Lexington, KY – A silent auction held by the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) raised over $5,000 in proceeds to benefit the USHJA Foundation and the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). The silent auction was held at the USHJA Annual Meeting in Nashville, TN, which took place December 8-11. Winning bids of the 28 donated items were announced at the Evening of Equestrians Awards Ceremony on December 10.

The USHJA Foundation promotes the hunter and jumper disciplines by supporting the programs of the USHJA. NARHA is a non-profit equine assisted therapy organization that has over 800 member centers in the United States and Canada.

The silent auction featured a diverse range of items donated by affiliate and national organizations, USHJA members and equine companies. Donated items ranged from private lessons with Olympians to collectibles for the upcoming 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Several trainers donated lessons to the auction including Colleen McQuay, Louise Serio, William Simpson, Karen Healey, Candice King, Geoff Teall, Archie Cox and Laura Kraut.

A month’s worth of lessons from hunter/jumper trainer Colleen McQuay of Tioga, TX, was the highest bid item bringing $800. The second highest bid item, a circuit stall at the Jacksonville Winter Series, went for $500. Other notable items of interest were five days of board at Derbydown with training for horse or lessons donated by Louise Serio and Derbydown, Inc.; a 50th Anniversary Washington International Horse Show dress sheet donated by Personalized Products/Equine Outfitters; First Light Newborn Foal Sculpture donated by Equisure, Inc.; and three custom coolers donated by Curvon Horse Clothing.

ENDS