What do John D. Rockefeller, Oprah Winfrey, and J. K. Rowling have in common with the stars of Equine Extravaganza’s Horse Rescue Initiative’s newest competition? They all have a compelling Rags-to-Riches story.
A compelling Rags-to-Riches story
Rescuers will tell their story, sharing the hardships and challenges the horse has faced, and ending in a demonstration of the horse's special talent.
The “Rags-to-Riches” Horse Rescue Talent Search is the newest component of Equine Extravaganza’s Horse Rescue Initiative, a program in its third year at the Extravaganza which promotes horse rescues and showcases horses available for adoption.
The Rags-to-Riches Talent Search will feature rescued super stars and their come-back journey, giving the selected rescuers and their rescued steeds the chance to share their story and strut their stuff for Equine Extravaganza fans, both online and at the event.
Equine Extravaganza will accept applications from owners of rescued horses beginning in July. Finalists will be selected based on the human/horse connection and story, the progress made with the horse, and the quality of the talent.
Rescuers will have the opportunity to tell their story to Equine Extravaganza’s audience, sharing the hardships and challenges the horse and owner have faced, and concluding in a live demonstration of the horse’s special talent. Talents may include jumping, barrels, tricks, dressage, games, flatwork, liberty work, or other unique abilities. The “story” will be equally as important in the selection of the winner as the “talent”, ensuring that physical ability is not the defining criteria.
The winner of the competition will be awarded a cash prize. A special care package, supported by Equine Extravaganza’s generous sponsors, will be given to a rescue of the owner’s choice. A panel of celebrity judges will be announced at a later date.
“We created our Horse Rescue Initiative in 2010 to raise awareness for equine rescue groups and their horses,” said Vicki O’Hara, event organizer. “When given a second chance, rescued horses can become amazing equine partners and develop especially strong bonds with their rescuers,” O’Hara said. “The rescue competitions and the showcase are great tools to highlight what these adopted animals are capable of accomplishing. We hope this program will help encourage others looking for a new equine partner to consider rescue.”
In addition to the Rags-to-Riches contest, Equine Extravaganza’s program will feature a Rescue Adoption Showcase, which will spotlight horses available for adoption now, the “Chase the Dream” competition, a trail competition hosted by Chase Dodd featuring rescued horses, and the Retired Racehorse Retraining Project, a program which helps retired racehorses in transition to new careers.
Equine Extravaganza uses rescue horses in clinics and demonstrations whenever possible. The Horse Rescue Initiative gives rescues an opportunity to promote their organization, find new volunteers, increase awareness for their cause and help find these deserving horses forever-homes. The United States Equine Rescue League, Central Virginia Horse Rescue, and Days End Farm Horse Rescue are among the hardworking rescues promoted and featured at Equine Extravaganza.
The Rags to Riches Horse Talent Search will be held on Saturday, November 3rd, the second day of Equine Extravaganza. It will be one of three competitions held throughout the weekend, in addition to over 100 clinics, seminars and demonstrations presented by internationally renowned equine professionals.