Maddie Wright knows that dozens of saddle seat equitation riders are helping to find the cure for he (Photo courtesy St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.)
“Participation with our show horses is truly helping to save children’s lives!” said UPHA President Bret Day. “The UPHA Ribbons Of Service program is achieving just what we hoped: it’s shaping the lives of equitation riders by helping them learn to give back to their communities, it’s promoting the sport of saddle seat equitation, and -- most importantly – it’s providing funds that help save children’s lives at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.”
At UPHA’s 2011 convention held recently in Boston, 350 attendees at a sold-out luncheon listened as Brian Boucher expressed his appreciation for the support that helped to save his daughter Jordan’s life. Flanked by UPHA Ribbons Of Service participants, Brian described his horror when a Boston-area hospital told them to take his cancer-stricken daughter home, as nothing more could be done to help her. That afternoon, he and his wife noticed a St. Jude TV spot, and made the phone call. Within hours, they were on a plane headed to Memphis. Today, their beautiful daughter is cancer-free.
“Hearing the testimonial from a father of a child that St. Jude had cared for reinforced the pride I have in being a member of the UPHA. What could possibly be better than children riding horses to help other children?” Said Jim Taylor, owner and trainer at Memory Lane Farm in Medina, Ohio. Taylor’s wife Jenny, also a professional horse trainer and UPHA member, adds, “The luncheon at the UPHA convention was both heart-wrenching and joyful. I was so proud of all the riders that worked so hard, not only to aid St. Jude Hospital, but to give back with their time to their local communities. Programs like the UPHA Ribbons of Service should be embraced by all.”
Winners for 2010 program recognized
Seventeen saddle seat equitation riders completed the program – those riding American Saddlebred, Arabian, Morgan, or National Show Horse mounts – participated in the fundraising-challenge program that’s beginning its third year. Winners were:
• Overall – Most Funds Raised: Kristen Smith, Smithfield, Ky.
• Youngest Participant Who Raised Most Funds: Jordyn Isgrigg, Mt. Washington, Ky.
• Most Community Service Hours: Kristen Smith
• Most Funds Raised Among American Saddlebred Participants: Kristen Smith
• Most Funds Raised Among Arabian Horse Participants: Carey Cosgrove, Horse Shoe, N.C.
• Most Funds Raised Among Morgan Horse Participants: Audrey Lowry, Seymour, Ill.
Helen Robertson, of Infinity Stables in Simpsonville, Ky., chairs the UPHA Ribbons Of Service Committee; Sarah Byers, of Premier Stables in Simpsonville, and Cindy Boel, of Zubrod Stables in Goshen, Ky., also serve on the committee. Robertson said, “Together, our riders raised over $70,000 in funds for St. Jude and other charities and conducted 1,600 hours of community service in just two short years. We think that speaks highly of the young people who elect to participate in this program.
“Our generous sponsors have donated the awards given to the UPHA Ribbons Of Service participants. From valuable scholarships, to custom leather bags, to exciting vacations and jewelry, these saddle seat equitation riders have the opportunity to earn wonderful prizes for helping others,” Robertson said. “In 2009 and 2010 together, the prizes awarded to participants have totaled close to $50,000.” Sponsors are identified at UPHAonline.com, Robertson said.
How to participate in 2011
Enrollees are still being accepted for the 2011 show season; contact Robertson at (502) 802-6777 or [email protected]. Participants must be saddle seat equitation riders, perform at least 10 hours of community service and raise at least $1,000. Enrollment form and program rules are located at UPHAonline.com/service.php
“We continue to receive wonderful comments from UPHA members and many others about this wonderful program,” Day said. “It’s an excellent example of what we can accomplish by working together to create a positive influence on the young people who participate with show horses while helping others in need. We invite every saddle seat equitation rider to participate.”
ENDS
The United Professional Horsemen’s Association, founded in 1968 and representing various breeds of horses, works to promote equine participation, support horse shows, and improve opportunities for professional horsemen. Its online address is www.UPHAonline.com. UPHA Ribbons Of ServiceSM is a service mark of United Professional Horsemen’s Association.