The American Quarter Horse Foundation Begins Campaign for Therapeutic Riding

America’s Horse, March, 30, 2009 – The American Quarter Horse Foundation’s promotional campaign Because of a Horse is raising awareness and funds for America’s Horse Cares, a program supporting therapeutic riding.

In 2002, the American Quarter Horse Foundation searched for a way to provide financial assistance to therapeutic riding organizations that inspire or improve the quality of life of individuals with emotional, physical and cognitive disabilities. An overwhelming response of grant requests illustrated the growing need for therapeutic riding assistance and paved the way for America’s Horse Cares.

“By providing financial assistance to therapeutic riding organizations, America’s Horse Cares helps facilitate a relationship between American Quarter Horses and challenged riders,” said Foundation Executive Director Gary Carpenter. “The Foundation’s goal is to strengthen our support for centers that are pairing horses with humans for the benefit of both.

Thanks to the many donors and support from AQHA’s Corporate Partner Farnam, the Foundation has awarded more than $218,000 in assistance to more than 80 centers across the country. The Foundation’s partnerships with Farnam and NARHA offer rich and rewarding experiences that will provide many challenged individuals with confidence and self-esteem through therapeutic riding sessions.

Each year, more children and adults with disabilities whose lives, limbs and language are limited are positively impacted by riding a horse. Whether it is autism, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Downs syndrome, spina bifida or other disability, horses are making a measurable impact on their lives.

With that in mind, the Foundation has launched Because of a Horse. You and your organization can help this important cause. Below are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Put ads on your Web page linking to the America’s Horse Cares Web site.

• Place a news article in your newsletter about the benefits of therapeutic riding and the opportunity to help through America’s Horse Cares.

• Put banners, posters and flyers up in your facilities and at your events.

• Host a fund-raising event and show the Foundation’s “Fly Without Wings” video or ask a local therapeutic riding center to provide a demonstration and testimonial.

• Pass a feed bucket for donations.

• Sell items or services such as wrist bands, baked goods, car washes, etc.

The American Quarter Horse Foundation offers the needed tools, including posters, banners, Web banners, advertisements and the “Fly Without Wings” video, for download at americashorsecares.com. To learn how you or your organization can become more involved in supporting America’s Horse Cares, visit aqha.com/foundation or contact the Foundation at (806) 378-5029 or foundation@aqha.org.