975 Horse Facilities Opening Stable Doors to Newcomers as Part of 100 Day Horse Challenge

The Time to Ride 100 Day Horse Challenge officially began Saturday, May 31, as the first events welcoming newcomers to horse activities took place. The Time to Ride 100 Day Horse Challenge offers $100,000 in cash and prizes and is designed to make horses more accessible to non-riders interested in pursuing equestrian opportunities.

With 975 hosts located from Florida to Alaska, and including riding stables, veterinary practices, racetracks, rescues, and clubs, horse-interested families have a variety of options to find their own connection with a horse. From May 31 to September 7, hosts are offering fun horse experiences to newcomers and possibly inspiring the next horse owners or even Olympic hopefuls.

“We’re thrilled that so many horsemen and women share our mission of growing the horse industry by welcoming new participants,” said Patti Colbert, Time to Ride spokesperson. “One of our goals for the Challenge is to inspire the horse industry to think creatively about how to welcome and nurture the next generation of horse enthusiasts.”

Early Challenge events held the weekend of May 31st set high expectations for a summer full of successful entry-level events. Members of the Interior Alaska Horse Council and Alaska State Quarter Horse Association collaborated to host over 500 newcomers at a demonstration/ exhibition where visitors petted an American Miniature horse, watched driving demonstrations, and got to “test ride” a horse in Fairbanks, Alaska. Other Challenge hosts from Texas to New York held stable open houses and family trail rides in their communities.

Prizes will be awarded to the hosts in three divisions who provide entry-level experiences to the most newcomers by September 7. Please visit www.timetoride.com for more, and connect with Time to Ride on Facebook to view a featured Host of the Week.

About “Time to Ride”

Time to Ride is an initiative of the American Horse Council’s marketing alliance, formed to connect people with horses. It is designed to encourage horse interested consumers to enjoy the benefits of horse activities. The AHC marketing alliance is made up of the following organizations: the American Horse Council, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Active Interest Media, the American Quarter Horse Association, Dover Saddlery, Farnam, Merck, Merial, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, Platinum Performance, United States Equestrian Federation, and Zoetis.

About the American Horse Council

The American Horse Council is a non-profit organization that includes all segments of the horse industry. While its primary mission is to represent the industry before Congress and the federal regulatory agencies in Washington, DC, it also undertakes national initiatives for the horse industry. Time to Ride, the AHC’s marketing alliance to connect horses and people, is such an effort. The American Horse Council hopes that Time to Ride will encourage people and businesses to participate in the industry, enjoy our horses, and support our equine activities and events. The AHC believes a healthy horse industry contributes to the health of Americans and America in many ways.