Horse lovers and equestrians showed their support for the EQUUS Foundation and its work to protect America’s horses from peril on Thursday, June 23rd at the Fairfield June Horse Show in Westport, Connecticut for the EQUUS Foundation’s Champagne & Ice Cream Social.
Rescued horse peaking through a barn door
These rescued horses represent the thousands of adoptable horses that are available across the country who need new homes and new careers..
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Over 160 guests enjoyed complimentary champagne and ice cream sundaes, hosted by Fairfield Equine Associates, while watching the $10,000 Fairfield Welcome Jumper Stake.
Dr. Robert Neff, Dr. Kimberly Harmon, and Dr. Denise Branecky of Fairfield Equine Associates joined Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President, to present the blue ribbon to the winner of the $10,000 Welcome Jumper Stake, Ella Kraut and Nakia.
“This beautiful horse show, now in its 99th year, is not only in my back yard, literally, but it is where the EQUUS Foundation got its start with a charity luncheon in 2003 to benefit local equine charities,” said EQUUS Foundation Founder and President, Lynn Coakley.
“We have grown into a renowned, national equine welfare charity that supports hundreds of equine welfare organizations across the United States that are dedicated to keeping America’s horses safe throughout their lifetimes. We will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary next year.”
It was a perfect, sunny day for a parade and for guests to meet and hear the stories of some of the These horses are here today to represent the thousands of adoptable horses that are available across the country who need new homes and new careers from EQUUS Foundation Guardian charity, Rising Starr Horse Rescue.
The staff and volunteers at Rising Starr turned out in their iconic red shirts to show off Army and Navy, two rescued Miniature horses who have a permanent home at Rising Starr to serve as Rescue and Adoption Ambassadors.
Also featured were Sierra and Panda, who are both seeking loving homes. Sierra is a sound, fancy, 16- year-old, bay, off-track Thoroughbred mare who could excel in many disciplines. Panda is a 12-year-old uniquely marked black and white paint mare rescued from a neglect situation in Louisiana. She is easy going, healthy and stunningly beautiful. Rising Starr Horse Rescue welcomes scheduled visits to meet these adoptable horses and more at their farm in Wilton, Connecticut.
“These horses are here today to represent the thousands of adoptable horses that are available across the country who need new homes and new careers,” said Valerie Angeli, EQUUS Foundation VP.
“For horses to stay safe, we must give them opportunities to thrive throughout their lives – that’s what the EQUUS Foundation is all about.”
The Rider’s Closet, an EQUUS Foundation program, founded by top international rider and EQUUS Foundation EQUUStar, Georgina Bloomberg, had its iconic donation tack trunk on site to receive donations of gently used and new riding apparel which will be donated to riders in need so that everyone can pursue their equestrian dreams.
The EQUUS Foundation was also thrilled to announce the launch of the EQUUS Foundation charitable partnership with Prixview. Prixview’s Fantasy Games provide an exciting and free on-line opportunity for show jumping fans to follow the competition and project the winning teams.
“We are incredibly excited and proud to be working with the EQUUS Foundation. I personally hope this partnership can connect the fans of our platform and sport with more ways to give back to the animals that make it all possible,” said Lucy Davis, Prixview’s founder.
Players earn cash by picking which horse/rider combination in the matchup will place higher in the class and can also donate all or a portion of their winnings to the EQUUS Foundation! The option to donate was available for the first time for the Fairfield Welcome Jumper Stake on Thursday, June 23, and the Fairfield Grand Prix on Saturday, June 25, and it will continue to be a feature permanently. You can play Preview’s Fantasy Games here!
The EQUUS Foundation expresses its thanks to its Sponsors:
Corporate Sponsors: Ariat International, Fairfield Equine Associates, Prixview and Castle Wine and Spirits
Winner’s Circle: Jenny Belknap and Tim Kees, The Coakley Family, Priscilla and Charles Cornell, William R. Harris Jr., Dr. and Mrs. Steven Herman, Susan L. Shafer, Susan Smith-Ellis, Trischman Family Foundation
Champion: Heidi Hammer, Coke Anne and Jarvis Wilcox, W.J. Barry Horse Transportation, Margaret E. Wyrwas and Peter Thorner
Blue Ribbon: Walter and Jeanette Ciciora, Susan H. Clatworthy, Silvia and Geoffrey Durno, Linda L. Fahn, Hansen and Hansen, Kelly Hitt and The Equus Effect, Amanda Werley
The EQUUS Foundation wishes to express its thanks to the Fairfield County Hunt Club for selecting the EQUUS Foundation as the charitable partner of the Fairfield June Horse Show. You can view the horse show program here.
ABOUT EQUUS FOUNDATION: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, is the only national animal welfare charity in the United States 100% dedicated to protecting America’s horses from peril and strengthening the bond between people and horses. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: www.equusfoundation.org.
ABOUT THE FAIRFIELD JUNE SHOW: The Fairfield June Show was held June 21-June 25, 2022, at The Fairfield County Hunt Club, 174 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880. Recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation as a Heritage Competition, the Fairfield Horse Show is a unique boutique show which is known for a family-oriented environment.
Press release by Lynn Coakley