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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (818)
563-3250 x6 |
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September 7, 2006 |
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RIDING FOR READING
BURBANK, CA - Riding For Reading launched its inaugural event with overwhelming success. Fifty riders, ranging from second grade to high school seniors, rode for their schools in the Riding For Reading Class at the Riding For Reading Benefit Show (September 4, 2006) at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. The fifty riders represented 46 different schools, and every rider earned a grant for his or her school’s library. Riding For Reading will distribute almost $5,000 worth of library grants to schools throughout the greater Los Angeles Area. Riding For Reading is a non-profit (501 (c)3) organization dedicated to promoting reading, literacy, and education through equestrian sports and activities. Providing grants to school libraries through a special Riding For Reading class is the flagship activity of the non-profit charity. However, Riding For Reading also supports the Anthem College Scholarship, the largest essay-based scholarship competition in the country. Book drives round out Riding For Reading’s activities, and during the recent Langer Equestrian Group shows at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, exhibitors donated more than 500 books. These books are placed back into the local community at schools with little or no library funds, senior centers, and after-school youth organizations.
Of the fifty riders in the Riding For Reading Class, judged as a Hunter Pleasure Class, judges Arthur Hawkins and Mike Nielsen selected ten riders as the Finalists. The riders performed additional work before the judges selected a champion and reserve champion from among the top ten. Jenny Terry, a high school senior, riding Catch A Star was named champion. Eighth grader Ali Ohringer rode her Spotlight to the reserve champion honors. “Hunter Pleasure classes are so fun,” said Ohringer “and the donation will be great for my school’s library.” “I heard about the class from my trainer, Nancy Turrill of Foxfield, and I thought it was really cool,” said class winner Jenny Terry. “The coolest part is that it gives children an opportunity to give back to our schools. I’ve never had a riding activity that is so tied to school. What an amazing thing this is.” Terry then took her win a step further. Because she is fortunate enough to attend a well funded school, Terry asked Riding For Reading to donate her grant money to a school that needed it more. “There are so many schools in our communities that have little or no money for their libraries,” said Lauren Carlson, a Director of Riding For Reading. “The Magnolia School in Burbank (CA) does not even have a library, just a book cart.” Riding For Reading was received with enthusiasm by all the riders who participated, along with their parents and trainers. “I get to participate in something that helps my school,” said 5th grader Catherine McAdams. “Riding For Reading rocks!” “I love to ride and read,” said Conner Daniels (7th grade). “It was cool to be in a class that benefitted reading.” “I like that I could earn money for my school library, and that I could ride in the big Equidome,” said Katie Crampton (4th grade). “I got to help my school and have fun at the same time,” said Jessica Fuchs-Shafer (8th grade). “I enjoy participating in Riding For Reading because I feel like I’m riding for a good cause. It’s a fun class to ride in and everyone wins in the end,” said Katherine Schwarzenegger (11th grade) referring to the fact that every rider in the class received gift bags from the many supporters of Riding For Reading. Ariat provided paddock boots to the Top Ten, while Triple Crown Feed, Blue Buffalo, Granite Bay Saddlery, Dominion Saddlery, E-Tack, 3-M Pet Care, All-in 2 Merchandising, ADM Horse Treats, and USHJA all provided goods and gift certificates to the riders. Hodges Badge Company donated all of the ribbons for the Riding For Reading Class. USEF and USHJA waived the non-member fee requirements for those riders participating in just the Riding For Reading Class since some riders were participating in their first rated show as a result of the class. Riding For Reading plans to expand their program and allow additional horse shows to offer a Riding For Reading class. For more information about Riding For Reading, please visit their website at www.ridingforreading.org or e-mail at RidingForReading@aol.com.
For more information or to obtain photos, please contact LEG Up Media at legupmedia@aol.com. LEG Up Media provides public relations and marketing services to equestrian sport. LEG Up Media...giving a leg up to horse sports. Press releases are available for download at www.leghorseshows.com. Additional quotes may be available, please contact us via e-mail. For ticket information on this or upcoming events, contact www.horseticket.com. Riding For Reading - Top Ten 50 riders participated.
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