

WHEN:  Friday, July 23 at 2:30pm

Continue reading Priscilla Presley to Open New Exhibit at Kentucky Horse Park →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Equestrian Assistance, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Chicago Equestrians for a Cause to Host $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Presented by CN

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Chicago Equestrians for a Cause Logo. Photo © Chicago Equestrians for a Cause.

Chicago, Illinois – July 16, 2010 – Chicago Equestrians for a Cause is pleased to announce the return of the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby (Chicago Hunter Derby) Presented By CN to Annali Farm in Antioch, IL, on August 29, 2010. The net proceeds generated by this prestigious competition will benefit Children’s Memorial Hospital of Chicago, IL, as well as the United States Hunter Jumper Association Foundation (USHJA Foundation).

Unique in nature, the Chicago Hunter Derby will feature a vintage hunt course set out on Annali Farm’s beautifully landscaped steeplechase course in-field. The course will be co-designed by Jimmy Torano and Bobby Murphy, and will welcome the nation’s top equestrians as they vie for top honors in this prestigious event.

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

McLain Ward & Vocas Win the $25k Fairfield Grand Prix to Benefit The EQUUS Foundation

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Vocas, owned by Louisburg Farm and ridden by McLain Ward, winner of the $25,000 Fairfield Grand Prix and the Callari Cup presented by Wells Fargo Advisors. Photo courtesy of Reflections Photography.

WESTPORT, CT – June 29, 2010 – McLain Ward, aboard Vocas, owned by Louisburg Farm, emerged victorious over a field of 27 competitors at the $25,000 Grand Prix on Saturday, June 26, 2010, the culminating event of the Fairfield County Hunt Club June Benefit Horse Show held in Westport, Connecticut.

Urged on by spectators and over 350 guests at The EQUUS Foundation Grand Prix Benefit Luncheon, Ward and Vocas claimed victory in an exciting jump off. Ward also placed 4th aboard Esplanade 7 owned by Louisburg Farm, and 12th aboard Miel D’Amuray owned by Gabby Slome. George N. Venizelos representing Wells Fargo Advisors was on hand to present the well-earned blue ribbon, along with Jonathan Moffly of Moffly Media, Show Co-Chairs, Alison Ashman and Catherine Herman, Jenny Belknap Kees, Chairman of the Board of The EQUUS Foundation, and Lynn Coakley, President of The EQUUS Foundation.

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Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Equestrian Assistance, FEI, Para-Equestrian, Phelps Media Group, World Equestrian Games

The United States Para-Equestrian Association Announces 501(c)(3) Status

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Para-Equestrians at CDI at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois. Photo ©2010 C Mike Tomlinson DVM.

Thousands Oaks, CA – June 7, 2010 – The United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) would like to announce that it is now a 501(c)(3) public charitable organization.  The USPEA provides programs, clinics, and competition opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities.  Riders compete under the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules during their competitions and many of the athletes compete at the highest level of their sport. Becoming a 501(c)(3) was a momentous occasion for the USPEA. This status will encourage donors, supporters, and equestrian enthusiasts to supply funding for the United States Para-Equestrians.

The show season of 2010 is going to be exciting for the USPEA as it will be the first year that the Para-Dressage discipline will compete on the world stage at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY.  As the number of Para-Equestrian participants expands and more of the public becomes aware of this unique equestrian discipline, the Para-Equestrians will continue to need more support.  The USPEA would like to see this type of benefaction continue through the World Games, the 2012 London Olympics, and beyond.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Phelps Media Group

Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, Hosts SPEAKS Program at the Kentucky Horse Park

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Lexington, KY – June 2, 2010 – On Friday, May 21, 2010, third graders from Simmons Elementary School in Woodford County, Kentucky, had a chance of a lifetime. The young children visited the spectacular Kentucky Horse Park as part of the SPEAKS program. The acronym stands for Supporting and Promoting Equine Awareness in Kentucky Schools (SPEAKS) program. The SPEAKS program is a way to take equine education to the next level. Bobby Murphy, who has been the main component of spreading the SPEAKS vision, visited Simmons Elementary School in December 2009 and found that the program can be just as effective in the classroom as it could be at the Kentucky Horse Park.  Five months later he fulfilled his promise to bring the children to the Kentucky Horse Park for this wonderful opportunity.

Representatives from Young Professionals Committee of the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), ambassadors from Just World International, and young riders from the Kentucky Spring Classic were present to teach the children many basics about the sport and what makes horses so important in their lives. Continue reading Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, Hosts SPEAKS Program at the Kentucky Horse Park →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Equine Assisted Therapy, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Western/Reining

Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center Prepares for Special Olympic State Equestrian Games

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Thomas Mickel represented Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center aboard Belle in a Western Equitation class with the help of volunteer Jamie Miller during the Special Olympic Area Equestrian Games. Photo Courtesy of VTRC

 Loxahatchee, FL – May 18, 2010 – Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center (VTRC) is currently preparing to participate in the Special Olympic State Equestrian Games, which will be held May 21-22, 2010, in Tampa, Florida. Sixteen riders qualified for the Games after competing at the Area level March 27, 2010, in Ft. Pierce, FL.

During the Special Olympic State Equestrian Games riders will have the opportunity to compete in English and western equitation, trail ride competition, dressage, and pole bending. The riders representing VTRC range from needing full support with a leader and two sidewalks to independent riders who walk, trot, and canter on their own. They also have several riders competing in the training level dressage tests.

The qualified riders have been working on dressage test, equitation skills, pole bending, and barrel racing to prepare for the exciting competition. In addition to the 12 students traveling to the Games, six horses and 17 volunteers will be in Tampa for the event to support VTRC.

Continue reading Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center Prepares for Special Olympic State Equestrian Games →