Riding For Reading, a non-profit organization (501 (c)3) dedicated to promoting reading, literacy, and education through equestrian sports and activities, is pleased to announce that it has received two important grants to augment its 2007 budget. The Equus Foundation selected Riding For Reading as a recipient of one of its 2007 grants, and the United States Hunter Jumper Association also provided a grant.
These grants will be used to help fund Riding For Reading’s equestrian based literacy programs. Riding For Reading’s flagship activity is its Riding For Reading Class. This pleasure-type class is open to any junior rider in 1st through 12th grade, and riders compete in the class representing their school. Regardless of how riders place in the class, every rider’s school receives a donation to its library. Riders receive awards provided by Riding For Reading sponsors and supporters.
At its inaugural event in Los Angeles, CA (Sept. 2006), 50 riders competed in the class and 46 unique schools received donations to their libraries. Riding For Reading distributed over $5,000 to schools throughout Los Angeles. Many riders were recognized by their schools for their riding accomplishments. One school wrote:
It is rare and impressive that an organization such as yours would decide to actively support the educational needs of its participants, as well as their equestrian needs. We plan to honor Chelsea James by purchasing equestrian related books with this grant. Newbury Park High, California.
More than 20,000 students benefited from improved library materials because of the Los Angeles Riding For Reading Class.
Because of the success of this program and the Equus Foundation and USHJA grants, the Riding For Reading Board of Directors voted to expand its programs in 2007. Shows interested in hosting a Riding For Reading Class are invited to submit an application. Applications are available online at www.ridingforreading.org, and are due by March 1, 2007. Riding For Reading plans to select three to five shows to host a Riding For Reading Class. Detailed information is available on the Riding For Reading website. Riding For Reading will announce the 2007 host shows by the end of March.
Riding For Reading is guided by a four member Board of Directors. Marnye Langer serves as President, with Kelly Scarinci as its Treasurer. Kay Altheuser and Lauren Carlson round out the board. “Since the current generation relies so heavily on electronic teaching and communication, I firmly believe that the combination of equestrian sports, books, and reading will help make exercising the body and the mind a more integral part of our educational system,” states Altheuser of her commitment to Riding For Reading.
LEG Up News provides media and publicity services to Riding For Reading in order to help support and promote the non-profit association’s valuable literacy programs. ~~~For more information, please contact Maria Partlow, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at (859) 225-6941, or via e-mail at [email protected].