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The Ride For Hope News
Equestrian Aid Foundation
August 2009 - Vol. 1, Issue 3 |
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| Making Strides in the Ride for Hope! |
Welcome! It's been an exciting summer with lots more to come. We had a fun and successful "Taste of Traverse City" fundraiser with the support from our sponsors at FarmVet, EquiFit and Horseshows by the Bay. The party was a wonderful mix of great food and friends in a relaxed atmosphere. We had so much fun we're planning to make it an annual event! So, mark your calendars now!
The pizza party, hosted by our board member Stephanie Riggio, turned out to be a well-deserved respite for our country's young riders at the NAJYRCs. Pizza and soda were devoured! And, we had the oportunity to thank junior dressage competitor Jess Deimler who did some excellent EAF fundraising on her own! What an inspiration! We're entering the world of reining and in a big way! Next month, during the "crown jewel" High Roller Reining Classic, the EAF will be the beneficiary of a poker tournament! It's a great opportunity for everyone to WIN big with payouts up to 10 places. The more players, the more money in the pot! You'll also see us at Dressage at Devon and later at the Washington International Horse Show. Make sure you stop by and say hello! Look for our online eBay auction of "Athos and Gambler" again soon. We heard from so many that they missed the auction that we'll be offering this beautiful piece later in the year. Please watch our website - or email with interest and questions.
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Poker Tournament to Benefit EAF at The High Roller Reining Classic
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"Play it Forward!"
Enjoy the bright lights of Las Vegas and play some poker to benefit the EAF. The High Roller Reining Classic Poker Tournament will be Thursday, Sept. 10 at 8 pm at the South Point Hotel and Casino. Entry is $125 per person buy in with payouts to 10th place.
Details and Reservation Form!
The poker tournament will be held during The High Roller Reining Classic, Sept. 4-12, at South Point Equestrian and Event Center in Las Vegas. The Classic is a NRHA "AA" rated event with more than $200,000 in money and prizes. See the High Roller Reining Classic ad and website.
Questions?
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EAF Recipient in the News - Gary Johnson
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 Like many 16-year-olds, Gary Johnson of East Orange has a
preoccupation with driving. Johnson's kind of driving is done in a carriage behind a mini-horse
or pony, and it has changed his life. As he deals with cancer and
cerebral palsy, involvement in the sport has both brightened and
broadened his horizon.
Focusing on driving has helped him deal with
recurring medical procedures, including chemotherapy and spinal taps.
He explained, "I wasn't so stressed. When I come here, my mind is
clear; I'm not thinking about problems I have elsewhere. I'm focused on
one thing and I don't have to focus on other things."
In June, he spent some time with six-time dressage Olympian Robert
Dover, who had been a sponsor of Johnson's but who he only knew "on
paper.''
Dover, a founder of the Equestrian AIDS Foundation that is now the
Equestrian Aid Foundation, noted he has helped individuals in need for
years "without putting them in the spotlight'' as they were assisted
with money or a place to live.
"The minute you meet him and know his story, you see he's all smiles
and thankful for what he has and having horses in his life. You have to
help a person like that.''
Excerpted from Nancy Jaffer's story for The Star-Ledger, NJ. Photo credit: Nancy Jaffer. Complete story here. Thank you Nancy!
Read more about Gary and his exhibition ride with McLain Ward here. For more information on sharingVillage Groups and the Driving For Surviving program, visit, www.sharingvillage.org.
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NAJYRC Pizza Party Comes with a Few Surprises!
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EQUESTRIAN AID FOUNDATION CELEBRATES NAJYRC RIDERS WITH A PIZZA PARTY
Junior Competitor Jessica Deimler Recognized for EAF Fundraising Efforts
Competitors of the North American Junior and
Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) enjoyed a chance to relax with a
pizza party on Thursday night (7/23) hosted by the EAF and EAF board member Stephanie Riggio. The hospitality
tent was full of fun and laughter as hundreds of pizzas and drinks were
devoured by riders, trainers and supportive families.
 Giving thanks - In the midst of friendly camaraderie, the EAF also
recognized junior rider Jessica (Jess) Deimler from Atlanta for raising
more than $1,500 to date for the foundation. In honor of her second
trip to compete at the NAJYRC (her third year qualifying for the
national championships), the 17-year-old dressage rider wanted to
signify the moment by giving back to the equestrian community. Jess,
with support from her mom Dian and trainer Karen Lipp, sent letters
asking family, friends and fellow riders to support her commitment to
the EAF.
"I wanted to make a difference," Jess said. "I'm so grateful
for all that horses have brought to my life that it is important to me
to give back to that community."
Jess and her horse Ragtime V (aka Coda) received a silver medal with the Region 3 team, and finished ninth in the individual competition, which allowed her to compete and achieve seventh place in the freestyle. To follow Jess and Region 3's journey throughout the NAJYRC, visit Dian Deimler's blog. To donate in honor of Jess, see the blog or donate directly to the EAF with a notation - Jessica Deimler.
Pizza to go-go - As the party began to wind down, Stephanie and EAF President R. Scot Evans realized that more pizzas were on their way. Stephanie piled the pizzas and soft drinks in her golf cart and they headed to the young rider stable area to play "pizza delivery service" for all those busy riders, grooms and officials that couldn't make it to the hospitality tent.
"It was terrific spending the evening with the country's top young riders," said Stephanie. "I especially enjoyed having the opportunity to meet Jess and thank her for her outstanding fundraising efforts on behalf of the Equestrian Aid Foundation and equestrians in need. She is setting an amazing example for us all."
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Taste of Traverse City - Party and Silent Auction to Benefit EAF
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 "Taste of Traverse City," held July 12, brought competitors and friends together at the Jolly Pumpkin
Tavern and Brewery on Old Mission Peninsula during Horse Shows by the Bay. Thanks to corporate sponsors FarmVet, EquiFit,
Inc. and Horse Sports by the Bay, Inc., to make this such a memorable evening.
"Events like this are what set Horse Shows by the Bay apart from the
others," said EAF President R. Scot Evans. "This horse show is in a
beautiful setting where the horses are happy and healthy and the
competition is great. The town provides unique opportunities outside of
the horse show and at the end of the day people can go to a nice
restaurant and enjoy the town. These are the events that you look
forward to, and there are fewer and fewer places like this."
The incredible food from Traverse City's
favorite local restaurants, included Cafe Habana, Blue Tractor Cook
Shop, Northpeak Brewery, and Bowers Harbor Inn. Hand-crafted artisan
Jolly Pumpkin micro-beers and award-winning wine from long-time horse
show partner Bowers Harbor Vineyards were also available.
 "It is a rare thing that we get to come together and have a special
event to celebrate equestrian sports, and from our point of view that
is something that is really important," Evans added.
Party goers bid on premium silent auction items
featuring everything from designer accessories to shopping sprees for
their horse, offered by trusted top-name companies. Premier silent
auction items were generously donated by FarmVet, EquiFit, Five Star,
Essex, Hadfield, Badgley Mischka, Barnes and Noble, ThinLine, Ariat,
Antares, Frederico's Design Jewelers and more.
"The Equestrian Aid Foundation plays a very significant role in the
equestrian community and we think that it is important to raise
awareness and support for what they do," said horse show co-owner Alex
Rheinheimer. "This event is an opportunity to bring people together in
an intimate setting to celebrate and raise money for a good cause."
Again, special thanks to our corporate sponsors, auction item sponsors and "Taste of Traverse City" guests!
Photo Credit: Horse Sports by the Bay, Inc. hosted the "Taste of
Traverse City" party and silent auction to benefit the Equestrian Aid
Foundation. Photo © 2009 Rebecca Walton/PMG.
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Upcoming Events
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Stop by and see us!
Dressage at Devon:
The EAF will be on display for more than 35,000 attendees as a sponsor of the committee stand and press room from Sept. 22-27 in Devon, Pa.
See the show website for more information. Visit the EAF website for the full size ad.
Washington International Horse Show:
EAF fundraising party and silent auction
Opening Night Party Honoring "The Amateurs"
Date: October 20, 2009
Time: 7 pm
Location: Acela Club at the Verizon Center
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consider donating a silent auction item or asking "a friend" to donate
something special! It's great exposure. Or email us if you'd like to donate an item. For more information on the show, visit the website.
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We hope you've enjoyed this issue. Please feel free to share your ideas and comments with us. Watch for future issues or in the meantime, visit the website for the most up-to-date information.
During these tough economic times, please remember our friends in need - attend or host a fundraiser, become a member, or make a donation today! Also consider donating an item for a horse show silent auction or an eBay giving works auction. Your contributions are more meaningful now more than ever.
Join us in The Ride For Hope.
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