"We stopped counting at 500," said Victory Riding Academy's Jodee Barnes after a five-hour free horseback riding session on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Offutt AFB, in Omaha. The event, Horses4Heroes' Operation Free Ride Rodeo, was hosted by Ak-Sar-Ben's River City Rodeo and Omaha-based Victory Riding Academy.
Horses bringing fun and hope into lives of veterans and their families
The record setting Horses4Heroes' Operation Free Ride event that provided more than 500 rides was hosted by Ak-Sar-Ben's River City Rodeo and Omaha-based Victory Riding Academy.
Operation Free Ride Omaha follows a very successful summer for the Las Vegas-based non-profit organization that included Operation Free Ride events during Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Pinto World Championship Show in Tulsa. Operation Free Ride Rodeo events are being planned in conjunction with the Senior National Finals Rodeo (Oct. 31-Nov. 2) and in the FanFest at Cowboy Christmas during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
“Victory Riding Academy in partnership with Horses4Heroes and the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation was very pleased to give something back to all those that are serving or have served this great country with Operation Free Ride Rodeo.
This was an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for the sacrifices that have been made to allow us the freedom to live our lives and do our daily activities,” said Tony Barnes, owner of Victory Riding Academy, a Horses4Heroes provider. The day also included Omaha Mounted Patrol demonstrations, food, games and other family-friendly activities. More than 35 volunteers helped make this day an overwhelming success.
In addition to a free horseback ride, participants received a free Horses4Heroes' Operation Free Ride Rodeo t-shirt, Wrangler National Patriot bandanas, and $5 discount for tickets to the Justin Boots Championships Rodeo at Ak-Sar-Ben’s River City Rodeo and Stock Show.
So far this year, more than 1000 free horseback rides have been given by appointment or during large group events throughout the country.
Sponsors of Operation Free Ride and Operation Free Ride Rodeo include William Shatner's Hollywood Charity Horse Show, the South Point Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas), Kensington Protective Products, Tarter Farm & Ranch, C-A-L Ranch, Trail of Painted Ponies, Horse Tales for the Soul, ACTHA, and Wal Mart. For information on sponsorships, contact Horses4Heroes at 702.645.8446 Horses4Heroes is the nation's premier non-profit equestrian support group for the military, veterans, First Responders and their families. Through its growing national network, the organization provides affordable (sometimes free) recreational, instructional and health & wellness equestrian programs for all ages, all riding levels and in all disciplines.