"I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to work with Time To Ride. Growing up on a ranch, horses were always a part of my life, and working with Time To Ride allows me to stay involved with the horse industry and to promote such a fundamental part of American culture," said Pell. Pell is a former AQHA and NRHA competitor, and grew up on his family’s ranch raising and training horses.
For many devoted equestrians, it took a personal connection through a friend or family member to make their initial entry into horseback riding fun, accessible, inclusive, and long-lasting. With this in mind, Time to Ride's campaign aims to encourage horse owners and riders to introduce their non-riding friends to horseback riding and equestrian sports.
“Equestrian sports are often perceived as exclusive and difficult to break into, but it’s time to change that stereotype,” said Christie Schulte, Time to Ride marketing manager. “Without the support of family or friends, many of us may not have known where or how to take up riding - and now it’s our turn to be that friend who introduces a new rider to horses. Whether it’s English or Western, trail riding, driving, or any other equestrian activity, it’s our privilege and duty to welcome new people to our beloved sport for the growth and health of our industry.”
Many other celebrity riders are joining Time to Ride's campaign by pledging to take a friend riding, including Lyle Lovett, D. Wayne Lukas, David O'Connor, Al Dunning, Lindy Burch, Tom McCutcheon, Barbara Schulte, Audrey Griffin, Sandy Collier, Dell Hendricks, Lynn Palm, Kerry Kuhn, Tootie Bland, and more.
Riders may enter the sweepstakes by simply taking the pledge at www.timetoride.com/pledge.*
About Luke Pell:
Known for capturing hearts across America on Season 12 of ABC's hit television series The Bachelorette, country singer-songwriter Luke Pell was riding horses before he could even walk while growing up deep in the heart of Texas in the small town of Burnet. By age 12, Pell was spending his summers breaking horses, hell-bent on becoming a professional horse trainer until he graduated high school and accepted a football scholarship to The United States Military Academy at West Point in 2003. During his time in college, Pell found an escape from the stress and demands of everyday life in his guitar. After graduating, serving in the Army for five years, spending two years in the oil sector at Chesapeake Energy, and becoming an entrepreneur in residential real estate, Pell came to the realization that his true passion was in songwriting. Currently residing in Nashville, Pell continues to chase his dream while collaborating with established songwriters including country music superstar Cole Swindell, Jaron Boyer , Brandon Kinney, Ash Bowers, and more.
About Time to Ride:
Time to Ride is an initiative of the American Horse Council’s Marketing Alliance designed to introduce new enthusiasts to horses and riding, and promote equestrian activities for the health and growth of the equine industry. To learn more please contact [email protected] or visit www.timetoride.com.
About the American Horse Council:
The American Horse Council is a non-profit organization that includes all segments of the horse industry. While its primary mission is to represent the industry before Congress and the federal regulatory agencies in Washington, DC, it also undertakes national initiatives for the horse industry. Time to Ride, the AHC’s Marketing Alliance to connect horses and people, is such an effort. The American Horse Council hopes that Time to Ride will encourage people and businesses to participate in the industry, enjoy our horses, and support our equine activities and events. The AHC believes a healthy horse industry contributes to the health of Americans and America in many ways.
About the American Horse Council's Marketing Alliance:
Time to Ride is an initiative of the American Horse Council’s Marketing Alliance, formed to connect people with horses. It is designed to encourage horse-interested consumers to enjoy the benefits of horse activities. The AHC Marketing Alliance is made up of the following organizations: the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Active Interest Media, the American Quarter Horse Association, Dover Saddlery, Farnam, Merck, Merial, Morris Media Network Equine Group, Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, Platinum Performance, United States Equestrian Federation, and Zoetis. Program Partners are Absorbine, the American Paint Horse Association, Equibrand the National Cutting Horse Association, the National Reining Horse Association, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, and the Texas A&M University Equine Initiative; Lumina Media, Pyranha Inc., the America’s Mustang Campaign, and Colorado State University Equine Sciences Program.
*No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., age 18 or older. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Sweepstakes ends at 5:00 p.m. ET on September 30, 2016. For full official rules and to enter, visit www.timetoride.com/pledge. Sponsored by American Horse Council dba Time to Ride, 1616 H Street NW, 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20006.