Start Today - Tara Needs Your Vote!  

Below we share Tara Celentano's entry for a new custom wheelchair van as part of National Mobility Month. She has been a recipient for many years and is an active member of the EAF's board of governors. Her story is in her own words. Please vote daily until May 13 to help Tara's chances to win. Use code 747 on your initial vote. Note that you can not vote more than once in a 24-hour period from the same IP address.    

I am 37 years old and had my dream job as a professional horse trainer. On December 27, 2006, it all changed when I had a catastrophic accident in Florida. I was bringing a young horse in from the paddock when he jumped on my back, knocked me down and broke my neck. The injury left me a tetraplegic. What exactly does that mean? I have no use of my lower extremities, minimal control and feeling from my chest to abdomen and no use of my fingers. Then there is the pain. It's a constant nerve pain throughout. At times it's so strong that I'm unable to get out of bed.

Despite the accident, I'm as determined as ever to stay involved with horses. They are the reason I go on. Horses were not just an occupation to me, but also my passion. I began riding and competing at eight years old. It's all I've ever wanted to do.  

In 2001, I met my partner Roger Roberts and we had a successful business with driving, dressage and jumper horses. Our specialties were breaking, training and showing. I was fortunate to ride with top dressage trainers; Lars Petersen (Olympic Games for Denmark) Anky van Grunsven (Netherlands, three-time gold medal Olympics winner) and Michael Barisone (USA Alternate, 2008 Olympics).

My dreams and goals were to be a competitive international rider. And, I was on my way with numerous wins, which include 2006 Born in USA 3-Year-Old Colt Materiale Champion, prestigious Dressage at Devon; 2005 BLM Champion Training level, Friesian Stallion Elijah; 2005 BLM Third place First level, Friesian Stallion Navarre; 2005 Second place FEI 4-Year-Old Born in USA, Dutch Stallion U Pearl Harbor at Dressage at Devon.

I am still very active with horses. I recently  had a working student I trained from training level to third level. Together we trained 4 to 5 horses a day. My working student has moved on now and I am teaching a few people, but I would like to do more. I had a wonderful opportunity to judge for Horse Shows at The Hedges this year too. I'd like to do so much more, but because of my limitations, I simply can't afford a new wheelchair-accessible van. Having reliable transportation would enable me to get to medical appointments without concern, but also would allow me to evolve beyond my circumstances -- sharing my passion for horses in a teaching capacity, as well as educating on safety and prevention.  

Help Tara and EAF Recipients with a donation to EAF now.  

Your wait is over!
  

The second collectible silk scarf in the Zen Horse series designed by Linda Luster - Zen Horse Koi - is now available.

 

Buy A Zen Horse Koi Silk Scarf Now! 

24" x 72"

100% Silk

$175.00 

 

The rich colors of Zen Horse Koi complements most outfits and is also a stunning piece of art when framed. Whether you enjoy it as wearable or decorative art, it's sure to the center of attention!  

 

Generously underwritten by EAF supporter Karen Long Dwight, the Zen horse scarf projects ensure the the entire purchase price helps EAF recipients in need.  

 

"Karen and I have been  friends now for more 10 years and this is our second venture together to benefit the EAF," Linda said. "She asked me to design both scarves using my two most recognized paintings - Zen Horse I and now Zen Horse Koi.     

 

"I am so proud to be able to support the EAF and help its recipients," Linda added.   

 

The purchase of a Zen scarf directly affects the lives of equestrians and horse enthusiasts financially assisted by the EAF. A portion of the purchase price ($95) is tax deductible under federal laws.

 

Pictured at left is artist Linda Luster posed in front of the original Zen Horse I oil painting.

A few Zen Horse I scarves, like the one Linda is wearing, are still available and may be purchased online here. The Zen Horse I silk scarf is 36" square.  

Earlier this month, EAF was fortunate to be a part of the Annual Meeting and Day of Seminars for the Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse. More than 50 people gathered at the International Polo Club of Palm Beach where they enjoyed gourmet food, good friends and expert knowledge in everything P.R.E.  

It was a wonderful time and opportunity to share the good works and mission of the Equestrian Aid Foundation. Special thanks to Marc Ulanowski and the

Foundation's Executive Director Barb Clark for including us!  

Managing Director Sheryl Kursar Meets Lee Burton's Amando

After a full day of seminars, the group went on to Janna Rombough's MTICA Farm for an in-hand demonstration with Juan Matuteand a working equitation demonstration with Jean White of Working Equitation U.S.A. and Lee Burton and her P.R.E. stallion Amando.

Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity.  

If you'd like someone from the Equestrian Aid Foundation to come to your next big event, contact us here.