“Take it All Off” For the NSBA Crisis Fund at 2014 Tom Powers Futurity

By: Brittany Bevis

For those who’ve never been struck by an immediate hardship, a sudden disaster, or a severe medical illness, you probably haven’t needed to rely on the kindness provided by programs like the NSBA Crisis Fund. However, many of your fellow equine professionals have.

For riders like Mike Hachtel and David Kirk, who were seriously injured in horse accidents in 2005 and 2006; Jamie Zuidema and Jamie Hartman, who were affected by horse-related injuries in 2011; and Larry and Rhonda Spratto, who fell victim to a devastating barn fire in 2012, the NSBA Crisis Fund served as a Godsend during an extremely difficult time.

Established in 2002 and modeled after a similar program in the National Cutting Horse Association, the NSBA Crisis Fund was created with the intention to distribute financial relief, as demonstrated by need, following an unexpected disaster or serious illness. In order to become a Fund recipient, equestrians must be a member of the NSBA, or an immediate family member such as a spouse or child.

Now, twelve years after its creation, the Crisis Fund is looking to replenish depleted funds with a brand, new fundraiser. As Chairman of the Crisis Fund Fundraising Committee, Sue Dempze sought the advice of her daughter in order to come up with an entertaining and effective way to refill the coffers.

“I’m always looking for ways to raise money,” Dempze says. “One day, Jenna and I were talking about different fun ways to raise money for the Crisis Fund that would involve trainers. She came up with the idea of a bridleless western pleasure class. My first thought was to host it at the Tom Powers Futurity, since Tom is such a huge supporter of the Crisis Fund and does different things at his show to help raise money.”

The Bridleless Calcutta will be open to any professional horse trainer with any breed or age of horse. The entry fee will be $100 and AQHA and NSBA rules will apply. Thus far, excitement for the class has been building, and Dempze is anxious to see how much can be raised for this great cause. She emphasizes the importance of sustaining a fund like this one, by explaining that many horse trainers do not have adequate health insurance.

“It’s important to have, because, for whatever reason, there are trainers out there that do not have insurance or have been hit with an accident,” she says. “My hope is that ALL the money we raise that day will go into the Crisis Fund.”

“Every penny that goes into the Fund only benefits the trainers. It’s a great cause, and I hope that everyone will get on board to to support it. I hope that the trainers will get out there and ride bridleless! After all, this class is for them and no one else! Be a good sport, and show your support, trainers!”

Remember our “#HowGoodIWillBe, What “Good” Have You Done For The Horse Industry Lately?” This calcutta is the perfect opportunity to give back to an industry that has given us all so much. If you’d like to donate to the Crisis Fund directly, contact the NSBA Office at (847) 623-6722 or NSBA.com.