TR&HC Charity Horse Show Chairwomen, Jennifer Smith and Linda Ketcham, were the driving force behind the idea to create a $5,000 Charity Jumper Challenge.

This event, now in it’s third year, will be held during 85th TR&HC Charity Horse Show I, June 6-9 at FENCE.

With the help of The Farm House owner Noreen Cothran, Ariat was secured as a sponsor. Modeled after the $1 million FTI Great Charity Challenge in Wellington, Fla., area non-profits were invited to submit an application for the opportunity to participate in the event.

Out of 29 applicants, eight were drawn out of a hat on Friday, May 24.

The selected non-profits will be randomly paired with local riding teams to represent them in the Jumper Challenge to create an equal chance for winning.

This unique multi-charity approach has also allowed the event to assemble a diverse portfolio of charities covering animal rescue, children’s causes, family care, medical support, equestrians, education, the arts and the environment among others.

All eight of the randomly selected organizations will receive a portion of the prize money with first place winning $1,500 to eighth place getting $250.

New this year is a “second chance” drawing. Any of the charities that were not selected will have a chance at a $200 prize drawing to take place during the event.

All of the riders are volunteering their time and skills to participate in this event.

The Farm House/Ariat Charity Jumper Challenge will be held on Friday, June 7, 5 p.m. at the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. We invite you to come out, bring a picnic, support your favorite non-profit and watch an exciting team relay event.

The eight non-profits are:

Empowering Through Beauty

Pacolet Area Conservancy

Polk Equine Emergency Rescue

Thermal Belt Friendship Council

Town of Columbus Fire Department

Town of Tryon Fire Department

Tryon Kiwanis

Tryon Mountain Troopers Pathfinder Club

TR&HC thanks all of the non-profits for submitting applications and ask that you help to support them in their future endeavors.

– article submitted by Laura Weicker