Horses4Heroes Appeals to the Community to Win Time to Ride 100-Day Challenge

Press Release

Las Vegas (Thursday, Sept. 22) — Horses4Heroes, one of the most successful equestrian service groups for the military and 2014 champion of the American Horse Council’s Time to Ride 100-Day Challenge, is asking for the Las Vegas community’s support to win this year’s 2016 Challenge.  Friday, Sept 30 is the last day to participate in the challenge at the non-profit’s headquarters, the Horses4Heroes Community Equestrian Center, located in Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs.

Horses4Heroes has introduced 1,045 newcomers to horses since the competition started June 1.  The competition continues this weekend with $5 Friday, Sept. 23, 9 am to noon and 5 pm to 7 pm and Saddle Up, all day Saturday and Sunday, 9 to 11:30 and 1:30 to 3:30.  The final day to ride a horse and support Horses4Heroes is Friday, Sept. 30. 

“We have been in the lead all summer,” said Sydney Knott, president/founder of Horses4Heroes.  “However, according to unofficial results just posted on the Time to Ride web site, we have fallen to second place!  We simply cannot afford to lose this competition and the $10,000 grand prize.  Our 20 donated horses and farm animals depend on us and we can’t let them down!  Not to mention the veterans, domestic violence victims, recovering addicts and local children who love riding our horses.” 

Interested participants are invited to register at The Trail of Painted Ponies web site, www.paintedponies.com.  Here future riders will complete the Smart Waiver, entering them in the competition, receive a $5 Ride Pass, a 20% coupon and be entered to win a statue from The Trail’s patriotic collection. 

In addition to Trail of Painted Ponies, local businesses supporting Horses4Heroes quest to repeat as champion include Findlay Honda of Las Vegas, US Bank, McCarran Chapter, and Anderson Dairy.

“Introducing new people to horses is what we do best,” said Knott.  “We have built a national organization, and our reputation, on introducing people to horses, especially service members, veterans, First Responders, school teachers and nurses and their families.” 

Since 2012, when Horses4Heroes launched Operation Free Ride for returning combat veterans, more than 20,000 men, women and children have discovered horses, horseback riding and the healing power of horses!

“These programs are opening our wonderful world of horses to men, women and their children who have sacrificed so much on our behalf.  With thousands of troops returning home, programs like Operation Free Ride are important to PTSD sufferers, Wounded Warriors, caregivers and their families,” Knott added.  

For information on all programs, email [email protected] or follow the organization on Facebook, “Horses4Heroes Community Equestrian Center.”

Time to Ride

The Time to Ride Challenge was created by the American Horse Council’s Marketing Alliance. Since 2014, the Challenge has introduced over 60,000 people to horses through first-time horse experiences with the support and involvement of hundreds of stables, clubs and equine businesses nationwide. “Hosts” plan engaging, hands-on horse events designed to connect families interested in horses to opportunities in their area such as riding lessons, camps, and trail rides. By reaching a new segment of their community, businesses add to their own client base while supporting the entire horse industry.

Horses4Heroes

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2016, Horses4Heroes is the nation’s premier non-profit equestrian support group for the military, veterans, First Responders and their families.  The organization operates its flagship facility, the Horses4Heroes Community Equestrian Center, located within Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs.  For more information, visit www.theranchlasvegas.com or call 702.645.8446.