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Riding For Reading went into hiatus while the directors worked to re-organize the non-profit charity to broaden its reach and to expand its scope. With a new board of directors - Kay Altheuser, Lauren Carlson, Marnye Langer, and Kelly Scarinci - Riding For Reading has ambitious plans. "Riding For Reading combines my love of reading with horses. It was an easy decision to support such a worthwhile cause," explained Scarinci, a CPA who serves as the organization's Treasurer.

The flagship activity of Riding For Reading is the Riding For Reading Class. Horse shows may apply to hold this special class where junior riders compete on behalf of their schools. Shows may determine the type of class offered, and riders earn grants for their schools library. The inaugural class will be held at the Riding For Reading Benefit Horse Show on September 4 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.

Larry Langer, President of Langer Equestrian Group, offered to hold a show to benefit Riding For Reading to help with the charity's initial fund-raising efforts. "In the world today of instant communication, especially visual, literacy and books are in danger of becoming extinct. The least I can do is hold one of my horse shows as a benefit to a program designed to help keep the written word alive."

At the September 4 event, riders from first grade through twelfth grade will compete in a hunter pleasure class. Every rider in the class is guaranteed a grant, and the top ten riders will earn the largest grants. "We are applying for grants from foundations and corporations so that we can hold additional Riding For Reading events in 2007," explained Director Lauren Carlson. Donations from individuals are also accepted.

Riding For Reading also conducts book drives at horse shows to help place used books back into the community. Recognizing the importance of higher education, Riding For Reading also supports the Anthem Scholarship, the nation's largest essay based college scholarship program. Over $70,000 is awarded to annually to freshman in high school through freshmen in college.

"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," stated Kay Altheuser, a Director for Riding For Reading.

For more information on Riding For Reading, visit their website at: www.ridingforreading.org or e-mail the organization at ridingforreading@aol.com.