Now, saddleseat equitation riders can ride with a new reason in mind: raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the rider’s selected charity.

“It’s a shared-commitment program that encourages riders to show an American Saddlebred, Arabian (including Half-Arabian), Morgan or National Show Horse in saddleseat equitation competitions, and encourages donors to pledge funds for charity for each class in which the rider shows. The rider is not only responsible for raising the donations, but for performing community service as part of his or her own contribution to the effort,” said United Professional Horsemen's Association (UPHA) President Jim Taylor.

This UPHA program is designed to encourage, challenge, and reward equitation riders who participate in horse show competitions in order to raise funds for a charitable organization that helps those less fortunate.

Saddleseat equitation riders may enroll in the program by submitting a UPHA Ribbons Of Service Application, setting a goal, and developing a plan for raising funds for an approved charitable organization. When UPHA receives your application, you’ll be mailed an approval letter and a package of information.

For more information, visit the UPHA website at www.uphaonline.com.