IPHC trail rides benefit St. Jude’s with record amount

P.O. Box 961023 • Fort Worth, Texas 76161-0023

PRESS RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Lacy Whitton, Public Relations & Marketing Assistant
(817) 834-2742, extension 328, or e-mail lwhitton@apha.com

FORT WORTH, Texas—The Indiana Paint Horse Club (IPHC) has done it again. Members exceeded their fund-raising goal for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital when they raised $15,000 for the worthwhile cause—more than double the amount raised in 2005.
The club hosted two trail rides this year, at the Salamonie Reservoir, Lost Bridge West Horseman’s Campground, located in Andrews, Ind. This is the second year IPHC has hosted a St. Jude’s Saddle Up ride.
Laura Mason of Huntington, Ind., has coordinated the rides both years.
The St. Jude’s Saddle Up program gives riders the opportunity to raise money to benefit the children’s hospital while doing something they love.
The fall trail rides brought in more than 40 riders who experienced perfect weather for horseback riding along with the splendor of a beautiful Indiana autumn day on both of the three-hour rides.
“After last year’s ride, I had so many calls and e-mails from people who wanted to get involved,” said Mason. “There are really a lot of good people out there.”
With the help of sponsors Kerlin Trailer Sales in Warshaw, Ind; Troutner’s 3R Tack in Monroeville, Ind; and area Fort Wayne physicians and businesses, the club was able to give away 11 saddles to the riders who raised the most money. There were also prizes given to all riders, including lunch for all participants, horse treats, saddle bags, tack boxes and feed, just to name a few. These were items that were donated by various individuals and companies.
“In one year, we have gone from giving away one saddle and earning $6,000 to giving away 11 saddles and earning $15,000,” said Mason.
Although the dates are not set for 2007, Mason said her club is planning on two rides again for the year. Mason, along with other IPHC members, trail ride participants and sponsors are eager to continue the benefit ride as a yearly event.
“I keep doing it because it’s such a good thing and I think it will get bigger every year,” Mason said.

More about the Indiana Paint Horse Club
IPHC has been actively involved as an APHA regional club since 1978 and has been recognized by the association for the exemplary service the have given their members for the past 13 years.
The club has more than 300 active members who are involved in a variety of events, including the Ride Indiana program. This program recognizes members for the time they spend riding or driving their American Paint Horses and hosts at least four trail rides per year.
For more information about IPHC, visit inphc.org or contact Mike Carlson at (574) 278-7312, e-mail cshohors@pwrtc.com.
To volunteer for the St. Jude’s ride in Indiana, contact Laura Mason at (260) 468-2642,
e-mail pinehollowpnts@earthlink.net.

More about St. Jude and the Saddle Up Program
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, based in Memphis, Tenn., is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving the lives of children afflicted with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by entertainer Danny Thomas, St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world.
To learn more about St. Jude or how you can make a contribution, call (800) 567-0675 or log onto stjude.org.
To learn more about the Saddle-Up Program, log onto stjude.org/saddleup. St. Jude will supply a guide packet that assists in organizing and planning a ride to those interested in hosting a Saddle-Up event.

More about APHA
Among the many qualities that make Paint Horses desirable are their sound conformation, versatile athletic ability, intelligence, calm temperament, willing disposition and beautiful coat color patterns.
Currently, American Paint Horses are being registered at the association’s Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters at a rate of 40,000 horses per year. APHA has registered more than 880,000 horses in 49 nations and territories since it was founded 45 years ago.
Among its many activities, APHA works to preserve bloodlines and maintain the outstanding characteristics of the American Paint Horse breed.
For more information about APHA or the Paint Horse breed, contact the association at (817) 834-2742, or visit apha.com.